What We Do
Since its inception in 2007, the Hot August Nights Foundation has supported 80 different organizations locally, distributing over $1.3 million in cash, merchandise and scholarships.
The funds raised are made possible by three annual fundraising events. The annual Classics & Cocktails Dinner, the 50/50 Raffle during Hot August Nights events and the auction of a donated vehicle at the MAG Auction during the main event.
Our work revolves around making a difference and providing children in-need or at-risk in our community a more meaningful and productive life by supporting programs that are either limited to or not available.
Programs include:
- Scholarships for secondary education including colleges, trade schools, specialty educational centers, junior colleges, and vocational schools
- Support primary education and its students, grades K-12, in areas of economic hardship and in particular where children are at risk of not completing their education
- Promote and support other worthy assistance programs for in-need and at-risk children
The Foundation accepts and administers private gifts from friends, volunteers, corporations, fundraisers, and other sources. Learn more about how you can donate.
Programs we support
Active in the community, the Hot August Nights Foundation supports local children in a variety of ways annually.
Classics & Cocktails
This is the main fundraising event for the Hot August Nights Foundation. Classics & Cocktails, held in the spring, is your opportunity to enjoy an evening learning more and hearing from recipients and special guests. Live entertainment, a live and silent auction and the Board of Dreams provide an opportunity to change the path of the children of our community. Your attendance supports the Foundation and our mission. The dinner offers sponsorships, table purchases and individual seats. Donation items are also accepted.
MAG Car Auction
Each year, MAG Auctions supports our Foundation’s mission by helping us reach our goals during a live auction along with helping raise money for other Reno-Sparks area non-profits. To date, MAG Auctions has raised over $500,000 for local organizations. Support the Hot August Nights Foundation by bidding on our Foundation car at the MAG Auctions event taking place the Saturday of the August main event.
Coat Drive
Held annually each fall, the Foundation partners with the Boys & Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows to collect coats for the upcoming winter season. The drive accepts gently used or new coats. Coats are distributed by the Boys & Girls Club to those in need.
Jessie Hall Elementary School
As our partner school, our Hot August Nights Foundation volunteers support the children year-round through a variety of opportunities including hosting quarterly socials to hand out achievement certificates and celebrate their success.
Annual Scarf Giveaway
Each year our generous and talented volunteers handmake colorful scarves for the children at our partner school, Jessie Hall Elementary School. Designed to bring warmth and a little brightness to the winter months, the smiles from the children make it worth every yarn woven. If you are interested in donating a scarf (or two) the dimensions are 4-1/2″ wide and 60″ long (without fringe). Donations are accepted at the Hot August Nights office.
Kohl’s Shopping Spree with the Boys & Girls Club
The Hot August Nights Foundation partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows annually to sponsor children and teens in-need for a shopping spree at Kohl’s. Each is paired with a HAN volunteer or staff member who takes them shopping getting items from their list for themselves or their loved ones. Volunteers and staff enjoyed a morning of shopping with the youth – many of whom would not have a Christmas otherwise. The participants are selected based on need and are individuals who are not already recipients of other giving opportunities. Ask any of the volunteers or staff and they will say there’s no better way to experience the true joy of the holidays than spreading some joy to the youth in our community.
Toys for Tots
In 2022, we partnered with Swire Coca-Cola and through that, we collected, shopped and donated toys for the annual Toys for Tots program designed to make wishes come true for children on Christmas Day.
