Ukiah, CA – Nov. 14, 2011: A diverse group of Mendocino County residents has incorporated a non-profit charitable foundation to raise funds to support local law enforcement.
The Mendocino Public Safety Foundation will send out its first fund-raising mailer this week to thousands of households and businesses.
“We’re in this for the long-run,” said Jim Eddie, the Foundation’s Chairman. “Government funding for our sheriff and police has fallen to an unacceptable level and it is likely to get worse rather than better. It’s time for private donors to step up and contribute to protect public safety,” said Eddie.
The Foundation plans to work closely with the sheriff and city police departments to get the most impact from private assistance. Donations will be passed on as grants to the sheriff and the three city police departments to pay for critical equipment and supplies. One example is helping law enforcement acquire and keep police dogs, which can greatly increase the effectiveness and security of peace officers.
Sheriff Tom Allman said, “I am thrilled to work alongside so many people who are striving to help law enforcement provide public safety throughout our county. It’s exciting to know that 100% of all the contributions will stay right here in Mendocino County.”
The Foundation is modeled on dozens of similar non-profits around the U.S. Depending on individual tax status, private donations of this kind are deductible from federal and state income taxes, and the Foundation has been recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.
The Foundation will encourage supporters to become members who will contribute every year, and both households and businesses will receive recognition of their donations. While no fund-raising target has been established, Eddie expects the Foundation’s income will grow steadily as the public recognizes that its safety depends on maintaining law enforcement resources.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors is headed by Jim Eddie of Potter Valley, chairman, Ross Liberty of Ukiah, president, and Don J. Miller of Fort Bragg, vice president. The seven-member Board is supported by an advisory committee of 14 people from all over the county. The sheriff and three city police chiefs will be ex-officio advisors to the Board.
Generous support for the Foundation’s organizational costs has been donated by Savings Bank of Mendocino, Factory Pipe, Selzer Realty and numerous individuals.
The Foundation can be contacted by emailing info@protectmendocino.org, or at P.O. Box 123, Ukiah, CA 95482
Copy of this press release in pdf format.
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