Nearly 500 golfers helped raise $20,000 for Search and Rescue Squads by swinging their clubs for charity in the STRATA Charity Golf Classic tournaments held in May at the Roosevelt City Golf Course and the Vernal Dinaland Golf Course. At a Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on September 4, STRATA Networks presented a $10,000 check to the Uintah County Search and Rescue Squad. During a Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce meeting on September 20, a second check for $10,000 was presented to the Search and Rescue Squad of Duchesne County.

Since its inception 11 years ago, and with the money raised from this year’s Charity Golf Classic, the tournaments have raised $78,000 to help charitable organizations throughout the Uintah Basin. These funds have directly benefited local charitable entities, such as Uintah Basin Association of Governments Meals on Wheels program, Duchesne and Uintah County Victim’s Advocacy groups, families of the Army National Guard, Search and Rescue Squads, childhood and youth educational programs, Uintah Basin food pantries, and the Radiation Vacation Van.

“The money we raise directly benefits charities in our community,” said Bruce Todd, STRATA’s CEO and General Manager. “As needs continue to increase each year, we try harder to increase our giving. Cooperatives exist to serve their members, whether they are customers or the local community. This is just one more example of the benefits of supporting your co-op.”

Search and Rescue is a volunteer, non-profit organization established to rescue and protect life in areas of Uintah and Duchesne County under the direction of the County Sheriffs Departments.

Not only does a local Search and Rescue team respond at all hours of the day and night when it is needed, but it does so at no charge.

“SAR operations depend largely on donations from citizens and local businesses to make ends meet and purchase the equipment necessary to continue providing the best possible service to citizens who need our help,” said Jason Bleazard, Commander. “Chances are very good that you know someone personally who has been assisted by Search and Rescue efforts. Their unselfish volunteerism may one day help save the life of a friend or neighbor, or even your own family member!”

All donations made to SAR are used for equipment and training that directly serves people who are in dire need of rescue in our community.

Nearly all of the costs incurred in a rescue are paid from the pockets of the dedicated volunteers who make up a team. “We use our own equipment—vehicles, horses, ATVs, trailers. We pay for our own fuel. We take time off work and away from our families for regular training and emergencies when you need us,” said Bleazard.

A large number of this year’s golf participants were partners, suppliers, or vendors of STRATA; but other contestants and volunteers came to join in on the fun, food, and prizes while supporting a charitable cause. Many local businesses contributed food and prizes.

Next year’s tournaments are scheduled for the 17th and 24th of May 2013.

For more information please contact Tyler Rasmussen at 622-5007, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..