Rancheria holds annual fundraiser, raises $26,000

Big Awards:
Shasta Chemical People and Anderson’s Teen Center recently received large grants from Redding Rancheria’s tribal government members.

More than 370 community members gathered earlier this month to help Redding Rancheria make 2009 a Year to Remember during the organization's annual fundraiser dinner on Saturday, March 7.

"I wondered how we would surpass last year's theme of Alice in Wonderland, but this event was truly the most successful fundraiser dinner we have had," said Maria Orozco, Director of Public Relations for the Redding Rancheria.

The event raised approximately $26,000 for the Redding Rancheria Community Fund.

"We are grateful for the continued support we receive from the community in growing this beneficial fund," she added.

The dinner's theme this year was Peter Pan's Neverland.

At the dinner, two local organizations - Shasta Chemical People and the Anderson Teen Center - were each awarded $2,500 while the - Shasta Community Health Center's Hope Van - received $5,000.

All proceeds from the dinner will benefit the 2009 Redding Rancheria Community Fund (RRCF). Since its inception in 2002, the fund has donated more than $1.3 million. A total of 42 organizations received funds in 2008. During 2009, fund officials have indicated they will designate donations to help the area's homeless.

The Redding Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe whose members are of the Pit River, Wintu and Yana descent. The Redding Rancheria owns and operates tribal administration offices, Win-River Casino, Redding Rancheria Indian Health, Redding Rancheria Headstart, Win-River Mini-Mart, and the Hilton Garden Inn.

The Redding Rancheria directly employs more than 600 people.