$137,200 donated by United Auburn Indian Community

Elmets Communications

PLACER COUNTY, CA – The United Auburn Indian Community announced today their 2006 third quarter charitable donations totaling $137,200 to strengthen regional programs and services in Placer County and the surrounding areas. Of the total amount given, $25,000 is in challenge grants. The Community Giving Program – a philanthropic branch of tribal government established by the Tribe in March 2004– has provided over $4.4 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 PEACE for Families, Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center and Rocklin Academy.

The Tribe donated $50,000 to PEACE for Families, which provides a variety of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Placer County. Established in 1978, PEACE for Families offers intervention and support services including a 24-hour crisis line, sexual assault and domestic violence emergency response and counseling. PEACE for Families is the only shelter in Placer County for victims of domestic abuse and their children. The United Auburn Indian Community’s gift will support counseling projects for children of abuse and their mothers.

Lighthouse Resource Center provides free and direct services to students and families in the Lincoln Community. Some of the services provided include, counseling, health check-ups, well-baby clinics, parenting classes, and domestic violence counseling. The Tribe’s gift of $20,000 will go toward general operating support costs.

Rocklin Academy, a public tuition-free charter school has been developed by parents and teachers for the Rocklin area. The Academy offers a classroom based high quality educational facility and curriculum that challenges and motivates children to discover, strive for, and achieve their full personal potential. The Tribe’s gift will be used to fund a Spanish Language Docent Program for primary grades K through 3rd.

“The tribe is excited about these particular donations because the amounts have the potential to go far in helping these organizations achieve their goals.” said Jessica Tavares, chairperson of the United Auburn Indian Community. “We know that these grants will help serve the community at large in great ways.”

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.