Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Needs Area Support to Win $500,000 From Chase Community Giving

BETHESDA, Md., April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) is competing with charities nationwide for donations ranging from $20,000 to $500,000 through the Chase Community Giving program.  Starting on April 21st, area residents can help BCCRS win a donation up to $500,000 by simply voting for the organization through the Chase Community Giving program on the Facebook platform at www.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving.  BCCRS's mission is to provide exceptional and community-oriented emergency medical, fire, and rescue services without charge to communities in the D.C. metro area through a core staff of more than 150 volunteers working in partnership with local and federal governments.  Since the organization's founding, BCCRS has relied on charitable contributions, rather than tax dollars, to fund operations.

"At BCCRS, we are constantly striving to strengthen our service to the community.  Receiving even $20,000 would be an unbelievable opportunity to ensure the great work of this organization continues," said Brooke Davies, vice president of BCCRS.

During the first round, which will end at 11:59 PM EDT on May 4th, the top 100 eligible charities with the most votes will receive $25,000.  During the second round starting on May 19th and ending at 11:59 PM EDT on May 25th, the top eligible charity will receive $500,000 and the remaining 99 top charities will receive $20,000 to $400,000 awards.  BCCRS is competing with thousands of charities across the country for these awards from Chase.  With the support of fans and local residents, BCCRS has the opportunity to get much needed resources to implement big changes.  

Over the years, the neighborhoods that BCCRS serves have evolved from small towns into urban areas, and the needs of those communities have changed.  The financial requirements of running a nationally-recognized organization have become increasingly difficult to meet.  For example: outfitting a single firefighter with protective gear costs more than $2,000; a cardiac monitor/defibrillator costs $35,000; and, a new heavy rescue truck costs almost $1,000,000.  BCCRS needs the support of the community to continue its life-saving mission.

BCCRS is a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services free of charge to the greater Bethesda and Chevy Chase area and upper northwest Washington, D.C.  

SOURCE Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad