Tribe donates $265,000 to Placer programs

By: Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
1:56 PM PDT

The United Auburn Indian Community, which owns the popular Thunder Valley Casino, has set aside $265,000 to strengthen regional programs and services in Placer County and surrounding areas.

Beneficiaries of the Community Giving Program's second-quarter donations include the Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation, Foothill Volunteer Center and Sheridan Elementary School.

The tribe set up the foundation in March 2004, 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 move mirrors a similar foundation founded five years ago in Yolo County by the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, who own the Cache Creek Resort Casino, which also gives $1 million per year.

In January, the two tribes combined to donate $1 million to charities for tsunami relief efforts in south Asia and east Africa.

Other beneficiaries of the United Auburn second-quarter donations are: Cooley Middle School Parent Teacher Club; Sierra Christian Academy; Spring View Middle School; Sierra Foothills Little League; Adventist Community Services; Advocacy Resources and Choices; Boys and Girls Clubs of Auburn; Community Recovery Resources; Family Service Agency of the Greater Sacramento Area -- Suicide Prevention Crisis Line; Senior LIFE Center; and the Sierra Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

As a sovereign nation, the tribe receives no tax advantage for making a charitable contribution to any group.