The Janet Goeske Foundation has won $100,000 in unrestricted funding after taking first place in the Harrah's All-In 4 Change Grant Contest, the organization announced. The Riverside nonprofit serves thousands of older adults through health and wellness programs, education, social activities and crisis prevention services.
The win matters to Riverside because the Janet Goeske Foundation is a key local resource for seniors facing isolation, health challenges or difficult situations. The unrestricted grant means the organization can direct the funds wherever they're needed most, rather than to a specific program.
The contest ran for several weeks and relied on public voting. Foundation patrons and supporters voted daily, recruited friends and family, and spread the word throughout the community to build support, according to the Foundation.
Midway through, the campaign hit a setback when a batch of votes was removed, erasing much of the momentum supporters had built. Rather than giving up, patrons and supporters increased their efforts, continuing to vote and share the campaign until the Foundation secured first place.
"This win belongs to our seniors and this incredible community," said Danielle Stevens, executive director of the Janet Goeske Foundation, in a statement. "Watching them rally around a place they love and refuse to give up was something I will never forget. The $100,000 is an incredible gift to our organization, but what touched me most was seeing just how much this center means to the people we serve."
Television host Mario Lopez served as guest emcee for the celebration.
"Our seniors made this happen," Stevens said. "They showed up for us every single day. There is something very special about this community, and this win is proof of what we can accomplish when we all pull together."
