Get on Board: Feed Coast Guard Families

Hello Sonoma County, it's the Squad Club of the Santa Rosa Area of the California Highway Patrol, and we want to ask you a question: 

Do you know a Coastie - or a proud member of the United States Coast Guard?

You just might, as over 4,000 of them a year train at the Two Rock Training Center (TRACEN) just west of Petaluma. Others work patrolling the Bay at Station Golden Gate and Sector San Francisco, and many of them live right here in Sonoma County. They work keeping us safe on the waters; rescuing us when things go wrong; monitoring our coast for smugglers, poachers and even terrorists; and supporting local law enforcement, fire and emergency services agencies during wildfires, earthquakes and whatever else calls them to duty. Their motto is Semper Paratas - Always Ready - and they always are... even now... even while not being paid for their service.

And its not just the Coasties who are remaining diligent, working with dedication and professionalism, and keeping us safe for no compensation. Hundreds of Sonoma County members of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from TSA, CBP, HSI, and others continue to answer the call to duty despite going without a paycheck during this difficult time. 

There are many ways to help, and perhaps you already are, but we wanted to contribute to our local partners in a very specific way, a way that would not just help them financially, but would send the message that we are with them, that we are their friends and neighbors, and that we appreciate their sacrifice. 

That said, we have partnered with Ray's Deli in Petaluma to offer free meals to Coasties and other DHS employees, but we need your help.

By donating to the Squad Club, your tax deductible gift will help Ray's feed a DHS employee and up to three of their family members. Any amount could help. A $60 donation would cover a family of four for a meal at one of Sonoma County's best family-owned local establishments, located in Petaluma, close to the Two Rock Base. Perhaps more important than the financial help, we want to send the message that we appreciate their service and their contribution to our community.

So please  donate what you can, save the receipt for your taxes, and let's help Ray's send the message that Sonoma Strong is more than a mantra in times of crisis, but a way of life for one of the best communities in the world.

Thank you Sonoma County and thank you Ray's Deli.

With gratitude,

The CHP Santa Rosa Area Squad Club. 

A couple of notes about this fundraising campaign:

This campaign will begin on Tuesday, January 22, and run through the following weekend. If sufficiently funded, the campaign will continue throughout the government shutdown and until DHS employees receive backpay for their service.

The CHP squad club is raising funds exclusively for this campaign using its non-profit status to collect tax deductible donations and will not retain any of the donated funds. Any excess funds raised after the campaign will be donated to the US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association.