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KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program is open now through January 7, 2019

Published by Christina on December 28, 2018, in Fundraising, General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized


Reno, NV (December 28, 2018) — As residents of the Truckee Meadows buy Christmas trees and begin decorating their holiday centerpiece, local nonprofit Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is spreading the word about what to do with the trees when it’s time to take them down. Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) will be hosting its 25th annual Christmas Tree Recycling program, now through Monday, January 7. 


“This is a really fun and festive way to volunteer after the holidays,” says Christi Cakiroglu, Executive Director. “Since this program started 25 years ago, we have diverted 150,000 trees from the landfill and turned them into mulch for weed abatement and landscaping projects in our parks. We have so many wonderful partners and supporters of this program, including the NV Energy Foundation, which has been providing a cash match for every dollar donated, nearly $100,000 over the last eight years to help cover the costs of the program!” In addition to creating mulch to be used for park beautification and projects, Christmas Tree Recycling helps prevent old trees from being left in open spaces or around homes where they pose an unsightly risk for fire danger. 


KTMB encourages residents to recycle their Christmas trees (ornament, flocking and tinsel-free) at one of their six community drop-off locations. KTMB is collaborating with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District to include additional drop-off locations in the outlying communities of Lemmon Valley, Washoe Valley and Spanish Springs. KTMB will also be posting social medial updates throughout the program with #KTMBeautiful.

Local Boy Scouts of Nevada are also offering pickup of trees to be recycled. For residents who would like to pay to have their tree picked up curbside to be taken for recycling, please visit www.nevadabsa.org for more information. 


What: KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program

When: Every day from December 26, 2018 – January 7, 2019. Drop-off sites are open 9am – 4:30pm

Where: Drop-off locations include:

1.      Bartley Ranch Regional Park: 6000 Bartley Ranch Rd, Reno

2.      Reno Sports Complex @ North Rancho San Rafael Park: 2975 N. Virginia Street, Reno

3.      Shadow Mt. Sports Complex:  3300 Sparks Blvd, Sparks

4.      Truckee Meadows Fire Station – Spanish Springs: 500 Rockwell Blvd

5.      Truckee Meadows Fire Station – Lemmon Valley: 130 Nectar Street

6.      Truckee Meadows Fire Station – Washoe Valley: 1240 East Lake Blvd

Suggested Donation: $3 suggested donation to help cover the cost of the program and for every dollar donated NV Energy will match it.
How: This program is for residents only. Commercial tree lots can take their trees to RT Donovan in Sparks. Tree must be free of stands, nails, tinsel, lights, and all other decorations. Flocked trees will not be accepted.
Volunteer: Volunteers are needed to help at the Bartley, Reno Sports Complex and Shadow Mountain locations. Sign up to volunteer at ktmb.org/volunteer or (775) 851-5185.


KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling is coordinated by Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful and is made possible by the NV Energy Foundation, Washoe County Health District, City of Reno, City of Sparks, Nevada Division of Forestry, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Washoe County, Nature’s Bakery, and Tholl Fence.

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KTMB’s 3rd Annual Raise the River, August 16, 2018

Published by Christina on June 21, 2018, in Charitable Giving, Fundraising, General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized

Post Event Update: A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS! ALMOST 500 GUESTS ENJOYED A UNIQUE AND ENGAGING GARDEN PARTY IN AN EFFORT TO RAISE FUNDING FOR KTMB EDUCATION PROGRAMMING, SHAPING THE FUTURE STEWARDS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY.

Join KTMB, Title Sponsor NV Energy and celebrity Chef Mark Estee for an evening of culinary delight in the Sensory Garden

Kent Young of Spin Games and Christina Stoever-Young and their guests enjoying a beautiful night in the garden.

KTMB invites residents and visitors of the Truckee Meadows to experience their senses for a good cause at KTMB’s 3rd annual Raise the River fundraiser. This year’s event is presented by Title Sponsor NV Energy. Guests will enjoy culinary delights by celebrity Chef, Mark Estee of Liberty Food & Wine Exchange, local craft libations, entertainment, and sensory activities at the Sensory Garden in Idlewild Park, Reno on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful has been a voice for beautification through education and active community involvement for over 25 years. With the help and support of the City of Reno Parks and Recreation, KTMB broke ground on the Sensory Garden in 2012 turning it into a permanent fixture in Reno to teach children about local ecosystems, watersheds, and pollinators through their five sense.

