MEET
We meet every three months.
LISTEN
Every member brings the name of a non-profit they are passionate about to enter into a random drawing. At each gathering we will pick four non-profits and then the nominator will give a brief (less than 5 minute) pitch followed by a brief Q&A.
VOTE
Members vote on which cause to support.
MAKE AN IMPACT
The non-profit that receives the most votes will be awarded $10,000 in donations.
My name is Mignon Lagatta and I am a native to this area, born and raised in Carson City, I now proudly call Reno my home. I love this community! I’m raising kids here, I own a business here, my family, friends, and roots are here.
I believe very strongly in giving back and have been searching for a meaningful way to do so. At a recent conference, I met the woman who started the original Thank You Ma’am in Seattle and something clicked. I knew right away that this is what I wanted to bring to Reno. It is a way for us to contribute that can make a big impact without a big time commitment as everyone has busy lives. It also allows us to keep our contributions local, in our own community while also connecting with other amazing women.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, please join us! We can make a difference right here at home, one non-profit at
a time!
Thank you, ma’am!
How It Works
$100 x 100 Women = $10,000 to a Non-Profit
When you join Thank You Ma’am Reno, you enter your credit card information for your card to be charged $103.00 once per quarter; $100 goes directly to the non-profit selected at each meeting. The additional $3 is to cover processing fees.
The processing is all handled by the 501(c)3 non-profit The Giving Group which is the umbrella group that started Thank You Ma’am in Seattle, the original. Once a year you will receive a receipt for you taxes.
The Giving Group and Thank You Ma’am Reno will never give or sell your information to any outside parties.
When and Where?
Thank You Ma’am will hold our July 2024 meeting at The Elk’s Lodge. The address is 597 Kumle Lane, Reno.
Thank You to The Elks for donating space for us to meet!
To learn more about the Elks and all the good they do in our community, check them out here
Meetings open at 5:30 pm, begin promptly at 6 and end by 7. Meeting dates are usually the 4th Tuesday of the following months (once a quarter). Dates are subject to change.
Quarter 1:
January 23, 2024
Quarter 2:
April 23, 2024
Quarter 3:
July 23, 2024
Quarter 4:
October 22, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Present a Non-Profit
One of the great aspects of Thank You Ma’am is that we, the membership, get to nominate our favorite local non-profits.
Each quarter members have the opportunity to put their name in a “hat” to be selected to pitch their non-profit.
Up to 4 are selected, and each presenter gets up to 5 minutes to make her case for her non-profit.
There are some guidelines about which non-profits can be nominated.
- The non-profit must have 501(c)3 status.
- It must be a local non-profit directly serving Reno and the surrounding area.
- Nomination must be submitted TWO WEEKS prior to the next meeting.
Do you have a non-profit you want to nominate?
Follow these simple steps and get ready to make your pitch!
Practice your elevator speech!
You should be able to explain the mission of your non-profit in a minute or less, as if you were describing it to a stranger on an elevator ride.
Know your numbers
What are the relevant numbers potential donors need to know? For example, what is the need of the non-profit? Is it to purchase supplies, operating costs, a special project? Talk about how the money will be utilized.
What's the heart story?
Do you have a personal experience with this non-profit or a story that paints a picture about how this non-profit has helped someone in the community? Appeal to the hearts in the room.
Presentation Tips
Selling your non-profit in a brief 5 minutes takes some planning. Consider the following points to include in your presentation:
- Introduce yourself and the organization you are nominating.
- Start with an opening line designed to grab the audience’s attention. For example, “An estimated 30% of children in Reno do not get enough to eat every day.”
- Describe the mission of the organization. If applicable, also describe the program you are seeking funding for.
- Explain how the money will be used.
- Share the importance of the organization about the positive impact on the community. Conversely, what will the community miss out on without this non-profit or program?
- How does the organization measure it’s success? How can we be sure the money will be well utilized?
- Anything else you feel is important about this organization and what it provides the community.
- End with a heartfelt ask and a thank you.
Nominees and Recipients
Every quarter, non-profits are nominated to receive a donation from Thank You Ma’am Reno members. The non-profit that receives the most votes is awarded the donations. We highlight all non-profits from that quarter below!
Recipient April 2024
This donation will help us achieve our mission of promoting, supporting & easing access to (snow) sports. We’ll be able to :
provide scholarships to kids and adults in sport & community service
purchase new equipment for day camp, seasonal coaching programs & after school programs.
& support our staff who organize and coach our camps and programs.
Additional Non-profits presented:
With your donation, the Karma Box Project will be able to continue our outreach and clean-up programs. These programs allow our team to engage directly with our homeless community, directly helping those with the most need every single day.
With every donation to Reno Food Systems, you build a more resilient food system for your community and create unique opportunities for our next generation of farmers.
Katie Grace Foundation embodies a giving spirit serving the community at large and any person pursuing the betterment of their life.
