Henderson Libraries Foundation received 103 donations
HENDERSON, Nev. – The Henderson Libraries Foundation raised $37,165 in one day through Nevada’s Big Give, which took place Thursday, April 25.
The Henderson Libraries Foundation was 7th in number of donors (103) and 16th in amount raised online ($6,305). With matching donors, that number was raised to $12,165. Also, the Ellis family wrote a check the same day for $25,000, for a grand total for the day of $37,165.
Philanthropist and local business owner Robert “Bobby” Ellis and his wife, Sandy Ellis, have been huge supporters of Henderson Libraries.
“We have many fantastic supporters who help us serve the community the best we possibly can,” said Tom Fay, executive director of Henderson Libraries. “Southern Nevada residents of all income levels deserve access to educational materials and programs, and we are so thankful to those who are so dedicated to helping us cultivate a literate community during the good times and the rough times.”
The Henderson Libraries Foundation raises funds for Henderson Libraries. Nevada’s Big Give, gave everyone a chance to support the libraries’ four remaining branches with all sizes of gifts. Donations were accepted online from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Donations to the Henderson Libraries Foundation received through Nevada’s Big Give will be used to provide funding for library collections, outreach services, innovative technology such as the computer labs at each library branch and online resources, capital projects and scholarships for qualified individuals in Southern Nevada seeking a master’s in library information and science.
The Henderson Libraries is funded largely through property taxes, which are based on a property’s assessed value. When property values dropped, so did the libraries’ budget. Henderson Libraries lost more than $2.5 million in revenue over the last few years, leaving a large gap in the budget used to purchase materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs and e-books borrowed daily by patrons. Henderson Libraries cut operating hours and personnel to keep branch doors open and closed the Malcolm and Galleria libraries late last year after a tax initiative meant to help offset some of the cuts failed in November.
Fundraisers by the Henderson Libraries Foundation help supplement the losses. Although the foundation can’t possibly make up for everything, every bit helps, Fay said.
“By providing free access to computers, information, education and activities for the whole family, libraries are a critical part of Southern Nevada’s struggle to recover from the recession,” Fay added. “With the failing of the tax initiative in November, we are more dependent than ever on individual donations to help keep our doors open and our programs and services at our four remaining libraries running.”
Participants were encouraged to give any amount over $10. For example, a $15 donation covers the cost of a picture book, $25 covers the cost of a new bestselling novel, $50 is the cost to provide a basic computer class to beginning computer users and a $100 donation is the equivalent of the cost of providing a pre-school program that includes early literacy activities to engage children in reading and learning.
Established in 2003, NevadaGIVES is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to increase awareness of philanthropy so more people give back in a way that is meaningful to them. The goal is to build a vibrant, effective and growing philanthropic community that improves the quality of life for all Nevadans, as well as to support volunteerism by serving as an informational resource.
Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates four locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.
For additional information on Henderson Libraries, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.
For more information about NevadaGIVES, visit www.nevadagives.org.