It’s the season for giving and there’s no more valuable way to give than to help out the organizations making a difference in our community. Here we’ve highlighted a few of our valuable partners that help make Marin such a great place to live.
If you’re looking for ways that you can make give back yourself, check out our guide to giving, find it here.
Paws for a Cause
For more than 20 years, Jimmy Wanninger has made Marin County his home. He’s grateful for the county that’s welcomed him and is now giving back. What he loves most about Marin is its pet-friendly vibe, enjoyed with his loyal companion, London.
Jimmy and London found a local gem in Doggie Styles in Mill Valley, a neighborhood pet groomer that pampers pets and keeps them happy and healthy. These local spots are close to Jimmy’s heart, and he sees supporting them as his way of giving back. Jimmy passionately supports the Marin Humane Society and in 2024, he’s taking this commitment a step further. At all Broker’s Opens and Open Houses, a donation box for towels and toys will be out, encouraging the community to make a positive impact on animals in need. In addition, a portion of every real estate deal he closes in 2024 will be donated to the Marin Humane Society, making every interaction with Jimmy as your real estate agent a contribution to a noble cause.
415.990.8990, [email protected]
Nice Guys Around Marin
Nice Guys Delivery is beyond thankful to have served our local community here in Marin for the last 7 years. We’ve been able to support a number of Local Non-Profits and causes that we deeply care about. We most recently teamed up with Zero Breast Cancer as we hiked the Dipsea trail and helped raise over $100,000 for Breast Cancer Research in late September. Another organization dear to our hearts is Marin’s Center for Domestic Peace(C4DP), for whom our Founder, Monica Gray, sits on the Board of Directors. C4DP’s comprehensive community effort to end domestic violence in Marin County has played a pivotal role in keeping our community safe. Our longest partnership has been with The Pacific Pediatric Neuro-oncology Consortium Foundation (PNOC). The PNOC Foundation is determined to improve outcomes for children with brain cancer.
“Raising more funds for more research means we can help in the fight for more innovative therapy. That’s what this is all about at the end of the day. Helping as many children as we can.” — Monica Gray, COO Nice Guys Delivery
415.855.5914
Redwood Credit Union in Marin
In the spirit of “people helping people,” Redwood Credit Union (RCU) is dedicated to supporting our local community here in Marin. With a long history of service and a strong commitment to giving back, RCU has led its community investment program with heart and empathy through the contributions of time, energy, donations, and leadership support to nonprofit organizations and groups that make a meaningful impact. They have been able to support local nonprofits and causes they deeply care about. Most recently, they teamed up with the North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC) to help raise awareness and funding for its Bright Futures Campaign to increase the capacity for subsidized child care and critical early educational programs for low-income children in Novato. Supporting programs like NBCC enables them to provide essential care for vulnerable children and assist their families with the resources necessary to secure a strong educational start.
“Raising funds to build a brighter future for many and affording them the opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams is what this partnership is all about. Helping make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time.” — Brett Martinez, RCU President and CEO.
Making Sausalito Proud
Gene Hiller Menswear is beyond proud to support Sausalito Pride. As a longstanding business in Sausalito, Gene Hiller’s Tom Gangitano and Wayne Kaleck are passionately committed to making a positive impact in their local community and have been advocates for gay rights for over 65 years. And in 2023, they are dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and Sausalito’s inaugural pride celebration. Through their support of Sausalito Pride, a local volunteer-led organization, they have helped bring awareness and acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community with multiple pride events throughout the city with over a thousand community members in attendance. Making an even bigger impact, they helped raise over $30,000 to provide impactful health and supportive services for the Marin LGBTQ+ community.Sausalito has a long and colorful history and Sausalito Pride is creating an inclusive community for all. With generous support from Gene Hiller Menswear, Sausalito Pride continues to advocate for equality, acceptance and social progress through celebrating and supporting Sausalito’s LGBTQ+ community, culture and history.
