In times of need, EAA chapters are often one of the first groups to step forward and assist their local community. This was no different following the devastating wildfires in the Sonoma County area of northern California.
For its November program, the chapter hosted a fundraiser dinner for fire victims. The local FBO, Sonoma Jet Center, sponsored the Thanksgiving-themed meal, which was available for $10 per person. In total, the chapter raised $2,700 and donated it to the Redwood Credit Union Fire Relief Fund.
In addition to the fundraiser dinner, members of Chapter 124 volunteered their time to prep meals for first responders and fire victims. Over a six-day period, nearly 8,000 meals were served.
“Even though it was tiring and exhaustive at times, I came away with a rewarding feeling of being able to help others,” Larry Regstorf, EAA 83330, said of his time volunteering with the chapter. “I met a lot of really nice people and will try to keep in touch with them. I may even sign up to be on their volunteer list for other disasters!”
Chapter 124 also allowed a number of victims impacted by the fire to stay in the RV at their hangar. Additionally, multiple members of the chapter opened up their spare bedrooms for those forced to evacuate their homes.