Opinion: Edgewood defends its charitable giving
To the community,
The inaccuracies and subjective opinion of the story posted on Lake Tahoe News compelled us to respond with the facts and true information about the volunteer food and beverage tents at American Century Championship.
John McLaughlin
Edgewood Tahoe’s executive team requested a meeting with Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe in early February for a briefing on the history of the golf tournament volunteer partnership. During that meeting concerns were raised about the distribution of funds, as it was discovered after reviewing available tax returns that Soroptimist had been holding approximately $450,000 in a bank account as opposed to distributing it to the community in a timely fashion. When asked, Soroptimist officers wouldn’t provide a plan or timeline for how the funds were to be used. There are many organizations in town that need help and Edgewood asked to be involved in determining a few, knowing that Soroptimist’s mission is to assist women and children. We were told flatly that we would have no input in where the funds are distributed – funds that the tournament held at Edgewood Tahoe helped generate. We sincerely appreciate Soroptimists’ active involvement over the years and recognize their efforts, but this answer was not satisfactory.
The article also suggested that the Boys and Girls Club would no longer be holding their fundraiser at Edgewood Tahoe. This is not true. The Boys and Girls Club is still holding its 21st annual golf tournament at Edgewood. This event raises between $40,000 and $50,000 each year for the club. Edgewood donates the golf course and all food and beverage served in the clubhouse for this event. The club was forced to discontinue an evening wine event the Spirit of Spring because the wine purveyor is no longer involved. With the addition of the lodge, Edgewood now has group bookings year round and the clubhouse was unavailable for the Live Violence Free gala.
Edgewood has a long history of community support and involvement and those plans will continue as part of our long-held operating values. To that end, our team developed a philosophy on charitable giving that remains true to Edgewood’s traditions. The overarching beliefs include three different categories: educational, social, and environmental. As it has for years, Edgewood is committed to providing opportunities for local organizations, and the food tents at the golf tournament will continue to generate funds for local nonprofits. That is not changing, but now instead of just one group benefiting from this event there will be opportunities for other community nonprofits and Edgewood can ensure the proceeds will have a direct and immediate impact.
John McLaughlin, Edgewood Tahoe president/CEO
I am guessing that because of Edgewood’s relationship with SISLT the company had access to the nonprofit’s books. Yes, there other ways to get that info. Still, how unprofessional of Edgewood to publicize what is in another entity’s bank account.
Any Soroptimist member could tell you the group has been saving money for a big project.
How dare you, Edgewood, say how how another entity to should spend its money. Boy, would I like to tell you how to spend yours.
Edgewood, why don’t you disclose how much your bottom line is, and then tell us what you do for the community.
Your greed is beyond words.
You are a failure in community relations, a failure in giving, and a failure in hospitality.
It’s time to say no to Edgewood.
A former patron
Marshall our forces to make Edgewood to take a direct stand against sex trafficking and if they don’t then women’s march in July, at the event, at the casino’s and everywhere they house the participants. Trump/Stormy started here!!
It looks like the management of Edgewood has take the high road again.
John you are absolutely spineless.
You take an event away from the boys and girls club and expect everyone to be happy you didn’t take 2 events away.
Now you feel that because you work with charity’s you get to tell them how to spend their money.
I think everyone should stop supporting Edgewood
You should be ashamed for taking money out of local charities and putting it in your pockets.
Just leave Tahoe already
It is so sad to see EDGEWOOD go the way of the dogs. The new management team has taken all their employees for granted canceling employees meals and treating long time employees like second class citizens. Corinna specifically has made it clear that she doesn’t care for her employees or the Lake Tahoe community by ending long standing relationships with 3 local charities. Probably the worst manager in the basin. It will be interesting to see how long EDGEWOOD makes it turning locals ( the only sustainable bus.