Gardnerville, NV – In January 2025, Douglas County Rodeo organizers donated $7,000 to the Douglas County Community Services Foundation, and the impact of that generosity is already being seen across Douglas County. The funding has supported the Foundation’s Youth Scholarship Program, which provides free annual memberships to the Douglas County Community & Senior Center and the Kahle Community Center and Gymnasium for students in grades 6 through 12. 
To date, 9,447 children have benefited from these memberships, giving them access to safe, healthy, and engaging recreational opportunities year-round—at no cost to their families.
“The Douglas County Rodeo has always been about community,” said Douglas County Rodeo Owner and Director Brooke Sullivan. “Seeing this donation help local kids stay active and connected is exactly why we do what we do.”
The Community Services Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Douglas County through programs that remove financial barriers and promote wellness. The Youth Scholarship Program empowers children to thrive through physical activity, social connection, and a positive community environment.
“The Rodeo offers family-friendly entertainment, promoting active healthy lifestyles and providing a fun, engaging event for all ages fostering the same values and mission as the community centers in Douglas County,” said Chairman of the Foundation Renea Louie. “This generous donation from the Douglas County Rodeo empowers our youth to thrive in a supportive environment, and we are immensely grateful for their commitment to our community.”
With summer approaching, the timing couldn’t be better. The free memberships will continue to provide safe, enriching options for students while school is out—a direct investment in the health and well-being of Douglas County’s future generation.
For more information about the Youth Scholarship Program or to learn how you can support community programs like this, click here.
About the Douglas County Community Services Foundation
The Douglas County Community Services Foundation was formed in 2011 to support the community centers and senior centers in Douglas County, both Lake and Valley. The main emphasis is to support the construction and ongoing capital and equipment needs of the of the Douglas County Community & Senior Center and Kahle Community Center. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)(3) corporation intended to make improvements to the community and senior center as easy and efficiently as possible with the maximum amount of accountability. The Foundation acts as a liaison between the government of Douglas County and private donors in order to maximize and meet the private donor's needs.