President's Corner

As some of you may know, the FCA Southwest Region has been a supporter of the CHP 11-99 Foundation. At our 2002 Annual Event, the Foundation will be one of our recognized charities. Because all of you may not be familiar with the CHP 11-99 Foundation, I thought it would be appropriate to explain who they are and how they work.

The CHP 11-99 Foundation was founded in 1981 by Bob Weinberg as a charitable, non-profit organization, designed to provide benefits for injured or disabled CHP employees and their families. This financial need generally arises due to a prolonged illness or death.

The CHP 11-99 Foundation is very different from most charities. In fact, you might not have heard of the 11-99 Foundation and there is reason for that. Over the years, they have concentrated on benefiting the employees of the California Highway Patrol and have spent little time or money promoting their charity, work and successes.

Their membership is made up of people from all walks of life who, like us, want to see the money they donate go directly to the charity's cause. That is what the CHP 11-99 Foundation is very proud of. All of its members are very supportive of the law and have always had a great respect for officers of the law. The CHP has a highly demanding and difficult job and deserves the public's support.

The Foundation wishes they were never needed, but, in fact, all too often they are. At the time of a CHP employee's distress and need, they are glad to be of some help and comfort to them and their families.

In the coded jargon of the California Highway Patrol, the call for an officer needing assistance is 11-99. It's appropriate then that an organization established to aid officers and employees of the California Highway Patrol be named the CHP 11-99 Foundation.

A scholarship fund has been established and funds are given out annually to dependents of CHP personnel based upon financial need and academic excellence. Currently their direct benefits and scholarships are exceeding $500,000 annually.

An example of how they determine who receives benefits from the foundation is:

While working the graveyard shift during one of the most severe storms in California's history, second-generation patrolman Rick Stovall and his partner Britt Irvine responded to a truck accident on Route 166 east of Santa Maria. As they made their way along the swollen Cuyama River, heavy rain and fog concealed that the raging waters had washed out the roadway before them. Without warning their patrol car plunged 20 feet into the torrent.

Within 24 hours the CHP 11-99 Foundation provided critical support for both officer's families. Tragically, Rick left behind a wife, Lynn, and two children, Alyssa, 14 and Riley 12. The family was devastated.

"The CHP 11-99 Foundation wanted to make sure our family was provided for and that there'd be money for the funeral services and other emergencies," Lynn said. "My husband would be very proud to know the CHP 11-99 Foundation was there to assist his family and carry on his legacy of putting others before himself."

The CHP 11-99 Foundation will continue to help the Stovalls. A scholarship will assist Alyssa with her dream to attend medical school, while Riley plans to follow in his father's footsteps with the CHP.

How Does It Work?

The Membership is made up of people from virtually every profession and business throughout the state. The CHP 11-99 Foundation receives its revenues from membership dues, donations and fund raising events.

11-99 Membership Packages

Lifetime Membership

Cost:	$1,500 one time fee.
	$1,000 additional for spouse if joins simultaneously
Package Includes: