Even with a voluntary board of directors and mostly unpaid staff the cost of operating CRPOA is enormous. Registration fees and college funds presently cover the cost of the Annual Reserve Peace Officers Conference and dues, merchandise sales and advertising presently cover the legislative and administrative expenses. But the handwriting is on the wall; we must increase our income to cover future operating needs. We've increased our dues a few dollars a year but it will take more.

That's why CRPOA has contracted with Community Safety, LLC, a professional fundraiser, to solicit funds from the general public. This is no small feat since, although we are a non-profit organization, we are not "charitable" and hence the donations made are not deductible. But there are many individuals and businesses around the state who are willing to contribute to worthwhile organizations even if they can't deduct their contribution.

In addition to feeling good about donating to an organization of law enforcement volunteers the donors will receive something tangible, a Child Safety Kit. As will be discussed more fully in the Spring issue of The Backup, thousands of children are lost or abducted each year. One missing child is too many so any effort that helps in the identification and recovery of missing children is worthwhile. The Child Safety Kit contains a child identification brochure and questionnaire. Donors will also receive a decal identifying them as a donor and a letter of thanks.

Community Safety, LLC, is very experienced and successful, both for itself and the organizations for which it raises funds. Your officers worked with the management of Community Safety, LLC to assure that the fundraising efforts comply with California law and the high standards we all expect.