Fund aims to raise $5M for families of Granite Mtn Hotshots

Posted Jul 9, 2013

Scott Coleman
TucsonSentinel.com

Arizona education organizations launched the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Education Fund on Tuesday, aiming to raise $5 million for the families affected by the Yarnell Hill Fire that took the lives of 19 firefighters last week.

"This fund was established to provide a way for all Arizonans, and compassionate people everywhere, to honor the brave men who were lost and stand by the families of the Yarnell 19 over time as they lay educational foundations for the future," said Tim Carter, Yavapai County superintendent of schools, in a press release.

Money raised will assist families with their children's educational needs through the age of 22. The goal is to be able to provide the children with clothing and school supplies, as well as pay fees for college admissions testing, college tuition and more, the release said.

"Nothing can replace what these families have lost, but we can build awareness for their needs, and leverage our state and national networks to support them as they move forward - growing, learning, and pursuing successful and fulfilling futures in the ways education makes possible," said Dr. Tim Ogle, executive director of the Arizona School Boards Association, in the release.

A total of 13 children and three unborn children were among those who lost a family member in the fires.

A fund has been established with Wells Fargo Bank for those interested in giving money. Anyone can make a tax-deductible donation at any Wells Fargo branch using the account number 8008516158. Checks can also be made out to the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Education Fund with the account number in the memo line. Send the check to Arizona School Boards Association, 2100 N. Central Ave, Ste. 200, Phoenix, AZ, 85004.