You Give > We Give Campaign Wrap Up (launch detailed here)
Tuolumne County can do so much when we work together! In just 26 days we met our goal of matching donations. This means in less than one month $200,000 went to local nonprofits! This money will make a huge impact in their operations.
We cannot thank everyone who made a donation enough.
Board of Directors
Dana Mayo is retiring from the Sonora Area Foundation Board of Directors after 10 years of service. We are so grateful for his stewardship over the last decade.
Dana Mayo says, “It Is truly unbelievable how fast 10 years goes by and I can say without hesitation that one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my life was the privilege of serving on the Sonora Area Foundation Board of Directors. With regard to the board and staff, It has been a blessing to work with such amazing caring, giving and talented people who genuinely love our county. I know the Foundation is in excellent hands, and I look forward to seeing the wonderful things that they will continue to do for good and forever.”
Please welcome
Carrie McKernan from Gianelli | Friedman | Jeffries | McKernan law firm in Sonora is our newest member of SAF’s Board of Directors.
Carrie McKernan says, “I’m honored to join the Sonora Area Foundation and look forward to working with an inspiring group of individuals who are truly committed to strengthening our community. I look forward to advancing the Foundation’s mission and local impact as its goals and objectives deeply resonate with me both personally and professionally.”
As part of our annual Officer election, our current Officers are:
- Derek Maxson – President
- Brandon Meyer – Vice President
- Marianne Wright – Secretary
- Jeff Sargo – Treasurer
Message from the President:
Derek Maxson says “Our community is built on people who care deeply about one another. Every scholarship awarded, every nonprofit strengthened, and every donor who chooses to invest locally contributes to a stronger future for the people of our region. The Foundation exists to help connect that generosity with meaningful impact.” Read his full message here.
Resiliency Village Fundraiser Gala:
Sonora Area Foundation CEO Darrell Slocum was one of the speakers at the Resiliency Village dinner on April 23rd at Chicken Ranch Casino. The event focused on the community coming together to address the needs of the unhoused in Tuolumne County.
Funds raised at the Gala will go towards Resiliency Village’s Octopod. Each of the eight private units are connected to a common public space. Twain Harte architect Erik Karstan Smith and Resiliency Village’s Founder and Executive Director, Mark Dyken hope to replicate the approach in other areas.
Sonora Area Foundation matched donations of $150,000 including a generous $25,000 donation from The Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. Thank you to all the donors who contributed to raise over $300,000. As the Foundation’s match has been met, please direct ongoing donations to support their program to Resiliency Village. Support the Resiliency Village here.
Summerville Bear Bleachers
So many businesses and individuals have contributed to raising funds for new, safer, and more functional bleachers for the Summerville gym. If you’d like to join in, now is a great time – there’s still a match of up to $50,000.
Jamestown Mural
Jamestown has a new mural highlighting the history of the area. It’s the next phase in the Promotion Club of Jamestown’s beautification project. The commemorative bricks and medallions were installed in 2025.
Sonora Area Foundation provided a grant to help complete the projects. Read more about the project here.
Nonprofit Spotlight
Howard White of Love Tuolumne County says, “Love Tuolumne County’s mission is to beautify and clean-up the communities in Tuolumne County by partnering with local community-minded organizations and Tuolumne County volunteers annually with a common goal of helping make our county a better place to live, work, and enjoy! Love Tuolumne County is modeled after the Love Modesto / Love Our Cities concept, which eighteen years ago took Modesto from being identified as one of the worst communities in the US to live, to being a community that now works together to enhance life for its residents and visitors.”
Read more about Love Tuolumne County here.
