MONTEREYCOUNTYGIVES.COM NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 31, 2024 JOIN THE BAND It takes all of us to create a thriving, vibrant community. The 206 local nonprofits in Monterey County Gives! invite you to join in. PRINT | WEB | MOBILE
Your generosity helps CASA of Monterey County train and support community volunteers to advocate for Monterey County foster children Advocating, supporting, and empowering Monterey County children in foster care. Leverage your gift by way of a partial match from Monterey County Gives! Please donate at montereycountygives.com/casa or scan our QR code through December 31st!
Our Day Center provides nutritious meals, hot showers, clean clothes, enrichment and wellness programs, and case management on the pathway out of homelessness. Providing homeless and housing insecure women supportive resources and a caring community. gatheringforwomen.org ~ 831-241-6154 #gatheringforwomen GATHERING FOR WOMEN - MONTEREY
Pebble Beach Company and Pebble Beach Company Foundation are proud to announce... e 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance raised more than $3.1 million for local charities! Proceeds will bene t our charitable partners: Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Montage Health Foundation MY Museum Natividad Foundation Rancho Cielo Youth Campus Salinas Valley Health Foundation Seneca Family of Agencies United Way Monterey County ...along with 105 other non-pro t organizations supported by Pebble Beach Company Foundation For more information about Pebble Beach Company and Pebble Beach Company Foundation, please visit pebblebeach.com For more information about Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, please visit pebblebeachconcours.net © 2024 Pebble Beach Company. Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Lone Cypress™, The Heritage Logo and its respective distinctive images are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. Photos courtesy of Pebble Beach Company Foundation. mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 5
6 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com As we write this, the 2024 election is a few weeks away. As you read it, the results are in. We can’t predict if you’re happy or disappointed, optimistic or gloomy. But whichever side of that very large coin you find yourself on, know that we all have another way of voting that directly influences life in Monterey County: participating in Monterey County Gives! The word “philanthropy” has a certain high-falutin’ ring to it. Historically, it was the province of the exceedingly wealthy, and it felt like the rich were bestowing grace upon those in need. Today, while we still call it philanthropy, we’ve come to know charitable giving is responsive and nimble, a direct investment in nonprofits, and the causes they work in, that mean the most to you. In 2023, MCGives! continued the remarkable growth arc of the last decade. Last year, 8,000 donors contributed $11.9 million for local nonprofits. Both the number of donors and dollars raised were records. The Community Foundation for Monterey County and Monterey County Weekly have been partnering on MCGives! since 2009, when it raised $448,000. The Monterey Peninsula Foundation joined as a partner in 2015. Their major support of the match pool leveraged a 136-percent increase in the campaign total over 2014. Last year, we reported the addition of the Harden Foundation, the Nancy Eccles and Homer Hayward Foundation, and Taylor Farms as sponsors to the match (joining a list of long-time match supporters); all three have renewed for 2024. This year Monterey-Salinas Transit and Post Ranch Inn are joining the sponsor list. MCGives! seems to have its own gravitational pull for philanthropic sponsorships—and now you are invited to join in as a donor. As you read this special issue and profiles on participating nonprofits, we encourage you to pause over groups that fall outside of your normal interest area. This is not meant to divert giving from your favorite recipients, but rather to absorb the breadth of work nonprofits perform in Monterey County. Whether serving youth, providing access to mental health services, supporting the unhoused, protecting the environment or presenting art, music or theater, our lives are incalculably enriched by these organizations. Imagine life without them. They need our support. Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of Monterey County Gives! is the democratization of charitable giving. We can all play our part and do it at the level with which we’re most comfortable. The Community Foundation, the Weekly, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, MCGives! and all our sponsors celebrate philanthropy at every level. It defines community and makes sure every vote counts. Dan Baldwin is president/CEO of the Community Foundation for Monterey County; Steve John is CEO of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. Important Dates Nov. 14 MCGives! kicks off and website goes live at mcgives.com. Dec. 3 #GivingTuesday is an international day of giving. You can participate through Monterey County Gives! Dec. 31 The Monterey County Gives! campaign ends at midnight. Special Awards $2,500 Ingenuity Award to the nonprofit that offers an exciting and innovative approach to their sector’s challenges. Three $1,000 awards: one for the organization with the most donors; one for the organization with the most donors ages 18-35; and one special award for women, families, education and/or the arts. Overall Match $1,300,000 + Challenge Gifts $2,534,387 = $3,834,387 as of November 7, 2024 Philanthropy for All Monterey County Gives! invites you to vote with your dollars to invest in our community. By Dan Baldwin and Steve John MCGives! Goals $11 million 8,500 donors by midnight Dec. 31, 2024 16 Animals 22 Arts & Culture 42 Community & Social Services 76 Education & Youth 104 Environment & Sustainability 116 Health, Wellness & Food join the Alba foundation for Monterey County free Libraries Brighter Bites Monterey County Animal Friends rescue project Youth Music Monterey County
mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 7 DONate online mcgives.com Monterey County Weekly Monterey County Now montereycountynow.com Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Editor Sara Rubin Contributing Writer Caitlin Fillmore Copy Editor Laurie Gibson Features Editor Dave Faries Associate Editor Erik Chalhoub Editorial Sloan Campi, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Pope¸da, Katie Rodriguez, David Schmalz Staff Photographer Daniel Dreifuss Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Kevin Jewell, Lani Headley Advertising Executives Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Office Manager Linda Maceira Business Development Director Keely Richter Director of Digital Media Kevin Smith Distribution Coordinator AT Arts Co Community Foundation for Monterey County cfmco.org President/CEO Dan Baldwin Senior VP of Philanthropic Services Christine Dawson Director of Gift Planning Cecilia Romero Senior Philanthropic Services Officer Brian Thayer Philanthropic Services Officer Alisa Smith Philanthropic Services and Events Coordinator Jasmine Menor Philanthropic Services & Scholarships Assistant Jakie Marquez Administrative Coordinator Vanessa Miranda Monterey Peninsula Foundation montereypeninsulafoundation.org CEO Steve John Vice President of Philanthropy Nancy Enterline Philanthropy Program Manager Ambry Capistrano Generation Web generation-web.com President Adam Eberling Innovative Solutions Director Nick Arnold MCGives! staff Monterey County Gives! is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2024. No portion may be reproduced. 831-394-5656, www.mcgives.com. Monterey County Gives! Overall Match Partners Monterey County Weekly Community Foundation for Monterey County Monterey Peninsula Foundation Gunde and Ernie Posey Family Foundation Taylor Farms Neumeier Poma Investment Counsel Colburn and Alana Jones Foundation of the Community Foundation for Monterey County David and Lucile Packard Foundation Cannery Row Company Harden Foundation Nancy Eccles and Homer M. Hayward Family Foundation Post Ranch Inn MST Tap2Ride (with VISA) Anonymous donor HOW TO GIVE Read about the missions, staffing levels, budgets and Big Ideas of 206 participating nonprofits in this guide. Choose which organization(s) you want to support, then donate at mcgives.com. It’s easy. You can also send a check to Community Foundation for Monterey County. Make checks out to CFMC, write MCGives! on the memo line, and attach a list of which nonprofits you wish to contribute to. 2354 Garden Road Monterey, CA 93940 If you wish to drop off cash, call 831-3759712 in advance to make an appointment. mcgives.com Monterey County Gives! is a special project of Monterey County Weekly in partnership with the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. Cover Photo: Youth Orchestra Salinas clarinetists Amador Cervantes-Delgado (left, a sixth-grader at Boronda Dias School in Salinas) and Salinas High School freshman Mamie Trentelman (now a violin student) play at YOSAL’s 2023 winter concert at Sherwood Hall in Salinas. Photo by: Manny Espinoza, courtesy of YOSAL band community human services
Community Uplift If not now, then when? If not you, then whom? By Bradley Zeve Community is an idea that most everyone I know cherishes and wants more of—a deeper sense of place, commonality and connection, a definition that includes a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. When we feel the spirit of community there’s an overall uplift, a sense of increased safety and purpose, even inspiration. There is a discernible sense of place, of care for each other. During times of crisis we witness broad sweeps of collective action. Neighbors check on neighbors, strangers support those in need, generosity flows freely without asking for anything in return. Most of us don’t live in times of crisis. Still, community spirit is what defines us. We create community initiatives that fill our lives and address our wants and needs—sharing our time with like-minded folks whether for spiritual growth, for pleasure and entertainment, or to do good. Some do the gritty work of feeding the hungry, others of creating art, music, dance and song, others running around a field together playing sports. All of it forms our local tapestry of community. There are more than 1,000 established nonprofit organizations in Monterey County, sharing common goals for the common good. In this year’s edition of Monterey County Gives!, you can read about 206 of them. This special project of the Weekly was co-created back in 2009 to raise editorial support and money for local nonprofits. I’d invite you to set aside an hour or two to read this guide from beginning to end. It takes time, but the feeling of uplift is worth it. There are so many involved in service and they have a higher vision for us all, for our community. And even though I am deeply involved with MCGives!, when I read this issue front to back I get to savor the individual and collective efforts and I see both the parts and the whole; I have such an inspired, hopeful appreciation of where we live and who lives among us. It’s awesome. You may not think about it every day but the nonprofit sector is unquestionably a cornerstone for the overall health and welfare of Monterey County. It’s worthy to know about it and to celebrate it. It’s also worthy of your support, whether that’s $5 or $50,000. Since we helped initiate Monterey County Gives!, this project has raised and donated over $68 million for local nonprofits. This year we have a goal of $11 million from 8,500 different donors. If you’ve never contributed before, please join us. And if you’ve participated in past years, please consider doing so again, even upping your donation. We are all part of this community uplift together. Join the band! Bradley Zeve is the Founder & CEO of Monterey County Weekly and Monterey County NOW. JOIN THE BAND 8 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com HUDSON MARTIN supports Est. 1908 26515 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite 200, Carmel (831) 375-3151 www.hudsonmartin.com Play Time! ESTATE PLANNING TRUST ADMINISTRATION WILLS AND TRUSTS PROBATE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES GENERATIONAL TRUSTS POWER OF ATTORNEY REAL ESTATE CONSERVATORSHIPS ADVERTISEMENT VOTED BEST ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY 2023 2021 GOLDEN PINE CONE AWARD The Best Attorney ’12-’24 In Monterey County Jeannette K. Witten Monterey County Weekly 3 Years, LAWYER IF YOU NEED TO SUE SOMEONE
The Foundation is tax exempt under IRS Section 501 (c)(3), Tax ID #86-3477976. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible subject to the general limitations otherwise applicable to contributions for income tax reporting purposes. Staff Connie Riley, Program,Manager Cary Madill, Foundation Services Coordinator Advisory Committee Alyssa Erikson | John Hausdorff Wendell Harry | Zach Koontz Anna Linden | Vanessa Lopez-Littleton Alisha Mann | Dharma Naidu Roger Shiffman | Val Wareham FUNDED IN PART BY THE HOSPICE GIVING FOUNDATION mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 9 JERRY’S PLACE Monterey County’s Only Social Model Hospice Home Who We Are Jerry’s Place is a project of the Jerry Rubin Foundation For Cancer Care, located at About Care in Seaside, CA. We are a group of individuals from a variety of professions who have come together to build and operationalize Monterey County’s only social model hospice home. What We Do We offer a comfortable home-like environment for individuals enrolled in a hospice program to live out their final days, specifically when they do not have a suitable living situation or caregiver. How We Do It Jerry’s Place relies on the community for financial support to provide a quality end-of-life experience for those who may not otherwise have the resources or ability to live their final days in peace and comfort.
