Paul's Rescuers Fund

On August 3, 2013, Paul Cleaver accidentally fell 60 feet over Catawba Falls while hiking with friends near Asheville, NC. Two volunteer fire departments from McDowell County were instrumental in rescuing Paul from the frigid water and did so while enduring very difficult and dense terrain. We have been told that over 35 people responded to Paul's emergency. About an hour before Paul's accident a young man fell while rock climbing at Linville Falls, another park in the same county. Because the two emergencies were within such a short period of time the McDowell County emergency response system was stressed to extreme limits in terms of equipment and manpower. As a result, it has become apparent that additional equipment is necessary in the event that a similar set of circumstances should occur.

Our family has decided to purchase a particular item that we have learned is needed for future rescues. Many individuals have asked us if they can donate to Paul's cause and, since we have been blessed with insurance that is covering Paul's medical costs, we thought we could offer this avenue as a way for others to join us in being able to thank the men and women from McDowell volunteer fire departments.

Our goal is to have all funds in place by Spring 2014 so that when Paul is recovered from his injuries and is walking again we can make a trip to the fire departments in McDowell County and thank them in person by presenting them with the equipment they have requested.