“This event is always a wonderful evening in the beautiful Sensory Garden,” said Christi Cakiroglu, KTMB’s Executive Director. “To see local artists, businesses, entertainers, and individuals in the Truckee Meadows community come together for this event truly embodies what Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is all about.”

Board Member Christina Stoever Young and Chef Mark Estee at Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful fundraiser August 18, 2016 at Idlewild Park Sensory Garden in Reno. Photo by Tim Dunn/Tim Dunn Photography

The event will have sensory stations that are themed for taste, touch, smell, sight sound, a sit-down family style meal, dessert and fun sensory surprises.

KTMB’s Raise the River is made possible by our amazing sponsors: NV Energy, Dolan Auto Group, Wells Fargo, Moana Nursery, Grand Sierra Resort, Nevada Mining Association and The Grove.

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Women of Achievement Luncheon, Thursday, May 24, 2018

Published by Christina on February 27, 2018, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

The Nevada Women’s Fund invites you to recognize an outstanding woman in your organization, field of work or community for her inspiring contributions at this year’s Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon on May 24, 2018. This unique event celebrates the determination, passion and dedication of women in our community and the businesses that support them. Coming from all walks of life, we will celebrate women who meaningfully contribute to their workplace, families and community.

Since 1983, Nevada Women’s Fund has made a huge impact on women’s lives, raising and awarding $7.4 million in local funding to support local education scholarships to individual women; and funding grants to local non-profits for needed family services. This annual event raises funds to support our mission of inspiring achievement in women and families with 100% of the funds raised from the luncheon staying in northern Nevada.

Photos from 2018 WOA Luncheon:

Kent Young, Jackson Stoever, Christina Stoever Young and Richard Breitwieser at NWF 2018 Women of Achievement Luncheon

Event Details:

Thursday, May 24, 2018 ~ 11:30 am to 1:30 pm ~ Grand Sierra Resort ~ Grand Ballroom

About the Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon: Local corporations recognize individual women for their community service, career and personal achievements. Last year 95 organizations supported the event with nearly 1,400 attending the luncheon. We invite you to honor a deserving woman in our community while supporting the Nevada Women’s Fund’s mission of inspiring achievement in local women and their families.

2018 WOA Event Chair, Kerri Garcia and 2018 WOA Recipient Christina Stoever-Young (life-long friends)

Salute champions in your company and the community: The luncheon is an excellent opportunity to honor women inside and outside your organization. Honor a key employee in your company or maybe think about recognizing a woman in the community. Identify teachers, caregivers, faith workers, non-profit professionals or volunteers – the choice is yours.

Keynote Speaker: Raised in Reno-Sparks, Lt. Heather “Lucky” Penney is an F-16 fighter pilot based at Andrews Air Force Base. She will share her experience of being ordered to take down United Flight #93, the 9/11 hijacked plane that was originally headed toward Washington, D.C., before it crashed in Pennsylvania.

Please contact (775) 786-2335 for more information. Thank you for your support of Nevada Women’s Fund.

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Nevada Women’s Fund’s Power of the Purse Celebrates 10th Anniversary Friday, Nov. 17 at the Downtown Reno Ballroom

Published by Christina on October 11, 2017, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

Power of the Purse, Reno’s premier shopping and socializing event benefitting the Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF), returns to the Downtown Reno Ballroom on Friday, Nov. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Proudly celebrating 10 years, the annual tradition continues to link northern Nevadans to quality local vendors as a way to encourage holiday season shopping while supporting NWF in its mission to inspire achievement for women and families.

“Power of the Purse began as a modest gathering for attendees to sip, shop and support the efforts of the Nevada Women’s Fund,” said Isabelle Rodriguez Wilson, president and CEO of NWF. “Ten years later, our generous community has truly embraced Power of the Purse as a ‘must-attend’ affair to kick off the holiday season and raise money to support the mission of the Nevada Women’s Fund.”

Nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend the annual event which will showcase more than 60 vendors representing a wide variety of artesian jewelry, hand-crafted art pieces, home décor, unique clothing & accessories, children’s items, health & beauty products and much more! In addition, the popular Designer Purse Raffle marks the highlight of the event and features unique and quality brand name purses including: Alexander McQueen, Frye, Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Vince Camuto, Cole Hahn, Dooney& Burke, Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs.

