The Mineral County We Care Foundation got a huge shot-in-the arm when they recently teamed up with Shyrock Motorcoach & RV Park, located in Superior. The We Care Foundation has been around the area for eight years, helping families meet their needs for things like housing, fuel, medical bills and car repairs.

They coordinate their efforts with other agencies, organizations and churches who have similar goals and objects, Jim DeBree, President of the Foundation, wrote in a recent fundraising letter. Over the years, they have given approximately $43,000 to 200 families who needed assistance.

Foundation member Mary Yarnall said they ask families to try and pay back their loan, but they also understand that it’s not always possible to do so. Funding comes from donations, grants and fundraising efforts.

Now, Shyrock RV Park has offered to donate $1,000 to the We Care Foundation every time they sell or resale one of their lots. “These are just wonderful people who want to give back to the community,” said Mary.

Shyrock is owned by Gail Baumkirchner and managed by Chris Lane. His mother, Anne Lane, is the company’s chief financial officer. While Chris lives in Seattle, Anne and Gail both reside in Arizona.

WHEN ALL the phases of the park’s development is completed, there will be 330 lots. Currently, four lots have sold out of 28 available in phase 1A. Chris said they are just beginning to advertise and plan on attending RV shows in Arizona. Their primary target customers are “snowbirds.” Retired people who live in the warmer climates in states like Arizona and New Mexico in the winter and summer in the north.

Gail, who started the Gail E. Baumkirchner Charitable Foundation, said that giving back to the local community is important to their business model. “We don’t want people to get the impression that we are just coming into their community, making money and then leave. We want to be a part of the community and give back in any way we can.” Gail said.

Chris said they use local contractors and businesses for all phases of the work done at the park, “and it’s just going to continue to grow. We plan on putting in a community center, pool, dog park and fitness center.”

People who buy the RV lots like the small-town feel of Superior, as well as the recreational opportunities the area provides. Currently, they are only open during the summer, but soon hope to get permission from county commissioners to be open year around.

“We actually first heard about the We Care Foundation when I happened to pick up a flyer at the Mineral County Fair two years ago,” said Anne. “I was intrigued with their manner of extending a helping hand that is a ‘hand-up’ and not a ‘hand-out.’ I showed the information to Gail and she said that was exactly the type of charitable organization she had in mind to help with the formation of her foundation. We then met with Mary and Dennis Yarnall and were so impressed with the wonderful people that they are that we made the commitment to be an ongoing sponsor.”

Other organizations are welcome to apply for grants from the Baumkirchner Foundation, as well. People who need help from the We Care Foundation can pick up an application from the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office at the dispatch window.