How To Change the World One Fire Department at a Time

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Baja Rock Pat

Photo Credit: Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department

I can’t sit back and do nothing. Especially when I have something to offer that could possibly help those who so unselfishly risk their lives on a daily basis to help the rest of us. The unsung heroes.

My most recent post described the incredible devastation to mountain communities, national parks, and wilderness areas from the current wildfires here in Northern Colorado–the Cameron Peak Fire, the CalWood Fire, East Troublesome Fire, Lefthand Canyon Fire, and smaller spot fires that have ignited as well. Dry conditions, high winds, and beetle-kill pine trees have contributed to two of the largest wildfires in Colorado history; as of this writing, and according to an article in The Coloradoan, an astounding 401,223 acres.

While these fires are temporarily subdued due to recent snowfall in the area, they are expected to resume as the temperature rises and the snow melts.

Small town fire departments struggle to keep up with the increasing demand on their already-depleted resources

I reached out to the Windsor Severance Fire Rescue, to find out what I could do to help their firefighters during this harrowing time, and was told by the Fire Chief there, that the Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department was sorely in need of help. GHAVFD’s resources have already been depleted. They’ve spent more than $3,000 in fuel alone for which they will not be reimbursed, and anticipate at least another $10,000 in expenses to cover volunteer costs and other unexpected expenses. The person with whom I was in contact, also mentioned that since GHAVFD is such a small fire department, they are often overlooked when it comes to donations.

An offer too good to refuse – everybody wins!

I have several boxes of copies of my book, Dance of the Electric Hummingbird (personally endorsed by rock legend Sammy Hagar, former lead singer of Van Halen) in my office right now, books I’ve purchased personally from my publisher, (yes, I had to buy my own books) so from now until November 30, 2020, (I may extend that timeframe depending on need and interest), I’m donating 100% of the money (minus shipping & sales tax for CO residents) from the sale of my book to the Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department, but my offer only applies to books purchased here, through my website; I have no control over Amazon.com or other outlets. In selling these books, it provides me with the means to donate much more money than I’ve been able to donate on my own.

And… don’t forget–the holidays are coming and books make great holiday gifts! I will even personalize your book for you–make sure you provide me with a name.

If you buy a book from my website, you’ll have to pay for shipping, & sales tax for CO residents, but 100% of what you pay for the book will go directly to the Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department.

Thank you for your kind generosity. We are all in this together.

To purchase Dance of the Electric Hummingbird, please click here: http://www.bajarockpat.net/my-book/ordering-information/

(Important: ONLY books purchased through bajarockpat.net are eligible for the GHAVFD donation fund. Offer does not apply to books purchased through other outlets.)

Relief Efforts for Cabo Victims of Hurricane Odile

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Baja Rock Pat

Photo by Lynn Pierce. Used by permission.

“My book would not exist at all if it weren’t for Cabo and the people of Cabo, because that’s where the story all began,” says Patricia Walker, author of DANCE OF THE ELECTRIC HUMMINGBIRD.

There really hasn’t been much media attention to what happened down in Cabo recently. In fact, most people I talk to haven’t even heard about it. Hurricane Odile made a devastatingly direct hit in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos, La Paz and neighboring towns in Mexico on September 14, 2014.

Photo by Suset Esquivel Flores. Used by permission.

It affected people I know personally, and as of this writing, many still do not have electricity or water, nor can they return to their homes to determine if their homes are still standing. The airport was severely damaged and remains closed, but according to local sources, it will be opening soon.

El Arco. Photo by Patricia Walker

When most of us think of Cabo San Lucas, it brings to mind the breath-taking, world-renowned arch or El Arco, extraordinary fishing, fancy hotels, vacations, beaches, sun and margaritas. And while those images do describe Cabo, it’s also true that there are some very poor people who live there. I have personally witnessed people living in cardboard shacks without plumbing.

Rich, poor or in-between, many lost everything they had. The wealthy can afford to rebuild, but I couldn’t just sit back and not do something to help the rest of these amazing people.

I have a bunch of books in my office right now, books I’ve purchased personally from my publisher, (yes, I have to buy my own books) so I’m donating the money from the sale of them to the people of Cabo, but my offer only applies to books purchased here, through my website because I have no control over Amazon.com or other outlets. In selling these books, it gives me the means to donate much more money than I could afford to donate on my own.

If you buy a book from my website, you’ll have to pay for shipping, but 100% of what you pay for the book will go to the people of Cabo. I will post which charity it’s going to so you’ll know exactly where your donations are going.

And, if nothing else, if I can help raise awareness of the devastation done to Baja California del Sur, perhaps more people will schedule their vacations there. The locals are working tirelessly to rebuild, and our vacation dollars are exactly what these people need right now to help them get back on their feet.

Land’s End

Cabo will soon be back and better than ever, I have no doubt.

So please, even if you don’t feel moved to buy a book, please just do what you can. It all helps. (Obviously, it’s important to do your research before donating to any charity.)

And come experience the beauty and magic of Cabo San Lucas for yourself. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Thank you for your kind generosity.

To purchase Patricia’s book, please click here: http://www.bajarockpat.net/my-book/ordering-information/

Because I personally know most of the people involved, current donations are being made to: Wicked Pizza Employees/Family at http://www.gofundme.com/envqes

(Important: ONLY books purchased through bajarockpat.net are eligible for the hurricane donation fund. Offer does not apply to books purchased through other outlets.)

Guest Appearance on Transitions to Transformation

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Baja Rock Pat

Transitions to Transformation Radio host Reverend Sue and Author Patricia Walker, discuss Patricia’s book, Hurricane Odile relief efforts in Baja Mexico and how we can help.

Listen here: Blogtalk Radio

Patricia is donating all proceeds from her book “Dance of the Electric Hummingbird,” her real life story of survival and spiritual awakening thanks to the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar, to the people of Cabo.

To purchase Patricia’s book and help those who lost so much to the recent Hurricane Odile, please click here www.bajarockpat.net. Thank you.

Baja Rock Pat’s COVA Donation

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Baja Rock Pat

I have been advised that I should withdraw my offer of donating a portion of my book sales to benefit the victims of the recent theater shootings in Aurora, Colorado. Apparently it could be misconstrued as an attempt to benefit from the suffering of others. It never even crossed my mind that my heartfelt desire to help could be misconstrued as such.

In any case, no one purchased a book due to my post and I’m withdrawing my offer. I will make a personal donation to COVA. If you are interested in contributing as well, please send your gift directly through their website at: https://www.givingfirst.org/cova/overview

Thank you and I apologize for any inconvenience.