DONate online mcgives.com 10 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Challenge Gifts $2,534,387 IN CHALLENGE GIFTS FROM 717 DONORS AIM Youth Mental Health Valera Lyles Animal Friends Rescue Project AFRP Board of Directors Anneli and Alan Rosenthal Catherine Sullivan and John Wright John and Seamus Machado Joni and Bill Dorey Kimi and Jeff Oaks Kyle & Laural Larkin Laurie Machado Mark and Jill Mancina Michelle Starr & Matt Wingrove Rosalind Davis ARIEL Theatrical ARIEL Theatrical Board of Trustees Friends of ARIEL In Memory of Barney Hulse James Goulart and Carolanne Moreno Mike and Lisa McGirr Tamara and Reuben Harris Art Abilities Board Chairman Deanna Rossi and David Eikenberry Jennifer Kuyper Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Scott and Christina Seeley - PlayBig Design Tracy Richards and Jose Kofman Arts Council for Monterey County Bradley Zeve Cheryl and Bill Kampe Gregory & Susan Hawthorne Janie B. Silveria Laurie Bend, Arts4MC Board Chair Lee Henderson & Donna Gibson Mimi and George Niesen Mostly Arts and Youth Fund of the CFMC Nancy & Steve Donaldson Nancy Eccles and Homer M. Hayward Family Foundation Patricia Skinner Peter Kasavan Rosemary Soto Tom and Jacquie Atchison Asian Cultural Experience of Salinas Board of Directors - ACES Big Sur Fire Mary Ann Vasconcellos Big Sur Health Center Mary Ann Vasconcellos and David Smiley Big Sur Land Trust Adrienne Laurent and Mark Shilstone Lorraine Yglesias Rice Will and Michele Lewallen Big Sur Park School Jen Lape and Mark Readdie Jerilyn Hesse BirchBark Carol & Don Hilburn Jacob Wilkens Santa Cruz County Bank Bob Hoover Academy Brooks McChesney Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Tonya Antle Breakthrough Men’s Community Anonymous Breakthrough Alumni Dean Fahselt Dyar Architecture John Hain & Jennifer Allen Mike Clement Paul & Ellen Gaucher Paul M. Finnegan Roark Craven—doing what I can to help the community of men, my brothers. Samuel Read The Pollack Family Warren Anderson Breast Cancer Assistance Group The Upjohn California Fund Bright Futures of Monterey County F. H. Woo Family Fund of the CFMC Jim and Deneen Guss Romero Jalomo The Buchalter/Adler Family Fund of CFMC Brighter Bites, Monterey County HawkTower Tonya Antle Building Healthy Communities — Monterey County Action Council Board Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Patterson Emesibe RYS & Associates, LLC Camerata Singers Brenda Orr Cynthia Davis Daniel & Charmaine Kaplan Julia Turner Kathleen and Richard Leslie Kellie Morgantini & Mike Novo Mary Forbord Robert C. Stephenson Cancer Patients Alliance The Upjohn California Fund Carl Cherry Center for the Arts Carl Cherry Center for the Arts - Board of Directors Darcie & Don Carmel Art Association Brooks McChesney Carmel Bach Festival Carmel Bach Festival Board of Directors Carol and Craig Rossi Daniel Cooperman Linda and Dan Cooperman The Buffett Fund of the CFMC Carmel Dance Festival Anonymous Beth Cort Jeff and Brenda Bitkoff John Tilley Carmel Foundation Anonymous Carmel Music Society Anonymous Carmel Public Library Foundation Gail Sheridan and Ralph Love Marci Meaux Michelle & Aaron Flink Pamela Neiman, CPLF Board Member Peter and Jackie Henning Fund of the CFMC Steve & Cindy Dyer Susan Prest The Upjohn California Fund Carmel River Steelhead Association Traffic and Civil Engineering Consulting Services - Jim Jeffery Carmel Valley Community Youth Center Carmel Valley Community Youth Center Board of Directors Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Carmel Woman’s Club Tonya Antle Carmel Youth Center Anthony Forbes-Roberts Carmel Host Lions Club Foundation, Inc. Cyndy Hodges, CYC Board Member James Emerson, CYC Board Member Marci Meaux Pamela B. Neiman, CYC Board Member Robin Stelle CASA of Monterey County Anonymous Ben and Laurie Trainer Dina Ruiz & Scott Fisher Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Louie Linguini’s Restaurant Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc. Catholic Charities Rolling Hills Charitable Trust Center for Photographic Art Anonymous Dennis Segers - board member Jacki June Horton, Board of Directors Joel and Dena Gambord Foundation Matt Connors, President Emeritus Noelle and John Hetz Simona and Will Martin Central Coast Interfaith Sponsors (COPA) Jackie Frey Jennifer Lewis and Scott Taylor Katherine & Jack Herbig Mark Linder, COPA leader from St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Santa Cruz Mary Litel Walsh Regional Strategy Team of COPA Central Coast VNA & Hospice Bob Seidel Chamber Music Monterey Bay Amy Anderson & George Somero Anonymous CMMB Board of Directors Janet Brennan The Upjohn California Fund Coastal Kids Home Care Pierre and Mary Cousineau Santa Cruz County Bank Communities for Sustainable Monterey County Barbara Lovero CSMC Board of Directors Dr. Gregory Glasscock and Janette Leonidou Gary & Laurie Baum Home 2 Suites by Hilton Marina, CA Joan Wrench and Siji Joseph Kay Cline Laurie Eavey Leonidou & Rosin Professional Corporation Lynn Hamilton Rick Rosenthal & Colleen Devlin Steven Rivera Third Millennium Partners Thomas and Leslie Ward Community Association of Big Sur John Hain & Jennifer Allen Community Human Services Anonymous C. Edwards Dr. Carlotta Mellon Grace Nola Karen D. Kadushin Rob and Jeannine Cole Robin and Brian McCrae Tony & Carol Egan Community Partnership for Youth CPY Board Director CPY Board Member Monika and Allan Campbell The Upjohn California Fund Dentistry 4 Vets Santa Cruz County Bank The Upjohn California Fund Dorothy’s Place Al & Jackie Munoz Dan and Jill Griffee Elkhorn Slough Foundation Robert F. Hartmann The Buffett Fund of the CFMC Ensemble Monterey Ensemble Monterey Board and Staff Members Equine Healing Collaborative Jen Shayani and Allison Rowland Jennifer Fenton Michael and Carmie Saldana Val Moule Everyone’s Harvest Anonymous Genevieve LeBlanc & Cheryl Fraenzl Hester Parker and Dan Shapiro Home 2 Suites by Hilton Marina, CA In Honor and Memory of George Shapiro In honor of George Shapiro Kelly Wong & Adam Shapiro Larry Carbone and David Takacs Laura Lee Lienk Mary Poppins Terri Pyer Third Millennium Partners Tracy Richards and Jose Kofman First Tee-Monterey County Stocker & Allaire Food Bank for Monterey County Anonymous Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries Kellie Morgantini & Mike Novo The Upjohn California Fund Friends of the Carmel Valley Library James and Lisa Allison Rolling Hills Charitable Trust Friends of the Marina Library Dana Cleary Grace Silva-Santella and Ray Santella MPVS Benefit Shop Sea Haven Fund of the CFMC Fund for Homeless Women Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski Bill and Sherry Young Fund for Independent Journalism in Monterey County Donald McEnry Davis Charitable Fund of the CFMC Mark Shelley Gateway Center of Monterey County Board of Director for Gateway Center for over 20 years Board of Directors, Vice Chairman Gathering for Women - Monterey Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski Ray Santella & Grace Silva-Santella The Gathering for Women Board Golden Oldies Cat Rescue Andrew & Marcia Rebmann Anneli and Alan Rosenthal Anonymous Barbara Santry Carl Povilaitis Dina Ruiz & Scott Fisher Dr. Carlotta Mellon Golden Oldies Board of Directors Jacqueline & John Spaulding Joan Rebmann Condon Lou & Andy Fowler Margaret Slaby in memory of Kayden Marjorie Bullock and Nina Harrison as of November 7, 2024
mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 11 We understand Monterey County’s nonprofit businesses and we are proud to be a part of this community. Leavitt Central Coast Insurance is committed to giving back to our community, supporting initiatives that make a positive impact, and building connections that enrich the lives of those around us. Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services As an experienced Benefits Br and Human Resource Leader, I understand employee benefits from b the business and human sides. 950 East Blanco Road, Suite 103 Salinas | (831)424-6404
12 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com DONate online mcgives.com Philip Lin & Clara Wang Rosemarie Cala Shari Smith Grower-Shipper Foundation Board of Directors TableSpark - CarrieAnn Arias Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Doug Yount, Chair, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Kendra B. Howell Lisa Heschong & Doug Mahone Maxwell and Rosario Sinclair Santa Cruz County Bank Habitat Stewardship Project Chris and Karen Mack Friend Hamilton/McNeill Hester Parker and Dan Shapiro Kay Cline Laura Lee Lienk Marcia and John Harter The Pollack Family Harmony At Home Chuck Des Roches Heidi Quinn Ignacio Escamilla, Board Member Jose & Brenda Arreola Lane & Larry Hayes Lovina Worick & Kevin Mahoney Michael Leavy and Susan Galvin Skyline Engineering, Inc. Susan Orlikoff Simon Susan Prest Tonya Antle Hartnell College Foundation Al and Jackie Munoz Aldina Rangel Alex at Mag One Media Darcie Fohrman & Don Hughes Hartnell College Foundation’s Council for the Arts Mimi and George Niesen Mostly Arts and Youth Fund of the CFMC Mindy and Alan Pedlar Pat Horsley Paulette Lynch and Ken Peterson Healing and Reconciliation Institute Jennifer Allen and John Hain Pete and Hilary Giovale Richard Hambley Healing Partners of the Central Coast Healing Partners of the Central Coast, Board of Directors Healing Partners of the Central Coast, Volunteer Providers Linda and Jonathan Tuck Linda-Lee Myers Marilyn and Tom Byrne Tara Ryan The Upjohn California Fund Tyler Baker Health Projects Center Anonymous Santa Cruz County Bank Henry Miller Library Mary Ann Vasconcellos Anonymous Carissa and Tuk Patti Connolly Hidden Valley Music Seminars Anonymous Dorothy & Patrick Micheletti The Upjohn California Fund Trustee Hijos del Sol The Upjohn California Fund Hope, Horses & Kids The Upjohn California Fund Hospice Giving Foundation Bob Seidel Julie Capili and David Glickman Vicki and Gordon Rosenberg of South County Housing For Kids Dianne Driessen and Mark Stephenson E&K Ellen Osborne & Jim Dultz Franklin Legacy Fund of the CFMC Joe Rock and Robin Venuti Family Fund of the CFMC Karen and Charles Osborne Marty Fleetwood and David Duveneck Mary Ellen Klee Myra & Drew Goodman Nahas Family Fund Polly Osborne, FAIA Ritch Lewis and Tia Gindick Lewis Studio Carver Architects I Cantori di Carmel Lucy G Moore Mads and Susan Bjerre I-HELP Carol and Craig Rossi First United Methodist Church of Pacific Grove I-HELP/Outreach Unlimited Board Ray Santella & Grace Silva-Santella Sheila & David Allaire St Dunstan’s Foundation Terry & Judy Cole Tom & Jennifer Chapman Interim, Inc. Katherine & Jack Herbig ITNMontereyCounty The Upjohn California Fund Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services Mr. and Mrs. John Delorey Junior League of Monterey County Carle Mowell Junior League of Monterey County 2024-2025 Board of Directors Laurel Lee-Alexander Lisa Mitchell Hollo Keep Big Sur Wild John and Sharon Wilson Keep Big Sur Wild Board Members Peggy Goodale LandWatch Monterey County Ann Notthoff & Dwight Holing Anonymous Darcie & Don Janet Brennan John Swendseid & Despina Hatton LandWatch board members Tyler Sullivan, Chelsea Tu and Elizabeth Winchester Mark Shelley Thomas and Leslie Ward Wendell and Celeste Birkhofer Legal Services for Seniors Anonymous Board of Directors, Legal Services for Seniors Carol & Don Hilburn Central Coast Senior Services, Inc. Dan & Jill Griffee Honorable Albert H. Maldonado and Gayle Maldonado Integris Wealth Management Karen D. Kadushin Tim Flanagan Loaves, Fishes and Computers ARC Logistix LLC Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski LFC Board of Directors Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science The Upjohn California Fund Marina Youth Arts Ray Santella & Grace Silva-Santella Sea Haven Fund of the CFMC Marine Life Studies Al Anonymous Board Member Board of Directors Huge Fan of Marine Life Studies In Honor of Captain Tif Thomas In Honor of John and Johnny West In Memory Barbara Frank In Memory of Doug Ross In Memory of Joanne and Bob Adams In Memory of Martha, Bob, and Don Guyse Pamela and Edward Taft Sea Lion Whisperer Stephanie Marcos Marine Mammal Center Greg and Laurie Friedman Max’s Helping Paws Anita Gryska Anneli and Alan Rosenthal Anonymous Board Member Dennis and Connie Hong-Smith Dina Ruiz & Scott Fisher Dr. Carlotta Mellon Dr. Danielle Hettler, DVM Dr. David B. Fradkin John and Sharon Wilson Jonathan Fradkin, DVM and Dyana Klein, Founders Laura Zehm and Paula Black Max’s Helping Paws Board Member Melissa & Travis Hall Sylvana Stratton Valera Lyles Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula Anonymous Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski Board Member Board of Directors, Meals on Wheels Cathleen and Quentin Rose Central Coast Senior Services, Inc. Kevin and Stephanie Hulsey MOWMP Board Member Mr. and Mrs. Kurt and Heidi Schake Ms. Sandra Bruno Paul & Janet Bruno Praisner Family Foundation Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Inc. Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, board of directors Santa Fe Foods MEarth Cameron Leonard, MEarth Board Director Carol Olson, MEarth Board Director Emily Reistetter, MEarth Board Director Erin Fogg, MEarth Board Director MEarth Board Director Meghan Macaluso, MEarth Board Director The Upjohn California Fund Todd Holman, MEarth Board Director Mid Coast Fire Brigade Donald McEnry Davis Charitable Fund of the CFMC Monterey Audubon Society Amanda Preece, Monterey Audubon Society Board Member Blake Matheson Carol Greenstreet and Randy May Fred Hochstaedter and Catherine Webb, MAS Board Member and Volunteer Friend of birds Janette Loomis, Monterey Audubon Board Member Janice Scott Marjorie Bullock and Nina Harrison Pam Cole, Monterey Audubon Society Board Member Robert Horn, Member of Board of Directors Roger & Della Bossart Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust B&L Mahoney Board member of the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust MBFT Board Member - M Galligan Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Board of Directors Monterey Bay Master Gardeners Monterey Bay Master Gardeners Board Monterey College of Law Admin Staff Challenge