A wine tasting Saturday will benefit Carson City Search and Rescue - a non-profit organization mandated by state law but funded only through private donations and volunteers.
The Carson City Search and Rescue 2010 Wine Tasting & Auction is the group's largest fundraiser of the year. Money goes toward defraying training, equipment and supply costs.
Cmdr. George McNeil said his unit has 17 volunteers ready to respond to rescue situations. They also assist law enforcement in emergencies and events, provide care to injured persons and respond to requests from the Sheriff's Office as well as calls for help from neighboring counties.
In the last 30 days, said McNeil, the team was called out 14 times, and participated in eight searches of six hours or more.
McNeil said the commitment to volunteer has its drawbacks, "like you do get woken up at all times of the night," but it also has its rewards.
"It's a life-saving vocation that allows you to go out and help people that are stranded out in the wilderness," he said. "It makes you feel good to give back to the community."
The event begins at 5 p.m. at Carson City Harley-Davidson, 2900 Research Way. Cost is a $20 donation. There also will be a raffle, silent and live auctions, wine, microbrew, appetizers and live music. You must be older than 21 to attend.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.carsonsar.com. McNeil said the unit is always looking for volunteers. Appli-cations to become a search and rescue member also can be found on the Web site.