Recipient January 2024
Trauma Intervention Project (TIP)
Our citizen volunteers will provide emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy in order to ease their immediate suffering and facilitate their healing and long term recovery.
Nominees
The mission of the Life Is Worth It Organization is to educate youth and their communities on total life wellness to help prevent suicide. We provide workshops, programs, and curriculum to youth aged 10 to 24 and their communities to help them understand their physical, emotional, mental, and digital wellness so they can proactively take control of their health. We aim to inspire and encourage youth that although life might not but OK right now, it will be if we take the steps to care for our bodies and minds.
Advancing conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide.
We give away over $70,000 worth of clothing every month
Quarter 4 recipient
At Girls on the Run Sierras, teaching essential life skills is the cornerstone of our research-based programs. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy.
Quarter 3 Nominees
The Bed Bug Relief Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness of the increasing and ongoing silent epidemic of bed bugs in Northern Nevada. Our goal is to provide information, advice, local resources and bed bug treatments to those individuals who cannot afford it on their own. By starting the difficult conversation, we will help combat the stigma of bed bugs, ease the financial burden, and address the emotional trauma that bed bugs can bring to individuals, their families and friends.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
Skiing is Believing Foundation
A significant part of our mission at Skiing is Believing has always been helping under-served children have access to activities and sports that are often out of economic reach for their families. The Skiing is Believing Foundation , a 501c3 non profit organization, separate from Skiing is Believing LLC, helps directly with this mission. Skiing is Believing LLC directly donates a large number of our camps and programs to these children in our community and the Skiing is Believing Foundation helps to pay for them. We believe ALL children, despite circumstances out of their control, should reap the benefits of healthy movement and sport.
Quarter 3 recipient:
Building a community of inclusion, empowerment and support for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Quarter 3 nominees
Circle of Life Hospice Foundation
Our foundation has four primary initiatives: community education, caregiving support, complimentary therapies and eventually a hospice house.
We are farmers, mentors, and advocates stewarding lands and sharing food & resources for the well-being of our earth, community, and future generations.
Urban Roots is a Reno-based nonprofit that strives to change the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click on the name of the non-profit to be connected to their site.
Quarter 2 recipient:
Reno Gleaning Project volunteers are working to reduce fruit loss. They pick excess fruit from private trees and distribute the fruit to local nonprofit organizations.
Quarter 2 nominees
Good Shephard’s Clothes Closet
We give away over $70,000 worth of clothing every month at Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, and we plan to continue that mission for years and years to come.
The Bed Bug Relief Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness of the increasing and ongoing silent epidemic of bed bugs in Northern Nevada.
Our mission in the wake of an unbearable tragedy is to bring awareness and educate both parents and bounce house operators on safety practices that need to be in place to help reduce bounce house injuries and deaths.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click on the name of the non-profit to be connected to their site.
“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and care partners in northern Nevada.”
Non-profit Nominees
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northern Nevada
“Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”
“Katie Grace Foundation embodies a giving spirit serving the community at large and any person pursuing the betterment of their life.”
Communities in Schools of Nevada
“Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”
For more information about any of these amazing organizations, click on their name to be connected to their site
Recipient October 2022
Strengthening the sober community and health of recovering addicts and alcoholics through fitness, coaching, community and mentorship.
Non-Profit Nominees
“Advancing conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide.”
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet
Provides clothing free of charge to our areas undersourced neighbors.
Changing the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
For more information about any of these amazing organizations, click on their name to be connected to their site
Recipient July 2022
“Our mission is to empower people of all abilities through equine assisted services”
Non-Profit Nominees
“Advancing conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide.”
Note-Able Music Therapy Services
“The mission of Note-Able Music Therapy Services is to create lasting change in the lives of people of all abilities through music. Our vision is to create a community where every person can access, experience, and connect through music.”
Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation
“It is our mission to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance and compassionate support programs, all while advocating for increased research funds and raising public awareness.”
For more information about any of these amazing organizations, click on their name to be connected to their site
This quarter’s recipient:
Our Mission is to empower the lives of people affected by cancer through connection, education, hope, and healing from diagnosis through survivorship.
Non-profit nominees:
Our Mission is to Empower People of all Abilities through Equine-Assisted Services
Urban Roots is a Reno based non-profit that strives to change the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
Notables Music Therapy Services
The mission of Note-Able Music Therapy Services is to create lasting change in the lives of people of all abilities through music.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click their name above.
This quarter’s recipient:
Washoe CASA Foundation supports the Washoe County CASA Program through fundraising, advocacy, outreach, and community awareness.
Non-profit nominees:
Our Mission is to empower the lives of people affected by cancer through connection, education, hope, and healing from diagnosis through survivorship.
Our mission is to build a community that develops a math, logic, and problem-solving foundation in children that inspires joy and confidence to discover their potential.
