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Courage spreads, too.

Published by Christina on March 30, 2021, in Career Advice, Charitable Giving, Fundraising, General, Recent Projects

Join Nevada Women’s Fund for the 2021 Salute to Women of Achievement

The Nevada Women’s Fund is pleased to announce the 2021 Salute to Woman of Achievement is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, from 11:45 a.m.to 1p.m. “Although this year’s event will be organized differently due to Covid, we remain very proud to move forward with recognizing and celebrating the determination, passion and dedication of women in our northern Nevada community and the businesses and employers that support them,” said Isabelle Rodriguez Wilson, president and CEO for the Nevada Women’s Fund. “Salute to Women of Achievement promises to be an inspirational day where we can join together, virtually, to celebrate leadership, accomplishment and service to our community.”

Courage Spreads Too is the theme for this year’s event, where special recognition will be given to all the medical personnel, frontline workers, volunteers and community members who have shown courage in the face of unprecedented challenges. Honorees will gather safely at the Grand Sierra Resort for a morning of professional development, networking and special programming.

The Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon program will be virtual with each business or organization encouraged to hold a special internal celebration with their honoree. Nevada Women’s Fund will stream a lunch program to include a student and keynote speaker. This year’s keynote speaker for the virtual Salute to Women of Achievement is Dr. Jen Welter. The first female coach in NFL history, Dr. Welter serves as a powerful role model and an inspiring reminder that barriers are meant to be broken. Her career is studded with firsts. She made history when she coached the Arizona Cardinals inside linebackers for their 2015 training camp. Prior to that, she became the first woman to coach a men’s professional football league team as linebacker and special teams coach for the Indoor Football League’s Texas Revolution. She was also the first woman to play running back in a men’s professional football season with the Revolution. 

Salute to Women of Achievement provides an opportunity for organizations in northern Nevada to recognize women who have excelled in their fields and made significant impacts in the workplace and community. For more information about the Salute to Women of Achievement Luncheon, including nominating an honoree, visit nevadawomensfund.org or call (775) 786-2335.

About the Nevada Women’s Fund. Established in 1982, the Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) works with community donors and supporters to raise financial contributions and other resources to support northern Nevada women and families. NWF identifies critical social needs and addresses them through the award of individual education scholarships and grants to community non-profit organizations that share the NWF mission to strengthen, empower and inspire achievement of women in our community.

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Over $200,000 in Scholarships Awarded in 2020

Published by Christina on October 8, 2020, in Charitable Giving, Fundraising, Recent Projects

“During this challenging year, the Nevada Women’s Fund is thrilled to continue its mission of empowering women,” said Isabelle Wilson, CEO for the Nevada Women’s Fund. “The women and organizations who received funding can continue furthering their goals, and we are immensely grateful to be part of their story.” 

For the 2020-2021 academic year, 89 northern Nevada women were awarded scholarships totaling $209,605. Individual scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000 and assist local women pursuing higher education in a variety of fields including nursing, medicine, criminal justice, business, science and education. Local recipients represent diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and ages, ranging from 18 to 65.

Mission

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

History

Founded in 1982 by concerned women who wanted the best for the women and families of northern Nevada. The Nevada Women’s Fund was born 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. And it worked. In fact, since 1983, distributions are now over $7.7 million.

We work with our community of individual donors, sponsors and partners to raise funds and other resources to ensure we can meet the growing needs of our community and ultimate impact families long-term.

http://nevadawomensfund.org/ or (775) 786-2335 for more information.

2020 Nevada Women’s Fund Scholarship Recipients in the Spotlight

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Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful Launches New Online Recycling Guide

Published by Christina on September 24, 2020, in General, Recent Projects, Social Media

Do you ever find yourself wondering how to properly dispose of various items? If you’ve ever asked questions like “Can this be recycled?”, “What should I do with leftover paint?”, or “Why can’t I recycle plastic bags curbside?”, then Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) has the answer for you! In an effort to help our community find answers to these frequently asked recycling questions KTMB has launched a comprehensive, easy-to-use online recycling guide to help local residents and businesses learn how to properly recycle and dispose of hundreds of everyday items. The new guide also provides tips and guides for sustainable living. 

