GCSAA offers disaster relief to those affected by wildfires

As we approach the middle of July, the wildfire season in the Western United States is in full swing.  After an extremely low winter snowpack and an early melt, the region was hit by a major heat wave in the middle of June which has led to historically dry conditions. 

There were 29,362 large wildfires nationwide between Jan. 1 and June 23, a 10-year high and about 4,000 above average, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.

Arizona has been at the epicenter of the fires to this point, but California has seen a number of fires, well before the main fire season of August – September begins. The 2021 fire season is expected to be one of the worst on record. 

As a reminder, GCSAA offers disaster relief for members who face tragedy caused by natural disasters.  The disaster relief fund will provide financial assistance up to $2,000 to members who contact the association (via phone or email) and whose daily lives are altered by the effects of the natural disaster and meet any of the following criteria:

• Have had to relocate/evacuate (whether they are staying with family, friends or in a motel) from their homes.
• Remain in their homes, but lose basic necessities such as electricity, water, etc. which lead to unexpected financial burden.

If you are a member who has been personally impacted by a natural disaster, please call 800-472-7878 or email membership.help@gcsaa.org.

Additionally, GCSAA is seeking donations to assist in funding the disaster relief program.  The fund is administered through GCSAA's philanthropic organization, the GCSAA Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and gifts are tax-deductible. Be assured that 100 percent of your donation to the Disaster Relief Fund goes to impacted members.  You can donate online at https://environmental-institute-for-golf.snwbll.com/disaster-relief-fund-giving-portal. 

Thank you to all who have donated to assist their peers in times of need and please do not hesitate to contact GCSAA if you need assistance.