GIVING MARIN AWARDS RECORD $100,000

Local charities have received $440,000 in the program’s first six years

   Giving Marin Community Partnership awarded a record $100,000 in grants to 16 nonprofits on March 7 at the Jonas Center at College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus. Marin charities have received $440,000 in grants and more than $2 million in advertising space donations in the six years since the initiative’s inception.

   “We’re thankful for the vital work performed by the 16 incredible nonprofits we are able to recognize tonight,” Rob Devincenzi, Marin IJ publisher, told the crowd alongside Giving Marin Coordinator Sara Moseley. “They are changemakers. They feed those who are hungry, and house those who have nowhere to sleep. They inspire youth and create artists. They empower young women to be leaders. They provide opportunity and pathways. They support children battling cancer, they are undaunted to cure rare disease, they help our veterans and military. They provide compassionate support for our most vulnerable residents.”

   The grant winners, selected among more than 100 applicants, were introduced by the underwriters of the initiative. They are: AAUW Marin Chapter, Blue Star Moms of Marin, Buckelew Programs – Maternidad y Esperanza Marin, Drawbridge, Marin City Cooperation Team, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Okizu, PAASS, Save Sight Now, Slide Ranch, SpeakSafe, St. Francis Community Pantry, Veterans Rehoming Help, Welcoming Home, West Marin Senior Services and YWCA Marin.

   Redwood Credit Union emphasized the impact of two founding Partners who have retired, College of Marin President David Wain Coon and Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Administrator Pat Kendall. RCU President Brett Martinez dedicated $25,000 each in their names, to be spread among the 2023 grant beneficiaries, which doubled the collective impact of this year’s program. RCU CFO Ron Felder spoke about the impacts Wain Coon and Kendall’s work.

   “It is fitting to honor Dr. Coon and Pat because of the transformational impacts they made to the college and to Marin’s health care system,” Felder said. “Under Dr. Coon’s leadership, COM was ranked among the best community colleges in the nation and was a recognized leader on student equity and belonging. … Pat’s personal involvement at every level made an impact on the quality of care and outcomes for Marin’s residents for five decades.”

   Support for Giving Marin’s 2023 grant winners is made possible through Partners Redwood Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, Ghilotti Bros. Inc., College of Marin, Nugget Markets, Price Family Auto Dealerships, CPi Developers and Marin Independent Journal, and Sponsors Prandi Property Management, City Carpets, Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home and Northern Pacific Roofing.