Crash victims benefit set for Sept. 6
From our weekly issue dated August 20, 2008
Using a “Pay it forward” philosophy, a woman who benefited from the caring of Illinois Valley residents is planning a fund-raiser for the families of two valley residents involved in a fatal fire-fighting helicopter crash.
Grants Pass resident Cynthia (Martinho) Scott, who was raised in Illinois Valley, said that a Saturday, Sept. 6 daylong event at Lake Selmac will aid Bill & Chris Coultas, and the family of Caleb Renno, 21. The latter died in the crash; Coultas, 44, is recovering from burns.
Besides the fund-raiser, Scott noted that volunteers already have gone to the Coultas’ home, installed a wheelchair ramp, and enlarged doorways. “Valley people stick together,” noted the event organizer.
Besides a variety of live music, she hopes to have food available. Although a non-alcoholic gathering, attendees can bring their own if they want to.
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Some of the proceeds will go to the mother of Renno, said Scott. But the majority will go to the Coultas Family. For example, they will need to pay for the material used by the volunteers. The cost was charged at Illinois Valley Building Supply.
Additionally, notes Scott, Coultas will need extensive rehabilitation, which is expensive. Also, as his wife has been spending all her time in Sacramento to be with him, their business, CJ Video Mart/Radio Shack, could suffer financially.
Although most travel and accommodation costs are being paid through a special fallen firefighters fund, there will be unexpected expenses.
Scott said that when she was taken ill some years ago, the valley community rallied and raised money for her care and treatment. She noted that expenses crop up that one is not anticipating, and that the fund-raiser is designed to help in that way.
“I benefited from the valley; Bill & Chris are always donating to various causes -- especially those involving valley youth -- and so I want to ‘Pay it forward’,” the organizer stated.
(See next week’s issue for more details on the event.)
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