Rolling Hills Community Development Foundation announced grants made in February of over $15,000 to educational programs in Tehama County. This is in addition to over $32,000 granted to local community programs earlier this year.
“The Foundation supports vital programs that extend education beyond the core curriculum, and provides opportunities to youth that would not otherwise be available in our area,” said Scott Chandler, Marketing Director of Rolling Hills Casino. “These programs engage youth in learning, build confidence, provide exposure to career options, and inspire youth to pursue their dreams. For many youth in this area, these programs are crucial to break the cycle of poverty.”
Tehama County Department of Education received a $5,000 grant for the Makerspace program. The Makerspace grant enables students to explore electronics, graphic design, animation, coding, engineering, and video production through hands-on, minds-on activities. “This wonderful program provides students throughout Tehama County the opportunity to develop marketable skills as well as a greater connection to the community through internships and public service announcement projects,” said Natasha Magana, tribal council member of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, owners of Rolling Hills Casino.
Gerber Elementary School received a $5,000 grant to send 6th grade students to Whiskeytown Environmental Science Camp. In addition to providing a rich environmental science curriculum, the camp enables many of the students to experience nature in a camp-like setting for the first time.
The Red Bluff Back to School project received $1,500 to sponsor the Ultimate Spelling Bee Challenge. The Challenge raises funds to provide new clothing, shoes, and backpacks to thousands of elementary and high school students throughout Tehama County.
The Foundation also granted $2,500 to the Sacramento River Discovery Center, $1,000 to the Anderson Aqua-Gators Swim Club, and $1,500 for the Western Open Fiddle Championships. Smaller grants from $250 to $750 went to local Sober Grad programs, Mercy High School, REACH, NorCal Rage Sponsorship, Willows K-9 Fund, and Students for Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship. In addition, the Foundation donated hundreds of dollars worth of gift certificates for hotel stays, golf, and restaurant meals to be used as prizes for charity raffles.
The Rolling Hills Community Development Foundation committee reviews applications for grants on a quarterly basis. Applications and more information are available on the Rolling Hills Casino website at www.rollinghillsfoundation.com.