We are fully dedicated to collecting and donating new toys to children affected by natural disasters, fires, floods or economic conditions.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click their name above.
This quarter’s recipient:
Spread the Word Nevada is a children’s literacy nonprofit, dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the hands and homes of children within Nevada’s at-risk, low income communities. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and self-confidence, which impacts lifelong success.
Non-profit nominees:
Their mission is “to Empower People of all Abilities through Equine-Assisted Services.” They serve, through equine therapy, those with special needs-cognitive, physical and emotional. They have also opened services to Vets…currently they have 4. They would use the money to offer Rider scholarships and help with horse care.
Soroptimist International of Washoe County was founded in 2005 by a group of dedicated and dynamic local women. Our club works to provide volunteer services and assistance to woman and girls in the Northern Nevada community of Washoe County, including Reno and Sparks.
They provide local fruits to those in need in our community (such as non profits like Eddy House, Bristle Cone, Casa De Vida and St Vincents…to name a few). They do this by picking fresh fruit from home owners that have too much fruit to use on their fruit trees. This is also a service to the elderly home owner that cannot continue to take care of their fruit trees. It is a large step towards reducing food waste. They pick fruit from July through November. They donated over 14,000 lbs of fruit last year.
This quarter’s recipient:
The New Black Wall Street – This nonprofit organization was formed to meet the needs of black and other underserved minorities in the Reno Sparks area.
Non-profit nominees:
Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada – We envision safe homes and communities for everyone. To make this a reality, we are repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives.
Mindful Health Initiative – Improving the physical and mental well-being of youth in at-risk populations through mindfulness and adventure based activities within the community.
Quest Counseling – To provide substance use disorder and mental health services that exceed your expectations. We are committed to providing quality client care in an environment that promotes self-discovery and change.
This quarter’s recipient:
Forever 14- They are a group of dedicated community members supporting teen connection, suicide prevention and charitable outreach initiatives that promote real connection….through self love and resiliency.
Non-profit nominees:
Farmily: Their mission is to teach children social and emotional responsibility through organic farming.
Ashley’s Toy Closet: “Helping the littlest victims in a big way” collecting new toys and donating to kids affected by fire
Karma Box Project: Boxes are placed throughout Northern Nevada where anyone can donate items. It’s a community initiative that allows people to give non-perishable food, hygiene products, toiletries, and other useful items to those in need.
This quarter’s recipient:
Downs Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) – is a network of family, friends and individuals dedicated to provide information, education, and support as they raise awareness of Down syndrome in Northern Nevada.
Non-profit nominees:
Immunize Nevada They work on educating, disseminating vaccine information and actively offering vaccination clinics in the community.
Options Veterinarian Clinic is a nonprofit clinic serving Northern Nevada that provides quality, affordable, and accessible spay/neuter services and veterinary care options for pets and community cats in order to keep pets and families together and support a humane community.
Farmily Garden Club empowers children to learn and practice social-emotional skills as they plant, tend to, harvest, and prepare a wide variety of nutrient-rich fruits and veggies.
This quarter’s recipient:
Project 150 Reno – We are a charity focused on providing basic needs to homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students allowing them to focus on education and graduate from high school.
Non-profit nominees:
Safe Embrace We are committed to ending the cycle of domestic and sexual violence with innovative prevention and intervention services.
Awaken Awaken is a local faith-based non-profit organization whose mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding the issue of commercial sexual exploitation and to provide housing and restoration for its victims.
Dress for Success Empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
This quarter’s recipient:
Northern NV Children’s Cancer Foundation – It is our mission to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance and compassionate support programs, all while advocating for increased research funds and raising public awareness.
Non-profit nominees:
Reno Little Theater – The mission of Reno Little Theater is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire, entertain,
and strengthen our community through artistic engagement and collaboration.
Northern NV Sports and Recreation We strive to provide the best sports, recreation, and childcare programs in Northern Nevada.
Community Foundation of Western NV – Care. Connect. Engage.
Three simple words, three profound actions. These actions define what the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada does—and how we do it. From creating custom charitable giving solutions to bringing people together to solve vexing community challenges, we connect people who care with causes that matter to enhance the lives of all us.
Northern Nevada RAVE Family Foundation: RAVE stands for Respite and Volunteer Experiences. The mission of RAVE is to improve the well-being of Nevada families by providing respite to families caring for young and adult children and with special needs. RAVE accomplishes this by training youth volunteers to care for these exceptional children. RAVE currently has three respite programs available in order to accomplish this mission (1) RAVE Family Center, (2) Jr. RAVE and (3) Teen RAVE.
St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry
: Did you know that “1 in 6 Americans struggle to feed themselves and their families each day”? Additionally, up to 30% of children living in the Reno/Sparks area do not know when they will receive their next meal. Many families requiring assistance don’t have access to fresh and healthy foods, making it nearly impossible to meet nutritional needs.” For the St. Francis Food Pantry, “it’s all about getting real food to real families.” In addition to non-perishable food items, St. Francis also provides meats and fresh fruits and vegetables striving to help meet the nutritional needs of those they serve.
