(Arnolds Park)– A major fundraising campaign is getting underway over the Fourth of July Holiday period to raise money for the Collin Helmers Foundation.
Carla Helmers says donation canisters have been set out at numerous lakes area businesses just in time for the busy Fourth of July holiday. The drive will continue through July 9th.
Tax deductible donations can also be made through Bank Midwest in Okoboji or North Star Bank in Estherville. Carla says the money will be used to purchase a remote operated vehicle…a machine similar to what was used to search the Titanic. Carla and her husband Randy say the machine will greatly assist rescuers in looking for bodies under water. Carla adds the R-O-V will be owned by the Collin Helmers Foundation and will be available for use throughout the region.
Randy says the foundation will also provide grants to search and rescue crews to help them with their training and education; and to purchase some cams to be located at various locations on the Iowa Great Lakes.
The Helmers, who are from Estherville, lost their son Collin in a tragic boating incident last October on West Lake Okoboji. The incident also claimed the life of Mathew Molacek of Estherville who was also on the boat when it went down.