This year, the Nevada Women’s Fund awarded more than $314,000 in educational scholarships and community grants. Since it was founded in 1982, NWF has awarded more than $7.4 million in community funding.

Event tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door and include delicious holiday fare and two complimentary beverages. The Downtown Reno Ballroom is located at 401 N. Center St. in Downtown Reno. To purchase tickets, visit www.nevadawomensfund.org or call 786-2335. Images of the designer handbags and a full list of vendors will be posted to the Nevada Women’s Fund Facebook page at facebook.com/NV.Womens.Fund/

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Nevada Women’s Fund Gives Over $300,000

Published by Christina on September 24, 2017, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized

The Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) is pleased to announce that $314,390 in community grants and individual scholarships have been awarded to nine area nonprofit organizations and 71 northern Nevada women. Since its inception in 1982, the NWF has distributed more than $7.4 million in scholarships and grants to inspire achievement in women and families in northern Nevada.

A total of $130,390 was given in the form of community grant funding in three categories: NWF community grants, donor directed grants and The Giving Circle at Nevada Women’s Fund.

The NWF allocates grants in areas representing physical and mental health, aging, violence and prevention. This year, NWF allocated $52,000 to the following organizations: Safe Embrace for a community education program to engage men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls; Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation for financial assistance and support programs offered to adolescent children and families affected by cancer; Northern Nevada Literacy Council for helping adult learners achieve further goals in education; Awaken for offering services to women and girls to help them transition out of commercial sexual exploitation; The Empowerment Center for providing safe and sober housing and support services to recovering addicts and alcoholics; and Advocates for Victims of Abuse, a rural program for crisis intervention and survivor services for abuse victims based in Humboldt County.

The NWF also awarded nearly $13,000 in donor directed grants to three organizations including: The Assistance League for its Operation School Bell program, Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum, and Nevada Women’s History Project.

The Giving Circle at Nevada Women’s Fund, comprised of members who pledge a three-year commitment to award community grant funding, made the largest single grant award of $65,423 to Northern Nevada HOPES.

For the 2017-2018 academic year, 71 northern Nevada women were awarded scholarships totaling $184,000. Individual scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and assist local women pursuing degrees in a variety of fields including nursing, medicine, criminal justice, business, science and education. Local recipients represent a diverse background and a variety of ethnicities and ages, ranging from 18 to 65.

The scholarship and grant awards support NWF’S mission of inspiring achievement in women and families to reach their full potential. To learn more about the Nevada Women’s Fund, visit nevadawomensfund.org or call (775) 786-2335.

About the Nevada Women’s Fund 

Established in 1982 the Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) has been supporting women and families through the allocation of education scholarships to help northern Nevada women increase their chances for a self-sufficient future. NWF works to identify the issues that affect Nevada’s women and families and facilitate solutions by recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of women in our communities and providing them with the resources they need to become community leaders.

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Trails and Vistas Art In Nature Hikes, 2017

Published by Christina on August 21, 2017, in General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized

Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 at Galena Creek Park

Check “out” of technology and “in” to nature this Sept. 9th and 10th for Trails and Vistas. If you haven’t already, click the link below and reserve your hike time for this unique and unforgettable experience. Taking place in Reno’s backyard, Galena will provide a beautiful backdrop for the 2017 event.

Hiking with children? Sign-up for a playful family hike. Interested in quiet mindfulness? Book a meditative hike. Looking to explore at a slower speed? The leisure hike offers a generous pace for those that like to take it easy.

Trails and Vistas 2017 is featuring music, dance, poetry and ephemeral sculptures at 10 art-in-nature sites along a beautiful creek trail, near Mount Rosewilderness only 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe/Incline Village. http://www.trailsandvistas.org.

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Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful’s 2017 Raise the River

Published by Christina on June 13, 2017, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

AUGUST 21, 2017 UPDATE:

RAISE THE RIVER SOLD OUT WITH OVER 400 ATTENDEES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) invites you to ignite your senses for its 2nd Annual Raise the River fundraiser at Idlewild Park’s Sensory Garden on Thursday, August 17, 2017. Guests will enjoy culinary delights by my favorite chef, Mark Estee, as well as craft libations, entertainment and a sensational silent auction.

