American Century and LTVA award almost $79k to South Shore nonprofits

Twenty-six local nonprofits were awarded $78,974 Thursday in donations from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and American Century Championship thanks to funds raised during the 2018 celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe.

“The continued support from our partners American Century Investments and NBC Sports means so much to this community,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “These contributions benefit so many in the South Shore a long time after the tournament ends.”

"Giving back to the community is in our DNA," said Kelly Ness, American Century Investments vice president, financial advisor consultant. Forty percent of the company's dividends go to life saving medical research.

Grants encompassed four categories awarding increments of $10,000, $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000 based on: 1) Organizational Sustainability – significant impact on long term growth and stability; 2) Organizational Impact – increasing constituents served; 3) Community Need – distribution of services or support; and 4) Scholarships – for individual participation.

Grants ranging from $1,000 – $10,000 were distributed to Barton Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Bread & Broth 4 Kids, CASA El Dorado, Christmas Cheer All Year, Douglas County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, Heavenly Patrol Fund, Juvenile Service Council of El Dorado County, Kahle Community Center, Kelly Ridge, Live Violence Free, Sierra House PTA, Son's of the American Legion, South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center, South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge 1632, South Tahoe High School, Tahoe Arts Project, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Tahoe Douglas Senior Center, Inc, Tahoe Home Connection, Tahoe Senior Plaza, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, the Sugar Pine Foundation, Whittell Boosters Club and Zephyr Cove Ski Club.

“American Century Investments makes it a priority to give back to a community that provides so much during the celebrity golf tournament,” added Ness. “Local support and involvement are what makes this event so special.”

To be considered, local organizations were required to meet 501(c)3 certified nonprofit guidelines, provide an outline of their mission and describe how the donation would be used and indicate its impact in the community.

The LTVA in partnership with NBC Sports and American Century Investments previously directed an additional $66,230 through on-site volunteer organizations and other efforts during tournament week. Recipients included the Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation, Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club, South Lake Tahoe Booster Club, and SOS Outreach. In total, tournament partners will provide $135,204 to local nonprofits, agencies and schools as a result from the July tournament.

Since 2009, donations exceeding $1.1 million have been distributed to more than 80 local non-profits to assist 10,500+ individuals. In all, 32 Lake Tahoe area nonprofits received donations from ACC this past year.

Since its inception in 1990, the tournament has donated more than $5 million to local and national non-profits. The nation’s longest running celebrity golf tournament captured the media spotlight with crowd favorites Tony Romo and Stephen Curry, legends and celebrity competitors. The field included Charles Barkley, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Larry the Cable Guy, and Hall of Famers and All-Stars representing major sports.

The 30th annual American Century Championship is July 9-14, 2019. For more information, visit: www.AmericanCenturyChampionship.com or www.TahoeSouth.com.