The California Game Wardens Foundation (CalGWF), a non-profit organization created in 2007 whose mission is “to protect those who protect our resources,” has received a challenge opportunity from an anonymous donor to raise $1.8 million by the end of 2012, to be matched up to another $1.8 million for each dollar raised. This major new donation brings the CalGWF closer to its stated goal of raising $5 million for Game Wardens throughout the State of California.
“The opportunity for the CalGWF to meet this type of fundraising challenge comes at a critical time when the uncertainty of state budgets, furloughs, layoffs, and tight expense restraints weigh heavily on the minds of the men and women who compose ‘The Thin Green Line’ and protect our natural resources for future generations,” -CalGWF Board Member.
Game Wardens operate in the Law Enforcement Division of the California Department of Fish and Game. Despite their compensation being lower than their counterparts in other law enforcement agencies, their assignments often times require them to patrol in remote locations, or cover a multitude of terrain including, but not limited to, back country, lakes, rivers, beaches, wetlands, desert as well as metropolitan areas. Operating under the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Game Wardens belong to one of the most diverse law enforcement agencies and must be prepared for a wide range of conditions and circumstances.
“On behalf of several of my game wardens who have benefitted from the kindness shown to them by the Foundation, I want to say I am amazed at how well our game warden 'family' comes together to help take care of one another. The Foundation has become a significant part of that family, helping to alleviate financial stress at times when stress seems to be the norm, by rallying to the side of those they don't even know. Just last week I was told by another warden of the scholarships received by two of his children and his wife, who is pursuing her college degree. As a supervisor and manager, I know what your support means, and has meant, to my wardens and their families” said Doug Huckins, Assistant Chief Warden, North Coast District.
Donors to the CalGWF fundraising challenge will be recognized on a special plaque displayed at the headquarters of the Department of Fish and Game. Donations can be made online at http://www.calgwf.org or by mail to the CalGWF headquarters located at 2180 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. Progress will be updated through social media sites on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CalGWF) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/CalGWF) where donors are encouraged to share the campaign information with those interested in supporting the Game Wardens challenge campaign.
The California Game Wardens Foundation (CalGWF) is a non-profit organization established in 2007 whose mission is to provide financial benefits and citizen support to California Game Wardens and their families. In its first year of operations, the CalGWF reached a fundraising goal of over $1.4 million and since the inception the Foundation has funded $180,000 to help fund scholarships, medical emergencies, training grants and other awards to Wardens for exemplary service based on recommendations of their peers and the Chief.
