Victims of trauma need many things: comfort, privacy, warmth and a stable place to wait during a tragic time. A special group of first-responder volunteers in Sacramento provide those things. They are chaplains. And, right now, they are also in need. That is why Rancho Cordova Rotary and other civic groups are hosting a fundraising event.
On Saturday, April 13, 2019, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova, along with many other community groups, is holding “Cordova Cares Funfair,” an event to raise funds for a community support vehicle for the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Sacramento (LECS). The event will be held at Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, and the all access wrist is a $10 tax-deductible donation with children 1 year and under free with a paid adult.
“At Rotary, we learned a lot about the wonderful team of chaplains who often arrive at the scene before many of the others get there,” explained Rotarian Chris Donhost, who is coordinating the event. The chaplains may have to be at the site of a drowning or a homicide. They might have to give difficult news after a suicide or offer hope after a natural disaster. They tell us that what they need is their own “mobile support vehicle.” It would be the size of a recreational vehicle that could help them ensure that victims and their loved ones have a private place to get a hot cup of coffee, rest in a chair or know there is a restroom nearby. The vehicle could also provide a place for exhausted rescue workers to go when they have to recharge.”
“We are so appreciative,” said Mindi Russell, Senior Chaplain, “It means so much that groups like Rotary understand that, in order for us to provide these essential services, we need their assistance. With their help, we are going to be able to do so much more to offer comfort and hope.”
The day’s events will include train rides by the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum, an animal barn, $5 hot dogs for lunch, bounce houses and kid-friendly activities, law enforcement K9 team, and displays by the Chaplaincy Program and other first responders.
The Cordova Community groups that are partnering together to hold the event include the Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova, Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad, Kiwanis of Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County Park Rangers, Rancho Cordova Police Department K9 Team, and Sacramento Metro Fire Department.
Email rcrccf@gmail.com to reach the Rancho Cordova Rotary Charitable Foundation for donations towards the mobile support vehicle.
100% of the wristband sales will go towards the vehicle, and there will also be a hotdog lunch by the Kiwanis Club for $5 will all proceeds going to the vehicle.