Urban Lotus Project
: Urban Lotus Project offers “trauma-informed yoga and meditation classes at organizations in Reno already serving at-risk and under served youth and young adults.” Youth who receive these services report a significant positive impact on their functioning and well being.
Hart Foundation
raises money to help provide free caregiving services to seniors and veterans who could not otherwise afford these services they need so desperately. Their mission is: “Enriching lives by providing essential in-home caregiving services for qualifying senior citizens and veterans at no cost, and offering senior focused programs to enhance the communities in which we serve.”
Also presenting in January of 2020:
Girls on the Run Sierras
: Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.
Hope Springs
consists of 30 individual sleeping units, all surrounding a central facility with restrooms, showers, laundry, kitchen, and community space. This project will empower Reno’s unsheltered community by providing support services like intensive case management, assistance in building paths to permanent housing, coordination of medical care and behavioral health, ID assistance, workforce development as well as other services to help our community members thrive in the long term.
Lexie’s Gift
began as a tribute to Lexie Valverde, Lexie’s Gift provides much needed items to kids throughout our community. In addition, they host an annual Prom Boutique providing prom attire and accessories to local area high school students who otherwise could not afford them.
This quarter’s recipient:
Communities in Schools – Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Nominees:
Northern Nevada Math Club “Focused on creating a community where math is cool!”
Lexie’s Prom Boutique – part of Lexie’s Gift providing prom attire to students in Reno and Sparks.
The Hart Foundation – Provides in home caregiving services to seniors and veterans allowing them to remain in their homes.
July 2019 – For the first time ever, we have a tie! Two recipients will share our collected $6,100!!
Reno Gleaning Project: Pamela Mayne presented this non-profit that takes excess fruit from growers and distributes it to organizations that provide food to people in our community. Their goal is to provide folks with fresh fruit while reducing food waste.
Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra: Liz McFarland presented this nonprofit which empowers women to rise out of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their children.
Additional nominees this quarter…
Evan’s Warm Feet Project: Richard and Debra Menchel presented their non-profit created in the memory of their son Evan. Evan’s Warm Feet Project provides socks to people who are homeless citing the fact that socks are the most requested item in shelters.
Northern Nevada Math Club: Sherry Griffin presented this non-profit that strives to create a community where math is cool through camps, events, and competitions.
The recipient for April 2019:
Eddy House: Supports homeless youth from age 12-24 and was established in 2011. Serves about 250 clients weekly and hosts around 10,000 annual visits to their facility. Their goal is to expand services and have a 50-bed overnight facility. They have a staff of 15 and provide “hope and help”.
As always, we had several great non-profits nominated:
Sherri Eldon Memorial Fund: They help support nursing shortage by offering nurses in Washoe County area scholarships for continued education. They award $2,500 yearly.
Project Help Nevada: Established in 2015. Started with referrals from the youth criminal justice system. They started as a referral source for different services in the community. They now provide resources to work on job and life skill-building. They also have found safe housing and help with ID cards. They offer 30-hour workshops and perform mini-assessments. They offer incentives to keep youth engaged in their workshops and training. They offer help to those 15 years of age and older…but really they say. ’’Anybody who walks through our door gets services’’.
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Northern Nevada Outreach Volunteer Program: One service they offer, besides community education and support, is having a volunteer family (where a child in the family has been diagnosed with diabetes) meet up with a family and child with a new diagnosis of diabetes. They offer them support, guidance, and resources to help them navigate this new diagnosis. This organization also funds research to work towards a cure and prevention of juvenile diabetes.
The recipient of our January 2019 contribution:
Urban Lotus Project: Their mission is “to serve and empower at-risk and underserved youth and young adults through trauma-informed yoga and meditation practices.”
Non-profits also nominated:
Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra (WACCS): They provide services “to support women as they work to move out of poverty and improve their lives.”
Katie Grace Foundation: “The Katie Grace Foundation will embrace the unconditional love for others that Katie taught us. We will use the Foundation to continue acts of kindness and charity in our community.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Virginia City Auxiliary: This branch of the VFW provides for our local Veterans in need. They can be reached at (775) 835-9134
The recipient for October 2018 is Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP), a unique, community-based youth service provider founded in 2007 that develops, implements and evaluates programming targeting homeless, aged-out, unprepared, parentless youth (ages 18-24), designed to produce the outcomes desired for older youth and emerging adults; high school graduation, employment, college education, independent housing, good citizenry, and avoidance of welfare.
Non-profits also nominated
Women and Children’s Center of the Sierras (WACCS) provides services to support women as they work to move out of poverty and improve their lives.
