The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, owners of Rolling Hills Casino, continued a tradition of giving back to the community in 2011 with over $637,000 of grants and donations to programs benefitting public safety, health care, education, and economic development in Tehama County.

“We are very proud to be able to give back to the community that we live and work in,” said John Crosby, Economic Development Director for the tribe. “The contributions we make to non profit organizations, fire departments, education and health care programs, and Tehama County government benefit us all, and make our communities safer, healthier, and more prosperous.

The Tribe made education a priority in its charitable giving program this year. According to Marketing Director Kate Grissom, the Rolling Hills Foundation donated $70,000 to educational programs. Donation recipients included SERRF, Expect More Tehama, Sacramento River Discovery Center, Tehama County Department of Education, Exploring Music, and College Options. Education is vital to the future prosperity of Tehama County,” said Grissom.  “We need a highly educated workforce in order to attract strong, growing companies to our area and provide more employment opportunities.”

The Tribe also earmarked funding for local economic development initiatives and contributed over $26,000 programs such as the Tehama County Branding project. “The Tehama County Branding Project is an ambitious effort to promote tourism and put more cash into the local economy,” explained Grissom. “Increased tourism will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and create more jobs.”

The tribe donated over $300,000 to Tehama County for the general fund and district attorney’s office, $40,000 to public safety agencies, and $21,000 for health care programs.

Other organizations and programs that benefitted from major sponsorships and grants include CASA of Northern Valley Catholic Social Services, Girls Inc., Connecting Circles of Care, Inc., and Shasta Cascade Wonderland.

Hundreds of organizations benefitted from smaller donations, including prizes such as dinner for two at Timbers, golf passes, and a night at the Inn. “We donated almost $160,000 in prizes for charity raffles and silent auctions,” reported Grissom. “These donations helped organizations raise even more money for their charities.”

Grissom anticipates the Rolling Hills Foundation will focus most of its grants on community development and education in 2012, with sizable contributions to public safety and health.  “We make an effort to support the programs we believe will make the most long-term impact on our community,” said Grissom.