IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In a packed White Pine Room at the Pine Grove Country Club, the 100-Plus Women Who Care of Dickinson County gathered for their quarterly meeting, drawing three non-profits at random. The heartfelt story of the Dickinson County Dive Rescue Team captured the votes, as the mother of a volunteer diver emphasized the team’s vital role in water emergencies.
With an estimated cost of $8,000 to $10,000 to outfit each diver, the mother highlighted the dedication of the team, volunteering time and money for essential training. The revived dive team responds to missing person reports involving water, including ice rescues, in a county boasting 20 lakes with an average depth of 35 ft. She emphasized the team’s ability to handle swift water rescues, wilderness medical evacuations, and assist EMS agencies, including the ability to assist with emergencies in Florence County.
Describing past incidents that underscored the critical need for a local dive team, the mother stressed the importance of swift response, citing instances like the 2017 drowning at Badwaters and the 2019 recovery at Stromberg Lake that took eight days without a local dive team. There are currently 5 divers and 1 ground support that make up the Dickinson County Dive team. The divers train with Delta County Dive Rescue team, and this year they embarked on a 3-day training with Dive Rescue International. The Dickinson County Dive team is a part of the Sherriff’s department, and is able to respond to water emergencies via a 9-1-1 call.
The donation from the 100-Plus Women Who Care will support outfitting divers and ground crew, providing dry suits, masks, and communication gear. The mother expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity.
The Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care, having contributed over $683,205 to local non-profits in the past 11 years, continue their impactful tradition of supporting causes that make a difference. Last quarter’s recipient was the Cancer Loan Closet, showcasing the diversity of charities benefiting from this compassionate group.
In its 11th year, the group follows a simple yet powerful process, with teams contributing $25 per person for teams of four, or $100 for a single team. The quarterly meetings at Pine Grove Country Club draw significant attendance, reflecting the community’s commitment to making a positive impact. With new teams and individuals joining each quarter, the 100-Plus Women Who Care of Dickinson County are a driving force for local charitable support.
