by Rocklin and Roseville Today
Placer County, CA - The United Auburn Indian Community announced
today their 2006 second quarter charitable donations totaling $171,500
to strengthen regional programs and services in Placer County and the
surrounding areas. Of the total amount given, $30,000 is in challenge
grants. The Community Giving Program – a philanthropic branch of tribal
government established by the Tribe in March 2004 – has provided over
$3.2 million to nonprofit organizations supporting needs in education,
health, arts and humanities, environment, community development and
social services.
Beneficiaries of Community Giving Program contributions during the
second quarter include Assistance League of Greater Placer, Sierra
Family Services Agency and Rocklin Elementary School.
The Tribe donated $50,000 to the Assistance League of Greater
Placer, an all-volunteer agency involved with 19 philanthropic
activities ranging from providing dictionaries to school children to
creating crisis kits for rape victims. The contribution from the
Community Giving Program will underwrite the costs of Operation School
Bell, which supplies a variety of items to needy students including
clothing, shoes, jackets, personal grooming kits, school supplies and
other items children need to feel equal to their peers.
Sierra Family Services, an organization that provides substance
abuse treatment and mental health counseling to those in need in Placer
County, received a $35,000 grant from the Community Giving Program.
Dedicated to helping substance dependent individuals and families, the
organization has expanded its programs to include services for addicted
women with young children, crisis management and a comprehensive mental
health program. The organization will use its gift for core operating
support costs and chairs for their facility.
Rocklin Elementary School, established in 1952 and both a Title 1
and GATE facility, received an award of $20,000 from the Tribe. The
school works closely with parents and staff to create a safe and
orderly environment for all students. The Tribe's gifts will be used to
continue and expand the after-school academic and enrichment programs
including peer counseling, drama and science clubs and a Science Lab.
The money will also be used to fund a trip to take all sixth grade
students to Science Camp for a week.
"We are very firm about giving to organizations that will have a
significant impact on the health and well-being of our community," said
Jessica Tavares, chairperson of the United Auburn Indian Community.
"Our Tribe takes pleasure in knowing so many lives in Placer County
will be touched through these donations."
Other beneficiaries of the United Auburn Indian Community's Giving
Program second quarter donations include Foothills Habitat for
Humanity, FORE (Friends of Roseville), Antelope Creek Elementary
School, Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy and the Senior LIFE
Center.
The United Auburn Indian Community, founder of the Community Giving
Program, owns and operates the successful Thunder Valley Casino. A
federally recognized Indian tribe, the United Auburn Indian Community
is a sovereign government, making the establishment of its
philanthropic fund even more unique. The Tribe receives no tax
advantage for making a charitable contribution to any group.
The Community Giving Program will not be used for loans, deficits or
retroactive funding, advertising or promotional sponsorships,
religious-based activities, individuals, or political candidates,
parties or legislative causes. For more information on the United
Auburn Indian Community's Giving Program, contact Kris Martin at (916)
251-1512.
