Our Legacy

The CARESTAR Foundation builds on the goals of our predecessor organization, CALSTAR (California Shock Trauma Air Rescue), which was founded by a consortium of hospitals in 1983. CALSTAR fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft helped critically ill patients reach Northern California’s emerging network of trauma centers and other tertiary hospitals within the “Golden Hour” window saving lives and reducing disability and death and achieving optimum outcomes. CALSTAR also engaged in community programs ranging from youth violence prevention and child passenger safety to prevention of teen drinking and driving.

As the air ambulance industry evolved, CALSTAR made a strategic decision to sell its aviation business to a purchaser who would continue those services, and distribute the proceeds to a new organization dedicated to continuing its original charitable and educational purposes. The resulting CARESTAR Foundation has established its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and Section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.