Fund-raiser for flood victims draws governor, legislators

ST. GEORGE — Utah's governor and state legislators are forking over big bucks tonight to attend a special fund-raiser to benefit Washington County flood victims.

"We've felt since January, when the floods occurred, that we needed to do something to help those people," said Kate Bradshaw, who handles public relations for the House GOP majority. "This event tonight kicks off a campaign that we hope will raise a lot of money for the flood victims."

The two-hour event, which is open to the public and can seat 250 people, begins at 6 p.m. in the northwest mezzanine of the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. Five families that lost their homes during the floods were invited and will be featured during the program portion of the evening.

At $500 a plate for individuals and $1,500 for two seats, tonight's fund-raiser already has attracted Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., 32 members of the Utah House and 14 members of the Senate, Bradshaw said.

"While the Legislature was quick to approve the $25 million loan for Washington County, it wasn't meant for the people who had a house and lost everything," she said. "We're hoping to raise a lot of money tonight that can be donated to help the victims."

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Virgin River/Santa Clara Flood Relief Fund, a nonprofit 501c3 organization developed for the sole purpose of helping the flood victims. Most donations targeted for the flood victims are being funneled through this charitable organization.

"Everything for the event was donated, from use of the Salt Palace to the food to the parking," said Bradshaw.

Those attending will be treated to highlights from the recently produced DVD that features video of the January floods.

The DVD and a 140-page book that document the event are available for a minimum $35 donation through the nonprofit's Web site, www.utahfloodrelief.com.

The fund-raiser also kicks off a wider campaign meant to keep the issue alive in the hearts of those who want to help their fellow Utahns. Beginning Feb. 28, a commercial that features a 7-year-old girl who raised $4,000 for the flood victims will begin airing on Utah TV stations, she said. The production and airtime for the commercial are also being donated.

"This young girl raised the money on her own. The governor and others will be talking with her about how she did that and how we can do that, too, neighbor to neighbor," Bradshaw said.

Fears over more flooding along the Santa Clara and Virgin rivers won't pass anytime soon, however. Both rivers were running high Tuesday and rain continued to fall, although there was no threat of immediate flooding, said Washington County Emergency Services Director Dean Cox.

"We're going to be keeping an eye on the usual spots for some time to come," he said.

A temporary bridge leading to Gunlock is holding, and plans include repairing a secondary road to provide another route in and out of the small town, Cox added.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com