During a special meeting on Friday, March 20th, the Salida City Council moved unanimously to challenge the larger Chaffee County community to fund the Emergency Response Fund at the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF).

This challenge grant opportunity would match, dollar-for-dollar, any charitable donation from the community up to $25,000. The City Council also asks all local and county governments to join in this challenge to the community, and this is an opportunity to show Salida’s values and generosity. Collectively, this challenge grant is anticipated to raise more than $100,000 for assistance to our workforce, with more information following in the coming days from both the City of Salida and CCCF.

This challenge grant is intended to provide temporary relief to individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent impacts to the Chaffee County workforce. Initial estimates indicate that as many as 5,000 workers may be impacted economically by this pandemic. This program is intended to work hand-in-hand with the Chaffee County Department of Human Services, which is still the first stop for any individual or household seeking financial assistance. If an individual or family does not qualify for CCDHS assistance, the Emergency Response Fund can step in. The qualification and selection of assistance will be made on a case-by-case basis by the CCCF. Individuals and families will be eligible for up to $200 per household member OR $600 per calendar month. Household assistance will initially be limited to $1,200 per household per calendar year. CCCF Executive Director Joseph Teipel says “We are inspired by the leadership of the City of Salida and are committed to working closely with the Department of Human Resources and other partners to help our community – this is a simple idea with lasting impact.”

The Salida City Council also voted unanimously to immediately release an additional $3,000 from its Donor Advised Fund with CCCF to assist local non-profit organizations. This money was originally intended to be held for donations later in the year; however, the City Council felt that non-profits would need this funding immediately.

The City Council hopes that this challenge grant opportunity will inspire you to give if you can. Mayor P.T. Wood said, “The hard working people of Salida and Chaffee County will need to come together if we are to keep our community strong. This grant program, in partnership with the Chaffee County Community Foundation, will provide desperately needed assistance to the people that make our community run. Now is the time for Salidans to help our friends, neighbors and coworkers. Please give what you can!”

To donate, please visit https://www.chaffeecommunity.org/ and click on “Donate to the Chaffee Emergency Response Fund”, OR contact Joseph Teipel, Executive Director of CCCF, at (719) 204-5071.

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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