August 4, 2008

COMMUNITY ADVISORY

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Begins 68th Annual
Door-to-Door Fund-Raising Campaign.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad has begun its 68th annual door-to-door fundraising campaign, which will continue through late October. The Rescue Squad’s Annual Fund Drive is critical to the existence of the Rescue Squad. Unlike your local fire department, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad does not receive an appropriated budget from any government. Our Annual Fund Drive raises the majority of our $1.9 million annual operating budget.

Residents of the Rescue Squad’s service area, including Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Glen Echo, Friendship Heights, Upper Northwest Washington, D.C., and parts of Cabin John, North Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, and Kensington, can expect uniformed volunteers and emergency vehicles in their neighborhoods between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Rescue Squad does not use paid solicitors to go door-to-door or employ telemarketers for our Annual Fund Drive. All personnel are always in full uniform and carry Rescue Squad identification. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification. Residents may obtain additional verification of a Rescue Squad member’s identity by calling the Rescue Squad dispatcher at 301-652-0077.

A booklet containing a postage-paid envelope will be left for residents who are not home and will be mailed to residents of apartments and condominiums. The Rescue Squad is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Rescue Squad are tax-deductible as permitted by law.

The Rescue Squad Participates in the Combined Federal Campaign; CFC # 19223.

This year the Rescue Squad will again be participating in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the workplace giving campaign for federal employees and members of the military. Please take note of our  CFC # 19223 this pledge season. Last year the CFC  discontinued use of the old four-digit code numbers, and donors must use the Rescue Squad’s new five-digit number in order for us to receive a donation through the CFC. More information is available in the CFC’s Catalog of Caring.

About the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad:

All emergency services provided by the Rescue Squad are free of charge. Montgomery County residents can obtain Rescue Squad services by calling 911. Residents of Upper Northwest Washington, D.C., can obtain Rescue Squad services by calling the Squad’s emergency number,

301-652-1000. The Rescue Squad works in partnership with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department and responds to calls under a coordinated emergency plan.

Donations fund our response to emergency medical, fire, and rescue incidents. In 2007, Rescue Squad ambulances, medic units and rescue squads responded to more than 10,000 emergencies, including illnesses, injuries, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, house fires, and many other incidents. In addition, the Rescue Squad provides a variety of non-emergency services to the community.

The generous contributions from the public, grants from community organizations, and the efforts of 150 professionally trained volunteers result in an estimated savings to taxpayers of more than $3 million per year.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad extends its sincere thanks to community leaders and citizens for their past, present, and future support.

For further information on the operation of our Annual Fund Drive, contact the B-CC Rescue Squad at 301-652-0077 and ask for the Officer in Charge. For more information on the Rescue Squad’s fundraising programs and ways to donate to the Rescue Squad, please call 301-674-5270, email us at development@bccrs.org, or visit www.bccrs.org.

BCCRS is a community supported nonprofit organization that has evolved into one of the nation's most advanced rescue squads, providing compassionate, life-saving services to the community. BCCRS does not receive a regular appropriated budget from any government. Instead, it raises almost all of its revenue from individual donors, businesses, and foundations. BCCRS is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to BCCRS are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

BCCRS’s fleet includes 4 medic units, 3 ambulances, 2 heavy rescue squads, 2 air support units for refilling firefighters’ breathing apparatus at fire scenes, and various command and utility vehicles. BCCRS responds on all types of emergency incidents, including injuries, illnesses, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, and house fires.

All residents are invited to attend the Squad's "Rescue Day" Open House on Saturday, October 4.   Click here for more information. 

Community leaders are encouraged to publish this information in community papers, electronic bulletin boards and listservs, and to reproduce and distribute copies of this advisory.

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