United Auburn Indian Community Awards $231,410 In First Quarter Charitable Contributions – Tribe Donates $500,000 In Tsunami Relief Aid

PLACER COUNTY, CA – The United Auburn Indian Community announced their 2005 first quarter charitable donations totaling  $231,410 to strengthen regional programs and services in Placer County and the surrounding areas. The Community Giving  Program – a philanthropic branch of tribal government established by the Tribe in March 2004 – has provided over $1.2 million  to nonprofit organizations supporting needs in education, health, arts and humanities, environment, community development and  social services.

Beneficiaries of the Community Giving Program contributions during the first quarter include The Salvation Army of Auburn,  Riding High and American River College & Sierra College: Native American Scholarship Program.

The Salvation Army of Auburn was founded in the Sacramento Valley in 1885 and provides a wide range of social services  throughout the region. Drug and alcohol rehab centers, facilities for seniors and day care, shelters for homeless families,  transitional housing programs and hot nutritional meals are among the most prominent programs undertaken by this agency. The  Tribe's donation will be used to create a program that intervenes with families in crisis to prevent homelessness. SAFE  Housing Preventative Care Program includes intensive case management to impact the causal factors of the crisis, including  money management, short and long range housing and employment planning and strategies to attain self-sufficiency.

Riding High is an eleven year old innovative therapeutic equine-assisted program that targets "at risk" youth and adults.  Focusing on prevention, early intervention and effective therapeutic treatment, three licensed therapists and a horse professional collaborate to address the clinical issues of the client, including abuse, anxiety and attachment disorders,  substance abuse, anger management and more. Their motto is "Horses Make Magic With Kids."  The Tribe's donation will go toward the program's expansion. The Community Fund also founded a Native American Scholarship Program for American River College and Sierra College. The  Tribe's donation includes direct scholarship money as well as money to each school to administer the program. The concept of  the Native American Scholarship Program is to provide financial resources for Native American students enrolled at American  River and Sierra Colleges who wish to continue their educational experiences.

"Our tribe has long been committed to giving back to our neighboring communities," said Jessica Tavares, chairperson of the  United Auburn Indian Community and the Casino's Business Board. "After struggling for generations, the Tribe recognizes the  importance of helping those who help others. It is indeed a great honor to be able to give to so many worthy organizations  committed to improving the lives of those in Placer County."

Other beneficiaries of the United Auburn Indian Community's Giving Program first quarter donations include Lincoln High School, Weimar Hills School, The Gathering Inn, Inc., Seniors First Inc., Boys & Girls Club - North Tahoe, Cornerstone Christian School and St. Vincent de Paul Society of Roseville.

Following the Tsunami tragedy, the Tribe donated $500,000 to professional relief organizations helping to provide victims with food, medical care and other basic necessities. On January 28, members of the Tribal Council met with President Jimmy  Carter and presented a $250,000 check to Habitat for Humanity, International in an effort to help those in need. The  remaining $250,000 was given to Save the Children.

"We chose to give to Habitat for Humanity, International because of the commitment the organization has dedicated to rebuilding communities and families," said Julie Huff, Tribal Vice Chairwoman. "It is our deepest hope that our donation will help Habitat with the development of long-term shelter as well as providing hope to families devastated by the Tsunami."

The United Auburn Indian Community, founders of the Community Giving Program, is located in Placer County, California near  the city of Lincoln where it 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.