This award recognizes an organization that has offered outstanding service, guidance, knowledge, emotional or physical support, and/or mentorship to their community. Eligible community groups must have on-the-ground operations in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing area.

Award Category sponsored by

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada provides food for families in need through more than 155 partner agencies across northern Nevada and the eastern slope of the Sierra and direct service programs. Having grown from a small pantry to a regional distribution center, the Food Bank serves more than 153,000 people every month, almost half of whom are children and seniors. One in every nine children in Nevada is considered food insecure, and through its network of more than 155 partner agencies and direct service programs, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada is celebrating its 40^th year of service by imagining a world without hunger.

Assistance League Reno-Sparks is a 401(c)3, 380-member, all-volunteer (no paid staff) nonprofit with 11 philanthropic programs to help the most deserving students, seniors, and veterans in Washoe County. Members donate over 50,000 hours of community service each year to support these programs. Most members are retired and love giving back to the community in meaningful ways. In the last fiscal year, Assistance League Reno-Sparks met the needs of 30,500 children, seniors, veterans, teachers, victims of assault, and others in the community. 

On June 9th, 2017, Katie Grace Weingartner tragically passed away crossing Plumb Lane in Reno. At 15 years old, she had gained the love and respect of everyone she came in contact with: classmates, teammates, coaches, teachers, children, and adults alike. The Katie Grace Foundation embraces the unconditional love for others that Katie taught us. The Foundation continues acts of kindness and charity in the community. The Katie Grace Foundation provides much needed supplies to nearly 100 registered nonprofits and charitable organizations through their Community Outreach and Katie’s Closet programs, supporting veterans, impoverished students, pet rescues and so much more. They sponsor the needs of children to become involved in sports and extracurricular activities and provide scholarships to children that represent the acts of love and kindness that Katie valued. If you didn't know Katie, you will get to know her through the Katie Grace Foundation.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact Diane Barrett, Community Partnership Director
PBS Reno • O: 775-600-0584 • C: 415-385-5657 • dbarrett@pbsreno.org

Our previous Spotlight Awards and Auction honorees and events:

2023 Winners and Finalists | 2022 Winners and Finalists | 2021 Winners and Finalists | 2020 Winners and Finalists