Sierra Services for the Blind, like most local non-profits, is primarily funded through donations and fund raising events. And, unlike most national organizations who have local offices in our community, the small purely local agencies find it harder to attract local donations from people who have not had a direct contact with the organization. In Sierra Services’ case, despite constant exposure in the local media, most don’t know of us until they or someone they know loses sight. For this reason, despite 24 years of service to the community, we remain one of the “best kept secrets in the community”.

Each year we put on three major events. In February the Dinner Dance is an old style dance held at the Grass Valley Veterans building. Using a live band, and a facility typical of the era of swing, we can create an old fashioned evening suitable for both the generation that represents the swing era, and the new generation that is embracing it. This intergenerational event is in its second year, and promises to become a major local event.

The Golf Tournament held in June is likewise a major event. Managed by Mitch Juricich of the San Francisco Bay Area television and radio golf shows, “Hooked on Golf”, Mitch makes this a regional event beyond the usual local tournaments.

The Fall Abalone Feed scheduled for September 5^, 2005 is likewise a unique event. Abalone is rare if ever available, even in bay area restaurants. We harvest them within the state fish and game guidelines, and prepare them with an old family recipe provided by one of our board members. The finest local restaurants provide the rest of the meal. This gives the diner a chance too not only eat abalone, but taste of several of the finest restaurants in Nevada City. This rare event has drawn diners from as far away as Santa Monica, Stockton and the bay area.

All three of these events are designed to not only attract local funding; they are designed to bring in people from outside the area. Our community supports us throughout the year. By designing events to bring people in, we know they will spend the weekend, and add to the local economy by their presence. This is one little way we can pay back the community that supports us.

We presently receive only 7% of our budget from governmental sources. Private foundation grants, funding from organizations like Lions, Rotary, and others make up another ten to fifteen percent. Beyond the events, which account for twenty five percent of the budget, donations from the public, businesses, and clients represent most of the budget. Additional donations at Membership time account for much of this, and the membership fees themselves account for only a small percentage.

All client services are provided without charge to the client. Most of our clients are retired and on fixed or low incomes. The recent rise in the cost of fuel, and the resulting cost of transportation has put a strain on this policy. One trip to Sacramento for a medical appointment is now $30 to $50 for gas alone. The doubling of insurance in the last four years also makes budget maintenance difficult.

Within this web site you have the opportunity to donate to Sierra Services for the Blind. By clicking on the donation bar you can make a donation either by check, or credit card. We hope you have found this site informative. Visit the site for information and find the studies done by Dr. Crews of the University of Mississippi to see the extent of the problem, both locally and nationally. We hope that you are willing to assist us in assuring our almost 400 elderly clients that their agency, the only full service agency for the blind serving exclusively in a rural community in the nation, will survive.