At the Lake: Angora Fire Fund growing; $100,000 distributed so far

As the days after the Angora fire add up, so do donations from South Shore businesses and organizations to the Angora Fire Fund, originally known as Locals for Locals.

"Several local businesses have worked to include their employees and or customers in their fundraising efforts," Angora Fire Fund board member Betty "B" Gorman said in a press statement. "This is a wonderful way to keep the needs of the fire survivors at the forefront of our minds and build community spirit as we work toward long-term recovery and rebuilding."

The fund was recently bolstered by a $47,155.16 check from El Dorado County Cares, a fundraising organization founded by the Joint Chambers Commission of the West Slope.

A $75,000 donation from Lake Tahoe Development Company and a $10,000 donation from Embassy Suites have also been among the donations to the fund.

As of Monday, AFF had dispersed more than $100,000 of approximately $300,000 received since the start of the Angora fire, according to Mark Lucksinger, a volunteer for the fund.

The fund is accepting applications and distributing funds to fire survivors who lost their primary residence.

Upon verification of residency, checks are being distributed to a maximum of $1,000 per household to assist with immediate needs. Households that received $500 of the AFF money via the Sierra Community Church may be eligible to receive up to another $500 based upon their immediate needs.

Fire survivors who have immediate needs must submit their applications for this round of funding before Aug. 30.

Applications are available at either the California or Nevada Visitor Centers or at any board member's business. Board Members are listed on www.helptahoe.com and the application is also available on the Web site.

Information about the specific applicants is considered confidential and will not be made public.

A second distribution round for long-term needs will commence this autumn based upon available resources. A new application is not necessary to be considered for additional funds.

Donations are being accepted to the Angora Fire Fund in the following ways: Online at www.helptahoe.com; in person at any US Bank, or by mail to the Angora Fire Fund (Locals for Locals) P.O. Box 17640, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151.