A Smile Changes Everything
The Smile Collection is a special collection available exclusively at The Perfect Provenance. The Perfect Provenance is an award winning luxury lifestyle company founded in Greenwich, CT by Lisa Lori and now based in downtown Tiburon. All of the products in the Smile Collection were designed by Lisa Lori and her family to benefit international children’s medical charity Operation Smile who provides free surgeries for children with facial anomalies. As the mother of three children who were born with medical challenges, Lisa Lori has a special place in her heart for helping children with disabilities.
Since 2010, Lisa’s family has raised more than $3 million to support Operation Smile, through special events, fundraising, her Three Little Bears initiative, and now through her company’s Smile Collection products. Products include organic tee shirts, tote bags, cosmetic bags, fine jewelry and home fragrance.
To learn more, please visit www.theperfectprovenance.com 415.797.6054, Tiburon
Marin Court Appointed Special Advocates
Wouldn’t YOU love to make a difference in the life of a foster child in Marin County? A child who may have been abused, abandoned, and neglected? ONE caring adult can forever change and impact a foster child’s life in a positive way.
Each year, Marin CASA provides more than 100 children in Marin County’s Foster Care System with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASAs are highly-trained, community-based volunteers who provide a consistent, safe, and supportive one-on-one connection to a child in foster care.
Through our direct access to the Marin County court system – the CASA relationship ensures that each child’s needs are met, helping them heal from trauma and thrive.
You too can change the story for a child in foster care with a donation to Marin CASA. Thank you for supporting Marin’s foster children!
1401 Los Gamos Drive, Ste. 130, San Rafael 415.785.3862 • EIN: 81-5047208
Wildcare
WildCare, Northern California’s foremost wildlife hospital, nature education center, and wildlife advocacy organization, has launched the Elevate WildCare campaign, a visionary initiative to redevelop their current property in central San Rafael. Endorsed as a “cause for celebration in Marin” by the Marin Independent Journal, WildCare’s new facility will secure the organization’s future through this transformative project.
The building of WildCare’s new center is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to their commitment to coexist with, and educate our community about, the extraordinary wildlife that share our world. The project stands as a beacon of hope, reminding people everywhere that our actions can shape a brighter future for all living beings.
Every year, WildCare treats over 3,500 ill, injured and orphaned wild animals in their wildlife hospital, teaches over 20,000 Bay Area children and adults through their environmental education programs, and advocates for wildlife in Marin County and beyond. Their Living with Wildlife Hotline 415-456- 7283 answers over 15,000 calls about wildlife annually.
The Elevate WildCare campaign marks a new chapter in the story of this invaluable organization and ensures they continue their work in support of the remarkable local wildlife and the habitat we share for generations to come.
10,000 Degrees
College Graduates Who Change the World
“My experience with 10,000 Degrees can be best described in two words: Life changing.” – Oscar, 10,000 Degrees Alum
10,000 Degrees supports students from low-income backgrounds to and through college—and beyond. Since 1981 we’ve helped 20,000+ students graduate from college and awarded over $90 million in scholarships. We believe in the potential of all students and have no GPA requirement.
Our students are:
• 100% from low-income backgrounds
• 93% BIPOC
• 92% first-generation college students
We connect students with recently graduated, near-peer Fellows, who share backgrounds and experiences, and provide deep content expertise, resources, and support.
Our alumni are transforming the world as doctors, lawyers, educators, social activists, entrepreneurs, and more. Many come full circle as 10,000 Degrees Fellows, employers, internship providers, donors, and volunteers and mentors through our Career Success program.
Join our movement and become ONE DEGREE of Change! Donate and make college possible for Marin & Bay Area students from low-income backgrounds: 10000degrees.org/maringives
1401 Los Gamos Drive, Ste 205, San Rafael 415.451.4016
North Bay Children’s Center
For 35 years NBCC has helped thousands of families give their kids the very best start during the most critical and formative years of development. Our programs offer affordable childcare and early education that build the foundation for lifelong success.
