PLACER COUNTY, CA – The United Auburn Indian Community announced today their 2005 second quarter charitable donations totaling $265,000 to strengthen regional programs and services in Placer County and the surrounding areas. Of the total amount given, $40,000 is in challenge grants. The Community Giving Program – a philanthropic branch of tribal government established by the Tribe in March 2004 – has provided over $1.4 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 The Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation, Foothill Volunteer Center and Sheridan Elementary School.

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital was founded in 1966 by ten local physicians. The Foundation was established when ownership of the hospital was transferred to the community in 1978. Since that time, the Foundation has raised funds to provide the hospital's chapel, three of the four family birthing rooms, the art gallery, the community courtyard and healing garden and countless pieces of clinical equipment. The Tribe's donation will be used to establish the United Auburn Indian Community's Infusion Therapy Center. Currently, no such space exists and cancer patients must get their outpatient treatments wherever an empty bed exists. The United Auburn Indian Community Infusion Therapy Center will be a state-of-the-art facility, utilizing the newest equipment and techniques for this treatment.

Foothill Volunteer Center is an agency incorporated in 1971 to provide services that improve or sustain the independence and well-being of older adults. Among the services offered County-wide are hot meal programs, transportation assistance, friendly visitor program, handyperson, home modification programs and volunteering. The organization employs 9 full-time 24 part-time paid staff and 495 volunteers. A significant portion of the Tribe's donation will go toward meals, with the rest of the money helping with operating expenses. In 2004, the United Auburn Indian Community made a $20,000 donation to the Foothill Volunteer Center.

Sheridan Elementary School provides education for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school's enrollment is less than 200 and it is located in a relatively low income, rural area on the edge of Placer County. Some of the Community Fund donation will support the Woodleaf Program, a weeklong environmental studies program for sixth graders. The donation will include teacher stipends, supplies and transportation to and from the camp. The rest of the contribution will go to the after school tutoring program, playground equipment and a lawnmower.

"Our tribe is grateful to be in a position to give back to the community," said Jessica Tavares, chairperson of the United Auburn Indian Community and the Casino's Business Board. "It wasn't too long ago that we were struggling ourselves. We haven't forgotten those times and we are happy to know that our donations are supporting organizations committed to helping those who need it the most."

Other beneficiaries of the United Auburn Indian Community's Giving Program second quarter donations include Cooley Middle School Parent Teacher Club, Sierra Christian Academy, Spring View Middle School, Sierra Foothills Little League, Adventist Community Services, Advocacy, Resources & Choices, Boys and Girls Clubs of Auburn, Community Recovery Resources, Family Service Agency of the Greater Sacramento Area - Suicide Prevention Crisis Line, Senior L.I.F.E. Center and the Sierra Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

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.