By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
A local grassroots committee took on the task of raising money to help out the Mohave Search & Rescue (SAR) “Arizona Strip Unit” tasted success last weekend. Their “Search for Gold” fundraiser event held on Saturday night, March 9 at the Elks Lodge, struck a local vein of generosity and took in a total of $12,870 for the volunteer rescue team.
The committee chair Ellen Middleton, coordinating with SAR chair Jon Collard, and her seven volunteers: Guy Acosta, Amy Bradshaw, Martine Green, Wendy Kaplan, Phyllis Litman, Diane Minor and Fawn Terwilliger; did a magnificent job of putting the gala fundraiser together and organizing a fun, yet informative evening.
“We raised money beyond our expectations and created more awareness about our area Search and Rescue Unit,” Middleton said. “They are all volunteers committed to saving lives and minimizing suffering to those that are lost or injured.”
The affair was sold out with 85 seated guests. The SAR unit members in their uniforms and big smiles, served the plated dinners to the many guests.
The Mesquite Showgirls were selling raffle tickets and the Café Blues Band was providing the entertainment.
The program emcee was Mesquite Mayor Al Litman. He introduced speakers and acted as auctioneer for the live auction.
Recent former Commander Rod Gordner and SAR Fundraising Chair Jon Collard both gave short talks on the mission of the Mohave County SAR Unit. The unit services over 200,000 residents plus visitors in a 5,000 square mile area.
The monies raised at the event will go to funding training for the unit members and much needed new equipment.
Attendees Sheri and Kelly Webb personally committed to donating a needed industrial generator live at the event.
A touching short film was shown of SAR units doing their work. It depicted rescues on mountain tops, water rescues from lakes and floods. The film showed a personal commitment of the SAR members and their bravery. It also illustrated their need for lifesaving equipment.
Collard gave awards to Rod Gorder for his past services in leading the Strip Unit since 2016.
He also recognized Jason Easton, who he termed as “…a fairly new team member from Logandale that is highly skilled and is now our vice Commander.” H
Larry McFarland the new SAR Commander said, “I am amazed at the generosity of this community. We appreciate all that this committee did for us, they are amazing. This was one of the finest organized events I have attended. When I think of the money they have raised for our needs it brings tears to my eyes.”
“I am so impressed we did not have an empty seat,” said Middleton . “Everyone came out to support SAR. I could not have asked for a better team to work with and my heartfelt thanks to all our donors.”
