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Martis Camp Community Foundation Flowers

The Rewards of Giving Locally

Since 2010, the Martis Camp Community Foundation has been raising funds and providing grants to local non-profit organizations in need. From the very beginning, the MCCF has been guided by its founding purpose:
The mission of the Martis Camp Community Foundation is to elevate the quality of life in the Greater Truckee community by making a positive impact in the areas of education, youth development, human services and recreation.
In the six years since its inception, the MCCF has grown significantly in its reach and impact, having awarded grants totaling more than $320,000. Donations and fundraising make these grants possible, and just last month the MCCF raised $16,000 through its annual Community Dine-Around. More than 30 Martis Camp members gathered for a reception at Lookout Lodge, followed by dinner at two homes in the community.
A highlight of the Community Dine-Around was a speech by Cathie Foley, coordinator for the Truckee North Tahoe Emergency Warming Center (EWC). Last year, the MCCF granted the EWC $5,000 toward helping the local non-profit open its doors to the community during the winter of 2015/2016. The EWC provides basic needs and overnight stays for people without the means to survive the area’s cold weather. At the close of the season, the EWC had provided sleeping bags and winter necessities for 30 people, as well as 115 overnight stays for 24 individuals, one family and four dogs. This was possible through the volunteer effort of 150 people giving 850 hours, supported by funding from the MCCF and several other charitable organizations. For Martis Camp and the MCCF, the EWC is a prime example of how giving locally can have a positive, direct and even immediate impact in the community. You can read more about the fantastic work of the EWC here, and on their Facebook page.
Another recent highlight for the MCCF is the selection of this year’s recipient of the Denise Martinez Scholarship. As former Head Golf Professional at Martis Camp, Denise Martinez is honored and remembered through this four-year, $10,000 cumulative scholarship awarded each summer to a local female student in need who upholds high standards of athleticism, academic excellence and character.

2016 Denise Martinez Scholarship Winner Karina Nuñez (right) with MCCF Board Member Kasey McJunkin
2016 Denise Martinez Scholarship Winner Karina Nuñez (right) with MCCF Board Member Kasey McJunkin

Last month, the MCCF proudly awarded this year’s Denise Martinez Scholarship to Truckee High School graduate Karina Nuñez. Karina achieved a 4.29 GPA, ranked 10th in her class, and played varsity basketball, softball and volleyball. In her free time, she founded a non-profit organization that fosters relationships between youth and elders in the Tahoe community. Karina will attend UC Berkeley in the fall, focusing on social justice and advocacy with the goal of attending law school. MCCF Board Member Nicole Bailey adds, “Karina is even more impressive in person – and her parents are SO proud!” Martis Camp and the MCCF wish Karina the best of luck in pursuing her dreams.
If you’re a Martis Camp member and you’d like to get more involved with the MCCF, we hope you’ll consider volunteering or making a donation. More information is available on the Martis Camp website. Also, our annual 5K Fun Run & Barbecue is coming up on Sunday, September 4th. Proceeds benefit the MCCF and runners are treated to a free barbecue lunch after the run. Visit the Camp Calendar or contact the Family Barn to sign up.
The MCCF’s annual grant cycle is coming to a close on October 1st. Local non-profit organizations in need are invited to apply for grants by downloading and submitting an application. Grant awards will be announced by November 1st. Please spread the word if you know of a non-profit in need.
As time goes on and our community grows, we look forward to sharing more stories about the positive impact of the Martis Camp Community Foundation. Working together to elevate quality of life and help local non-profit organizations meet their needs not only makes us stronger as a community, but also rewards everyone involved with the knowledge that giving locally truly makes a difference.
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2015/2016 MCCF grant recipients include:
Education
Alder Creek Middle School
Excellence in Education
Glenshire Elementary School
Truckee Friends of the Library
TTUSD 5th Grade Outdoor Ed Program
Youth Development
Adventure Risk Challenge
Aim High
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Club
Girls on the Run
KidZone Children’s Museum
Human Services
Truckee/North Tahoe Emergency Warming Center
Family Resource Center of Truckee
Project MANA
Truckee Community Christmas
Recreation
Northstar Team Foundation
Truckee Aquatics Center