POCATELLO — Drs. Fahim and Naeem Rahim, who operate the Idaho Kidney Center based in Pocatello, started the JRM Foundation for Humanity two years ago as a vehicle to get their friends and family involved in philanthropic endeavors.

    “When we realized there was such a huge need, we turned it into a public foundation so anyone who wanted to participate could work with us,” Fahim said.

    On the heels of their being awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in the summer of 2011, the brothers also founded the Idaho Hometown Heroes Medal, an award created to recognize Idahoans who have spent their lives making a difference in their community.

    When the Charlotte fire struck in June of last year, claiming some 66 homes, it didn’t take the brothers long to steer the foundation’s focus toward helping those affected by the fire.

    Through those two entities, the JRM Foundation for Humanity and the Idaho Hometown Heroes Medal, more than $30,000 has been doled out to causes in support of helping those affected by the Charlotte fire.

    It started last summer when the organizations partnered with Barrie’s Ski and Sports to host the “Spirit of Pocatello,” event, during which each child that lost their home in the fire received a new bicycle.

    But that was just the start. That was followed by a $20,000 donation to Bannock County to help fund the hydroseeding project, the effort to reseed the burned acreage. It was announced then that another $10,000 would help future needs.

    That future need will be taken care of this weekend when the JRM Foundation and Idaho Hometown Heroes hosts the “Tree of Life,” event at the Pocatello Valley Fire District, located at 8877 W. Cinnamon Ridge.

    That event will get underway at 11 a.m. and has a two-fold purpose, Fahim said.

    “The foundation will be donating a check for $5,000 (to the Pocatello Valley Fire District), and we encourage the community to come out,” Fahim said. “This is an all-volunteer firefighting force of people who have been volunteering there for at least 20 years, some almost 30 years.”

    The dual purpose in hosting Saturday’s event there is to recognize the operation that was first on the scene to fight the Charlotte fire, and to present them with the check.

    “They have a strong need for new equipment and fire protection clothing,” Fahim said.

    The second part of Saturday’s event is a tree giveaway. Fahim said they will be giving a new tree to each of the families affected by the Charlotte fire, something they can take with them and plant that day.

    “The whole theme is the tree grows out of the ashes that are left from the Charlotte fire, showing people perseverance,” he said. “We would really like to see the community come out and support this event.”

    Fahim said they have already attempted to reach out to those affected by the Charlotte fire to make them aware of the free tree that is available.

    Some of the other philanthropic actions the JRM Foundation for Humanity has taken during its relatively short history, includes a $5,000 donation to the Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack Program, which ensures hungry children have food to take home to help feed them over the weekend.

    The program needs about $230 to feed just one child each weekend for an entire school year. That means JRM Foundation’s donation helped to feed 22 children during the past school year.

    The group has also donated $2,000 to Women’s World Health Initiative, $1,500 to Crescendos Alliance, $2,500 for an education program called Fencing in the Schools, $1,500 to Bright Tomorrows Child Advocacy Center and $500 to Family Services Alliance.

    The donations to those different organizations are in line with the JRM Foundation for Humanity’s primary purpose, which Fahim said is women and children’s health and education.

    As summer approaches, so does the busy season for the Idaho Hometown Heroes Medal. The presentation ceremony and banquet is hosted on Aug. 30 this year, but before that can happen, there is still the matter of choosing those 10 recipients.

    The Idaho Hometown Heroes Medal is awarded to 10 individuals each year as chosen by a committee comprised of 15 individuals, Fahim said. Their choices come from the public at large.

    “We are urging the public to go to our website and nominate those who they think have done good work in our community,” Fahim said.

    To nominate someone for the Idaho Hometown Heroes Medal, go to the website, www.idahohometownhero.org, and click on the link.

    Recipients in 2012 include locals such as Don Aslett, Cpl. Phillip Baldwin, and Dr. Jonathan Cree. Nominations are open to anyone living in the Gem State. This year’s recipients will be announced on July 15.