Katie Grace Foundation embraces the unconditional love for others that Katie taught us. We will use the Foundation to continue acts of kindness and charity in our community.
JDRF Nevada is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.
The July 2018 recipient was Lexie’s Gift.
Lexie was a shining light whose life was cut tragically short in a car accident in August 2016. Lexie’s Gift was established as an outlet for Lexie’s parents, family, and friends to celebrate her short life by continuing her legacy of helping those who need it the most.
The celebration of Lexie’s upcoming 30th birthday was the spark that started the forest fire. As the donations came in and the requests for necessities were received, it became apparent the there was a great need for assistance throughout our community. Lexie’s Gift has become the much-needed link between organizations and the community, continually connecting people to the help they need.
The additional nominees were:
For Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial aid and assistance to children in Northern Nevada with specific unmet needs such as medical, dental, mental health, or educational services for which other resources are insufficient or nonexistent. h
Purpose Driven Youth Development (PDYD) is a new 501(c) which will serve youth ages 11-18 as a preventative mentoring program. This very exciting new non-profit is in the program development stage.
The recipient of our April 2018 collective donation is Child Assault Prevention Project (CAP). CAP delivers presentations 2nd, 4th and 6th graders teaching them how to stay safe and who to turn to for help should they find themselves in a dangerous situation. They’re helping our community’s youth stay “Safe, Strong and Free!”
Also nominated in April:
Runway for Life which benefits Mom’s on the Run:
Lexie’s Gift a non-profit that helps the homeless, at-risk teens, various individuals and small local charities that may be struggling to get donations:
In addition to our nominated non-profits, this quarter we had three 8th graders from Depaoli Middle school selling appetizers and desserts to raise money for The Eddy House!
In January 2018, Project 150 was nominated for the 2nd time and won. Project 150 helps homeless, disadvantaged youth stay in high school and graduate.
January’s other nominees were:
Child Assault Prevention Program – Working to keep Nevada’s children safe, strong and free
Strengthen the Pack – Working to strengthen UNR’s athletic department.
Eddy House – Promoting self-sufficiency and empowerment to homeless, runaway, foster and at-risk youth ages 12-24.
The very first Reno non-profit to win our collective donation was Awaken – Communities united to end sex trafficking.
The other nominees were:
Evelyn Mount Food Bank, providing food to those in need in our community.
Project 150, helping homeless, disadvantaged youth stay in high school and graduate.
Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP), supporting our youth in need with 100% community-based funding
Recipient January 2024
Trauma Intervention Project (TIP)
Our citizen volunteers will provide emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy in order to ease their immediate suffering and facilitate their healing and long term recovery.
Nominees
The mission of the Life Is Worth It Organization is to educate youth and their communities on total life wellness to help prevent suicide. We provide workshops, programs, and curriculum to youth aged 10 to 24 and their communities to help them understand their physical, emotional, mental, and digital wellness so they can proactively take control of their health. We aim to inspire and encourage youth that although life might not but OK right now, it will be if we take the steps to care for our bodies and minds.
Advancing conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide.
We give away over $70,000 worth of clothing every month
Quarter 4 recipient
At Girls on the Run Sierras, teaching essential life skills is the cornerstone of our research-based programs. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy.
Quarter 3 Nominees
The Bed Bug Relief Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness of the increasing and ongoing silent epidemic of bed bugs in Northern Nevada. Our goal is to provide information, advice, local resources and bed bug treatments to those individuals who cannot afford it on their own. By starting the difficult conversation, we will help combat the stigma of bed bugs, ease the financial burden, and address the emotional trauma that bed bugs can bring to individuals, their families and friends.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
Skiing is Believing Foundation
A significant part of our mission at Skiing is Believing has always been helping under-served children have access to activities and sports that are often out of economic reach for their families. The Skiing is Believing Foundation , a 501c3 non profit organization, separate from Skiing is Believing LLC, helps directly with this mission. Skiing is Believing LLC directly donates a large number of our camps and programs to these children in our community and the Skiing is Believing Foundation helps to pay for them. We believe ALL children, despite circumstances out of their control, should reap the benefits of healthy movement and sport.
Quarter 3 recipient:
Building a community of inclusion, empowerment and support for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Quarter 3 nominees
Circle of Life Hospice Foundation
Our foundation has four primary initiatives: community education, caregiving support, complimentary therapies and eventually a hospice house.
We are farmers, mentors, and advocates stewarding lands and sharing food & resources for the well-being of our earth, community, and future generations.
Urban Roots is a Reno-based nonprofit that strives to change the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click on the name of the non-profit to be connected to their site.
Quarter 2 recipient:
Reno Gleaning Project volunteers are working to reduce fruit loss. They pick excess fruit from private trees and distribute the fruit to local nonprofit organizations.
Quarter 2 nominees
Good Shephard’s Clothes Closet
We give away over $70,000 worth of clothing every month at Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, and we plan to continue that mission for years and years to come.
