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Game Wardens Foundation receives challenge grant

The Menlo Park-based California Game Wardens Foundation has received a challenge pledge of $1.8 million from an anonymous donor on the condition that it is matched by other contributions. The foundation's goal is raising $5 million for game wardens in California.

Game wardens operate in the law enforcement division of the California Department of Fish and Game. Their assignments often require them to patrol in remote locations or cover terrain including back country, lakes, rivers, beaches, wetlands, desert, as well as metropolitan areas.

The foundation was established in 2007 to provide financial benefits and other support to California game wardens and their families. It has provided $180,000 for scholarships, medical emergencies, training grants, and other awards to wardens for exemplary service.

One of the first beneficiaries was warden Bob Orange of Plumas County, whose wife had a horse riding accident that forced her to rely on a wheelchair. The foundation paid to help retrofit their home for wheelchair access.

Local residents who serve on the foundation's board include Ned Spieker of Atherton, Peter Stent of Woodside, Judd Hanna, part-time resident of Half Moon Bay, and Steve McCormick, Moore Foundation director.

Major donors will be recognized on a plaque to be displayed at the headquarters of the Department of Fish and Game in Sacramento.

Visit calgwf.org to make donations online. Donations may be made by mail to: California Game Wardens Foundation headquarters, 2190 Sand Hill Road, Suite 100, Menlo Park CA 94025.