Board Member Christina Stoever Young and Chef Mark Estee at Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful fundraiser August 18, 2016 at Idlewild Park in Reno. Photo by Tim Dunn/Tim Dunn Photography

For over 25 years, KTMB has kept Northern Nevada beautiful through active community involvement and education. I had the privilege of serving on the board in the late 1990’s, only to return in 2016. In my opinion, there’s a misconception within our community that the organization is an extension of a city or county agency. In actual fact, KTMB has been serving our needs as a 501C3 not-for-profit since the 1980’s. Organizing community clean-up’s, recycling events (Christmas Trees galore), planting flowers in regional parks, providing education programs for our schools, coordinating “green” programming for local businesses, initiating and collaborating the ONE Truckee River initiative and more showcases KTMB’s efforts as nothing short of remarkable. The organization is a well-oiled machine with major growth on the horizon.

The Sensory Garden at Idlewild Park is a tribute to the mission-specific objective of KTMB. In 2012, with the support of The City of Reno and Reno Parks and Recreation, the garden was deemed a permanent fixture for future generations to enjoy. It now serves as a year-round resource for KTMB and regional educators to teach local children about our ecosystems, watersheds and pollinators while engaging all five of their natural senses.

Our children will now have childhood memories of riding the infamous Idlewild Park Train AND visiting the beautiful Sensory Garden.

Photo of “Smell” Sensory Tent at the Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful fundraiser August 18, 2016 at Idlewild Park in Reno. Photo by Tim Dunn/Tim Dunn Photography

Hosting the fundraiser at the Sensory Garden is a perfect fit for the organization. As stated by KTMB’s Executive Director, Christi Cakiroglu, “Raise the River exudes the true heart of our community. The individuals, businesses, artists and entertainers coming together on behalf of keeping our community beautiful is a direct correlation to our mission. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to be a part of this special evening.”

I couldn’t agree more.

I invite you to support keeping our community beautiful by joining KTMB for a memorable summer dinner in Idlewild Park’s Sensory Garden.

Individual Tickets –  $100 per person, includes access to all “sensory” tents designed to engage your senses through locally-sourced libations, entertainment and dinner by Mark Estee. * Event is designed for guests 21+ years of age.

Table Sponsorships – $1,000 and includes eight seats at your private table, an advertisement in the event program, the opportunity to display your banner the evening of the event, your name/logo at your table and access to all “sensory” tents designed to engage your senses through locally-sourced libations, entertainment and dinner by Mark Estee. *Event is designed for guests 21+ years of age.

I highly recommend purchasing a table, ensuring you and yours will enjoy the exclusivity it affords and I’d suggest doing so ASAP. Last year, Raise the River launched as KTMB’s first “large-scale” fundraiser. The initial goal was to sell 350 tickets. By August 1, we had to cap ticket sales for the evening at 460! The event was a tremendous success and one you’ll want to add to your annual calendar. Tickets are available now at ktmb.org/raisetheriver/.

This event is made possible by the tremendous support of generous community sponsors: NV Energy, Dolan Auto Group, Wells Fargo, Moana Nursery, Whole Foods Market, NOW Foods, Nevada Mining Association, Davidson’s Organics, Great Basin, KTVN Channel 2, Seven Troughs Distilling Company and Tahoe Blue Vodka. And of course, Chef Mark Estee of Liberty Food & Wine and The Union (Carson City’s newest favorite on the restaurant scene).

Spin Games is proudly supporting by sponsoring one of our favorite local photographers, Tim Dunn, to once again capture the essence of the evening for all to enjoy.

Select sponsorships are still available and silent auction items are most welcome, all in honor of a great cause. Last summer, I secured the winning bid on an evening at local Distillery Seven Troughs Distillery. What a night! (Photo below.) Please don’t hesitate to contact me for additional details if you’d like to provide KTMB additional support, cstoever@sunshinetahoe.com.

Night at Seven Troughs Distilling Company with Friends, Silent Auction Item at 2017 Raise the River

 

 

 

 

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Women of Achievement 2017

Published by Christina on May 1, 2017, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

The annual Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon is NWF’s signature event that honors women in the region for their professional, personal and community achievements. Honorees participate in a day of professional development activities and a recognition luncheon honoring them.

