The USDA recently awarded the 100 Club of Montezuma County funds to purchase automated heart defibrillators (AEDs) for Montezuma County fire and law enforcement agencies.
This was the first year 100 Club has applied for a grant. With the assistance of Montezuma County Sheriff Grant Writer Cindy Ramsey and local USDA representative Duane Dale, the club received a $22,085 grant. The grant covered half the cost of the AEDs. Each participating department was responsible for raising the other half of the funds for the AEDs they needed.
Between the grant and fundraising, 38 units were purchased for distribution to Dolores Fire Department, Mancos Fire Department, Lewis Arriola Fire Department, Pleasant View Fire Department, Ute Mountain Ute Public Safety, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office and Mancos Marshall’s Office.
President of 100 Club of Montezuma County Kaylee Green said, “We’re super grateful for the opportunity to make that change for the departments. AEDs provide a valuable too for first responders in the event of emergencies. We are beyond thankful for the opportunity to help.”
The success of the grant writing experience has encouraged Green and Vice President Kathy Bishop to apply again next year and seek out more grant opportunities.
The 100 Club of Montezuma County is a nonprofit organization that supports first responders in Montezuma and Dolores counties. The club works with emergency medical services, corrections departments, the Forest Service, Search and Rescue and law enforcement agencies, and offers financial assistance to families of fallen first responders.
Donors may contact Kaylee Green at 739-9852. For more information on the 100 Club, visit www.100clubofmontezumacounty.com.