Gift in Honor of Dean Winick’s Retirement Amy Sands Debbie and Mitch Winick Deborah Howitt and Bobbie Hernandez, MCL Staff Honorable Albert H. Maldonado and Gayle Maldonado Karen D. Kadushin Kay Kingsley Phil & Ilene Candreva Monterey County Pops! Carl Christensen & Jo Ann Novoson Chuck and Diane Elliott D1 & J9 Douglas C. Lee Honorable Albert H. Maldonado and Gayle Maldonado John & Mary Castagna Karen D. Kadushin Rob & Kathleen Lee Steve and Karen DeCarli Monterey County Rape Crisis Center Monterey County Rape Crisis Center Board Monterey History & Art Association Gary & Frances Spradlin Larry Chavez Mary and Steve Pendlay Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Mar Terry and Paula Trotter/Trotter Galleries The Fowlers The Pendlay Family Monterey Jazz Festival Ken & Aliana Gordon Laura Zehm and Paula Black Mimi Hahn Monterey Museum of Art Adriana & Bill Hayward, Board Member Alicia Ann Swithenbank Anonymous Anonymous, Board of Trustees Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski Brooks McChesney Corey Madden Craig and Christine Johnson Deborah Silguero-Stahl, Board Member Eric and Holly Smith, Board Member Kevin Wasbauer and Erika Takada Lila and James Thorsen, Board Member Monika & Allan Campbell, Board Member The Upjohn California Fund Tom and Tiffany Donnelly, Board Member Monterey Off Road Cycling Association Brian Tomasini MORCA Board of Directors Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre Anonymous Camille and Mark Reith Kim and Alex Klikoff San Carlos Agency, Inc. Monterey Peninsula Pride Ignacio Escamilla, MPP Board Member Melissa Lewis, MPP Board Member Nick Zafiratos, MPP Board Member Tina Rau and Beth Walker Challenge Gifts
mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 13 1-2h 9.38” x 4.94” Join the Band 8,500 donors $11,000,000 in donations 47 days 206 nonprofits 1. Visit www.mcgives.com 2. Choose your favorites 3. Click on donate button how to donate Goals for 2024 Monterey County Gives! is a special project of Monterey County Weekly in partnership with the Community Foundation for Monterey County and Monterey Peninsula Foundation Major Partners PRINT | WEB | MOBILE Donate to Community Human Services HELP END HOMELESSNESS • OUTREACH • SHELTER • HOUSING DONATE NOW montereycountygives.com/chs
DONate online mcgives.com Monterey Peninsula Voices Armstrong Family Trust Harlan Jencks Monterey Peninsula Voices current and past board members Philip Price Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation Anonymous Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski Brian Edwards Carla Bitter & John O’Sullivan Dan Baldwin and Anne Ylvisaker Fund of the CFMC Diane de Lorimier, Board of Library Trustees Doug Holtzman, MPLF&F Board Member and Jennifer Smith H. Lynn Tomlinson Harish Joshi Janie B. Silveria Jenny Savage, Board Member Jim Thomson & Jan O’Halloran Karen Dunn-Haley, Board Member Lee Henderson & Donna Gibson Marsha Moroh and Ken Wanderman Phyllis and Fred Meurer-Meurer Municipal Consulting Stephen Millich William and Jessica Thibault, board member Monterey State Historic Park Association Lee Henderson & Donna Gibson Monterey State Historic Park Association Board of Directors Monterey Symphony The Buffett Fund of the CFMC Monterey Waterkeeper Ann Notthoff & Dwight Holing Anonymous Michael Lozeau and Loretta de Guzman Mike & Lisa Hanson Monterey Women for Good Rick & Connie Frank MPC Foundation Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Musikiwest Donald McEnry Davis Charitable Fund of the CFMC John & Jen Petrovich Mark and Jill Mancina NAMI Monterey County Angela Rudas Smith & Family Claudia and Geoff Kostyshak Colleen & Travis Beye Cynthia Laurance Doug and Laurie Classen Edward Laurance In memory of Le’Wayne Anthony Wright Joe Livernois Mary Gomez-Aarons Memo & Jeanette Camacho Nancy’s Project Carol Stang Jim and Betty Kasson Nancy’s Project Board of Directors Rolling Hills Charitable Trust St Dunstan’s Foundation Natividad Medical Foundation Dan and Yadira Hobby Jennifer L. Williams-Carpenter Lisa Rico Marcia V. Atkinson, C.P.A., Inc. Mike and Leslie Galloway Monterey Anesthesia Professionals: Ronald Braun, M.D.; Oren Erlichman, M.D.; James Hlavacek, M.D.; Hilario Medina, M.D.; Alex Patel, M.D.; Roger Proctor, M.D.; Vijaya Reddy, M.D.; Michael Scannell, M.D.; Amish Shah, M.D.; Lorraine Volkers, M.D. Vituity: Dr. Christopher Burke; Dr. Jeffrey Bass; Dr. Steffani Campbell; Dr. Theodore Doherty; Dr. Nicholas George; Dr. Alexander Guendel; Dr. Adam Kincaid; Dr. Cole Klick; Dr. Robert Lawson; Dr. Marie Lutz; Dr. Christopher Martin; Dr. Michael Moeller; Dr. Karen Olaes; Dr. Derek Orchard; Dr. Ruth Selvidge; Dr. Matthew Tripp; Dr. Valerie Vigil Walls New Canon Theatre Co. A supporter of creative artists Grace, Diana and Steve NCTC Board of Directors Theatre is in my blood Northern Monterey County Foundation Anonymous (2) Bob and Anne Herendeen Glenn Church and Kathryn McKenzie Kathy and Rick Genasci Old Monterey Foundation Barbara Burke Bill + Kathi Wojtkowski O’Neill Sea Odyssey Anonymous Santa Cruz County Bank The Upjohn California Fund Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Karen D. Kadushin Raimie Kriste Pacific Grove Museum Of Natural History Anonymous Denecour Family Dennis Family Dr. Rachel M. Miller & Eric Freeman Joan Clay John & Tama Olver Lucy G Moore Marsha McMahan Zelus Fund of the CFMC Olivia Duarte and William Chow Sean Powell, Treasurer PGMNH Susan Wolfe Pacific Grove Public Library Friends and Foundation Carol and Craig Rossi Kim Bui and Steven Silveria PacRep Theatre Lee and Shirley Rosen Palenke Arts Brooks McChesney Margarita D Mr. & Mrs. Manuel and Daisy Nunez Palenke Arts Board of Directors Parenting Connection of Monterey County Relindis Lorie Diaz Santa Cruz County Bank Partners For Peace (P4P) Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Partnership for Children Tim Louis Peace of Mind Dog Rescue Anneli and Alan Rosenthal Boand Family Foundation Brooks McChesney Catherine Sullivan & John Wright Center for Photographic Art In Loving Memory of Ana Weidner Joel and Dena Gambord Foundation Sanctuary Vacation Rentals Ty and Tiffany Caulk Planned Parenthood Mar Monte John Hain & Jennifer Allen Point Lobos Foundation Ann Pendleton, Point Lobos Foundation Director Betty Maurutto, Point Lobos Foundation President Brian and Cynthia Weick Carol Rossi, Point Lobos Foundation Vice President Castel Ortiz Dennis Family Don Blohowiak, Point Lobos Foundation Director Holly Carlin Jim & Anne Rurka Joan Hoover, Point Lobos Foundation Finance Chair Kathleen & Rob Lee Kit Armstrong Loren Hughes & Jane Veneman Marsha McMahan Zelus Fund of the CFMC Point Lobos Foundation Director The Fowlers + Lou and Andy The Upjohn California Fund Tracy Richards and Jose Kofman Rancho Cielo Youth Campus Boand Family Foundation Brooks McChesney Duane & Kay Zitzner Sam Szteinbaum The Don Chapin Company, Inc Range Of The Condor Don and Franci Gruber John Hain & Jennifer Allen Read to Me Project Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Read to Me Board Member Rolling Hills Charitable Trust The Upjohn California Fund William & Morgan