Project MANA - A Hunger Relief Agency

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation and the Parasol Community Collaboration honored those who gave of themselves to make the community a better place. On Saturday night, Parasol "celebrated excellence" in the local and regional community with an awards ceremony that attracted over 200 people. The masters of ceremonies were Bill Horn, chair of the Parasol Community Collaboration, and Claudia Andersen, president of the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation. Nominees were named in each category and awards given out. The nominees ranged from Beverly Keil of Pet Network for board member of the year, to Aaron Paxson of the Incline Chamber Music Society for collaborator of the year. However, the winners are:

Friend of the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation Awards: the Incline Village General Improvement District; and Rod and Evelyn Smallwood

Board of the Year: Red, White and Tahoe Blue

Agency Board Member of the Year

Elyse Gut, Children's Cabinet of Incline Village.

Collaborator of the Year: Karen S. Carey, Tahoe Women's Services.

 Agency of the Year: American Association of University Women

Outstanding Community Collaborator:

Kathie Maxwell, Village Square Family Store

Outstanding Media Partner of the Year:

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza

Outstanding Program or Event in Arts and Culture: Red, White and Tahoe Blue

Outstanding Program or Event in Education and Youth Development: SSFS, Incline Village Library, and the Boys and Girls Club

Outstanding Program or Event in Environment: PCC environment team - Living Green at Tahoe series

Outstanding Program or Event in Social Services: Holiday Giving Program and Toys for Tots

Volunteer of the Year: Jean Klein

Leader in Promoting and Supporting Diversity: Barbara Perlman-Whyman

Chairman's Awards: Rotary Club of Incline Village for the Bowl-a-thon; and Service Integration Team of Project MANA, Tahoe Women's Services, Children's Cabinet and Sierra Recovery Center

Spirit of Collaboration Award: Bill Horn

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   Project MANA staff and Board of Directiors would like to say a special thank you to the clubs and organizations, businesses, and individuals of our community who gave their support during our Thanksgiving "Let's Talk Turkey" distribution. With the help from all your turkey and food drives, monetary donations, and voluntary labor, we were able to provide Thanksgiving meals to 432 families. Thank you to The North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, The Sierra Sun, and Tahoe World for spreading the word. Thanks SaveMart, Raley's, and especially Brad from the Kings Beach Safeway meat department for going above and beyond to make sure we had enough turkeys this year. Thank you Alpenglow Sports, Ron Stricter, Cathy Colvin, and the people of Dickson Realty, Christine Hawley and First Centennial, Prudential CA Realty, Rookies, and Sierra Pacific Power; Alder Creek Middle School, Incline High School ROTC, Truckee High School, Cub Scout Troop 37 and Chase International, Brownie and Cadette Girl Scout Troops 120 and 452, Daisy Troop 692, The Women's Club of North Lake Tahoe, and the YES club. Thank you to members of North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation, North Tahoe Church of Religious Science, Squaw Valley Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church. Thank you Allen Ferris, Don and Pat Hoger, Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Munch, the Newman Family. Thank you to Kings Beach Elementary School and the Truckee Rec Center for providing a place for our distributions. We'd also like to thank the California Conservation Corps, Molly Messerly and her fellow Americorps Volunteers as well as all those who volunteered, donated turkeys and other provisions, and made generous financial contributions. We are truly grateful for the community support.

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   Troop 37 would like to thank all of you who contributed food or funds for our 11th annual Scouting for Food drive, and to thank Chase International Properties for sponsoring the printed door hangers for the entire northern Nevada area, Incline Village included!

George LeBard of Project MANA says that although demand on food banks has increased this year, food donations are down nationwide, and that includes right here in our little village. We were worried that our food drive would reflect that trend, but once again Incline Villagers stepped up to feed locals who need our help, and once again, we brought in more, just slightly more, than we did last year.

On behalf of all the rumbling tummies and Troop 37, thank you for making it happen once again.

We are proud to be part of such a supportive and generous community.

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   At the recent Parasol Community Awards on Dec. 1, the Service Integration Team received the Chairman's award for Excellence in Service and Resource Collaboration. This program combines the resources of four agencies to address the needs of our community. To accomplish this we had to be willing to change the way we think and do business. Instead of working alone as individual agencies competing for clients and funding we are working together to develop smarter and sustainable strategies for helping families in need. The core concept of this program is "to empower clients by identifying their strengths and the resources they need to move forward and be productive, contributing members of our community."

We would like to thank Bill Horn, past chair of the PCC, for his leadership and support in recognizing the value of this program. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, the Nevada Women's Fund, The noon Rotary Club, Robert Herrera, Incline Village Book Club, Dr. John and Valia Hylin, Richard Goodman, and the United Way of Northern Nevada for having the vision and foresight to provide financial support.

We also want to recognize and thank the family advocates who are responsible for the success of the program, Viana Zuchet, Patty Ahsoak, Molly Messerly, and Irma LeBard. Without their support many families in need would not receive services.

