Cape Guardians group raises more than $45,000 in year

The Guardians group has raised more than $45,000 in less than a year -- money that its executive director, R.J. McKinney, says he hopes will never be spent.

The group was set up as a not-for-profit corporation last May to raise money to aid the families of any Cape Girardeau County firefighters or policemen killed in the line of duty.

Patterned after the St. Louis-based Backstoppers program, the Guardians would immediately provide $3,000 to the surviving spouse or family of any firefighter or policeman and soon after pay off the family's debts including home mortgage.

"We will assume all the debts that family owes," McKinney said Monday. In addition, the Guardians will provide annual stipends of $2,000 for each school-age child through high school.

"It's something we hope we never have need for," he said.

The group has 106 paid charter members, some of whom have paid their entire three-year $1,000 membership fee up front.

Membership drive

McKinney said the group is getting ready to start a membership drive.

The annual membership fee is $150 for individuals, $250 for families and up to $450 for a corporate or group membership that covers three people.

The group will continue to raise money. There's no set monetary goal, he said.

McKinney said he hopes service clubs will sign up as members in the coming months.

A 13-member board, made up of charter members, administers the Guardians. McKinney, who is a member of the board, said he and the others volunteer their time.

"You wouldn't believe how appreciative fire and police officers have been," he said.