Lynn, everyone I have hiked with, I met through a forum! I have been to places and seen things that I would otherwise never would have had the opportunity.
I am very excited about the prospect of supporting our Whitney SAR team -- especially since I have hiked with several of them. They buy their own personal equipment, donate all of the time required for operations, and if they are injured, there is no lifetime disability to support their families. I respect that sort of dedication, and I want to do my best to support it, too.
I also buy cases of Girl Scout Cookies (one for me -- one for the troops) And I stuff the money in the boots when the Firemen go on a collection for some new piece of equipment!