Our economic future depends on developing a highly educated, skilled workforce. Early childhood education is the most efficient way to accomplish this goal, yet so many children are being left out of this system.
NBCC is in the final stages of completing its Bright Futures Campaign, which will enable them to double the capacity of children served at their main educational campus, providing a safe, modern, and expanded learning environment for children.
Once complete the new facility in Novato will retain the 72 existing childcare slots and add 104 new subsidized slots to serve 176 at-risk children and their families annually.
NBCC has proven its ability to significantly improve the outcomes for so many disadvantaged children. Each child and family we serve today has a greater chance of future success through our school-readiness strategies, childcare subsidies, and award-winning nutrition education program. But we can’t do it without you. A bright future starts with a single gift. Make yours today.
932 C Street, Novato, CA 415.883.6222
Center for Domestic Peace
Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate based on race, geographical location, or time of year. It doesn’t stop for the holidays, and neither does Center for Domestic Peace (C4DP). With domestic violence as the most frequent violent crime in Marin, C4DP’s wide-range of programs and services meet people where they are and help move them to a life free of violence.
C4DP’s compassionate bilingual advocates (English/Spanish) are available 24/7, 365 days a year to assist with safety planning, information, resources, referrals and assessment if immediate emergency shelter is needed. Options for transitional housing and other support services are also explored.
C4DP offers comprehensive legal advocacy in the criminal justice system including obtaining restraining orders. Therapy and case management are available to help non-abusing parents and their children heal from the trauma and build back family unity. Abusive partners can also find support to unlearn the behaviors, attitudes and beliefs that lead to their violence.
From integrated intervention, prevention and education strategies, C4DP leads the community-wide effort and collective response to ending domestic violence.
734 A Street, San Rafael, CA 415.924.6616
Vivalon
Vivalon is dedicated to advancing the independence, well-being, and a quality of life of older adults and individuals living with disabilities. In Marin, the need for comprehensive and essential services has never been more crucial. With nearly one in every three residents over the age of 60, many in our community face challenges such as isolation, inadequate nutrition, and financial hardships.
Vivalon takes a significant step forward in its mission to provide connection for older adults with the imminent launch of the Healthy Aging Campus in January 2024. This transformative facility will serve as a thriving epicenter for dynamic living, intellectual stimulation, and the fostering of authentic community spirit. Housing a multitude of services under one roof— including a medical clinic, community center, cafe, tech center, classrooms, and affordable housing on the upper four floors in partnership with Eden Housing—the Healthy Aging Campus is a testament to its commitment to enriching lives.
All older adults in Marin County are invited to be a part of this exciting journey and explore the new state- of-the-art Healthy Aging Campus in 2024. Discover enriching programs, dine at Vivalon Cafe, attend a class, and connect with a vibrant community.
999 Third Street, San Rafael, CA 415.456.9062
Youth in Arts
Youth in Arts is taking a proactive approach to help combat the alarming rise in anxiety and depression rates among California’s students, which has surged by 70% since 2016. We are playing a pivotal role in helping children relearn, reshape, and work together to rebuild post-pandemic. Our professional teaching artists offer innovative opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, manage conflict, and cultivate self-regulation tools, directly addressing social losses. Our semester-long programs in visual arts, music and dance, give students a platform for emotional expression, collaboration, and self-discovery, essential elements in their recovery process. By nurturing their creativity and encouraging them to collaborate, we empower children to overcome challenges and envision a brighter future.
For 52 years, Youth in Arts has adapted and evolved to meet the needs of students and families. We are the primary in-school arts education provider to students with disabilities throughout Marin County, and the seven public elementary schools in San Rafael. Of the 3,500 Marin-based students served, 70% identify as low income with inequitable access to arts learning opportunities.
Your support helps Youth in Arts shape a future where students are compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and collaborative individuals, well-equipped to face the complexities of the world.
