O_W:
You operate exactly as my dad does (no commitment of funds over the phone - send something in writing), and by extension, myself. And I, too, have never heard of WA Search and Rescue Association. I smell some bad carp here...
Almost everything that needed to be said on this topic has already been said above. I would add, however, that if you intend your donation to go to a mountain rescue unit of your choice, then you must be very specific about that direction. It would be best to contact that MR unit directly through their website or through a unit member. Otherwise, your donation may be lost in the general fund of the county SAR treasury and go towards such things as administration, 4x4 team, snowmobile team, quad team, K-9 team, dive rescue team, swiftwater team, groundpounders, etc. I mentioned this issue on page 2 of the Kevin LaFleur thread.