Updated on: 8/9/2021
Each year, Cheri Marusa and her team host a dinner and silent auction to raise funds for Life Support, a non-profit organization which provides life-saving support for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Kittitas County.
The COVID-19 pandemic derailed their annual fundraiser in 2020, but Cheri and the Life Support team bounced back to host the 2021 Silent Auction at Swiftwater Cellars in Cle Elum on Saturday, July 17th.
Life Support's annual dinner auction is the largest fundraising event for the year for the volunteer organization, and money raised from the event helps support local fire and EMS agencies. From buying new vehicles and equipment, to even building or upkeeping fire stations and EMS facilities in the area, Life Support truly has made it possible for these agencies to keep up with booming recreational activity in the region.
After more than 20-years of the event, this year's fundraiser brought in over $200,000 making it one of the most successful fundraisers in the history of Life Support.
What is Life Support?
Founded more than 20-years-ago by Cheri Marusa, Life Support began as a response to the growing need for emergency response funding to the region. Upper Kittitas County Fire District 7 is responsible for covering more than 126 square miles, and the public funding they receive is limited.
The unique challenges faced by emergency responders along the I-90 corridor include violent car accidents on one of the states most trafficked freeways, offroading and hiking incidents in the areas massive forests and outdoor recreational areas as well as servicing the residents who live in the various communities throughout the pass.
Through life supports efforts funds have been raised to build 3 separate fire stations including Station 73 in Cle Elum just off of golf course road, and purchase new offroading equipment, ladder trucks as well as turn-out gear and safety and medical supplies.
If you would like to donate to support Cheri's efforts use the link below to donate online, or visit their website, LifesupportI90.org for more ways to contribute.
