Kudos: Tahoe Magic thanks community

Farwell 2020! We will always remember this year, but for most of us, we are also ready to kiss it goodbye with a swift kick to the curb. Our community, like all communities has been hard hit with lost income, closed businesses, stay at home orders, COVID and virtually learning at home. We have missed socializing, travelling, entertaining and being entertained, enjoying our extended family and cannot even see a friend’s smile behind their mask. We missed so much of 2020 and it has hurt, to be honest.

When the pandemic of 2020 became real, one of the good things is that our community’s spirit began to shine brighter, through the giving and generosity of our neighbors, business owners and non-profit organizations. Many organizations, donors and volunteers provided food to the hungry and shelter assistance to those who feared losing the place that is their home.

Tahoe Magic has been the primary non-profit helping families with shelter assistance who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Over 500 requests for shelter assistance have been granted since April of 2020. More that half of these families were helped twice or more. The pandemic continues to impact their income. Tahoe Magic has provided $315,000 in shelter assistance and $35,000 in grocery cards in the last 9 months. Tahoe Magic receives referrals from our partners that work directly with families in financial crisis. In a normal year (remember those?), we help with $35,000-$40,000 in crisis assistance. There has been a tenfold increase in requests this year. Families are hurting.

Sounds impossible to be able to meet the need, doesn’t it?

It was only possible because of amazing community support. No words can express the thanksgiving we have for the support and generosity of the hundreds of donors and to those that helped to raise funds as well. Every donation coming in went 100% out to the community! This is possible because Tahoe Magic is an all volunteer organization. We have been quietly helping families for almost three decades.

Every donor single donor, far too many to list, has made a difference this year. Thank YOU! We would like to acknowledge our donors of $1000 or more. Every $1000 helped two families with one month of shelter expenses.

Our Individual donors include Catherine Shoen/Lauri Kemper, Swanson Family Trust, Larry Sidney, Bob/Sue Novasel, Marissa Muscat, Marillee Rocca Johnson, Robert Oppenheimer, Nick/Kathy Haven, Sue Channel, Chris/Mary Strohm, Melissa Bornstein, Kerry David, Margie Kavorik, John/Arlene Larson, Gorden Barrett/Lynne Mersereau. Many additional gave donors gave $500, $250, $100, $50, $25 and $10. All donations added up to being able to say yes to every ask!

These local businesses and non-profit organizations donated at least $1000. They include Realty World, Lake Valley Properties, El Fresco Mexican Bistro and Accurate Audio Video. Non-profits service clubs include Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club and Lake Tahoe Kiwanis Club. So generous.

We could not have helped over 500 families without the gift of support from the Meyers Community Foundation, and generous grants from the Katz/Amsterdam Foundation, Safeway/Albertsons Foundation, Parasol Foundation, Sierra Health Foundation, Barton Health Foundation, American Century Golf (LTVA) and the El Dorado Community Foundation.

Tough year for our community, our businesses, our families, our neighbors, our grocery clerks, our hospital staff, first responders, our teachers and for each other? You bet. Did we rise to the occasion with giving, caring, volunteering and taking care of each other to the best of our abilities? You bet we did!

The pandemic is not over and that will mean a long winter, especially to those most impacted. Visit tahoemagic.org to learn more and to join in giving a little magic this holiday season for those that need it most. It could be your best gift giving of the year.

Thanks so much.
Tahoe Magic