Reno philanthropist Evelyn Mount died in 2022 at the age of 96. She was known for her decades of helping to feed Northern Nevada's residents.
She founded the Evelyn Mount Community Outreach Program, providing thousands of meals to low-income seniors and families.
While a hero in the community, her grandson noticed her grave did not have a headstone to remember her by after getting a phone call from his family members.
Al Small-Mount, Evelyn Mounts' grandson, told us, "They let me know the situation. They showed me a couple of pictures of the gravesite, and it kind of affected me immediately because I was raised by my grandmother from 4 months old all the way up until I was 18 years old. I saw that and wanted to go right into action because that's what she would do for someone else in need."
In her honor, and also to match her husband, who is buried next to her, a GoFundMe was started by her grandson to raise enough to get her a headstone for her grave to honor her properly.
Right now, what is marking her grave is a single piece of wood with her name on it. You can find the link to the GoFundMe by clicking this link.
Mount adopted Al Small-Mount at four months old and was not only his biological grandmother but also his legal mother, making them extremely close.
"I've taken everything that I've learned from my grandmother, and I've implemented it out here in the community here in Gilford County, so I really want to see if I can get this done because it means a lot to me, and I know it would mean a lot to my family as well."
Mount spent 45 years helping the community. Her grandson says he thinks her greatest achievement, aside from going on the Rosie O'Donnell show in 1996, was in 2009 when a YMCA community center was renamed to the Evelyn Mount Community Center.
"So I feel like she's done some really huge things in the City of Reno that should be known and out there for the world, even YouTube or things of that sort. I think everyone should know exactly what she's done."
The GoFundMe's goal is to raise $3,000, so she and her husband can have similar headstones together.
Al Small-Mount says, "The heart that she had—I want them to remember her heart...just the caring aspect of things. She really cared for others more than she cared for herself. I literally watched my grandmother get her knees replaced, and the next day she was up and at it, worried about the people of Reno."
He goes on to say, "I have recordings of my grandmother talking about the City of Reno changing her life, and I just want the people of Reno to remember the heart that she had for the city."
He also wants the community to know, "You know it's not about looking for the help for her or because of what she's done. Honestly, I would look for them to help out of the kindness of their hearts. Yes, she has done a lot. I know times have changed and things are different, but if they're willing and able, then I ask that they can."
Again, you can donate to her GoFundMe by clicking the link here.