Falor Regeneración - Pajaro Valley Climate Action Amy Ross, Regeneración Advisory Board Anonymous Jakki Castorena-Davila Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation RotaCare Monterey Clinic Drs. Gregory and Cheryl Thompson Mendivil Family The Rotary Club of Monterey Salinas Area Reading Is Fundamental Anonymous Audrey and Dave Varner and Diane Rosenthal Denise and Ken Pollak Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations Ignacio Escamilla Salvation Army Joseph & Elizabeth Heston Sol Treasures Anonymous Robert and Katie Mackin Sonia Chapa Soledad Community Health Care District Foundation Anonymous South County Animal Rescue Big D’s Appliance Installations Guzik family SCAR Board of Directors Ty and Tiffany Caulk SpectorDance Anonymous Dr. Roger D. Stewart In Honor of James V Atkins Stevenson School Tim and Lynn Allen Sun Street Centers Anonymous Jim Lugg Tor House The John “Zoli” Varady Family Trustees, Tor House United Way Monterey County Ann Kern California Resources Corporation D’Arrigo California United Way Monterey County Board of Directors Valley Health Associates Anonymous Donna Cooper Schreiber Harold Kahn, Ed.D. Ventana Wilderness Alliance Anonymous Connie and Michael Framberger Dan Hartmann and Roxanne Renedo Dottie Massey Dwight Holing & Ann Notthoff Heidi Hopkins Jean B. LeBlanc John Hain & Jennifer Allen Juniper Ridge Kate Cunningham and Jon Libby Marsha McMahan Zelus Fund of the CFMC Tom Hopkins Wilderness Fund Ventana Wildlife Society Anonymous Frank and Barbara Strehlitz Marsha McMahan Zelus Fund of the CFMC The Upjohn California Fund Ventana Wildlife Society Board of Directors Vladimir Drozdoff & Donna Buehler Veterans Transition Center of California Allison Ryan Board of Directors Col (Ret) & Mrs. William T. Kelley Dr. Mary Roberts and Dr. Stephen Palumbi Dr. Tom Griffin Evan & Jessica Heath Heidi and Kurt Schake Mike and Sarah Stull Phyllis and Fred Meurer-Meurer Municipal Consulting Tony Tollner, VTC Board VTC Board of Directors Watsonville Wetlands Watch Donna Bradford Lynne Karst Western Flyer Foundation Anonymous Brooks McChesney Dr. Susan Shillinglaw Linda Powell-McMillan Sharon Loomis-Malin The Bradley Family Trust Wonder Wood Ranch 1998 Asbury Family Trust Alex & Carol Schalesky Anonymous Bryan & Marlo Schalesky Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Skyline Engineering, Inc. World Affairs Council Monterey Bay Donald McEnry Davis Charitable Fund of the CFMC Gloria and Michael Ipson Maria and Philip Morgan WACMB Board of Directors York School Grateful York Parent Mark Kerman The Brunicardi Family Youth Arts Collective (YAC) Dan Baldwin and Anne Ylvisaker Fund of the CFMC Darcie & Don Katherine & Jack Herbig The Upjohn California Fund Youth Arts Collective Board of Directors Youth Music Monterey County Lori and Lou Flagg Memorial Youth Fund Russell L. Hatch Anonymous Dorothy & Patrick Micheletti Hester Parker and Dan Shapiro Youth Orchestra Salinas Mimihay and George Niesen Mostly Arts and Youth Fund of the CFMC Challenge Gifts 14 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com
montereycountygives.com/bright $36 + Million Available! SUPPORT OUR MISSION TO CLAIM ALL 71,000 CALKIDS ACCOUNTS OUR BIG IDEA BRING BACK YOUNG COMPANY! Support the Hartnell College Foundation’s Big Idea! With your help, we will rebuild the Young Company at The Western Stage and offer theater experiences to Salinas Valley youth. In 2025, we will offer: A matinee introducing 500+ students to live theater SPARK! Summer Camp for ages 10-15, led by arts professionals SCAN HERE! mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 15
16 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Animals DONate online mcgives.com Animal Friends Rescue Project Year Founded: 1998 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 17 paid, 276 volunteers Budget: $1,330,000 333-0722 animalfriendsrescue.org Big Idea: Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP) seeks funds to help care for animals suffering from physical and emotional trauma. AFRP often serves as the last chance an animal has of finding a forever home, as this nonprofit welcomes dogs and cats that need extra medical care and recovery time. In addition to supporting this nonprofit’s emergency fund, Big Idea donors also support the volunteer foster families who help these animals rehabilitate in a caring home. “When we decided to adopt a dog in 2018, AFRP was our first stop. Our experience with Bella, and with AFRP, was so positive that two years later we adopted Dusty. Dusty had a rough first year of life, as he was found on the side of the road when he was 3 months old with a near-fatal case of parvovirus. He was nursed back to health and cared for by his AFRP foster mom, Michelle—one of over 200 committed AFRP volunteers. We are deeply grateful to AFRP for all they do to support their animals from fostering to ensuring the best possible fit for adoptees in their new homes.” -Lynn and Cary Yeh BirchBark Year Founded: 2013 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2.5 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $605,550 471-7255 birchbarkfoundation.org Big Idea: BirchBark celebrates the human-animal bond and envisions a world where no pet is lost because of financial hardship. This Big Idea directly funds lifesaving treatments for pets whose families cannot afford veterinary care, giving the precious gift of time for families and their pets. But when that time inevitably comes, BirchBark offers a compassionate grief support community and educational resources to help humans navigate the loss of their treasured pet. “Our beloved pet cat was recently hit by a car and seriously injured. His vet bill was well over $5,000, which we could not afford by ourselves. Thanks to BirchBark, his two broken legs are healing nicely. Although his tail had to be amputated, our cat is alive and happy, and it’s all thanks to BirchBark and one of their partner vets, VCA All Pets Animal Hospital Salinas. He really means the world to us, and we are so grateful he is getting back to his normal happy self.” -Angie A. Hope, Horses & Kids Year Founded: 2010 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 20 volunteers Budget: $343,003 596-6693 hopehorseskids.org Big Idea: Hope, Horses & Kids nurtures healing connections with groups like youth facing substance use disorders and young people with special needs. Kids build trust, new skills and confidence through the gentle presence of horses. This Big Idea works at its best when the program horses are happy and healthy too. Horse care is a significant and recurring expense for this nonprofit, and donations support the horses’ nutrition, regular veterinary checkups and daily supplies. “Rojan, a former program horse, was too young and strong for our needs years ago. We returned him to Joe, our farrier, who loaned him to a police officer in the Gilroy Police Department. Rojan went through the police academy and served for five years, including as a first responder to the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting. After retirement, Golden Oldies Cat