The Bed Bug Relief Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness of the increasing and ongoing silent epidemic of bed bugs in Northern Nevada.
Our mission in the wake of an unbearable tragedy is to bring awareness and educate both parents and bounce house operators on safety practices that need to be in place to help reduce bounce house injuries and deaths.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click on the name of the non-profit to be connected to their site.
“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and care partners in northern Nevada.”
Non-profit Nominees
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northern Nevada
“Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”
“Katie Grace Foundation embodies a giving spirit serving the community at large and any person pursuing the betterment of their life.”
Communities in Schools of Nevada
“Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”
For more information about any of these amazing organizations, click on their name to be connected to their site
Recipient October 2022
Strengthening the sober community and health of recovering addicts and alcoholics through fitness, coaching, community and mentorship.
Non-Profit Nominees
“Advancing conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide.”
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet
Provides clothing free of charge to our areas undersourced neighbors.
Changing the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
For more information about any of these amazing organizations, click on their name to be connected to their site
Recipient July 2022
“Our mission is to empower people of all abilities through equine assisted services”
Non-Profit Nominees
“Advancing conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide.”
Note-Able Music Therapy Services
“The mission of Note-Able Music Therapy Services is to create lasting change in the lives of people of all abilities through music. Our vision is to create a community where every person can access, experience, and connect through music.”
Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation
“It is our mission to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance and compassionate support programs, all while advocating for increased research funds and raising public awareness.”
For more information about any of these amazing organizations, click on their name to be connected to their site
This quarter’s recipient:
Our Mission is to empower the lives of people affected by cancer through connection, education, hope, and healing from diagnosis through survivorship.
Non-profit nominees:
Our Mission is to Empower People of all Abilities through Equine-Assisted Services
Urban Roots is a Reno based non-profit that strives to change the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
Notables Music Therapy Services
The mission of Note-Able Music Therapy Services is to create lasting change in the lives of people of all abilities through music.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click their name above.
This quarter’s recipient:
Washoe CASA Foundation supports the Washoe County CASA Program through fundraising, advocacy, outreach, and community awareness.
Non-profit nominees:
Our Mission is to empower the lives of people affected by cancer through connection, education, hope, and healing from diagnosis through survivorship.
Our mission is to build a community that develops a math, logic, and problem-solving foundation in children that inspires joy and confidence to discover their potential.
We are fully dedicated to collecting and donating new toys to children affected by natural disasters, fires, floods or economic conditions.
For more information about any of these amazing non-profits, click their name above.
This quarter’s recipient:
Spread the Word Nevada is a children’s literacy nonprofit, dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the hands and homes of children within Nevada’s at-risk, low income communities. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and self-confidence, which impacts lifelong success.
Non-profit nominees:
Their mission is “to Empower People of all Abilities through Equine-Assisted Services.” They serve, through equine therapy, those with special needs-cognitive, physical and emotional. They have also opened services to Vets…currently they have 4. They would use the money to offer Rider scholarships and help with horse care.
Soroptimist International of Washoe County was founded in 2005 by a group of dedicated and dynamic local women. Our club works to provide volunteer services and assistance to woman and girls in the Northern Nevada community of Washoe County, including Reno and Sparks.
They provide local fruits to those in need in our community (such as non profits like Eddy House, Bristle Cone, Casa De Vida and St Vincents…to name a few). They do this by picking fresh fruit from home owners that have too much fruit to use on their fruit trees. This is also a service to the elderly home owner that cannot continue to take care of their fruit trees. It is a large step towards reducing food waste. They pick fruit from July through November. They donated over 14,000 lbs of fruit last year.
This quarter’s recipient:
The New Black Wall Street – This nonprofit organization was formed to meet the needs of black and other underserved minorities in the Reno Sparks area.
Non-profit nominees:
Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada – We envision safe homes and communities for everyone. To make this a reality, we are repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives.
Mindful Health Initiative – Improving the physical and mental well-being of youth in at-risk populations through mindfulness and adventure based activities within the community.
Quest Counseling – To provide substance use disorder and mental health services that exceed your expectations. We are committed to providing quality client care in an environment that promotes self-discovery and change.
This quarter’s recipient:
Forever 14- They are a group of dedicated community members supporting teen connection, suicide prevention and charitable outreach initiatives that promote real connection….through self love and resiliency.
Non-profit nominees:
Farmily: Their mission is to teach children social and emotional responsibility through organic farming.
Ashley’s Toy Closet: “Helping the littlest victims in a big way” collecting new toys and donating to kids affected by fire
Karma Box Project: Boxes are placed throughout Northern Nevada where anyone can donate items. It’s a community initiative that allows people to give non-perishable food, hygiene products, toiletries, and other useful items to those in need.
