Local nonprofits in the Tahoe area were presented with a record $250,000 in donations from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and American Century Championship as a result of money raised during the 2020 celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe. (www.tahoesouth.com)
While checks were distributed virtually to representatives of 53 nonprofits during the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority’s Oct. 8 board meeting, the reality of the funding impacts throughout this unsettling time will resonate in the community during the coming year.
“It’s incredibly rewarding for the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority to assist the community especially this year when Covid completely changed the dynamic,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “Our partnership between American Century Investments and NBC Sports lends itself to the betterment of the area.”
Once due diligence was established that the tournament could operate safely with precautions in place, the tournament was conducted without spectators. It was decided among the partners to maintain the tradition and continuity, while also having the entire $600,000 prize money donated to non-profits. In addition to Tahoe area organizations, funds were also dedicated to social justice initiatives and Covid relief efforts.
Airing of the event with 18 hours of national and network television coverage signaled an important message of renewal for Lake Tahoe that the destination was carefully and thoughtfully moving forward. The tournament followed strict health and safety standards outlined by the medical and governmental agencies – avoiding any health-related incidents.
Grants encompassed four categories awarding increments of $20,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,000 based on: 1) Organizational Sustainability – significant impact on long term growth and stability; 2) Organizational Impact – increasing constituents served; 3) Community Need – distribution of services or support; and 4) Scholarships – for individual participation.
Grants ranging from $1,000-$20,000 were distributed to the American Legion, Barton Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, Black Ice Theatre Co., Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Bread & Broth 4 Kids, CASA El Dorado, Christmas Cheer, Clean Up the Cayes, Douglas County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, El Dorado Search and Rescue Council, George Whittell High School, H.E.R.O. Scholarship Fund, Heavenly Ski Patrol Fund, Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, Kahle Community Center, Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation, Lake Tahoe Educational Fund, Lake Tahoe Epic Curling, Lake Tahoe Historical Society, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Lake Tahoe’s Shining Stars, Live Violence Free, Mountain High Recovery Center, Resilience Fund-Tahoe, Saint Joseph Community Land Trust, Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe, Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, SOS Outreach, South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center, South Lake Tahoe High School Boosters, South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge, South Tahoe Middle School, South Tahoe Middle School Club Live, Suicide Prevention Network, Tahoe Art Alliance, Tahoe Arts Project, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Tahoe Heritage Foundation, Tahoe Home Connection, Tahoe Magic, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe Swim Club, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, The Rotary Club of Tahoe-Douglas, The Sugar Pine Foundation, TRAILS at the Lake, Valhalla Tahoe, Whittell Boosters Club, Inc., Zephyr Cove Elementary School.
To be considered, local organizations were required to meet 501(c)3 certified nonprofit guidelines, provide an outline of their mission, and describe how the donation would be used and indicate its impact in the community.
Since 2009, donations exceeding $1.5 million have been distributed to more than 100 local non-profits to assist 11,500+ individuals.
Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated more than $5.5 million to local and national non-profits. The nation’s longest running celebrity golf tournament captured the television spotlight with superstars Patrick Mahomes, Tony Romo, Steph Curry, Charles Barkley, Aaron Rodgers, Larry the Cable Guy, and Hall of Famers and All-Stars representing major sports. The 32nd annual American Century Championship is July 6-11, 2021. For more information, visit: www.AmericanCenturyChampionship.com or www.TahoeSouth.com.