Russian River Sisters donate generously to Valley Fire relief efforts

Saturday, March 26, 2016

On Friday, March 25, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Rio Theater in Monte Rio, Sonoma County. The group,  a California 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose primary goal is to make the Russian River area a better place to live, was established as a sister organization of the original San Francisco order.

The anniversary celebration included the Sisters’ biggest-ever grant award ceremony, with $27,000 distributed to about 20 local recipients ranging from animal rescue organizations to local school projects to HIV/AIDS prevention, awareness, and support groups. The group raises funds through popular events such as bingo nights, which attract a diverse cross-section of the community.

Additionally, North Coast Opportunities was presented with a check for $18,639, which was fundraised separately to help with ongoing relief efforts for survivors of the wildfires that devastated Lake County last summer.

“We are so humbled and honored to receive this generous donation,” said NCO Executive Director Patty Bruder as she accepted the check. “The work we are doing in Lake County is incredibly important, and thanks to groups like the Russian River Sisters and so many others who have donated, we’ll be able to keep doing this work for the duration of the recovery.”

NCO disbursed $1.49 million in direct aid to 1,083 fire survivors in $1,000 and $1,500 increments from September to November 2015. NCO did not take any administrative fees from the funds raised, meaning 100% of all available funds when straight to fire survivors. NCO has since shifted its focus to long-term recovery efforts and is the fiscal sponsor of Team Lake County (TLC), a volunteer-led long-term recovery group. Recognized by the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), TLC is comprised of non-governmental agencies and faith-based groups, and seeks to identify needs and fill gaps in services across all impacted areas of Lake County.

After 15 years in the community, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have left a lasting and memorable mark and are beloved by all those whose lives they touch. “We love to help,” said Grants Chairnun Sister Nova Nilla as she prepared to hand out the grants, “and we look fabulous while we do it.”