The United Auburn Indian Community, which owns the popular Thunder
Valley Casino, has set aside just under $250,000 to strengthen regional
programs and services in Placer County.
Beneficiaries of the tribe's second-quarter donations from the
Community Giving Program include the Lighthouse Community Resource
Center, South Placer Heritage Foundation and Foothill Volunteer
Center.
The Lighthouse Community Resource Center provides counseling, health
check-ups, well-baby clinics, parenting classes and domestic violence
counseling, among other services, to students and families in
Lincoln.
The tribe's contribution to the South Placer Heritage Foundation will
help fund the rehabilitation of the Blue Goose Fruit Shed in Loomis
into a meeting hall, performing arts venue and community center.
In addition to its "Meals on Wheels" program, the Foothill Volunteer
Center manages 425 active volunteers and programs that provide
transportation, senior nutrition, handy-person repairs, friendly
visitors, home modifications and volunteer connections.
The tribe set up the foundation in March, pledging to give $1 million
annually to nonprofit groups in Placer County, immediately ranking the
tribe among the largest philanthropic donors in the area. The
foundation was set up less than a year after opening Thunder Valley
Casino, sandwiched between the fast-growing cities of Roseville,
Rocklin and Lincoln. The casino has been wildly successful, earning
more than $5 million per week.
The move mirrors a similar foundation founded four years ago in Yolo
County by the owners of Cache Creek Resort Casino, which also gives $1
million per year.
As a sovereign nation, the tribe receives no tax advantage for making a
charitable contribution to any group.
