The Gold Rush Champions (GRC), formed in December of 1996, is the largest chapter of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) in the country. With over 300 members we cover the Sacramento valley as well as the foothills region all the way to Reno and its surrounding area. Our GRC volunteers support the mission of CCI to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by helping to provide highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support. GRC also provides our members with support in areas such as pupping sitting, puppy socialization, training, coordinating rides to/from Santa Rosa and much more. In 2008, GRC volunteers raised 56 puppies, whelped 177 puppies and graduated 19 assistance and breeder dogs. This volunteer work is in addition to our regular fundraisers that offset the costs to the national organization. GRC holds multiple fundraisers throughout the year as well as assisting with the Lions District 4-C5 annual Crab Feast. We also staff booths at various fairs and events, and do presentations for a variety of organizations. There is no cost to join the GRC and we are always looking to add more members to help in our support of CCI and our local breeder/caretakers, puppy raisers and graduate teams. Joining GRC will let you too help in the raising and support for our Angels on 4 Paws.
Chapter Board Members
Robyn Strand - Chapter President
I became a puppy raiser in July 2008 after having worked with other puppy raisers for nine years. I have supported CCI for a number of years by providing puppy sitting services and volunteering at the golf tournament. I am not the only puppy raiser in my home; both my kids Adam and Erik, as well as my husband Warren, take an active role in raising our puppy.
I wanted to be more involved with CCI so I volunteered for a board position and the GRC general membership elected me secretary in April. Along with my husband, I am also the wine and beer committee co-chair for Bone Appétit. These positions have allowed me to get to know more of our GRC members and I really enjoy this.
In addition to volunteering for CCI, I work full-time at Hewlett-Packard as a new product introduction manager. I enjoy gardening and reading. I would like to travel more, but that will have to wait until the kids are out of college.
Teresa Hart - Vice President
Vacant - Secretary
Warren Strand - Trasurer
Nancy Vise - Public Relations
I started donating to CCI, through the Combined Federal Campaign, in 1992 after meeting a graduate. In early 2005 I retired and dealt with the death of my elderly pet lab Ivory, then volunteered to be a puppy raiser.
I've raised 3 puppies, all going on to be Change of Career dogs - literally. They're all doing pet therapy now and bring moments of joy to many people.
The graduation ceremonies keep me motivated to help CCI. Speeches by graduates at the ceremonies are especially inspiring. I've also met a lot of wonderful people and have made lifetime friends through working with this group.
When I'm not attached to a leash, I like to travel with a women's travel group and love photography. However, my main joy is being with my 2 grandchildren.
Stephanie Wilson - Social Activities
Bev Pimentel - Puppy Activities
Kim Simons - Fundraising
Roger Andriesse - Outreach
Lin Nelson - Reno Satellite Representative
Wallis Brozman - Graduate Representative
Vacant - Breeder/Caretaker Representative