2020 Year End Report

2020 has been devastating to many in our county, in our country and throughout the world. Calaveras County residents have experienced job loss, homelessness, shortages of food, needed supplies and personal protective equipment, business shutdowns or partial closures, and sheltering in place for months as we all continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as our county has gone through so much, we at the Calaveras Community Foundation are impressed by the resourcefulness and spirit the Calaveras community has shown and by how individuals and groups step up to serve in this and every crisis we have faced. We are honored to use the resources our donors have entrusted us with to help various non-profit groups in our county respond to the pandemic, as summarized in the attached letter from our president.

CLICK HERE TO READ A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Covid-19 Assistance Provided by Calaveras Community Foundation (8/4/20)

Through the generosity of our loyal donors, the Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) was recently able to financially assist local organizations providing direct help to those Calaveras County residents who have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over $30,000 was provided to eleven (11) organizations including:

Calaveras Humane Society, Murphys Senior Center, Ebbetts Pass Women of the Moose, Child Care Resource & Referral—the Resource Connection, Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, St. Patrick’s Helping Hands Food Bank, Calaveras Senior Center, Good Samaritan Food Pantry, West Point Community Covenant Church Food Pantry, Mountain Ranch Youth Alliance, and Gardens To Grow.

Most grants were related to the provision of food for those who had lost their jobs, seniors reluctant to leave their homes during the crisis, and others with food scarcity issues. Other grants helped organizations needing assistance in providing personal protection equipment for their caregivers.

If you would like to contribute to CCF’s efforts to help Calaveras County residents, please mail your check to P.O. Box 1436, Angels Camp, CA. 95222 or donate using PayPal on our website: www.calaverascommunityfoundation.org.

Beth Childs/Genna Hurst Scholarship Awarded by Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) (7/15/20)

The Beth E. Childs/Genna Hurst Renewable Scholarship administered by CCF was awarded recently. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, no Awards Night presentations were held. The 2020 Scholarship Committee is proud to award this 4-year $4,000 scholarship to Calaveras High School student Muriel Strange. The Childs/Hurst scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student residing in the West Point/Wilseyville area.

Muriel has maintained an excellent GPA (4.1) and is one of the valedictorians of her 2020 class. She has been on the Calaveras Honor Roll all four years. In her junior year, she became intrigued and motivated to enter the medical field and specialize in dermatology. As a senior, she participated in the Career Technical Education (CTE) Medical Science program as a student in the Physical Therapy Department at Mark Twain Medical Center. The University of Washington, in Seattle, is her school of choice where she will pursue a BS degree in Biology or Pre-Medicine, and then on to medical school to become a dermatologist.

A well-rounded student academically Muriel became heavily involved in and assumed leadership roles in Interact Club, California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Marching Band and Symphonic Band, Tri-M Music Honors Society, Jazz Club, Multicultural Club and more. Team sports are where she excelled. Volleyball, basketball and track and field are the sports she chose. Being awarded the All-League Character Award in volleyball and basketball in 2020 was a highlight of her year.

CCF is confident that Muriel will approach her college years with the same determination that she has shown during her high school years at Calaveras High School. Congratulations and Good Luck, Muriel.

Covid-19 Grantee Report (6/22/2020)

Names of those in the photograph (from left to right): Phil Melicker, Scott Freier, Jack Shaffer, Damon Bortz, Elaine Shaffer, Tess Leary, Diane Freier and Patti Corcoran (leaning in front of Diane)

On March 27, 2020, Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) announced local non-profit organizations could begin to apply for funds, from the Disaster Relief Fund (established during the Butte Fire). The purpose was to help offset immediate expenses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The preparation and/or delivery of food and supplies to those impacted, particularly county seniors and medical personnel, was given as an example of what would be an appropriate grant idea.

