Nonprofit Spotlight | Highlighting businesses and their giving

Moana Nursery and American Cancer Society

Moana Nursery donated more than $8,000 to the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research on Oct. 20. Moana Nursery raised the donation as part of the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.

Bruce Gescheider, Moana’s president, along with other leaders throughout the community, helped lead the campaign.

In addition to Gescheider’s participation in the campaign, all three Moana Nursery stores – and teammates as well as Moana’s Landscape Services teammates – were decked out in pink, and also gave away “Proud, Pink & Planted” shirts to customers.

Quick Space and Susan G. Komen Race

Northern Nevada-based portable restroom company, Quick Space, helped to change the odds for those affected by breast cancer at the annual the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Reno on Oct. 16. For a $1 donation, event attendees experienced “Comfort for the Cure” in an executive restroom courtesy of Quick Space.

The Race for the Cure raises funds for those affected by breast cancer and helps the foundation provide patients and their families support throughout treatment and recovery.

Morgan Stanley and Food Bank of Northern Nevada

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada on Oct. 7 announced a $50,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to fund its School Pantry program, a child hunger initiative that helps to make sure low-income families have a readily accessible source of healthy and nutritious food to prepare at home.

The grant is part of the Morgan Stanley Foundation’s recently announced $8 million, four-year pledge to support Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks, and its children’s hunger and produce programs.

Great Basin and Miracle Jeans Day

Great Basin Federal Credit Union in Reno raised $1,693 from its Miracle Jeans Day held Sept.14. Miracle Jeans Day allows employees to wear jeans instead of normal attire for a $5 donation to Renown Children’s Hospital, the area’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Great Basin Federal Credit Union raises money each year for the Reno-based children’s hospital. In addition to Miracle Jeans Day, the credit union also received donations from its generous members by placing donation jars on teller counters, as well as from local auto dealers, which made hefty contributions to the cause.

Microsoft and Children’s Cabinet

Microsoft Reno presented The Children’s Cabinet with a $486,724 software donation at the Art of Childhood fundraising gala held at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City on Sept. 20. Through Microsoft’s Corporate Citizenship efforts, the Cyber Grant will support The Children’s Cabinet and their Redfield Academy technology upgrade in addition to software upgrades in their offices and program locations throughout the state.

Directly impacted will be the technology for the Redfield Academy, a 30-student high school run by The Children’s Cabinet for students in Washoe County who are two or more semesters behind and need academic and personal guidance to catch up and earn their diplomas.

FirstService and Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Associates of FirstService Residential, a community management company in Nevada, participated in the international STEPtember event organized by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The associates personally pledged to take 10,000 steps a day and raise money to spread awareness for people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Eighty FirstService Residential associates throughout Southern and Northern Nevada collaborated to form 20 teams, donating over $3,500 and taking a combined total of over 16.5 million steps to support the cause.

Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation recognizes Sports ClipS

Carson City-based Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation’s primary sponsor, Sport Clips Haircuts, a sports-themed haircutting franchise that specializes in haircuts for men and boys, has helped fund nearly 2,000 flights for senior military veterans living in long-term care communities. In September at the Franchise Education and Research Foundation’s annual Franchising Gives Back Awards, Sport Clips was honored with the Support Our Veterans Award for its continued support of Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF),

Dolan Auto, Boy Scouts of America event

The Pinewood Derby isn’t just for kids anymore. Adults can get into the action when Dolan Auto Group hosts the fifth Corporate Pinewood Derby on Wednesday, November 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Dolan Lexus located at 7175 South Virginia Street. Entries are due by Oct. 26.

Proceeds from this Pinewood Derby go to the Nevada Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.

Businesses are invited to design a racecar and compete for awards such as “Fastest Car Standing Still,” “Most Unique Design” and “Best Non-Car Car.” Cost of entry is $250 and includes the car kit that will be delivered directly to the participant.

The Corporate Pinewood Derby is open to all businesses, groups, organizations and individuals in northern Nevada. Refreshments and beverages will be provided and while the racing is open to adults, kids are welcome at the event.

For more information and to enter the Corporate Pinewood Derby visit DolanAutoGroup.com. Entries can be emailed to Kathleen.Eagan@scouting.org or faxed to 775-787-1114.

Atlantis, Moms on the Run event

Through Oct. 31, guests at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa may purchase a pink ribbon at the casino’s main cage, located in the center of the casino floor. There’s a recommended donation of $1 per ribbon, and all proceeds will go to Moms on the Run, a local organization that assists women with their household needs as they undergo breast cancer treatment.

Guests wearing pink will also receive bonuses in the daily Poker Room tournament and Paradise Party Reels slot tournaments.

Portions of drink-special purchases at Bistro Napa and Atlantis Steakhouse will also go to Moms on the Run.