Local Auto Dealer Donates $50,000 to Carson City Schools for Classroom Projects

Dolan Auto Group in Reno donated $50,000 to schools throughout Carson City as part of a community benefits program the dealership hosts each year. 

Carson City schools raked in the winnings from the competition with 8 out of the 10 total Carson City schools earning funding. In total, nine winners were awarded including the grand prize. 

 As part of the application, teachers and program leaders provided a short, one-to-two-minute video giving an overview of a community project they planned to do with their students as well as explaining how the funds will be used. Every teacher that entered this year’s giveaway was awarded a share of more than $100,000. 

Historically the Dolan Class Project distributes $60,000, but this year that amount increased to more than $100,000 and was further increased to award each participant with a minimum of $5,000. These were the most classrooms ever awarded funds.  

The grand prize of $10,000 was awarded to Ms. Nicole Witkowski’s fifth-grade band at Fritsch Elementary School, as voted on by the community. The funds awarded to Ms. Witkowski’s band will provide enough instruments for all fifth graders to have an equal opportunity to participate in band as well as their participation in the annual Band-o-Rama concert in celebration of Music in Our Schools Month. 

The class also plans to give back by donating a portion of their funds to Holiday with a Hero, supporting local law enforcement’s efforts to ensure every child has a happy holiday. 

Other teachers and schools listed as class project winners earning a $5,000 check in the Carson City School District include the following (alphabetically by school).  

  • James Barfield, Bordewich Bray Elementary School, for third grade books and learning manipulatives 
  • Daniel Ingram, Carson High School
  • Briana Valley, Carson Middle School, for the Veteran’s Day Concert 
  • Lauren Cimino, Eagle Valley Middle School, for the agriculture program 
  • Adrienne Wiggins, Empire Elementary School, for STEAM projects 
  • Cassidy Robinson, Empire Elementary School, for a districtwide mariachi music program 
  • Amy Nutcher, Mark Twain Elementary School, for the Posada Event
  • Daniel Echebarria, Pioneer Academy, for a new fine arts stageÂ