This quarter’s recipient:
Downs Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) – is a network of family, friends and individuals dedicated to provide information, education, and support as they raise awareness of Down syndrome in Northern Nevada.
Non-profit nominees:
Immunize Nevada They work on educating, disseminating vaccine information and actively offering vaccination clinics in the community.
Options Veterinarian Clinic is a nonprofit clinic serving Northern Nevada that provides quality, affordable, and accessible spay/neuter services and veterinary care options for pets and community cats in order to keep pets and families together and support a humane community.
Farmily Garden Club empowers children to learn and practice social-emotional skills as they plant, tend to, harvest, and prepare a wide variety of nutrient-rich fruits and veggies.
This quarter’s recipient:
Project 150 Reno – We are a charity focused on providing basic needs to homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students allowing them to focus on education and graduate from high school.
Non-profit nominees:
Safe Embrace We are committed to ending the cycle of domestic and sexual violence with innovative prevention and intervention services.
Awaken Awaken is a local faith-based non-profit organization whose mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding the issue of commercial sexual exploitation and to provide housing and restoration for its victims.
Dress for Success Empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
This quarter’s recipient:
Northern NV Children’s Cancer Foundation – It is our mission to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance and compassionate support programs, all while advocating for increased research funds and raising public awareness.
Non-profit nominees:
Reno Little Theater – The mission of Reno Little Theater is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire, entertain,
and strengthen our community through artistic engagement and collaboration.
Northern NV Sports and Recreation We strive to provide the best sports, recreation, and childcare programs in Northern Nevada.
Community Foundation of Western NV – Care. Connect. Engage.
Three simple words, three profound actions. These actions define what the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada does—and how we do it. From creating custom charitable giving solutions to bringing people together to solve vexing community challenges, we connect people who care with causes that matter to enhance the lives of all us.
Northern Nevada RAVE Family Foundation: RAVE stands for Respite and Volunteer Experiences. The mission of RAVE is to improve the well-being of Nevada families by providing respite to families caring for young and adult children and with special needs. RAVE accomplishes this by training youth volunteers to care for these exceptional children. RAVE currently has three respite programs available in order to accomplish this mission (1) RAVE Family Center, (2) Jr. RAVE and (3) Teen RAVE.
St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry: Did you know that “1 in 6 Americans struggle to feed themselves and their families each day”? Additionally, up to 30% of children living in the Reno/Sparks area do not know when they will receive their next meal. Many families requiring assistance don’t have access to fresh and healthy foods, making it nearly impossible to meet nutritional needs.” For the St. Francis Food Pantry, “it’s all about getting real food to real families.” In addition to non-perishable food items, St. Francis also provides meats and fresh fruits and vegetables striving to help meet the nutritional needs of those they serve.
Urban Lotus Project: Urban Lotus Project offers “trauma-informed yoga and meditation classes at organizations in Reno already serving at-risk and under served youth and young adults.” Youth who receive these services report a significant positive impact on their functioning and well being.
Hart Foundation raises money to help provide free caregiving services to seniors and veterans who could not otherwise afford these services they need so desperately. Their mission is: “Enriching lives by providing essential in-home caregiving services for qualifying senior citizens and veterans at no cost, and offering senior focused programs to enhance the communities in which we serve.”
Also presenting in January of 2020:
Girls on the Run Sierras: Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.
Hope Springs consists of 30 individual sleeping units, all surrounding a central facility with restrooms, showers, laundry, kitchen, and community space. This project will empower Reno’s unsheltered community by providing support services like intensive case management, assistance in building paths to permanent housing, coordination of medical care and behavioral health, ID assistance, workforce development as well as other services to help our community members thrive in the long term.
Lexie’s Gift began as a tribute to Lexie Valverde, Lexie’s Gift provides much needed items to kids throughout our community. In addition, they host an annual Prom Boutique providing prom attire and accessories to local area high school students who otherwise could not afford them.
This quarter’s recipient:
Communities in Schools – Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Nominees:
Northern Nevada Math Club “Focused on creating a community where math is cool!”
Lexie’s Prom Boutique – part of Lexie’s Gift providing prom attire to students in Reno and Sparks.
The Hart Foundation – Provides in home caregiving services to seniors and veterans allowing them to remain in their homes.
July 2019 – For the first time ever, we have a tie! Two recipients will share our collected $6,100!!
Reno Gleaning Project: Pamela Mayne presented this non-profit that takes excess fruit from growers and distributes it to organizations that provide food to people in our community. Their goal is to provide folks with fresh fruit while reducing food waste.
Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra: Liz McFarland presented this nonprofit which empowers women to rise out of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their children.
Additional nominees this quarter…
Evan’s Warm Feet Project: Richard and Debra Menchel presented their non-profit created in the memory of their son Evan. Evan’s Warm Feet Project provides socks to people who are homeless citing the fact that socks are the most requested item in shelters.