To learn more and explore the interactive guide visit: www.ktmb.org/recycle

“We are so excited to launch this new resource to help our community members live more sustainably by reducing, reusing, and of course, recycling,” says Christi Cakiroglu, Executive Director of KTMB. “This new online tool is extremely comprehensive. It not only answers the most common questions people have but also provides information on how to properly dispose of many items, including those that can go in your curbside bin, and helpful tips for waste reduction and disposal of household items in an environmentally responsible manner. The guide was created by The Recyclist and is maintained by KTMB staff with funding from the Washoe County Health District, so all the information is kept up-to-date and accurate for the Truckee Meadows. We strongly encourage everyone to check out this wonderful new community resource!”

Funding for this community recycling guide provided by the Washoe County Health District.

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Shop, Wine & Dine!

Published by Christina on October 23, 2019, in Charitable Giving, Recent Projects

Please join us for the ultimate girls’ night out!

Don’t miss this unique and festive shopping experience featuring more than 60 boutiques, artisans and local vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor items, beauty products, jewelry and much more. Enjoy delicious holiday fare and spirits that will warm you down to the tips of your toes. Proceeds support the Nevada Women’s Fund’s mission to empower achievement in women and families in our community.

Tickets available now at nevadawomensfund.org or call (775) 786-2335 and reserve yours today as we are expecting 800-1000 women throughout the evening..

Free parking at Silver Legacy.

Holidays lights with glimpses of glittering snow in white and diverse blues with a lovely while purse that will be available for raffle the evening of the event.

If you or someone you know is still interested in becoming a vendor for this extra special evening, we are planning to confirm finals by late Oct. You can reach Stephanie Gonalez at 775-785-2335,

This is the vendor application form for your review: https://fs22.formsite.com/nevadawomensfund/w8uyc2itt0/index.html?1571694729877

Every dollar spent on a Power of the Purse ticket enables The Nevada Women’s Fund to assist with regional scholarships and grants to strengthen and inspire women within our community. You can learn more at http//www.nevadawomensfund.org

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NEVADA WOMEN’S FUND AWARDS $50,000 TO NEVADA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROJECT AND DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Published by Christina on September 26, 2019, in Charitable Giving, Fundraising, Uncategorized

Nevada Women’s Fund, with a mission of inspiring achievement
in women and families, awards funding to Nevada Youth Empowerment Project to provide self sufficiency housing for homeless girls and to Dress for Success empowering women to achieve economic independence.

Grants are annually awarded to community organizations or programs providing assistance to women and children.
These dollars have assisted a wide range of groups including the prevention of violence against women and children, adolescent pregnancy prevention, support services for the disabled, childcare, education and mentoring programs, English as a second language, health care and medical assistance to low income, minority families and/or senior citizens.

About Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP):

Nevada Youth Empowerment Project or NYEP, a local nonprofit, that has created a self‐sufficiency housing model to teach independency to homeless girls unprepared to live on their own. The Community Living Program is a standardized training curriculum facilitated daily that teaches life skills and tracks indicators of youth outcomes such as high school completion, skilled wage certificate and making homes of their own.

Nevada Women’s Fund funding will be used to facilitate NYEP’s Community Living Program to at least 15 at risk older female youth residents for up to a year.

Visit nyep.org for more information.

About Dress For Success Reno‐Northern Nevada:

The mission of Dress for Success Reno – Northern Nevada is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life The vision of DFSNN is world where women do not live in poverty; are treated with dignity and respect; and are strengthening their families and shaping theircommunities. The Nevada Women’s Fund grant will strengthen this mission and vision by improving the foundation and capacity of DFSRNN to better serve women in the great Reno area.

NWF funds will support the following services:
1. Suiting Services: The suiting services provide dignity in the form clothing for women wishing to confidently enter the workforce and remain confident in their new job with a new wardrobe.
2. Career Center: This is a self‐serve kiosk with resources including a computer and printer. Also offered is the opportunity receive one‐on‐one support, feedback and instruction from volunteers about job searching and career development.
3. Professional Women’s Group – This group offers support and guidance with a series of 12 monthly workshops followed by a graduation ceremony.

Visit https://reno.dressforsuccess.org for more information.

Dress for Success and Nevada Youth Empowerment Project, each a $25,000 grant recipient

About the Nevada Women’s Fund: Established in 1982 by concerned women who wanted the best for women and families of northern Nevada, the Nevada Women’s Fund was formed to inspire achievement in Northern Nevada women and families. The Nevada Women’s Fund is a 501(c)3 non‐profit organization, dedicated to strengthening our community by empowering women to uplift their lives and those of their families. Over 37 years, the NWF has awarded raised and awarded more than $7.7 million to Northern Nevada women, families and non‐profit community organizations. Visit NevadaWomensFund.org for more information.

