Community Outreach Objectives.

The primary purpose for issuing a community grant/donation is to give back to the communities where theaters are located. The secondary objective is to build relationships in the community that create goodwill for exhibition.

The best way to meet these objectives is to answer the ‘Why’ question when selecting a recipient organization (i.e. grantee). What problem is the organization solving and why does that issue matter to exhibition? Why is this organization important to theater owners in California and Nevada.

There are many worthy organizations doing wonderful work, but we cannot fund all of them. Ultimately, the Community Outreach program is to help promote theatrical entertainment. We can fulfill that goal by supporting organizations in the communities where there is an obvious connection for movie theaters.

We will publicize our generosity to build goodwill in communities by leading with the ‘Why’ statement.

 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM 2020

NATO OF CALIFORNIA/NEVADA RELIEF FUND - $1,250,000
Our industry like many others came to a full standstill because of COVID-19 resulting in the closure of our Member theatres and the loss of field level jobs. The board of NATO of California/Nevada realized the financial hardships the pandemic was causing and voted unanimously to establish a $1,250,000.00 Relief Fund to be distributed to field level employees of the Association members. The funds were allocated equally based upon the number of screens each member company has in California and Nevada. A total of 7,023 field level employees received funds from the NATO of California/Nevada Relief Fund. As one of the recipients of the fund wrote, “I am so honored to be a part of an organization that looks after their own without ever having to ask for assistance”.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS - $200,000.00
There is no denying the heroic work being done by our healthcare professionals and of the great personal sacrifices they are making during these most trying times. And because of this, we are very pleased to be presenting $200,000 in scholarships to The University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions, whose undergraduate program consistently ranks in the top 5% in the country. The school has a highly diverse student body, 35% of incoming freshmen are the first in their family to attend college and they enter with an average GPA of 3.9. The $200,000 in scholarships from NATO of California/Nevada will provide each of five students with $40,000 over the course of the four-year program, and be met with matching funds from the university. We know this will be money well spent.
ONE VOICE - $50,000.00
One Voice is a Los Angeles nonprofit organization helping families living at poverty level.   The families served through its Family Assistance Program are in dire financial circumstances and have been referred by Head Start. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting so many with lost jobs, the $50,000 grant will provide approximately 30 families with funds to help cover rent, food and other critical necessities for a one month period while they work to regain their stability.

REACHING OUT - $30,000.00
The Reaching Out program operated through the Cathedral of Faith has become the largest emergency food program in Northern California, annually giving away over 15 million dollars’ worth of food to over 150,000 individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this program even more vital, and the $30,000 grant from NATO of California/Nevada to Reaching Out will help provide $300,000 worth of groceries to an additional 1,000 families.

"On behalf of Pastor Ken Foreman, Pastor Kurt Foreman and Reaching Out Director Jim Gallagher, thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity towards the Reaching Out Food Program. The need is great, but thanks to your kindness, we will continue to have the privilege of being part of the solution in meeting the needs of our community.

Please enjoy this video which is an expression of our gratitude and offers a small glimpse into the major impact your donation will have in the South Bay Area.

Be safe.  Be encouraged.  Be strong and courageous."

Blessings,
Jolly Tyrell
Director of Global Communications & Events
Cathedral of Faith
SIDE BY SIDE - $30,000,00
Side by Side will receive a $30,000 grant from NATO of California/Nevada to be divided equally between their Side by Side Our Space program and the Side by Side You Thrive program. The organization operates in four Northern California counties reaching over 2,500 children, young adults, and family members per year with much-needed services related to behavioral and mental health, early intervention in schools, LGBTQ issues, transitional housing, and special education. Side by Side has been at the forefront of best practices in child welfare, working with the most vulnerable youth in the communities they serve since their founding as an orphanage in 1895 and through subsequent years as Sunny Hills Services. The following are the programs.

Side by Side Our Space program is a safe space for LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 and is the only LGBTQ youth provider in South Alameda County. Our Space serves over 300 youth each year with a focus on disconnected LGBTQ youth in the foster system. The $15,000 NATO of California/Nevada grant will support 4-6 multi-week school-based or virtual peer support groups for the youth over the fall and spring semesters, and 1-2 workshops for adult professionals.

Side by Side You Thrive program is an early intervention program for 13-18 year olds is designed to prevent school failure and the escalation of criminal, anti-social or gang behavior, while increasing commitment to their education, personal development, and community. The NATO of California/Nevada $15,000 grant will cover You Thrive services at one school during the fall and spring semester, provide four parent support groups, and subsidize youth excursions or virtual social gatherings.