Ebbetts Pass Women of the Moose Lodge, in Arnold, were one of the early applicants. Their “Free Lunch Program”, a vision of Patti Corcoran & Scott Freier, was begun on March 23, 2020. Those lunches included a sandwich, fruit, potato chips and dessert. Their goal was to help fill a void for anyone having a difficult time due to being out of work due to Covid-19, particularly for county seniors and medical personnel. Lunches were picked up at the curb at the Moose Lodge or were delivered for those who were house bound & unable to drive.

The first day of the program, 34 lunches were provided (3/27). As a comparison, on 5/13 (nearly 30 days later), 157 lunches were provided! For this total period of time, the industrious volunteers had provided nearly 3,000 lunches! What an accomplishment!

CCF provided grant funds to help with this endeavor –and loyal volunteers helped to make this happen. Businesses in Arnold that were open and gave help along the way were: Ebbetts Pass Fire Department, CHP, Big Trees Market, Ace Hardware, Meadowmont Pharmacy, Dollar General, El Dorado Bank, Napa Auto Parts, Avery Transfer Station and many others. The Moose Lodge passes along their heartiest THANK YOU!

Other loyal volunters, not shown in the photo above, are: Laurie Ahlberg, Ian Aiton, Mary Ann Fabian, Donovan Hamanaka Sr, and Donovan Hamanaka, Jr, Pete & Nancy Murray, Kris Borta, and Susanne St. Charles.

Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) Awards Career & Technical Training (C&TT) Scholarships for 2020 totaling $16,500 (6/10/20)

Calaveras High School students receiving scholarships and their fields of study are: Courtney Batterton-medical, Mackenzie Pekarek-criminal justice, Cole Heath-criminology, Elisabeth Marcellino-dental hygiene, Halee Theodore-radiology, and Ivie Gowen-nursing.

Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) awarded Career and Technical Training (C&TT) scholarships to a total of eleven high school students recently. Graduation, Awards Nights and so much more have been disrupted during this Covid-19 pandemic to say the least. Six Calaveras High School students, two Bret Harte High School students and three Mountain Oaks students each received $1,500.

Mountain Oaks students and their fields of study are: Benjamin Qualis- professional chef, Casey Taylor-auto mechanic, and Charles Clark-diesel mechanic.

Bret Harte students Chloe Cockshott and Jenna Leary were chosen to receive C&TT scholarships. Chloe’s field of study is esthetics and Jenna will study emergency medical service.

C&TT Scholarship recipients above plan to attend a variety of schools including: Butte Community College, Columbia Community College, Consumes River College, Contra Costa Community College, Delta Community College and The Paul Mitchell School.

“These well-deserving students receiving C&TT scholarships are to be commended! Many generous donations from individuals and local businesses make these sizable scholarships available to local students” states Linda Kangeter, CCF Scholarship Committee Chair.

CCF administers the funds that make these C&TT scholarships possible. Since the C&TT Scholarship fund’s inception in 2011, over $104,500 has been awarded. Business partners who earmark their generous donations to benefit the C&TT fund are Pacific Gas & Electric Company and Save Mart C.A.R.E.S. Foundation.

Update-The Arnold Rim Trail

This update came out in Mid May from the Arnold Rim Trail Association to answer the question, “Is the Arnold Rim Trail open? In summary, this is the answer: “We are following the Covid-19 safety instructions for the Stanislaus National Forest since the Arnold Rim Trail is locate there.
At this point, the Forest Service has announced that all organized activities, plus campgrounds, and the Forest Service roads are closed. However, Forest Service is allowing individuals to use the trails (respecting social distancing of course) and that includes the Arnold Rim Trail.”

In the same article was a recent report on how the Arnold Rim Trail Association was progressing on installing new signs with distances added and directional information. “This past fall and winter, we installed eighty additional posts both on the Arnold Rim Trail and also new loop trails that we are developing for future use. There remains several hundred more signs to install. Then, the next phase of the project will be the placement of “You-Are-Here” maps. These maps will assist in orientation when out on the trail. ”

Additionally, the Calaveras County Foundation (CCF) who issued a grant to the Arnold Rim Association, in 2019, making this signage buildout possible, were acknowledged and thanked.

