United Auburn Indian Community Awards Nearly $290,000 In Fourth Quarter Charitable Donations

PLACER COUNTY, CA – The United Auburn Indian Community announced today its 2005 fourth quarter charitable donations totaling $289,287 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 $2.4 million to non-profit organizations supporting needs in education, health, arts and humanities, environment, community development and social services.

Beneficiaries of Community Giving Program contributions during the fourth quarter include Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation, PEACE for Families and the Magic Circle Theater in Roseville.

The Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation (SFAF) is a community based non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide broad support services to people living with HIV or AIDS and their families, and to provide education and prevention services to the general public. Since 1988, Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation has supported families touched by these diseases in Alpine, El Dorado, Nevada and Placer Counties. The Tribe's donation will help create an education and prevention team of healthcare workers who will strive to assist those at risk of contracting HIV and address issues of prevention and behavior as well as other health related risk concerns.

PEACE for Families was established in 1978 and provides a variety of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Placer County. Intervention and support services include 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.

The Magic Circle Theatre currently operates two historic theaters in Roseville and has been providing live theater for the residents of Roseville and South Placer County for 19 years. Its mission is to serve as a comprehensive, community-based performing arts center for the region. In addition, the organization provides education and training for students of all ages and produces professional quality plays. The Tribe's donation will go toward upgrading the sound system in the theatres for reinforcement and reproduction purposes.

"It gives the Tribe great pleasure to be able to give back to the community by supporting such instrumental foundations," said Jessica Tavares, chairperson of the United Auburn Indian Community and the Casino's Business Board. "Giving back is the best way forward. We are thankful for these organizations and the opportunity to support them."

Other beneficiaries of the United Auburn Indian Community's Giving Program fourth quarter donations include South Placer Heritage Foundation, Auburn Area Access, Del Oro High School, Twin Oaks Elementary School, Parker Whitney Elementary School, Sierra Elementary School, Gold County Wildlife Rescue, Gold Country Toy Run, Placer County Sheriff's Dive/Rescue Department and Lighthouse Family Resource Center. These donations are in addition to the $500,000 contribution the United Auburn Indian Community made to Habitat for Humanity last month for relief efforts in the Gulf Coast regions.

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.