Launched by a cross-section of Sonoma County professionals in early 2012, Friends of Henry 1 seeks to ease budget challenges which threaten the continuation of Henry 1, the North Bay Region’s rescue helicopter program, operated by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Friends of Henry 1 actively seeks public and private donors to keep this vital service in the air by offsetting crew, fuel, maintenance, and equipment costs in order to restore the program to the staffing and service levels of past years.

Friends of Henry 1 has established three key initiatives in its fundraising campaign:
· To raise at least $125,000 annually to fully staff the paramedic program, which has been greatly reduced in past years;
· To solicit individual contributions to offset fuel and maintenance costs not currently funded by the Sheriff’s Office operating budget, thereby increasing flight hours; and,
· In the long-term, to raise sufficient capital to aid in offsetting the purchase of a new helicopter in order to increase safety and rescue capabilities, decrease response times and dramatically decrease maintenance and financing costs.

Henry 1 provides a variety of unique services in the North Bay, including long line rescue in difficult locations, particularly when time is critical for successful rescues; search and rescue; ALS medical transport; fire suppression; and law enforcement air support during life threatening and emergency situations.

Donations in any amount are accepted through the organization’s website at friendsofhenry1.org. Friends of Henry 1 is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and donations are tax deductible as allowable.

Please follow us on Facebook at fb.com/friendsofh1 and on Twitter @friendsofhenry1 for frequent updates. Or visit us on the web at friendsofhenry1.org.