Via Staff Report - Rancho Arroyo Seco has pledged to donate up to 10,000 dollars for the second annual fundraiser for the City of Ione Fire Department. Organizers said this year's goal is to raise $20,000 or more. In support of this goal, Rancho Arroyo Seco will match the first $10,000 in community donations. Donations will be used to purchase new structural fire protection gear for the department. With last year's donations of $17,060, the department was able to replace 50 sets of wildland fire protection gear. The department of 45 is a well-trained volunteer force that supports the City of Ione and surrounding areas. Hosted by Rancho Arroyo Seco, the event will be held on Friday, October 24th in the Big Red Barn located on the Ranch property on Highway 104 across from the entrance to Mule Creek State Prison. Ranch partner Bill Bunce said "Rancho Arroyo Seco is very pleased to be a part of this event. Last year was such a success due to the generosity of this community." Sharon Long of Arroyo Seco said this has been a difficult year for firefighters throughout the state. On average, the Ione Fire Department responds to 65 to 90 calls a month including all types of fires to medical aids, search and rescue and many types of public assistance. All of this is done voluntarily, on a limited budget and free to the people who live in and around Ione.