Base Camp Pizza Co. raises $17,000 for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A year-long fundraising campaign by Base Camp Pizza Co. in the Heavenly Village has culminated in $17,000 for the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT).

A check was presented to the nonprofit that helps pets in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area during a party at the restaurant where there was pizza, pasta, a salad buffet, drink specials, live music, and raffle prizes donated from local businesses.

The total donation was largely in part from a $1 donation by Base Camp for every garlic chip appetizer sold throughout the year, in addition to the end-of-the-year fundraiser party.

“We are honored to have partnered with the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe over the last year," said Jakki McGuigan, Base Camp assistant general manager. "We were excited to be involved in giving back to a nonprofit that has such a huge impact on our community. The services that the Humane Society provides continue to give opportunities for local people to treat their pets like the family members that they are. The Base Camp staff is proud to work for a company that gives them a chance to support a cause that they are so passionate about.”

According to Ray Villaman, owner and CEO of Tahoe Restaurant Group, the $17,000 sum is one of the most successful fundraising efforts for Base Camp since it was established in 2012, due in part to the fact that at the fundraising party, the restaurant’s staff donated their hours as well as their tips to this important cause.

“Base Camp Pizza is proud to support our community with our annual fundraising partnerships,” said Villaman. “Our teams take great pride in being part of a purpose-driven restaurant. We look to employ individuals who have a generous heart and a desire to give back. This night was a collaborative group effort between Tahoe Restaurant Group’s management, Base Camp Pizza employees, the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, and many local companies and individuals who supported with amazing raffle prizes,” he added. “I am particularly proud of Jakki McGuigan for orchestrating this event, with the support of the management team, Chelsea Schlegel, Liz Oldenburg, and Alex Gonzalez. A big thank you also goes to our generous team members who made this donation possible.”

Base Camp said they are proud to support the Humane Society’s ongoing work which is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of pets through adoption, community spay/neuter, and humane education programs.

Additionally, HSTT has several amazing youth-oriented programs it supports.

The RUFF (Read Up For Fun) Program provides a comforting audience to support young readers and help improve their reading skills. HSTT participates in educational opportunities whenever possible including the very popular Pet Pals school program (K-5th grade), field trips, scout programs, Edventure summer camp, and Animal Advocates service club. We are very excited to expand some of these programs into South Shore classrooms this next school semester. They also have opportunities where kids are more than welcome to volunteer at either of the shelters but must be at least 8 years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 18 years of age. Kids and parents/guardians must go through all the necessary training(s) together. Children under 16 years of age must always be accompanied by a trained parent or legal guardian who is at least 18 years of age while volunteering. Teens 16-17 years of age can volunteer on their own without adult supervision but must complete all training beforehand.

“All of the programs and services HSTT provides in South Lake Tahoe are made possible by fundraisers like this," said Stephanie Nistler, CEO of HSTT. "We are so thankful for the outpouring of support provided by Base Camp Pizza Co. over the past year. Thanks to their amazing team's hard work and their customers' generosity, HSTT will be able to help even more animals and people in SLT through our vital community programs, including the Pet Pantry, Community Spay/Neuter, Wellness Clinics, and Pet Assisted Therapy. We are deeply thankful for all the people who made this possible.”

For more information or to donate to support the work of the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, go to https://hstt.org/.

Base Camp is always looking for new non-profit partners to become the next benefactors of their annual fundraising efforts. The criteria to be considered for a partner organization are that the non-profit is based locally in South Lake Tahoe and aims to support local kids and families. Tahoe Restaurant Group includes four restaurants located on both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe. Azul Latin Kitchen and Base Camp Pizza are located in the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, Rubicon Pizza is in the Village at Northstar, and Fireside Pizza is in the Village at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, CA.

For more information on Tahoe Restaurant Group’s establishments:

Azul Latin Kitchen: https://azullatinkitchen.com/
Base Camp Pizza Co: https://basecamppizzaco.com/
Fireside Pizza Co: https://firesidepizza.com/
Rubicon Pizza Co: https://www.rubiconpizzaco.com/