and learn. “The Family, Friends and Neighbors workshops have helped me become a more intentional caregiver. I enjoy learning new activities that support my children and granddaughter as they learn and grow. There’s always something new to learn, and every lesson helps me be there for them.” -Rosa Cardenas THE WAHINE PROJECT Year Founded: 2010 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $500,000 (831) 236-4642 thewahineproject.org BIG IDEA: Monterey County stretches more than 3,200 square miles and gas is $6/gallon. These facts form the basis of The Wahine Project’s Big Idea. This nonprofit believes everyone deserves access to the ocean and is seeking help with its transportation fund for Monterey County school district special education programs. The Wahine Project organizes playful beach sessions as part of the school day, complete with boogie boarding, surfing and ocean fun to benefit their mental and physical wellness. “The best adventure there is. Instructors are friendly, the time flies by, my kids get to enjoy the ocean. We tell all our friends they have to give it a try.” -Jessica C. WESTERN FLYER FOUNDATION Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 120 volunteers Budget: $2,000,000 (831) 220-8047 westernflyer.org BIG IDEA: After three years and 3,600 students, Steinbeck’s famous former sardine fishing vessel the Western Flyer is turning the page and relocating to its new home at Heritage Harbor on Fisherman’s Wharf. This next chapter will expand on the nonprofit’s Big Idea over the last few years, including building more educational and research collaborations with schools and colleges. This preserved landmark brings together maritime heritage, literary legacy and marine science to spark curiosity. “There’s science illustration, science communication, you can learn deckhand skills, operate the boat, or work on the engineering side, building or operating the equipment. Actually getting to talk to people who are in this field, and seeing all the different ways you can be involved in marine science and conservation, can open the door for so many more people to get involved. There’s so much to see, and there’s something for everyone here.” -Mikaela Heimer WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL MONTEREY BAY Year Founded: 1951 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 36 volunteers Budget: $75,060 (831) 643-1855 wacmb.org BIG IDEA: The fast-paced Academic World Quest tests high schoolers’ knowledge of international politics, global economics, world cultures, geography and history. World Affairs Council Monterey Bay launched the local competition in 2022 and it continues to grow. Successful teams win cash prizes and represent their school at the championship in Washington, D.C., each spring, where they interact with 250 like-minded peers. This Big Idea has plans to develop student-led discussions and classroom lectures for opportunities to learn from international thought leaders. “Academic World Quest has significantly increased my knowledge of global news and expanded my horizons. Representing Greenfield on the national stage was truly inspiring and eye opening.” -Rosalinda Hernandez, 18 YORK SCHOOL Year Founded: 1959 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 36 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $6,579,000 (831) 372-7338 york.org BIG IDEA: York School offers signature programs for each of its students to help inspire critical thinking and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. These programs include a Big Idea trip to Costa Rica for every York freshman, jump-starting their globally minded education. Options to study abroad and a senior capstone addressing real-world issues are also included in a York education, where 65 percent of students receive tuition assistance, beyond the national average for similar schools. Donations help sustain this scholarship fund. “Tuition assistance made my York education possible, and that opportunity changed the direction of my life. York gave me more than a strong academic foundation, it gave me a community that believed in me, challenged me and helped shape the person and leader I am today. The relationships, values and sense of responsibility I developed at York continue to guide me in my work and in how I serve my community. I will always be grateful for the generosity that opened that door for me.” -Jonathan De Anda, class of 2012 108 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “I am reminded to work hard and not take this incredible opportunity for granted.” -Isidro G., MPC Foundation
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