ALAMOSA — The annual SUDS 4 SAR fundraiser is from 3 to 10 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 16, at San Juan and Main Street in Alamosa. The event helps Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) raise money for regional rescue missions. 

The festivities include food, drink, live music, silent auction and camaraderie.  

Their mission states, "Our purpose is to coordinate and conduct search and rescue operations in Alamosa County...so that others may live." 

Carl Denslow, vice president of the rescue group told the Valley Courier, "In Colorado, search and rescue teams report to the sheriff where the search is taking place, and in Alamosa County, that is Sheriff Robert Jackson. We are 100% volunteer and we work at his request to support any search and rescue activities. We also support neighboring counties when they need assistance. 

"We use technical teams, helicopter teams such as the Reach system, Flight For Life, those are private companies, and they are donating their time. If we need search assistance, they just do it on their own time. We really appreciate their support. We also work with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the Colorado Army Air National Guard with specialized hoist equipment. They do this at their expense, they are really good at what they do, and we appreciate it, said Denslow. 

Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson offered this, "Under state law, I am statutorily obligated to provide search and rescue for Alamosa County. We have one of the most dangerous mountain areas in the state. If I didn't have AVSAR to respond to those issues, we would be in a world of hurt, there is no way the Sheriff's Office could do that. 

"AVSAR is an organized, well-trained, completely volunteer organization. They supply their own gear, gas, time, everything. It is essential to acknowledge the employers of the volunteers who allow their staff to take time off to participate in these events, which are all-day affairs. My thanks to AVSAR, the fundraising is crucial to their well-being." 

Jackson added, "Not only do the AVSAR responders do it for free and volunteer their time, but they also often pay for rescue gear." 

A 2022 Colorado Parks and Wildlife study determined that, on average, a SAR responder spent $1,587 of their own money on rescue equipment. The study also found that the 2,800 SAR volunteers in the state contributed about 500,000 hours, estimated to be worth $21 million annually. 

According to the group, "AVSAR encourages you to avoid needing SAR in the first place" and offers the following: "Don't rely on anyone else's opinion about the difficulty of a route — bring your common sense instead. Don't try a new route alone. Pay attention to the weather. Set a turnaround time and stick to it. Tell someone responsible where you are going when you will be back, and who to call if you don't make it back as planned." 

The word "volunteer" in the group name, Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue, is the operative here. Volunteer, "A person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced to do it," describes what the members of AVSAR do. 

To support the group, attend the annual SUDS 4 SAR block party from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 16, on San Juan Avenue next to San Luis Valley Brewing in downtown Alamosa. Your participation will make a significant difference. The event will feature live music, AVSAR merchandise, a silent auction with items donated by local businesses and individuals, and additional entertainment. 

AVSAR appreciates the support of our community, "We couldn't do it without you. Thank you to these amazing vendors and organizations for your unwavering support and generosity:" 

Ace Hardware • Alamosa Home • Alamosa County Sheriff's Department • Alamosa Family Rec Center • Arby's • Big R Alamosa • Brenda Burnett • Calvillo's • Chief Liquor • City of Alamosa • City Market • Fairfield Inn • Colorado Gators • Gosar Sausage • Great Clips • Hobby Town • Johnnie's Auto • Kindsfather Knives • Kristi Mountain Sports • Monte Vista Co-op • Narrow Gauge • Reed Tire • Rubi Slipper • Rustic Rook Resort • Salix and Hare Herbals • Sandhill Solar • San Luis Valley Brewing Company • Sherwin Williams • Skiballs • Starbucks • Thai Bancock • Town & Country Dealership • Trinchera Ranch • Tumbleweed Bakery •  Valley Architects • Van's Machine Shop • Visit Alamosa. 

Denslow said the University of Colorado, which donated four club level tickets to be auctioned off, "Is a really cool experience." These are premium tickets to football games at Folsom Field which include enclosed parking, food, beverages, access to a full cash bar, and great seats which have views of the Flatirons.  

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can still donate items for the silent auction and become a Suds4SAR Sponsor. Visit www.avsar.us for details or the AVSAR Facebook page. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife sells the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Rescue Card, which helps fund volunteer search and rescue teams throughout the state. You can purchase the card and show your support for search and rescue in Colorado. Attend the SUDS 4 SAR fundraiser on Saturday in downtown Alamosa and support Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue.