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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

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

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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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SIGN-UP NOW: Christmas Tree Recycling 2016 / 2017

Published by Christina on December 16, 2016, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

After the holiday rush, be a part of giving back to our community and environment by volunteering for one of Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful’s largest programs, Christmas Tree Recycling.

Ask a few friends, family and/or colleagues to join you for a few hours of truly unique camaraderie that can only be acquired by schlepping trees in chilly temperatures for the beautification of our community.

 HOLIDAYS FROM KTMB!
Volunteering for KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling is a fun and festive way to give back to your community this holiday season.
Each year KTMB recruits over 500 volunteers for this important community program that keeps thousands of trees out of the landfill. We still need many more volunteers. Sign up today.
Volunteers are needed to help unload and stack trees, and collect donations at our three main sites: Rancho San Rafael Park, Bartley Ranch Park and Shadow Mt. Sports Complex in Sparks.
The program runs every day from Dec 26 – Jan 16.  Drop off sites are open from 9am-4:30pm. There are two volunteer shifts per day – 9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm.
You can sign up by visiting ktmb.org/volunteer or calling (775) 851-5185.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling is sponsored by

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Power of the Purse 2016

Published by Christina on October 31, 2016, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized

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The Nevada Women’s Fund annual Power of the Purse event is Reno’s premiere holiday shopping experience. This is a GREAT event to get a head start on holiday shopping while donating to a locally focused organization.

This year the Nevada Women’s Fund brings together local boutiques, artisans and vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts, hand-made artisan jewelry, fashion items, specialty foods, beauty products, home décor and much more. “We are thrilled to showcase 88 vendors, 20 of them new to the event, with a variety of products at the 9 th annual Power of the Purse event. Combined with our incredible purse raffle, this event is the ultimate girl’s night out where connecting local vendors with unique gifts and local shoppers is a win-win for our community and the Nevada Women’s Fund mission,” said Tiffany East, board member and Chair of the 2016 Power of the Purse event. “We are looking forward to another fun evening with friends and supporters.”

Living up to its namesake, a raffle of 30 unique and quality brand name purses including, Coach, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Dooney and Bourke, Brahmin, Calvin Klein, Tory Burch and more, marks the highlight of the event.

Power of the Purse is the ultimate girl’s night out while also being a family-friendly excursion with the twopronged goal of supporting local businesses and benefiting the NWF’s mission. Last year, over 1,000 people attended with expectations for it to surpass that this year. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Nevada Women’s Fund’s mission of inspiring achievement in local women and families. Shop, wine and dine all while supporting local vendors, local women and families and a local foundation.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door and includes holiday fare and two complimentary beverages. To purchase tickets visit http://nevadawomensfund.org/ or call the Nevada Women’s Fund at 775-786-2335.

Founded in 1982 the Nevada Women’s Fund has championed the needs of women and children, helping them to reach their full potential as productive citizens. In its 34-year history the organization has  awarded $3.5 million in community grants to 151 community non-profit organizations and $3.6 million in educational scholarships to 1,559 northern Nevada women.    The Nevada Women’s Fund 770 Smithridge Drive—Suite 300 Reno, Nevada 89503 775-786-2335 www.nevadawomensfund.org

 

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Spin Games and Sunshine Tahoe Invite YOU to Raise the River

Published by Christina on June 29, 2016, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

KTMB Announces Inaugural Fundraiser

Raise the River 2016RasieTheRiverAd

Join Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) and Mark Estee Events for an evening of culinary delight in the Sensory Garden

  Guests will enjoy culinary delights by chef Mark Estee’s Mark Estee Events, local craft libations, entertainment, and sensory activities at the Sensory Garden in Idlewild Park, Reno on Thursday August 18, 2016.

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.

“The community has really come together to make this an amazing, unique and local-focused event” said Christi Cakiroglu, KTMB Executive Director. “We are grateful for the support of our featured event sponsors Wells Fargo and Dolan Auto Group, who recognize the importance of a clean and beautiful community. This fundraiser will help us raise much needed funds to continue our beautification and education efforts in the Truckee Meadows”.

The event will have sensory stations that are themed for taste, touch, smell, sight and sound, and will feature unique activities by the five sensory sponsors Nevada Mining Association, Spin Games, Granite Construction, NV Energy, and Moana Nursery.

Tickets and tables are on sale now, and can be purchased at ktmb.org/raisetheriver.

 

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Nevada Women’s Fund Board Appointment, 2016

Published by Christina on February 1, 2016, in General, Recent Projects

I was recently invited to join the Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) Board of Directors, a new position that I’m honored to hold. This particular organization holds a very near and dear place within my heart. In the 1990’s, I was honored to graduate from the Nevada Women’s Fund Professional Development Series. The course, which took place over the course of almost one-year, changed my life for the better in so many extraordinary ways. I was challenged, professionally and personally, and was fortunate to experience the program with extraordinary women, all fellow leaders within our community. Empowerment was the name of the game and identifying needs while providing opportunities within our region was our first priority.

Since 1983, approximately $3.4 million in grants has been awarded to 150 community organizations or programs providing assistance to women and children. NWF has awarded nearly $3.6 million in scholarships to 1,480 women. Most NWF scholarship recipients are re-entry women and single mothers who have not had the opportunity to complete their educations due to family issues and/or financial constraints.

The Nevada Women’s Fund works with community donors and supporters to raise financial contributions and other resources to support northern Nevada women and families. Critical social needs are identified and addressed through awards of individual education scholarships and community grant making to community non-profit organizations that share the NWF mission to strengthen and empower our community.

Mission

The Nevada Women’s Fund is dedicated to strengthening our community by empowering women to improve their lives and those of their families.

HistoryCo-Founders

Founded in 1982 by concerned women who wanted the best for the women and families of northern Nevada, NWF was established to correct the then national imbalance of financial distribution from traditional resources that resulted in less than 6% of grants going to women and children.  Since 1983, NWF distributions are near $6.9 million.

NWF works with community donors and supporters to raise financial contributions and other resources to support northern Nevada women and families. We identify critical social needs and address them through award of individual education scholarships and grant making to northern Nevada non-profit organizations that share the NWF mission to strengthen and empower our community.

The Nevada Women’s Fund makes philanthropy simple to inspire achievement in hopeful women and families.

I look forward to further serving my community through this new appointment, I know the organization will continue to change lives. NWF welcomes contributions at all levels. Read more about our work and how you can help at Nevada Women’s Fund.

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Truckee’s 2015 Historical Haunted Tour Another Wicked Success

Published by Christina on September 20, 2015, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

The 2015 Historical Haunted Tour was another sell-out affair. Thank you for supporting Truckee’s most notorious fall event.

“Expect clandestine affairs, carousing, gun fights, and unforgettable stories,” shares original tour producer Christina Stoever-Young of Sunshine Tahoe.

Sunshine Tahoe partners with Trails & Vistas to support local arts education.  As a sponsor of the Truckee Haunted Historic Tour, Sunshine Tahoe will support Art in Nature field trips for 400 local students.

TRUCKEE, CA – Sunshine Tahoe is pleased to announce a partnership with local non-profit Trails & Vistas to sponsor the 2015 Truckee Haunted Historic Tour, the primary fundraiser for the Art in Nature field trips benefiting 400 local third-grade students.

The sixth annual Truckee Haunted Historic Tour will have attendees nervously shifting in their boots with its exploration of the town’s darker past on October 15 and 16, 2015. This sell-out event harkens back to days gone by when local law enforcement kept order on the streets – but just barely. Tickets and more information are available at www.truckeehistorytour.org.

The Truckee Haunted Historic Tour is the original production created by Sunshine Tahoe as an immersive experience to celebrate the town’s historic gems. Now produced by Trails & Vistas, it is the signature fundraiser for the organization, whose mission is to inspire community by celebrating the arts in nature.

The Art in Nature field trips foster creative interaction between the students and our natural environment through art. By offering projects in the arts, poetry, and environmental studies, the field trips celebrate the land and culture of the Sierra Nevada and instill a sense of community among the participants. The field trips take place at Sand Harbor State Park each fall.

“Working with Christina Stoever-Young has helped move our non-profit to the next level by improving the organization of our events, expanding our activities, and building an annual fundraiser. Christina is always there to lend an expert ear, challenging us to do better while cheering us on with her positive energy, advice, feedback,” Nancy Tieken Lopez, artistic director of Trails & Vistas said.

Sunshine Tahoe is a business designed to enhance partnerships, strengthen exposure, inspire creativity and captivate well intended efforts ripe for success. Sunshine Tahoe has supported Trails & Vistas for almost a decade and also served as the original producer and funder of the Truckee Haunted Historic Tour from 2009-2014.

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Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge, Sunshine Tahoe Sponsors First Ever Equestrian Team

Published by Christina on June 9, 2015, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects

Sunshine Tahoe Sponsors 2015 Equine Team

Christina and Charlie

Christina and Charlie

Sunshine Tahoe is thrilled to sponsor the first ever Equine Team for the 2015 Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) Challenge, the first 50 riders to sign-up will become an Equine Trail Ambassador and receive a free team membership.

“Sunshine Tahoe is always trying to find unique ways to sponsor organizations ripe for success and eager to serve the community-  at-large,” said Christina Stoever-Young, owner  of Sunshine Tahoe.   “The goal of this particular team is to develop a camaraderie among riders and share trail highlights, request riding partners, post photos and videos within the team section, learn about regional equine events and receive special perks provided exclusively by Sunshine Tahoe.”  To join or for more information, email sunshinetahoeriders@gmail.com.

TRTC Sunshine Tahoe Riders. Spooner Trail. Char Myers, Pat Cox, Terry Hernandes, Hanna Bernard, Terri Alexakos, Laura Sperry, Joan Shadler, DiAnna Huntsman, Petra Keller

TRTC Sunshine Tahoe Riders. Spooner Trail. Char Myers, Pat Cox, Terry Hernandes, Hanna Bernard, Terri Alexakos, Laura Sperry, Joan Shadler, DiAnna Huntsman, Petra Keller

Petra Keller on her beloved "Red" leading the group on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Petra Keller on her beloved “Red” leading the group on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

About the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge

The third annual Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge is now open for enrollment and now is the time to start planning summer fun on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Whether this is your first or third year, you are invited to take on Tahoe’s next big challenge, and explore some of the best pieces the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail has to offer. Once again, the challenge will take you on an exploration around the rim with our six featured hikes, bikes and rides with each highlighting something unique to Lake Tahoe. Highlights include: Amazing panoramic vistas, alpine lakes and creeks, wildflower-infused meadows, lush waterfalls, unique geology, and historical landmarks. Depending upon the trail and season, you can hike, bike, ride horseback, ski or snowshoe to complete each challenge site all in one year.

The 2015 TRT Challenge includes all of your favorite aspects from the past two years as well as a few changes. Membership includes: six challenge hikes with maps and trail descriptions; including Trail Blazer (2-6 miles) & Trail Explorer (6-12 miles) routes, tracking and sharing your challenge in the Tahoe Rim Trail Community, a 2015 tech T-shirt, guided hikes, a one-year membership with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and special invites to our summer, “Where’s McLeod? Giveaway Days.” Individual registration costs $55 per-year, family rates start at $85 and group or business team’s start at $100. Please contact the Tahoe Rim Trail Association office at 775.298.4485 or info@tahoerimtrail.org with registration questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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