Northern Nevada Math Club: Sherry Griffin presented this non-profit that strives to create a community where math is cool through camps, events, and competitions.
The recipient for April 2019:
Eddy House: Supports homeless youth from age 12-24 and was established in 2011. Serves about 250 clients weekly and hosts around 10,000 annual visits to their facility. Their goal is to expand services and have a 50-bed overnight facility. They have a staff of 15 and provide “hope and help”.
As always, we had several great non-profits nominated:
Sherri Eldon Memorial Fund: They help support nursing shortage by offering nurses in Washoe County area scholarships for continued education. They award $2,500 yearly.
Project Help Nevada: Established in 2015. Started with referrals from the youth criminal justice system. They started as a referral source for different services in the community. They now provide resources to work on job and life skill-building. They also have found safe housing and help with ID cards. They offer 30-hour workshops and perform mini-assessments. They offer incentives to keep youth engaged in their workshops and training. They offer help to those 15 years of age and older…but really they say. ’’Anybody who walks through our door gets services’’.
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Northern Nevada Outreach Volunteer Program: One service they offer, besides community education and support, is having a volunteer family (where a child in the family has been diagnosed with diabetes) meet up with a family and child with a new diagnosis of diabetes. They offer them support, guidance, and resources to help them navigate this new diagnosis. This organization also funds research to work towards a cure and prevention of juvenile diabetes.
The recipient of our January 2019 contribution:
Urban Lotus Project: Their mission is “to serve and empower at-risk and underserved youth and young adults through trauma-informed yoga and meditation practices.”
Non-profits also nominated:
Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra (WACCS): They provide services “to support women as they work to move out of poverty and improve their lives.”
Katie Grace Foundation: “The Katie Grace Foundation will embrace the unconditional love for others that Katie taught us. We will use the Foundation to continue acts of kindness and charity in our community.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Virginia City Auxiliary: This branch of the VFW provides for our local Veterans in need. They can be reached at (775) 835-9134
The recipient for October 2018 is Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP), a unique, community-based youth service provider founded in 2007 that develops, implements and evaluates programming targeting homeless, aged-out, unprepared, parentless youth (ages 18-24), designed to produce the outcomes desired for older youth and emerging adults; high school graduation, employment, college education, independent housing, good citizenry, and avoidance of welfare.
Non-profits also nominated
Women and Children’s Center of the Sierras (WACCS) provides services to support women as they work to move out of poverty and improve their lives.
Katie Grace Foundation embraces the unconditional love for others that Katie taught us. We will use the Foundation to continue acts of kindness and charity in our community.
JDRF Nevada is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.
The July 2018 recipient was Lexie’s Gift.
Lexie was a shining light whose life was cut tragically short in a car accident in August 2016. Lexie’s Gift was established as an outlet for Lexie’s parents, family, and friends to celebrate her short life by continuing her legacy of helping those who need it the most.
The celebration of Lexie’s upcoming 30th birthday was the spark that started the forest fire. As the donations came in and the requests for necessities were received, it became apparent the there was a great need for assistance throughout our community. Lexie’s Gift has become the much-needed link between organizations and the community, continually connecting people to the help they need.
The additional nominees were:
For Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial aid and assistance to children in Northern Nevada with specific unmet needs such as medical, dental, mental health, or educational services for which other resources are insufficient or nonexistent. h
Purpose Driven Youth Development (PDYD) is a new 501(c) which will serve youth ages 11-18 as a preventative mentoring program. This very exciting new non-profit is in the program development stage.
The recipient of our April 2018 collective donation is Child Assault Prevention Project (CAP). CAP delivers presentations 2nd, 4th and 6th graders teaching them how to stay safe and who to turn to for help should they find themselves in a dangerous situation. They’re helping our community’s youth stay “Safe, Strong and Free!”
Also nominated in April:
Runway for Life which benefits Mom’s on the Run:
Lexie’s Gift a non-profit that helps the homeless, at-risk teens, various individuals and small local charities that may be struggling to get donations:
In addition to our nominated non-profits, this quarter we had three 8th graders from Depaoli Middle school selling appetizers and desserts to raise money for The Eddy House!
In January 2018, Project 150 was nominated for the 2nd time and won. Project 150 helps homeless, disadvantaged youth stay in high school and graduate.
January’s other nominees were:
Child Assault Prevention Program – Working to keep Nevada’s children safe, strong and free
Strengthen the Pack – Working to strengthen UNR’s athletic department.
Eddy House – Promoting self-sufficiency and empowerment to homeless, runaway, foster and at-risk youth ages 12-24.
The very first Reno non-profit to win our collective donation was Awaken – Communities united to end sex trafficking.
The other nominees were:
Evelyn Mount Food Bank, providing food to those in need in our community.
Project 150, helping homeless, disadvantaged youth stay in high school and graduate.
Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP), supporting our youth in need with 100% community-based funding