2019 Scholarship Reception, Christina with Recipients at Table 20
Patti, Dress for Success Founder of Northern Nevada Location
Lynn Atcheson, Founder of Nevada Women’s Fund and Christina Stoever Young
2019 Scholarship Recipient with her Mother who flew out from the midwest to support her daughter on this special evening.
Nevada Women’s Fund Board Members Ronele Dotson, Kristen Chinvarasopak and Christina Stoever Young at 2019 Scholarship Reception

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Raise the River 2019

Published by Christina on June 12, 2019, in Charitable Giving, Fundraising, General, Uncategorized

KTMB Announces 4th Annual Event: KTMB’s Raise the River 2019

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

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) invites residents and visitors of the Truckee Meadows to ignite their senses for a good cause at KTMB’s 4th annual Raise the River fundraiser. Title Sponsor Renown Health presents this year’s event. 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 15, 2019. Tickets are now on sale! 

This year, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is celebrating 30 years of being a voice for beautification through education and active community involvement. 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.” This event serves as the primary fundraiser to support KTMB’s education of local students as well as cleanup efforts to make our community a cleaner, healthier, more beautiful region for years to come. 

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! Guests will also have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes by making a donation to support KTMB at the event. 

KTMB’s Raise the River is made possible by our gracious 2019 sponsors: Renown Health, NV Energy, Dolan Auto Group, Wells Fargo, Grand Sierra Resort, Moana Nursery, Nevada Mining Association, NOW Foods, Ormat, AGC, and Liberty Food and Wine Exchange.

This event is an annual sell-out. Tickets and tables are on sale now, and can be purchased at ktmb.org/raisetheriver. 

Book Now

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Pony Express Letters for Veterans

Published by Christina on March 12, 2019, in Charitable Giving, General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized

The Pony Express and Reno Rodeo Association will honor veterans at the 100 Year Anniversary of the Reno Rodeo on Patriots Night.

On June 21, 2019 in the Reno Rodeo Main Arena, The National Pony Express Association (NPEA) will be delivering Pony Letters for Veterans via horseback at the Reno Rodeo on Patriots Night. These letters will be handed over to the Veterans Coalition. Come to the Rodeo wearing your red, white, and blue on Patriots Night to take part in this special this very event.

We need you… The NPEA and the Reno Rodeo are asking for help from the public to write letters to veterans to be carried in the Mochila (mail bag) at the Reno Rodeo. We want to deliver a huge bag of letters for this important event. Join us in this unique opportunity to show your appreciation to our veterans. The letters will receive a special stamp indthat they were carried on horseback by the Pony Express. There is no cost for sending as many letters as you like.  The letters will be delivered to the Veterans Coalition for distribution to our U.S. Veterans.

More Information: https://nationalponyexpress.org/npea-events/rodeo/

Mail Letters to:

Pony Express Letters for Veterans

c/o Reno Rodeo

PO Box 12335

Reno, NV 89510

DEADLINE: Letters must be received by June 15, 2019

“The Nevada Veterans Coalition is proud to partner with the [National] Pony Express Association and the Reno Rodeo in their Veterans Appreciation event to distribute hand written letter to northern Nevada Veterans. The letters we receive from the community-at-large will be given to our veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and even the Gulf War. Many of these veterans who served our country and gave up their youth have never heard the words “thank you for your service” or “welcome home“. These letters may well be the only “thank you” they will get in their lifetime.” –

Brett G. PalmerPresident, Nevada Veterans Coalition

You can use your own stationary or one of the templates on our website. Not sure what to write? Pony Express provided some text suggestions on their website. Every letter written will positively touch the life of a veteran. Help us have a full mochila on Patriots Night to present to the Nevada Veterans Coalition. For templates and suggestions go to https://nationalponyexpress.org/npea-events/rodeo/

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY – We would like to ask educators and youth group leaders to help by using this event as an educational project for young people to write letters to veterans. Educators please contact us for more information: NPEARodeo@gmail.com or https://nationalponyexpress.org/npea-events/rodeo/  Suggested lesson plan will be available on our website.

