Each year, the Chamber’s Leadership Reno Sparks (LRS) class chooses a special project to benefit the community. Through the program, the LRS class identifies a community need, develops a way to impact this need, often times working with a local non-profit, and then executes a project through fundraising, community awareness, and relationship building.
Past Projects:
Class of 2017 Purchased a minivan, computer products, and created a marketing plan for AWAKEN, a nonprofit seeking to end sex trafficking and providing temporary shelter, counseling and case management for its clients.
Class of 2016 Provided a staggering number of updates to the cottages at STEP2 where women live during addiction treatment including new roofing, countertops and flooring, a brand new van, 4 new washer/dryers and 2 new refrigerators. The project included a complete renovation of their community garden and forged a maintenance agreement with a local builders association who will maintain STEP2's facilities for the next 5 years.
Class of 2015 Updated the Washoe County Kids Kottage, to make this emergency shelter for children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect a less stressful and more peaceful environment. The project included repainting and decorating the interior walls of the facilities, modernizing lighting, and installing a brand-new playground and surrounding landscape.
Class of 2014 Mobilized local non-profit providing free clothing to Reno’s most at-risk population, the Good Shepherds Clothes Closet. Project included purchasing a cargo van, developing and implementing a new client and inventory barcode system, and generating and advancing business and marketing plans.
Class of 2013 Designed and constructed a therapeutic playground for developmentally disabled preschoolers at Marvin Picollo Elementary School.
Class of 2012 Revitalized the Sparks Senior Center. The project included repainting the interior walls of the Sparks Senior Center with warm and inviting colors, replacing all interior carpeting and also reconstructing a new ADA compliant front counter.
Class of 2011 The Haven for Hope project create peaceful and serene waiting rooms at RPD, SPD, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office where victims of violent crimes can wait privately and tell their story in a comfortable, calm environment.
Class of 2010 Designed and constructed the Health Access Washoe County’s (HAWC) pediatric waiting room for their newly expanded Pediatric Clinic. This included construction of walls, paint/murals, furniture, TV/Video and educational toys.
Class of 2009 The class beautified and improved the library at Florence Drake Elementary including a collection of more than 650 new and used books.
Class of 2008 Organized the Kids Care Fun Fair with the help of the Reno Youth City Council.
Class of 2007 Makeover at Hug High School including painting, planting/ pruning/landscaping, picnic tables and benches, walkway, fencing, clean-up day/dedication ceremony/barbecue, as well as instituting a Wall of Fame.
Class of 2006 Renovation of St. Vincent’s Residence and food baskets to all residents, as well as $500 scholarship for LRS Adult Program
Class of 2005 Beautification and improvements to Alice Maxwell and Glenn Duncan Elementary Schools, and backpacks filled with school supplies for 30 students
Class of 2004 Rehabilitation and repair of 18 residences for seniors and disabled individuals
Class of 2003 Building of outdoor basketball court for Sparks High School and career day for juniors at Sparks High School
Class of 2002 LRSAA Picnic as a fundraiser for the LRS Youth Program
Class of 2001 Christmas in April, and donations to a non-profit organization each month
Class of 2000 Exterior and Interior Renovation of Holy Child Day Care Center, and collected toiletries for The Children’s Cabinet
Class of 1999 Donations to a non-profit organization each month, and granted a Make-A-Wish
Class of 1998 Renovation and Expansion of Basketball Courts at Barbara Bennett Park
