An Emotional, Magical Day

Talking Rock's Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew Golf Tournament and Fundraiser took place on Monday. After just seven weeks of planning driven by a steering committee of five and supported by dozens of volunteers, we hosted an event that our club manager called "historic". Our small community raised over $247,000 for the families of our Hotshots. With a little more work, and some luck, over the next few weeks we may meet our lofty goal of $250,000.

How did all that money make its way to our small community? Our members were generous, buying playing spots in the golf tournament, sponsoring holes, or writing donation checks. They found corporate sponsors willing to buy sponsorships beginning at $5,000 - up to $10,000. One sponsor combined two for a $15,000 sponsorship. Businesses and individuals were convinced (by our volunteers) to donate items for our silent and live auctions, which generated $54,000. Our club, Talking Rock, was the "presenting sponsor", covering expenses for labor, food, sponsor signage, and more. Other services were donated by printers, advertising, and a graphic designer. This event simply would not have been possible without the commitment and magnanimity of the many who wanted to honor the Hotshots and help those they left behind.

The event day itself was nothing short of magical, in so many ways. We had honored guests from the Prescott and Central Yavapai Fire Districts. The entrance to the club was lined with hook and ladder trucks, whose horns and sirens kicked off the shotgun scramble. The golf course hummed with foursomes who were there for a good cause. Back at the Ranch House, Chef Richard and his crew were nothing short of awesome, having provided continental breakfast before tee time, they then had boxed lunches available for delivery onto the course. In the evening, our guests looked forward to a prime rib and salmon buffet.

To me, the magic really began after golf. A little rain and distant lightning temporarily pushed people inside to shop at the silent auction. Then raindrops gave way to sunshine, and the live auction began outside. Guests bid on attractive items like travel packages, rafting through the Grand Canyon, hunting, fishing, helicopter rides, and a custom-made KE-15 rifle made by friends of one of the Hotshots. Bidding was fierce, and items went from hundreds of dollars to as much as $10K. 

Guardian Air landed a helicopter on the driving range and delivered a donation check of $10,000. The Artful Eye, a local jeweler from Prescott, gave $19,000 from a fundraiser at their store. They also created a beautiful medallion that Talking Rock provided as a commemorative gift to participants.

Photo by Karen Barreira

There were many memorable moments during this special day. Taylor Caldwell, sister to fallen Hotshot Robert Caldwell, spoke of her family's loss. They take comfort in the fact that Robert died doing what he so loved, surrounded by his brothers. Two close friends of Hotshot Travis Turbyfill were seen toasting their friend in front of his photo posted on the wall of the Ranch House. A fireman's boot overflowed with cash donations. Rainbows lured people back outside to celebrate after the rain. All day, tears often were quickly followed by laughter and hugs.

It's difficult to describe the feelings we had at the end of the day. Into the evening, we danced and celebrated under the stars with friends and loved ones, and marveled at the generosity of our little community. We're feeling proud and fortunate to be in a place where we could do something to make a difference.

Do or Don't

When I was still working in a corporate environment, I often experienced collaborating with those people that always have an opinion about what won't work. Unfortunately, that's all they bring to the table; they don't offer solutions. Since things have to get accomplished in spite of the naysayers, you learn to work with them, around them, or without them. It doesn't take long for it to become apparent who helps bring ideas to fruition, and who just gets in the way.

I'm currently working with a small, can-do group of people to raise funds for the families of the 19 Hotshots that worked out of Prescott. To date, we have raised $130,000 to help those who lost so much rebuild their lives. Talking Rock is providing the location and resources we need to make this a reality, and to insure that the donations are not eroded by expenses. They didn't have to do this, and we are very grateful.

Many members have been extremely generous with their contributions, as have businesses with close or distant ties to Prescott. Private, individual donations range from $19 (for the 19) to a high of $10,000. Corporate sponsorships from $1,000 to as much as $15,000 have been received. Some people have valid, personal reasons not to contribute through Talking Rock and we certainly accept that.

What's hard to accept are those who use their misguided opinions and belly-aching as reasons not to give:

This is NOT a marketing campaign by Talking Rock. It's a grass-roots effort by members, supported by Talking Rock.

It's not our place to decide how it's "fair" to disperse funds raised to the families of the Hotshots. The Firefighters Association is in the best position to do that.

If some of the families become "rich" from fund-raising efforts, so be it. Money cannot replace what they lost, but it may make their lives easier going forward. 

Nineteen young men burned to death risking everything to save local communities. They left behind families that need help.

Give or don't give. Do or Don't. But don't hide behind your bogus justifications or get in our way. 

P.S. If you would like to donate, you can do so on-line via http://www.crowdrise.com/granitemountainhotsh. Every little bit helps. Thank you.

Doing the Right Thing

GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOT CREW 

GOLF TOURNAMENT & FUNDRAISER

TALKING ROCK RANCH - AUGUST 19, 2013

Nineteen courageous young men died on June 30th, saving the lives and homes of others. Just days before, they had conquered a fire that could have entered our neighborhood. That was their work - their passion. We owe them eternal respect. We have a moral responsibility to insure that the families they provided for do not want in their absence. That's just the right thing to do.

Fortunately, this community has the means to help. Our beautiful golf course will soon become the setting for a major fundraiser to benefit the families of the fallen. Members have volunteered and organized to get the word out and solicit sponsorships and donations. Companies big and small have donated, including: Arizona Power Service, Inland Valley Construction, Granite Basin Engineering, Fry's Food Stores, and others. Talking Rock members have stepped up to sponsor holes and playing spots that have been donated back so firefighters and the families of our heroes can participate. Individuals have generously written checks from $25 to $10,000. As of today, we have chalked up $110,000 in commitments. Expenses are being covered by a major sponsor, to allow all funds collected to go to the firefighters' families.

August 19 is shaping up to be a special day. We'll have 144 golfers on the course. Each will receive a commemorative hat and t-shirt (donated by a sponsor). They can bid on silent auction items, such as hotel stays and rounds of golf. They'll all get lunch and dinner, and will enjoy entertainment outside on the grounds of the club. Member volunteers will act as hosts.

Major corporate sponsors are being invited back to Talking Rock on October 6th for more golf, and an dinner event recognizing their special contribution to this cause. We expect to be joined by the Mayor of Prescott, as well as firefighters, and representatives of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. At this event, we will present the consolidated donations to the firefighters fund.

We're grateful to those who have already given their time and/or money, but we still need lots of help to get to our goal of $250,000. Donations of any size are welcome!

Make checks payable to: "UPFFA" (United Phoenix Firefighters Association, who is administering funds on behalf of the Prescott Firefighters).

Mail to: Talking Rock Ranch, 15075 N Talking Rock Ranch Road, Prescott, AZ 86305

Please help us do the right thing. Your donation is tax-deductable. Thank you for your support.