Nevada Women’s Fund Announces 2017 Salute to Women of Achievement Hall of Fame Honoree Norma Webster as the 2017 Nevada Women’s Fund Hall of Fame Honoree. Webster will be honored at the 2017 Salute to Women of Achievement Luncheon on May 25th at the Grand Sierra Resort.

Norma Webster

“Norma Webster’s appetite for community service is immense,” Isabelle Rodriguez-Wilson, President and CEO of the Nevada Women’s Fund said. “Her leadership has resulted in significant community programs serving thousands of residents and innovative programs that support women and girls globally. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and her support over the years and so very pleased to honor her in this way.”

Webster, who began her career by starting her own business, has since inspired organizations to develop needed and effective services not previously offered. Over the years, Webster has given freely of her time and talents to the Girl Scouts of Sierra Nevada and Sage Ridge School, among others. She has served on the boards of KNPB, the Community Foundation of Western Nevada and Soroptimist International of Truckee Meadows. Webster was also instrumental in creating the Community Foundation of Western Nevada’s first Youth Giving Circle.

“Norma recognizes that it is not just funding that will improve our society, but funding in combination with leadership and personal guidance,” nominator Chris Askin, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Nevada said. “As a direct recipient of Norma’s support and leadership, we at the Foundation have seen firsthand how Norma truly exemplifies the spirit of this Hall of Fame award and we congratulate her on this honor.”

Spin Games is proud to honor A.J. Long, 2017 Woman of Achievement

AJ Long is the Lower and Middle School Director for Sage Ridge

A.J. Long

School, a nationally recognized college preparatory school nestled in the foothills of south Reno. AJ is dedicated to nurturing each and every child in grades 4 – 8, so that each student realizes his or her fullest potential. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, AJ has a B.S. (H.D.F.S.) from Colorado State University and an M.A.T. from Sierra Nevada College. She began her career at Sage Ridge in 2000 as the 6th grade math and science teacher, then became the Middle School Algebra teacher before emerging as one of the school’s strongest leaders.

2017 Nevada Womens Fund

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Truckee River Photographers WANTED

Published by Christina on March 20, 2017, in General, Recent Projects

On behalf of Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful and the One Truckee River initiative, I invite you and yours to participate in a new photo contest featuring images of the heart of Northern Nevada – The Truckee River.

If you have yet to take that perfect shot, no need to fret, the application process is open until May 31, 2017. For more information, visit www.onetruckeeriver.org/stories.

Truckee River Photo Contest 2017

(more…)

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Nevada Women’s Fund Urges the Community to #BeBoldForChange

Published by Christina on March 7, 2017, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

The 2017 International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017, provides a powerful reminder that women can #BeBoldForChange. This philosophy is nothing new to the Nevada Women’s Fund, an organization that exemplifies that spirit daily in its work throughout northern Nevada. Since its founding in 1982, the NWF has raised more than $7.1 million from the local community to fund educational scholarships and organizational grants to improve the lives of women and their families. 

“The Nevada Women’s Fund supports the ongoing efforts of the International Women’s Day because of the alignment that takes place between both organizations,” Isabelle Rodriquez Wilson, president and CEO for the Nevada Women’s Fund, said. “Our focus on empowering women has lasting benefits for the individual’s family and our community. And while our annual scholarships and grants are providing educational advancement opportunities, the greatest reward is seeing the impact that investment has on that person. We believe there is so much more we can do to provide women equal opportunities in our community and worldwide.”

This year, the International Women’s Day asks the world to join the #BeBoldForChange effort by asking individuals or groups to help forage a better working world that is more inclusive and gender equal. The effort asks for pledges of support through the website, https://www.internationalwomensday.com/. The organization remains committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men’s contributions equally; and create inclusive flexible cultures. Through purposeful collaboration, the goal is to empower women and unleash the limitless potential offered to economies the world over.

The Nevada Women’s Fund has seen firsthand the growing need for educational support in the region’s workforce development and economic growth initiatives and is addressing the need by offering solutions through its scholarship and grant programs. The Nevada Women’s Fund’s annually awards an average of $250,000 in individual educational scholarships and community grants. In 2016-2017, 79 women were awarded $178,000 to pursue degrees in a variety of fields and $65,000 in community grants went to non-profit organizations last year.

To learn more about the Nevada Women’s Fund visit http://nevadawomensfund.org/.

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