SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The large fountain in the lobby at Embassy Suites brings in more than $1,000 in spare change per year, all of which is donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.
The Nevada-side club sent its Torch group, a youth service group within the Boys & Girls Club, to Embassy to collect the donation.
But resort officials didn't just hand the kids a check. They had to dig for their treasure.
Embassy Suites Facilities Manager Gerry De Young and his crew drained the water from the fountain, leaving hundreds of gray rocks and hidden, shiny coins behind.
"The property doesn't just present a check, they have the kids come in and collect the money themselves," said Justin Yax, spokesman for Embassy Suites. "When they built the property they didn't necessarily have this in mind, but it quickly became evident that (the wishing well) would attract a lot of money."
There is now a plaque on the fountain which reads: "Contributions are made to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe - Dedicated to the youth and future of Lake Tahoe."
Boys & Girls Club Program Director Mike Hoxsie said he is very grateful for Embassy's contribution to the children.
"We have very few sources on this side of the lake for these kids, so something like this is just outstanding," said Hoxsie, adding that his club's site, at Lake Park apartments, will be torn down next year. "My biggest thing is to let the community know we have an awesome program we've put into place, but we do need a site. If someone knows of a site available, we'd love to hear about it."
De Young said donating the fountain funds to the Boys & Girls Club is like giving something back to the community.
"We've always had a sign that says where the money is going, which may contribute to the large amounts put in," he said. "It's giving something back to the community, especially the Boys & Girls Club, which desperately needs it. Embassy tries to support the community, so when it comes time, we don't even think of anyone else to clean the pond, we just call in the Boys & Girls Club."
And so, with latex gloves on and buckets in hand, the kids crouched down on the fountain's rocky bottom and retrieved their handsome reward.
"I think this is fun. It's dirty, but I don't care about the mess because we get the money and now we can go on more field trips." said Morgan Brown, 10. "We could have come out here and done the work as a service project for free, but it's cool because we also get to keep all of the money."