Livestrong, American Century give $100,000 to South Lake Tahoe area nonprofits

The holiday arrived early for 27 South Lake Tahoe non-profit organizations Thursday, Dec. 8, as $100,000 in charitable contributions was distributed on behalf of LIVESTRONG® and the American Century Championship by the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

“We’re fortunate to have the support from LIVESTRONG, NBC Sports and American Century Investments to assist to the local community,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the LTVA in a news release. “In addition to an outstanding event which attracts visitors, our 22-year partnership also helps local groups in need.”

Collaborating with LIVESTRONG - the foundation established by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong to inspire and empower people affected by the disease - is a natural fit for American Century Investments. More than 40 percent of the asset management firm’s profits go to fund research for the prevention and cure of gene-based diseases such as cancer. Of the 2011 donation, $15,000 was distributed between local cancer support programs including Barton Foundation and the Cancer League.

“The funding will ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, is able to receive mammograms,” said Kindle Craig, executive director of the Barton Foundation. “The Barton Foundation is pleased and honored to once again receive funding from all of the organizers.”

The $85,000 balance was distributed among 25 additional local organizations. Boys & Girls Club and Christmas Cheer All Year each received $10,000.

Recipients of $3,000 to $5,000 included Douglas County Parks & Rec/Kahle Community Center, George Whittell High School, Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe Women's Center, Tahoe Magic, Family Resource Center and Tahoe Youth & Family Services.

Contributions of $500 to $2,500 were awarded to Friends of the Library - South Lake Tahoe Branch, Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, Clean Tahoe Program, Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, Lake Tahoe Track Club, Lake Tahoe's Shining Stars, South Tahoe High School Performing Arts Booster Assoc., Bijou Community School - Two Way Immersion Program, Tahoe Senior Plaza, Barton Foundation, CASA El Dorado, American Youth Soccer Organization, Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation, Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, South Lake Tahoe Police Activities League, Tahoe Arts Project and Tahoe Community Church Food Pantry.

For funding consideration, each organization had to meet 501(c)3 certified non-profit guidelines and complete the formal donation request including mission, plans for funding and local impact.

In 22 years the American Century Championship has provided over $3.5 million to national charities and local organizations.

The 2012 tournament is July 17-22 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. For more information, visit: www.TahoeSouth.com or www.TahoeCelebrityGolf.com.