San Manuel metes out $7.3 million to nonprofits
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians on Tuesday donated $7.3 million to 25 nonprofit organizations, the largest sum of money given by the tribe at one time.
Nineteen of the nonprofits that received monetary gifts during San Manuel's Forging Hope Community Luncheon at the National Orange Show Events Center are based in the Inland Empire. One nonprofit is based in the Victor Valley, and the rest are in other states.
San Manuel wasn't always the wealthy tribe it is now, and grappled with the same issues of poverty that many other tribes across the country still face. It once operated on an annual budget of $300.
"We know what it's like to suffer adversity - to be on that side of the table screaming for support," tribal chairman James Ramos said.
Now, the tribe has achieved great wealth through its gaming enterprise, San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, and is in a position to give back to the community, Ramos said.
On Tuesday, the tribe pulled out all the stops in its gesture of generosity, undeterred by the flagging economy.
"Their commitment and passion to this community is immeasurable," said Yvette Ramos, director of the American Red Cross Inland Empire Chapter, which received $500,000.
San Manuel and the American Red Cross forged a partnership years ago, and have called on each other during some of the most disastrous times in recent memory. They pulled resources in providing financial and humanitarian aid during the Old Fire of 2003, Hurricane Katrina, 9-1-1 and more recently, during the wildfires of 2008 and Hurricane Ike.
The Inland Empire nonprofits that took home the most money Tuesday included the St. Bernardino Medical Center Foundation, which received $1 million, Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, which received $200,000, and the Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College foundations, each of which received $150,000.
But the largest contributions went out of state - to Northwest Indian College in Bellingham, Wa., which received $2.5 million, and Northern Arizona University, which received $2 million.
It underscores Ramos's view that one of the biggest ways to change the cycle of poverty on reservations across the country is through education, whether it's in an academic setting or a vocational setting.
San Manuel's business committee presented the 25 nonprofits with poster-size checks mounted on foamboard.
Then, Chairman Ramos concluded with encouraging words during troubling economic times.
"Times are going to get tougher, but if we stand together as one, as a community, we'll be able to move forward," he said.
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