Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU) is currently seeking donations both small and large for the team's 2011 equipment fund.
We are celebrating our 50th year of continuous SAR operation in and around Mt. San Jacinto and as a self-sustained 501(c)3 non-profit, we have to occasionally replace items that are fairly expensive. This year, we are replacing our (badly) outdated team radios which will cost about 20k. We have had some marginal success from corporate donors, but every single dollar counts toward radios, ropes, technical gear, etc. Additionally, individual members also purchase their own personal gear which can easily cost over a thousand dollars for an all season set up. This being said, not all volunteers are wealthy and some of us could really use some newer gear for our own personal safety and comfort.
Anyhow, your donations are tax-deductible and they go to a very good local cause. RMRU has been quite busy on the mountain lately and with more people turning to their own "backyard" for local recreation, we are expecting a higher demand for prepared first responders such as RMRU, Palm Springs Mounted Police, and other SAR teams throughout California.
We are inviting donors to attend a Town Hall breakfast in Idyllwild on August 21, 2011 from 8:30-11:30 am. This is a thank you for your donation of $6 dollars or more and if you can't make it, feel free to donate your ticket to a hungry hiker friend. Anyone who donates $60 dollars will get 10 breakfast tickets to pass out to whomever they wish and I'll personally volunteer to guide you and a friend from the Tram's Mountain Station to Idyllwild for an overnight backpacking trip that Saturday evening August 20. Bring your own camping gear- our goal is to make a presence that Sunday morning as RMRU supporters. It's an easy ~10 miile walk to Idyllwild.
Questions? Details? Let me know.
Thank you,
Matt, RMRU