The photo above shows many of the dedicated trail and sign workers that have helped make these upgrades possible.

CALAVERAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF COVID-19 GRANTS

In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) has established a program to provide grants to local non-profit organizations providing support in this time of need. For more information, non-profit organizations may contact CCF via email at: info@calaverascommunityfoundation.org, or by phone: 209/736-1845.

CCF is also seeking donations to help support this effort. CCF was very grateful for the support during the Butte Fire and donations received during that time were turned into grants, helping many residents get back on their feet. Our hope is to again be able to give out many grants through the generosity of those living in the County who are able to financially assist us.

You may donate either by sending a check to CCF at: PO Box 1436, Angels Camp, CA 95222, or via PayPal through our website. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. CCF’s tax ID number is 68-0472056.

If you have questions or if your organization would like to apply for an assistance grant, please contact CCF. Please remember that only non-profit groups may apply, as CCF is prohibited by the IRS from giving money directly to individuals.

READ FULL INTERVIEW WITH
BRENT HARRINGTON OF THE CCF

JACKSON RANCHERIA DONATES $10,000 TO CALAVERAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Jackson, CA – The Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians in late December 2019 donated $10,000 to the Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF). These funds directly benefit the CCF competitive grants program – now in its final stages for 2020.

A dedicated, loyal supporter and business partner, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort continues to bolster CCF in meeting their commitment to support grassroots community groups and charitable causes within Calaveras County. Grants, scholarships, and general assistance are the vehicles used. Over the past years, Jackson Rancheria has donated over $110,000 to the Foundation.

“On behalf of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, it is a privilege to have the ability to contribute to the Calaveras Community Foundation,” said Crystal Jack, Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Rancheria. “It is our sincere hope that these funds will be used to positively impact our local communities and to provide important services to those who need it most.”

Calaveras Community Foundation salutes the Rancheria for their continued support and ongoing commitment to help the Calaveras Community Foundation bridge the gap for those who might otherwise have to forego continued education or pursuit of goals.

With on-going generous donations from donors like the Rancheria and others, CCF has been able to provide over $2.4 million in grants, scholarships and assistance since the Foundation’s creation in 2000.

The Calaveras Community Foundation is a 501-c3 non-profit organization that manages over 40 charitable funds and fiscal scholarships. Individuals and businesses can establish funds or channel their charitable contributions through the Foundation.

For more information, call (209) 736-1845 or visit CCF’s website www.calaverascommunityfoundation.org.

The Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians own and operate Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, which includes the Casino, Hotel, RV Park, General Store & Gas Station. Jackson Rancheria is one of the largest employers in Amador County, with more than 1,000 employees in a county with a population of only 35,000. The tribe is committed to supporting charitable programs, protecting the environment, and contributing to the county. The Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians was first recognized by the Federal Government in 1898.

Calaveras Community Foundation Competitive Grants Deadline 01/31/2020

Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF) announced in mid-December a new approach to the grant cycle for 2020. Timing is of the essence with completed grant applications due by January 31, 2020. Complete details, application guidelines and fillable forms are all available at www.calaverascommunityfoundation.org. If you have further questions or concerns, call the CCF office (209) 736-1845 or email: info@calaverascommunityfoundation.org

To celebrate the Foundation’s 20^th anniversary, CCF will be increasing the maximum possible grant award from $10,000 to $25,000 and will not focus on initiatives. Non-profits in Calaveras County are encouraged to focus on that special project or projects that could make a major difference in people’s lives or changes to benefit the county or groups. Since CCF’s inception in 2000, CCF has awarded over $2,400,000 in grants and scholarships to Calaveras County non-profits and students. Thank you to our corporate partners and individual donors for their continued financial support.

