Shock filled Lisa Lee's voice when she found out her organization, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, raised the second largest amount of money in Red's Old 395 Grill Hand in Hand fund-raiser.
Lee, Advocates' executive director, expected to be topped by the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada. Lee had her staff wear Red's buttons advertising the fund-raiser. She also advised her family that if they were going to eat out, to eat at the Carson City grill. Lee wasn't surprised that an animal rescue group came in first, animals are always popular.
In November, Red's customers donated 10 percent of their bills to one of 49 nonprofit organizations participating in the program. Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation raised $1,269. As the first-place winner, Red's will double its award check to $2,539. Advocates came in second with $781. The Boys & Girls Club was only about $40 behind it.
"I expected the Boys & Girls Club to beat us," Lee said and then laughed. "Out of the three I expected to come in third."
Advocates runs the largest shelter in Northern Nevada. She said over the holidays all of the 51 beds are full. This money will go toward Christmas at the shelter.
"It'll make sure all the children and women in the shelter have a wonderful holiday," Lee said.
Mark Schloss, Red's director of operations, said all the organizations will receive their checks tonight at an awards ceremony at the restaurant.
Maria Wilson, special-events coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club, said its award check will also go toward Christmas gifts.
"What we're going to do is buy gifts for the kids for Christmas," she said.
The Boys & Girls Club has been a place for local children to hang out after school for 11 years. Its membership is 2,000, with an average 500 kids attending daily.
The staff will wrap the presents and needy parents will pick them up. Wilson said the club is still taking new donated presents. Drop off presents at the Boys & Girls Club, 673 S. Stewart St.
Wylie Animal Rescue of Incline Village provides safe homes for animals that would otherwise be destined for euthanasia.
Volunteer Connie Nowlin said they are appreciative of the people who designated money to them, and that Red's matched the donation.
"We'll use it for animals that we have in homes and foster homes that need medical care and need to be spayed or neutered," she said.
Nowlin said that she just got off the phone with a Carson City woman who has a sick dog, she is on disability and cannot afford to take care of the dog, "but she loves the little dog.
"Vet bills are expensive, so far we've spent about $300 to $400 on this dog."
The Nevada Appeal, NextMedia's radio stations and Carson City Economic Development/Redevelopment are all partners in this project.
Red's Old 395 is at 1055 S. Carson St. For information, contact General Manager Gary Anderson at 887-0395.
Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
If you go:
What: Red's Old 395 Grill Hand in Hand Awards ceremony
When: 8 tonight
Where: Red's Old 395 Grill, 1055 S. Carson St.
Appetizers, cider and eggnog will be served
Fund-raiser results
Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation: $1,269.73 will be doubled to $2, 539.46
Advocates to End Domestic Violence: $781. 39
Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada: $741.86
Kids & Horses Foundation: $392.01
Carson Advocates for Cancer Care: $428.05