917 C Street, San Rafael, CA 415.457.4878
ExtraFood
ExtraFood’s mission is to end hunger and wasted food in the Bay Area through their innovative food recovery programs, including food rescue, meal- making and gleaning.
35% of all food is wasted and food waste is a massive contributor to global warming. Yet 1 in 5 people in Marin and 1 in 4 people in San Francisco worry about where their next meal will come from. That’s where ExtraFood comes in – they fill the gap between those who have food and those who need it.
ExtraFood rescues excess fresh food from any business, school or backyard and immediately delivers it to their nonprofit partners serving our community’s most vulnerable people. ExtraFood prevents perfectly good food from going to waste, which not only feeds our community, but also fights the massive effect that food waste has on our environment.
Their vision is to make food recovery a way of life in the Bay Area: to enroll every available food donor in their program, and to capture every available pound of surplus food for people
facing hunger.
This holiday season, join ExtraFood in the fight against hunger. Your donation will help them continue to recover food, reduce waste, and nourish our community.
415.997.9830 • 907 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield
Enriching Lives through Music
Enriching Lives through Music (ELM) provides 170+ primarily first generation Latino students ages 8-18 with a tuition-free, immersive instrumental music program and resources that inspire and empower them to pursue their dreams. Most of our students live in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael. We believe that access to mastery in the arts is a right, not a privilege and that talent is equally distributed but opportunity is not. ELM is committed to addressing this inequity.
Students participate in ELM for their whole childhood 10 hours and four days per week, year-round. After school they study their primary instrument (string, wind, or brass), and musicianship and receive literacy and academic support. On Saturdays they rehearse in one of 3 levels of orchestra, which serves as students’ musical home. Promoting deep parent engagement is a core value.
Our college counselor works with students starting in 7th grade to ensure that they graduate high school with the skills, motivation, and resources to pursue higher education and a career of their choosing. Inspired by the transformational el Sistema music philosophy, we believe that if you teach children the beauty of music, the music will teach them the beauty of life.
2955 Kerner Blvd, Ste B, San Rafael, CA 415.870.9053
Community Action Marin
Food brings people together. Yet, hunger and limited access to healthy food are daily realities for people
of low income in Marin County. As Marin’s official anti-poverty agency, Community Action Marin is working hard to eliminate food insecurity.
Community Action Marin offers a comprehensive and collaborative approach to improving food security and accessing nutritious food for all Marin County residents. They are building food security through emergency food boxes and CalFresh assistance, nurturing food entrepreneurs at its Central Kitchen, and providing meals to children every day at its childcare centers.
Community Action Marin envisions a Marin where all people have an equal opportunity to live their lives with dignity and respect. With a year-end gift to Community Action Marin, children in their preschools will get hot lunches and farm-fresh veggies, older adults will find connection over healthy food from their Central Kitchen, and more individuals will experience well being. Join Community Action Marin to make a stronger Marin!
555 Northgate Dr, San Rafael, CA 415.526.7500
Marin Foster Care Association
Foster families open their homes to bring stability and hope to our community’s most vulnerable children. Marin Foster Care Association (MFCA) provides services that equip caregivers, while delivering resources that foster youth need to heal and thrive.
35% of Marin foster kids are being placed outside of the County due to the lack of foster families in Marin – your support helps boost awareness for local foster parents so kids can stay in their community and at their school.
MFCA focuses on building community among Marin’s foster caregivers. With your support, they can deliver events, trainings, and therapeutic resources that strengthen foster families so they may continue serving in this critical role. MFCA supports their families through their Community Resource Center, which carries everything that a child needs to settle into a new home. They use their Opportunity Project grants to fund educational and recreational activities that offer foster youth an equal opportunity to learn, explore, and grow. MFCA also directs critical attention to the needs of transition-age youth by providing resources and housing solutions for those aging out of foster care.
With your support, MFCA is creating solutions to the challenges facing our community’s most at-risk youth.
55 Mitchell Blvd, Suite 2, San Rafael, CA 415.507.0557 •
