Grant Helps Emergency Crews

Sonora, CA — Equipment to assist search and rescue efforts and a long time community dinner program got support from the Sonora Area Foundation.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff Search and Rescue (TCSAR) was awarded a $31,455 grant for its Technical Rope Rescue Team and its Dive Team. The foundation says TCSAR is targeting $13,455 of the money to the “Tech” Team for training and equipment, and $18,000 to the Dive Team for equipment.

Sheriff James Mele told the Foundation, “TCSAR is a valued resource which provides skilled and equipped personnel, on a volunteer basis, responding to an essential need within our County.”

Lighthouse Ministries got a $10,600 grant to support the organization’s Tuesday night Community Dinner for Lighthouse Ministries. Attendance at the Tuesday night dinner has grown to almost 80 people per evening, with more attending during the holidays. The weekly dinner is held at the Red Church Parish Hall in downtown Sonora.

Also awarded Foundation grants recently were:

• Black Heritage Exhibit – The Tuolumne County Historical Society got a grant for $3,225 to help create a Gold Country Black Heritage Exhibit at the Tuolumne County Museum.


• Girl’s Club Activities – An After School Enrichment Program for Girls was given a $3,890 to help pay for club meetings for Spring 2013. The program helps the girl’s club members to improve their learn skills and academics by joining after school activities and club meetings.


• Volunteer Luncheon -Sierra NonProfit Services was awarded $1,600 for publicity expenses for the Lifetime Achievement Award. It will be presented at the annual VOLUNTEERS – The Heart of Tuolumne County Awards Luncheon that supports and recognizes volunteerism in the county. It’s April 19, 2013 at the Sonora Elks Lodge.