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:  On behalf of Project MANA's Board of Director's and staff I would like to thank Tahoe Mountain Club, Florian's Fine Wines, Uncorked, and the Pour House for collaborating on the fifth annual Holiday Cooking Demonstration. The event, hosted by Tahoe Mountain Club and organized by Kendra Murphy and Jeanne Kirschner, was held on Dec. 9 at the Coyote Moon Golf Course Clubhouse. Following delectable appetizers provided by Northstar Catering and Florian's, some of our region's most talented chefs shared their expertise and helped raise over $18,000 with ticket sales and a live auction. Mark Estee, of Moody's and board president for Project MANA, acted as the master of ceremony for the event. Chefs David Lutz (Tahoe Mountain Club), Billy McCullough (Dragonfly), Guy Frenette (Moody's), Bill Arnoff (Pianeta), Jay Verrege (Big Water Grill), and Michael Plapp (Pacific Crest) demonstrated various exotic courses for a first class experience. Once again it was one of the best events of the year with six courses of delicious, mouth watering food. Hosts Debbie Casey, Jeanne Kirschner, and Kendra Murphy made everyone feel right at home. The serving staff did an excellent job. A special thank you to musicians Ben Martin and Crystal Craig for serenading the diners, to auctioneers extraordinaire Jim Simon and Jim Porter, and to sponsors Alpine Meadows, Alsco, Arrow Financial Services, ART-Active Release Techniques, Big Mack Charters, Black Tie Ski, Blue Onion, Boreal Mountain Resort, Bradbury's, Brent Collinson, Channel 6, D'Andrea, Diversified Systems Int'l, Edgewood, Event Masters, Fifty-Fifty, Flash Photography, Full Belly Deli, High Camp Food, Ice Lakes Lodge, Julie Young, KTKE, Leslie Wagner, Lost Trail Lodge, Merry Maids, Mountain Massage, Mt. Rose, Northstar, Purchasing Solutions, Reno Runs, Resort at Squaw Creek, Resort Supply, River Ranch, Royal Gorge, Safeway, Scraps, Sierra Sun, Skin Rejuvenation, Southern Wine, Squaw Valley USA, Stirrings, Suddenlink, Sugar Bowl, Switchback Marketing, Sysco, Tahoe Adventure Co., Tahoe Telephone Directories, Tango Beads, The Tahoe House, TIP Printing, Truckee Donner Chamber, Truckee River Rafting Co., Truckee Tahoe Kennels, Truckee Tahoe Lumber Co., Village at Squaw, and Wild Thyme Catering.

Everyone had a great time and left with a handy recipe book for recreating the courses presented that evening. It was the perfect way to bring in the holidays.

Sierra Sun:  How long have you volunteered for Project Mana?

A long time, I forget now.

What do you do for the organization?

Help with distributing food — to people who are homebound.

How often do you distribute?

Once a week, sometimes twice if they need more help.

Have the holidays been busier?

Not specifically, no. We had more distribution for Thanksgiving. But if they need extra help, sure, I’ll do it, why not?

Why did you get involved?

I like to help people, those who are really in need.

What would you like to say about Project Mana?

There are special people working and volunteering with Project Mana. It is nice when it comes from the heart. More volunteers would always be nice. I invite people to come and volunteer.

The Sierra Sun’s Amy Edgett interviewed Miguel Martinez for this week’s “Volunteer Corner.” To contact Project Mana, call (775) 298-0008. Please send your suggestions to aedgett@sierrasun.com, subject Volunteer Corner. For volunteer opportunities in the North Tahoe Truckee area, visit www.handsontahoe.com.

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   On behalf of IVGID Senior Programs I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who supported the 2008 Holiday Giving Program (HGP) Ð Senior Component.

Each of you who purchased items and made cash donations to The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation for the HGP - Seniors Component, assured that 27 seniors in need living in the Incline and Crystal Bay communities received their requested essential items, a special Wish List item and a delicious Christmas dinner for four.

A very special thanks to IVGID Senior Program's Assistant Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member, Shannon Skarritt, IVGID's Recreation Center Office Manager, Judy Crocket, Donald W. Reynolds Center Meeting Coordinator, Irma LeBard, Project MANA Executive Director, George LeBard, Parasol's Development Director, Lynn Berardo and Community Volunteer, Bobby Witty for gathering gift requests, collecting donations and shopping for and wrapping approximately 200 items.

Additionally, delivery of the gifts would not have been possible without the assistance of Head Elf, Judy Crocket.

Finally Ð I would like to thank the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza for the great coverage of the HGP. Many donors learned about the program through your stories and Web site.

Thanks for a job well done and helping to put a smile on the faces of the program's recipients!

Again, thank you all for making the 2008 Holiday Giving Program a success and for helping to warm the hearts of several of our community's senior residents.

I wish you a blessed New Year!