SAMPLE LETTERS TO A VETERAN

  • Liberty comes at a price and the men and women who serve our country are willing to pay that price for our freedom and for peace. Today, we thank you, we salute you, we honor you Veterans!
  • May God forever bless our servicemen and women. I have nothing but honor and gratitude to show to you today and always.
  • Often, we don’t dwell on the dangers that face our servicemen and women as they work to protect our freedom. But, it is there. Today we honor and celebrate those who are willing to put their lives on the line for millions of Americans through their service in our armed forces. We are grateful to each and every one of you.
  • My appreciation for you is deep and my admiration for you is even deeper. Thank you so much for your service.
  • Your heart is not like everyone else’s. It is special. It is made of gold. It is as precious and strong as diamonds. It is the heart of a veteran an American hero and it’s invaluable and priceless. You are appreciated today and always.
  • May the flag wave boldly with its vibrant and glorious hues Honoring Veterans like you today with the beautiful red, white, and blue!
  • More than just a citizen you’re a defender and valuable member of the very glue that holds our country together. We appreciate your sacrifice for our freedom.
  • Thank you so much, soldier, for your dedication to our great nation. I am so very proud of you!
  • Thanks for keeping us safe.
  • Dear Veteran, thank you for protecting our country. Thank you for fighting for our freedom. I hope you can come home on the holiday If you can’t our thoughts will be with you. And kick the bad guys butts!
  • Thank you for your dedication. For your service. For your sacrifice. Your hard work and long hours and time away from family is a sacrifice. You are appreciated.

Judd Gregg, US Senator

“The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.”

VETERANS APPRECIATION EVENTS – After the letters are delivered to the Nevada Veterans Coalition at the Reno Rodeo, representatives from the NPEA in Pony Express uniform will be visiting veterans. Together with the Veterans Coalition we will distribute letters and attend Veterans Appreciation Events. Please send many letters to make our visits more meaningful.

The National Pony Express Association (NPEA) is an all-volunteer, historical Non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with the purpose of identifying, re-establishing and marking the original Pony Express National Historic Trail, from St. Joseph, Missouri, via Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada to Sacramento, California.

The NPEA will be participating in the following 100th Anniversary Reno Rodeo events:

Reno Rodeo Patriots Night – June 21, 2019 – Evening Show Starts at 7:00 pm

2019 Re-Ride Schedule

Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on these and other Pony Express events.

NPEA Media Team
Website: http://nationalponyexpress.org/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expressrider/
Newsletter: http://nationalponyexpress.org/news/the-pony-express-news/Gazette: https://nationalponyexpress.org/news/pony-express-gazette/

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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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Women of Achievement 2020

Published by Christina on April 9, 2020, in Charitable Giving, Fundraising, General, Recent Projects

Dear Women of Achievement Sponsor,

Like you, we have been closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. And as we’ve been watching this unfold, we’ve been constantly asking ourselves – how can we best serve our community?

Following the guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Nevada, and to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, board members and the community at large, we have decided to cancel the May 21 Women of Achievement event. 

This decision was not made lightly and we are saddened to not be able to share what is always an inspiring day with you; one that celebrates the determination, passion and dedication of women in our community and the businesses that support them. 

Since 1982, Nevada Women’s Fund has made a huge impact on women’s lives, raising and awarding $7.9 million in local funding to support education scholarships to individual women; and funding grants to local non-profit organizations for needed family services. Normally, this annual event would raise the funds to sustain our mission of empowering achievement in women and families with 100% of the funds raised from the luncheon staying in Northern Nevada.

2020 Women of Achievement Announcement

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Christmas Tree Recycling Program Results

Published by Christina on January 29, 2019, in Charitable Giving, Fundraising, General, Recent Projects, Uncategorized

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) just finished hosting its 25th annual Christmas Tree Recycling program. “This year we recycled over 10,000 trees with the help of over 324 volunteers. This program allows each resident who recycles their tree to have a meaningful impact at our local parks” said Christi Cakiroglu, Executive Director at KTMB. “Each tree is not only recycled to be kept out of the landfill and our open spaces, but it is given a second life, being turned into mulch and reused within our community and in our parks.” NV Energy Foundation has been supporting this program since 2011.

Residents can now pick up the mulch at the following parks for use in your yards or gardens.

  • Rancho San Rafael Regional Park – 1595 N. Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503 (east entrance off of Coleman Dr.)
  • Bartley Ranch Regional Park – 6000 Bartley Ranch Rd, Reno, NV 89511 (Please call the Rangers at (775) 828-6612 before pick-up)

Though KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling program has ended, residents are still able to take their trees to RT Donovan Company, Inc. We encourage residents to call ahead regarding drop off times and fees. 775-425-3015.

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, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County, Nature’s Bakery, and Tholl Fence.

Reno, NV (Jan 24, 2019)

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