the30something celebrates 2026 nonprofit awardees
The Whiskey Creek Zocalo was the setting for the 2026 the30something awards party this year. As the party started, members mingled in the landscaped grounds near the recently completed Slade Stage, partially funded with an award from the30something last year. The stage looked spectacular and is now ready for outdoor concerts and events. Meanwhile, inside the zocalo, the main stage room was filled with long-time members socializing and welcoming a bevy of new members.
Photo 1 Janey Katz, David del Junco, Christine Rickman and Trish Kirchhoff, the30something.
the30something, established in 2019 by Janey Katz, is a donor advised fund that annually pools individual donations of $1,000 to make a grander impact by donating $30,000 awards to local nonprofits. The qualifications for applying for the award are that the nonprofit must be in Grant County, the application must be for the entire $30,000, the money will be used for something permanent and the project should be completed within a year’s time. Each contributing member of the30something gets to vote on the qualified nonprofit applications, making it an engaging participatory process for the selection of the winners. This year there were enough donations to award three nonprofits. They are as follows:
Photo 2 Becky Glenn and Jeff Goin, the Lotus Center. Christine Rickman, the30something.
The Lotus Center, located on Broadway St in Silver City, is a long-established meditation and yoga studio. The center runs the “Yoga in Public Schools” program providing free yoga to students and hosts special events and workshops. The Lotus Center was awarded money to replace their leaking roof and to purchase air-conditioning for their building. Representing the Lotus Center were Jeff Goin and Becky Glenn.
Photo 3 Heidi Ogas, Deb Casper the High Desert Humane Society. Trish Kirchhoff, the30something.
Photo 3 Heidi Ogas, Deb Cosper the High Desert Humane Society. Trish Kirchhoff, the30something.
The High Desert Humane Society, a local animal shelter, provides care, medical treatment and adoption services. In addition, they provide vaccine clinics, spay/neuter assistance and are an impound facility for the local animal control. They were awarded money to construct new animal runs on their property. Representing the High Desert Humane Society were Heidi Ogas and Deb Cosper.
Photo 4 Becky and Doug Dinwiddie the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society. David del Junco, the30something.
The Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society was awarded money for the restoration of an “officers’ quarters” building at Fort Bayard that will house the Fort Bayard Apache and Buffalo Solider Museum. This building is located next to the history museum that has been in existence for 18 years. This new museum will expand the story and history of the fort. Representing the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society were Becky and Doug Dinwiddie.
If these worthy projects and an annual donor’s party to boot sound of interest to you, please know that the30something is open to everyone, no invitation is needed to join. To become a member or to check out our past winners, to date we have funded over $500,000 to local nonprofit projects, go to our website, www.the30something.org or email us with any questions at
[Editor's Note: It took me more than two hours to post this article. PLEASE before you submit any article read the Rules for Submission at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions It lays out quite clearly how to