Applications began to be accepted on January 1, 2020 and must be submitted to CCF only via email by Friday, January 31, 2020. info@calaverascommunityfoundation.org

Celebrating 20 Years of Serving the Community

Twenty years ago, it all started with a wish, a wish to help charitable foundations and non-profits that serve Calaveras residents in their own individual missions. This wish was a dream the heart makes, as the old song says, and this dream became a reality when two local businesswomen from West Point stepped out, putting their own money forward to give their wish wings to fly.

It was 1999, the Star Wars reboot was just hitting the theaters joined by Toy Story 2, Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys topped the charts, every child had to have a Furby and the must read was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And, in the far corner of Calaveras County, Genna Hurst and Beth Childs took a look around their community and saw a need, the need to help charitable groups and non-profits with their own projects throughout the County.

“I wanted to give to the needy,” Hurst told the Union Democrat at that time. “I believe in this. I believe it’s a wonderful thing.”

“This” was the creation of a Community Foundation for Calaveras County. Taking inspiration from the Sonora Community Foundation, both Hurst and Childs began to look into what it would take to form a Community Foundation for Calaveras. In doing so, they formed a planning group that showed that there was the need, and perhaps more importantly, the support for a foundation in Calaveras. The two also put up $15,000 of their own money as seed money for the Foundation, with $10,000 going into an annual scholarship fund and $5,000 for administrative startup costs.

The Sonora Area Foundation that serves all of Tuolumne County, helped the fledgling Calaveras Community Foundation get off the ground while bylaws were adopted on January 13, 2000 and articles of incorporation were filed with the State. By April of 2000 the very first all volunteer Board of Directors for the Calaveras Community Foundation met, and in April 2001, the Calaveras Community Foundation was officially recognized as a public benefit, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

20 Years Strong, the Foundation’s Mission Remains the Same

The Calaveras Community Foundation is dedicated to improving Calaveras communities by providing grants to partner organizations, assisting donors, and providing leadership in addressing charitable causes.

Now, 20 years on, the Foundation is still served by an all volunteer board and has become the largest, general purpose charitable organization in Calaveras County. It has given over $2.4 million to organizations that serve the Calaveras community through competitive grants, scholarship funds and directed funds.

The Foundation has raised funds to help its philanthropic cause in a variety of ways through the years, by sponsoring partnerships like Chairs for Charity, being the recipient of events like golf tournaments, as well as being a place where those who want to make charitable donations can give their money knowing that it will go back into the Calaveras community.

“The Foundation focuses its attention on giving within the community,” said past Board President John Holleman to the Union Democrat in 2002. “It’s an advantage to people who want to make charitable donations. They have some assurances that everything they give will stay in the county.”

What Holleman said was true then, and is true now, the Foundation has awarded money to the Calaveras County Senior Center, Common Ground, the Calaveras County Humane Society, Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, various food banks and pantries along with the HRC Food Bank, the Calaveras Arts Council and many more organizations through the years.

In celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of the Calaveras Community Foundation, its Board decided to increase the possible award amount for its 2020 competitive grant cycle from a possible award of $10,000 to a possible award of $25,000.

In doing so, the current Board members desire is to continue and expand the dream of the Foundation’s founders two decades ago.

“That’s our whole purpose – to do good,” said Hurst in 2000.

Today’s Board President Linda Kangeter agrees.

“We are very proud of what the Calaveras Community Foundation has accomplished in its first 20 years. We want to build on those accomplishments and continue to be a supportive bridge to financially help non-profit organizations in our County fulfill their missions, to help young people pay for their secondary education or training and start on their paths to a brighter future through scholarship assistance, and to help our donors who have set up donor advised funds make their visions of helping Calaveras County a reality,” she said.

“In doing this,” Kangeter continued. “We honor the dream of Genna Hurst and Beth Childs, as well as all those who have served on the Calaveras Community Foundation Board in the past 20 years, and that dream, in a nutshell, is to improve life and increase opportunities for our county residents.”