BIG IDEA: In only four years, Salinas Soccer Femenil has nurtured the growth of three soccer programs for Salinas Valley girls and women ages 5 to 65. This nonprofit provides safe, affordable opportunities to play for more than 400 players across recreational, competitive and semi-professional levels. As demand increases, one part of the soccer equation stands in the way of sustainability. Donations will support their Big Idea: summer and winter workshops to develop a corps of U.S. Soccer-certified female coaches and referees. “I am old enough that I am proud to still be playing soccer. It is something I didn’t often get time to do when I was raising a family. Though I can’t run like the youngsters, I think and pass fast because I understand the game. I love being part of my team and I am very excited about becoming a coach and referee for the Girls Academy.” -Teo Solano (translated from Spanish) SALINAS VALLEY HEALTH FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1980 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 9 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $2,278,411 (831) 759-1880 salinasvalleyhealthfoundation.org BIG IDEA: To dramatically improve access to lifesaving medical care with a gift to build the new emergency department at Salinas Valley Health. Plans for this new building will more than double the number of treatment spaces of the hospital’s current emergency department, and will improve privacy and flow for patients—more than 65,000 of them each year. Momentum is growing for Salinas Valley Health Foundation’s Big Idea, which has an anticipated completion date of late 2030. “What excites me most about this project is knowing it will touch so many lives. It’s not just about a new building. It’s about providing patients, families and our incredible care teams the space and resources they need when every second counts. That’s something our community can be proud of.” -Helen de Young, board member SOLEDAD COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1996 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 20 volunteers Budget: $58,000 (831) 237-0006 soledadhealthcaredistrictfoundation.org BIG IDEA: Soledad Community Health Care District Foundation envisions a Big Idea that acts like little sprinkles of joy on top of daily life. Called Creating Moments of Joy, this initiative has plans for a wide range of enrichment opportunities at Eden Valley Care Center, a skilled nursing facility in Soledad. Ideas range from outings in the community and recreational programming to its first goal: creating an inclusive outdoor gathering space complete with two wheelchair-accessible therapeutic swings. “I was scared to stay in a skilled nursing facility. I had visited several in Salinas and told my family I didn’t want to go to any of them. But the moment I entered Eden Valley Care Center, it felt like a peaceful hacienda—not a hospital. The cleanliness, the fountain, the plants—it was calm, welcoming and nothing like I expected. I’m truly thankful for the peace, care and dignity I experienced during my recovery there.” -Ms. Flores, former Eden Valley Care Center resident 134 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com HEALTH, WELLNESS & FOOD DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “What excites me most about this project is knowing it will touch so many lives.” -Helen de Young, Salinas Valley Health Foundation KERNES ADAPTIVE AQUATICS Year Founded: 1973 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 12 volunteers Budget: $486,500 (831) 643-9867 kernespool.org BIG IDEA: Water is the answer for those who need a gentle, therapeutic alternative when traditional exercise becomes difficult or impossible. Kernes Adaptive Aquatics provides a customized program tailored to each person’s needs and goals, from a child reaching developmental milestones to seniors seeking to build strength and remain independent. The therapeutic, warm-water exercises provided by this Big Idea promote dignity, confidence and hope to all those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. “My daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 10 months old. To promote muscle development and balance, her physical therapist recommended adding swim therapy. Katelyn is now 29, and she still loves going to the Kernes Pool. It’s helped in so many aspects of her life. Along with the physical strength, balance and stamina she needs to get about, working with her instructors improved her communication and social skills. Our family is forever grateful.” -Kelly VonSaltza SPOTLIGHT
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