88 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Education & Youth DONate online mcgives.com John Spadaro Annual Hospitality Awards Year Founded: 2011 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $12,000 649-1421 Big Idea: Late restaurateur John “Spud” Spadaro’s legacy for customer service and unique spirit carries on through the John Spadaro Annual Hospitality Awards. While recognizing achievement among today’s leaders in the industry Spadaro championed, this annual award ceremony also presents scholarships to local hospitality students. This organization has a Big Idea to develop a well-educated workforce for Monterey County’s vitally important hospitality industry. Donations to this nonprofit’s Big Idea grow the John Spadaro scholarship fund. “Amanda Blake, a 22-year-old student from Monterey who is currently enrolled in the hospitality program at Monterey Peninsula College, has been awarded a scholarship from our organization. Amanda expressed her gratitude, saying that the scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure on her and her family. She also feels honored to be a recipient and is motivated to work harder in her studies so that she can eventually give back to others in the same way.” -Chris P. Johnson, board member Lyceum of Monterey County Year Founded: 1960 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 14 paid, 350 volunteers Budget: $248,200 372-6098 lyceum.org Big Idea: Local students can supplement their education in a variety of enriching ways thanks to the work of Big Ideas delivered by Lyceum of Monterey County. From Mock Trial to Model United Nations and History Day, participants explore new careers and gain confidence in new skills while meeting new and diverse kids who share their interests. These in-depth, year-long projects culminate in memorable contests and conferences that challenge and celebrate student research. Donations to MCGives! will support operational expenses for these long-running and immersive educational opportunities. “The Lyceum has been the gateway to countless experiences throughout my high school career, specifically through its annual county Mock Trial competition. The experience of standing before a real judge at counsel’s table, a blank legal pad before me and months’ worth of arguments buzzing around my mind was unrivaled by any challenges I had faced before. This competition allowed my team to present in a terrifyingly realistic setting, in which we learned more than months of classroom practice could ever teach us. In addition to the competition itself, getting to compete in the Monterey County Courthouse introduced me to judges and attorneys I have since reached out to and even interned with. Without the Lyceum, none of this would have been possible, not only for Carmel High School’s mock trial program, but for my own developing interest in the law and future legal studies.” -Shayla Dutta Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science (MAOS) Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 90 volunteers Budget: $129,550 402-5776 maosmontereyhigh.org Big Idea: In the depths of Monterey High School lies a Big Idea. The Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science (MAOS) is a unique college Rancho Cielo Youth Campus Year Founded: 2000 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 55 paid, 300 volunteers Budget: $5,084,044 444-3533 ranchocieloyc.org Big Idea: Rancho Cielo’s work providing vocational training in fields like culinary arts or diesel repair to at-risk 16- to 24-year-olds is well known throughout Monterey County. But this year’s Big Idea shifts its focus to another essential part of the nonprofit’s holistic model: mental enrichment. Donors can help Rancho Cielo continue to offer transformative experiences like beekeeping, dog care, gardening, fishing and art to its students, of whom there have been more than 1,500 in two decades. These programs combine learning a new skill while prioritizing mental well-being. “Since beginning my journey at Rancho Cielo, I have learned that the best thing to do is always keep moving forward. I have experienced being out on the field welding—it has been my favorite part because I know this is benefiting my career goals. I have learned that in life you must come with a strong mindset and always stand your ground. While enrolled here I have also accepted that no one will stop me from achieving my goals and the only one in my way is myself. I enjoy that I am surrounded by mentors who constantly guide and help me remind myself that while we are our own worst critics, we have the power to change our perspective and better ourselves for our future.” -Julie Gonzalez, a welding and fabrication student in Rancho Cielo’s class of 2024 spotlight This place is a dream come true for any kid. We will definitely be back.” Isaiah G., MY Museum
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