By Harry Gatjens

Randy and Brooke Baker, owners of Chanterelle, are hosting a fundraiser for Everett Mountain Rescue Unit on Sept 30. The fundraiser will feature dinner and live and silent auctions at the restaurant, located at 316 Main St. in downtown Edmonds.

Formed in 1954, Everett Mountain Rescue Unit is an all-volunteer organization of like-minded climbers who have dedicated themselves to mountain safety. They provide technical rescue services in rugged mountain terrain. It’s a charitable non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) corporation and does not charge for its services; it relies on donations from the public for its operating expenses.

The volunteers work in conjunction with local sheriff offices and other similar organizations to do the “grunt work” on rescue operations. The sheriff departments have that heavy equipment (i.e. helicopters) but not the personnel to do the extensive on the ground searching necessary.

In the last year, there have been approximately 30 rescue operations and the vast majority have been successful, thanks to EMRU and similar organizations. Since EMR is an all-volunteer organization, it has “fundraising” events to help cover their expenses.

The Bakers became involved with Everett Mountain Rescue when they purchased a guided tour at a charity auction for another cause. The rescue organization modified the tour to fit Randy Baker’s desire for a climb of Glacier Peak. He had a wonderful experience and learned more about Everett Mountain Rescue and the services they provide. Baker and his sons are avid hikers and just returned from a four-day, 75-mile hike.

The guide that helped Baker climb Glacier Peak later got trapped in the mountains and needed the services of Everett Mountain Rescue to save him. Appreciating what the rescue group did both for Baker and — subsequently — his guide, the Bakers decided to set up their own fundraiser for the organization.

The event will include displays and demonstrations of EMRU equipment, vehicles, training materials and mingling with some of the volunteers. The rescue organization will have a safety fair in the parking lot of the Bank of America, next door to Chanterelle.

Those who attend the fundraiser will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner and wine at Chanterelle. Tickets are $55 per person. The evening will also include a live auction, with opportunities ranging from a local mountain climb for two guided by an Everett Mountain Rescue member to a four-night stay at a lodge in the Tetons. An auction catalogue will be emailed to ticket holders in advance of the event.

Since Chanterelle and their employees are donating the food and their time, all of the proceeds benefit the charity.

You can learn more on EMRU’s website. You can also stop by Chanterelle at any time to purchase a ticket or make a donation to the cause. Hurry though, because seating is limited and tickets have been selling briskly.