Rescue Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 79 volunteers Budget: $116,822 200-9232 gocatrescue.org Big Idea: As the only local cat rescue dedicated to older cats, Golden Oldies Cat Rescue remains committed to these special cats for their entire lifetime. Senior cats enter Golden Oldies grieving and scared, often after losing their longtime home or a trusted companion. Because it can be more difficult to find a forever home for older cats, this Big Idea maintains a commitment to the needs of each cat, with donations funding needs like 7-year-old Gizmo’s daily blood pressure medication or 11-year-old Java’s prescription diet expenses. “Besides simply enjoying the company of cats, I provide a foster home for Golden Oldies Cat Rescue to help make a positive contribution to my community. I’m validated every time a foster cat is adopted and leaves my care, opening up my home for another older cat in need. A foster home is a lifesaving gift that helps to bring calm and joy into these cats’ lives. Their time in foster care allows us to learn more about their personality. This, in turn, helps them find an appropriate forever home.” -John Blair spotlight “Low-cost spay/neuter is ground zero for reducing the numbers of animals euthanized.” -Lisa Sears, SNIP Bus
mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 17 Equinehealing.org (831)-293-4492 Healing the community with the help of horses and the great outdoors! Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for all! Serving individuals, families, couples, children, youth, and adults+. We are honored to be selected for Monterey County Gives! 2022 Donate Nov. 10 - Dec. 31 We are honored to be selected for Monterey County Gives! 2024 Donate Nov. 14th – Dec. 31st ing the community with the help horses and the great outdoors! Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for all! ving individuals, families, couples, children, youth, and adults+. nored to be selected for ey County Gives! 2022 ate Nov. 10 - Dec. 31 Save our Sanctuary! Join us in securing our sanctuary so we can continue providing life-changing mental health services through our horses! Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for all! Serving individuals, families, couples, children, youth, and adults. We appreciate you supporting Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR) throughout the year! With your support, we have helped change the lives of over 5,000 senior dogs and people. Let’s continue to make a difference together! Thank You Monterey County www.PeaceOfMindDogRescue.org P.O. Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 • 831-718-9122 Make your year-end donation go further by giving to POMDR through Monterey County Gives. POMDR is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people. of over 6,000 We appreciate you supporting Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR) throughout the year! With your support, we have helped change the lives of over 5,000 senior dogs and people. Let’s continue to make a difference together! Thank You Monterey County www.PeaceOfMindDogRescue.org P.O. Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 • 831-718-9122 Make your year-end donation go further by giving to POMDR through Monterey County Gives. POMDR is a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people.
18 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Animals DONate online mcgives.com Rojan was rehomed to a family, where he excelled in gymkhana with their daughter, winning many awards. Recently, the family faced difficulties, and Rojan was neglected, though not intentionally. We agreed to take him back. He is now 30 years old and showing his age, and we are dedicated to restoring his health so he can live comfortably in his later years.” -Lori Tuttle Marine Life Studies Year Founded: 2006 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 197 volunteers Budget: $325,000 901-3833 marinelifestudies.org Big Idea: Whale entanglements result in slow, painful deaths for these majestic visitors to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. When entanglements happen, Marine Life Studies deploys its rapid response team to rescue these whales. Donations help fund the Whale Entanglement Team (WET)® and the team’s operating vessel, the R/V Current’Sea, maintaining the inflatable boat for instant readiness. Dubbed the whale ambulance, this Big Idea vessel saves marine life and collects critical data to help train future WET® members. “Marine Life Studies’ Whale Entanglement Team plays a vital role in whale disentanglement off the California coast. As the primary response team, they were the perfect partner for The Nature Conservancy’s project to develop Scout, a new telemetry buoy for entanglement response. Scout incorporates major advances in hardware and software, improving response times and success rates for teams like WET®. Marine Life Studies assisted in the testing phase, using their vessel for Scout deployment, tracking and retrieval. They provided valuable feedback on the device’s design and usability, leading the on-water testing at a national disentanglement training for upper-level responders. WET® continues to be integral to the Scout project and a key partner in protecting ocean life.” -Matt Merrifield, Chief Technology Officer, The Nature Conservancy Max’s Helping Paws Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 19 volunteers Budget: $657,573 704-6473 maxshelpingpaws.org Big Idea: Max’s Helping Paws Foundation recognizes the growing financial stress on pet families, leading to more “economic euthanasias” for local low- or no-income pet owners. To help, this nonprofit’s Big Idea offers financial assistance to eligible families who have a pet in crisis. As veterinary costs continue to grow, donations are needed to continue Max’s Helping Paws eight-year history of helping every qualified family who has asked this foundation for financial assistance for a beloved pet. “Your foundation was a beacon of hope in my darkest hour. Thank you for believing in Lola and me, for seeing the bond we share, and for understanding the depth of my love for her. You show us that kindness and generosity exist in the world, and that there is always hope. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” -Lisa T. Peace of Mind Dog Rescue Year Founded: 2009 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 30 paid, 1,557 volunteers Budget: $2,362,416 718-9122 peaceofminddogrescue.org Big Idea: Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR) saved 384 senior dogs last year and, with the nonprofit’s new private veterinary clinic, hopes to do even more. Already supporting 100-plus adoptable dogs, the POMDR clinic hopes to provide more services to reduce the burden of veterinary bills for low-income pet guardians. This Big Idea also includes a financial commitment to POMDR dogs for their lifetime, offering discounted care for POMDR dogs at their vet clinic. “We continue to be amazed by the care, enthusiasm and love shown by the entire POMDR team. We recently needed veterinary care for our dog, Jessie. The very prompt, professional and extraordinary attention that was given to us and our dog was phenomenal. Thank you so much for all that you do for us and this community.” -Richard E. “Your foundation was a beacon of hope in my darkest hour.” –Lisa T., Max’s Helping Paws SPCA Monterey County Year Founded: 1905 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 95 paid, 450 volunteers Budget: $11,725,943 373-2631 spcamc.org Big Idea: While the rising cost of groceries is well documented, the high price of pet food can be overlooked. SPCA Monterey County’s Big Idea supports a free Pet Food Bank, helping keep pet families together by alleviating one source of financial stress. In 2023, this nonprofit provided over 120,000 pounds of food and helped more than 700 pets. However, the need continues to grow and donations are needed to continue providing basic needs assistance for pet families. “Expenses are so tight. The young lady with the SPCA who helped me was so compassionate and kind. I left with a smile on my face. My pets are my babies and the SPCA gave me such a big help.” -Leslie spotlight
mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2024 19 www.SPCAmc.org • 831-373-2631 Your support makes everything possible. Support SPCA Monterey County’s FREE PET FOOD BANK to keep pets in loving homes with Monterey County Gives! Over 800 pets helped every single week Your donations truly change lives KEEP ThEiR BElliES Full AND ThEiR hEARTS wARM MontereyCountyGives.com/SPCA SOUTH COUNTY ANIMAL RESCUE Little Whiskers, Big dreams! WWW.SCAR.PET Spay & Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) Trap, Neuter & Return Program (TNR) Transforming Animals & Individuals’ Lives (TAILS) Ending the overpopulation of animals. Providing care, K9 training and placement for those in need of loving homes. Girls Inc. helps girls explore and celebrate their strengths, their voices, who they are today, and who they will become. We equip girls to take charge of their health and wellbeing, and achieve academic, personal and career goals. www.girlsinccc.org • (831) 772-0882 Inspiring Girls Our Mission: To inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold™
20 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Animals DONate online mcgives.com SNIP Bus Mobile Spay and Neuter Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 13 volunteers Budget: $1,200,000 (925) 895-8531 snipbus.org Big Idea: The SNIP Bus operates like a well-oiled machine, efficiently spaying and neutering local dogs and cats. This high-volume operation directly influences the issue of pet overpopulation by providing practical help without barriers. For pet parents who cannot afford the reduced cost, the SNIP Bus waives the fees to serve the community. More than 75,000 pets have been fixed since 2016, providing an accessible and affordable solution as its Big Idea. “Volunteering with SNIP Bus since 2018 has been some of the most impactful work I’ve done during my 30 years of volunteering in the rescue community of Monterey County. Low-cost spay/neuter for low-income residents is literally ground zero for reducing the numbers of animals euthanized at our local shelters. I’ve seen firsthand how we are reaching folks who otherwise could not afford to have their pets fixed. Without SNIP, those animals would continue to add to the overwhelming problem of pet overpopulation in our county and across the U.S. Sadly, most shelter animals leave in a Hefty bag, not on the end of a leash. SNIP is a gift.” -Lisa Sears South County Animal Rescue (SCAR) Year Founded: 2017 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 47 volunteers Budget: $115,000 525-5160 scar.pet Big Idea: South County Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that enhances access to spay and neuter services for South County communities, including a trap-neuter-release program dedicated to fixing stray and feral cats. South County shelter animals facing euthanasia because of high-level medical needs, trauma or kennel stress get help from SCAR as this nonprofit steps in to rescue these pets and give them another chance. Donations help support this Big Idea, a grassroots effort saving hundreds of vulnerable pets every year. “My parents rescued their little dog from SCAR years ago and it was an amazing experience. It just shows the love and empathy their fosters have for the animals they care for! Rosie is our recently adopted SCAR pet and has been the best thing that ever happened to me; she fits right in with our other rescue pups in the family. SCAR is handsdown the best! When it comes time for Rosie to have a sibling, SCAR is the first place I will be looking.” -Kelsey Lewis Ventana Wildlife Society Year Founded: 1982 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 23 paid, 23 volunteers Budget: $2,447,150 455-9514 ventanaws.org Big Idea: The wingspan of this nonprofit’s reach is impressive, establishing a breeding population of the once nearly extinct California condor, now 100-strong from a low point of only 22 birds 30 years ago. This Big Idea still resists severe threats to North America’s largest bird, like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Donations help Ventana Wildlife Society achieve goals to vaccinate the entire wild flock for HPAI and provide essential medical treatment for condors showing signs of lead poisoning, as well as the release of 10 captive-raised condor chicks. “Thank you for your dedication to preserving the California condor. Together, we make a significant difference, honoring those we have lost by ensuring the future success of the species. This year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded us a 1-to-1 matching grant again. This means every donation toward condor recovery will be doubled.” -Kelly Sorenson, executive director of Ventana Wildlife Society “Our cat is alive and happy, and it’s all thanks to BirchBark.” -Angie A., BirchBark UnChained Year Founded: 2011 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 14 paid, 165 volunteers Budget: $225,000 (888) 674-5471 livingunchained.org Big Idea: UnChained currently serves program participants at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus and Monterey County juvenile detention centers, teaching young people how to train homeless dogs in basic skills, good manners and healthy socialization. Dog training combines with therapy and coaching at UnChained, helping youth heal and avoid future incarceration. This nonprofit aims to expand its Big Idea to two or three more partner facilities, expanding the number of at-promise youth and rescue dogs who grow and heal through this program. “I was a troubled child; I would run around causing trouble and I was in and out of incarceration. Most of the dogs didn’t really catch my attention until I’d seen this boxer named Quincy. I learned a lot of social skills and how to control my emotions a lot, and to be more focused, more attentive. Working with Quincy, seeing him get a second shot, actually gave me a little bit of hope.” -Emiliano, program youth participant spotlight
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