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   Collaboration is a mighty powerful process when applied with planning, purpose and passion for positive outcome. That is exactly what happened this year in the Parasol Holiday Giving Program. This program served 150 families, more than 342 children and 27 seniors who live below the federal poverty guidelines in our community. The richness and success of this program would not have been possible without the incredible collaboration between the following groups and individuals.
Coldwell Banker: For more than 25 years, Coldwell Banker has coordinated the Toys for Tots collection barrels around town and the Toys for Tots Kick-off community party in December. The entrance fee for the party is one new unwrapped toy. This year, as last, Cheryl Delehanty coordinated this successful program which produced over 600 new toys and $4500 in cash donations. The cash donations are used to buy warm coats and snow boots as well as toys for the 10-18 year old age group. Thank you to the many businesses which provided raffle prizes and food for this evening of holiday cheer.
Toys for Tots Barrel locations: Thank you to the following businesses that hosted barrels for Toys for Tots: Coldwell Banker main office and Starbucks, Recreation Center, Parasol Building, IVGID Southwood Office, Fire House at 866 Oriole, Village Market, old and new Elementary Schools, Wells Fargo, Grog and Grist. Thanks to Phil Horan and Andy Whyman for weathering a snowstorm day of barrel pick-up.
The Parasol Community Collaboration Social Services Team: Assisted with program planning, toy sorting and toy purchases.
Kathie Maxwell, Village Square Family Store: Kathie provided 20 percent off all purchases when a customer purchased a gift for Toys for Tots. We saw many red checkered Village Square bags come through the program, providing children with some of the highest-quality toys we have ever seen in the program.
Seasons: Donated a portion of their profits for teen gifts. Owner, Jonathan Nichols also donated time and materials to decorate the Chateau for the Coldwell Banker Toys for Tots Kick-off Party.
Shop with a Cop: The sheriffs department treated 20 of the children enrolled in the Holiday Giving Program to a $100 shopping spree. The Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe provided assistance with transportation.
Children’s Cabinet of Incline Village: Collaborated with school counselors in October to ensure all children had warm jackets and snow boots.
IVGID Senior Programs: Shelia Leijon and AmeriCorps Member, Shannon Skarritt, registered, coordinated, and shopped till the wee hours for the gifts given to make the lives of 27 seniors a little cheerier for the holidays. Ten-year-old community volunteer, Ben Synder assisted with translations and gift distribution.
IVGID Recreation Center: The Dec. 5 Community Tree Lighting showcased the musical talents of local schoolchildren and adults in the village. The Community Tree Lighting also provided a venue for the arrival on a fire engine of the jolly old man in red. This evening produced over 65 toys for Toys for Tots. Kari Ferguson and the staff of the award-winning Recreation Center headed this successful collaboration.
Incline Girl Scouts Troop: Served up hot chocolate at the Community Tree Lighting.
Incline Tahoe Forest Hospital Auxiliary: This gentle and kind army of pale blue-coated women staffed one entire distribution day as yet another contribution they make to our community.
AmeriCorps Volunteers: Helped sort and distribute toys along with community volunteers. They also helped with registration of families.
Dress the Part(y): Owner Linda Offerdahl added sparkle to our giving by donating a rack full of holiday clothing, from toddler velveteen to evening attire for teens. She also spearheaded the first ever Sip and Shop event at the Village Center on Dec.15. Thank you to all the businesses that helped raise funds for the Parasol Holiday Giving Program in this year’s first annual event.
Knitter’s Guild: Created over 80 hand-made garments with love and care for seniors and children.
North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce: Fueled the Shop Local and Spirit of Holiday Giving Merchant engagement program. Some of the merchants who participated were M Studio, Online Design, Austin’s Restaurant, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau, Awareness Village, Natura Vital. Thank you all.
Incline High School: Several cheery high school volunteers created tiny packages of candy and hot chocolate as stocking stuffers. As instructed, they quality assured each bag of candy they opened!
North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District: Provided transportation for “Santa” and is working to provide in-home flu shots for seniors.
The Senior Nutrition Collaboration: Project MANA and IVGID Senior Programs provided a complete Christmas meal for all seniors.
Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation: The foundation hosts the majority of the Holiday Giving Program activities, including use of the building for storage and distribution of toys and clothing; the website for online donations to Holiday Giving Program and the Holiday Wish List. Foundation staff, like Tim Anderson, building manager and Irma Lebard is instrumental in the smooth running of this program.
North Lake Tahoe Bonanza: Countless inches of news print to help promote the Holiday Giving program and local business.

Yes, Virginia, there really is a very generous Santa Claus spirit when collaboration takes place. If you have not made a difference to someone in our community this year, there is still time to go online and make a donation at www.parasol.org. Click on our Online Donation Center (top right box on the home page) and travel to the bottom of the page of donation categories. Over the next few months, we’ll be shopping, stretching your donated dollars in the sales for jackets and snow boots to ensure all children will have warm clothing next year too! You may also send a check to Parasol Holiday Giving Program, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451.

Submitted with sincere thanks to all who made this holiday merrier and brighter for those in our community by Lynn Berardo, development officer for Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation.