Giving Tree celebrates 4 years, $100,000 in donations

Four years ago, Gardnerville Realtor Ginger Easley, and her friend Toni Van Winkle, chatted about ways to serve local nonprofit organizations, but weren’t sure where to start.

The pair researched options and founded Northern Nevada Giving Tree to solicit donations for area nonprofits. Since its inception, $103,750 has been donated to Carson Valley organizations.

Easley said she and Van Winkle are thrilled with the results.

“Even during trying times, our community has shown its kindness and generosity,” Easley said. “People truly want to give, but they often don’t know who to give to.”

The Giving Tree holds quarterly meetings where each attendee brings $100 and the name of their favorite regional non-profit. Nonprofit names go into a hat and at the end of the hour, four names are selected. The group then votes for one of those non-profits to receive the money raised that evening.

“Our goal is to spend 20 minutes learning about the various non-profits, 20 minutes discussing the four non-profits drawn from the hat, and 20 minutes voting,” Easley said. “In, out, easy.”

Last quarter, the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club No. 85 received a check for $6,000. Robbie Boulais, president of the club, said the donation was a complete surprise.

“With the donation received, we will be applying $5000 towards a special project we are calling the ‘Improvement Project’ which we will match $5000 of the Club’s funds,” Boulais said. “We will be working with Douglas County Parks Division to determine which local parks within the Carson Valley could use improvements or possible new play equipment for the kids to play on. The additional $1000 will be used towards much needed Tamarack Fire relief.”

NNGT meets quarterly at the Carson Valley Inn, although during the pandemic, the group pivoted to online donations. The group meets at CVI this Thursday, Oct. 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and welcomes new members. Online donations may be made at: https://giving.group/northernnevadagivingtree. 

“We love having new people join our organization who can introduce us to 501(c)(3) organizations who maybe aren’t as well-known as some of the others,” Easley said. “We believe all of these organizations deserve the opportunity to be known, to raise awareness and to receive our donation.”

Previous recipients include Literary Solutions of Nevada, Carson Valley Food Closet, Between Horses and Humans, Austin’s House, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, The Center for Hope and Healing, Moxy Up, Suicide Prevention Network, W.A.V.E., Grace Christian Academy and Carson Valley Medical Center Foundation.

Easley a Realtor with Re/Max Realty Affiliates in Gardnerville was recently honored with the lifetime achievement award.

Easley has worked for the company since 2008 and focuses on residential home sales across northern Nevada.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been recognized for my hard work and commitment to my clients,” Easley said. “Life is good when you love what you do as much as I do.”