City profits greatly from nonprofits

From its youngest residents to its most senior citizens, you would be hard pressed to find someone in Boulder City whose life hasn’t been touched by a nonprofit organization.

And I’m sure Boulder City isn’t unique in that.

Maybe that’s one of the reasons why the state Legislature recently proclaimed all of March as Appreciate Nevada Nonprofits Month.

According to the proclamation, there are more than 5,000 tax-exempt organizations in the state. Together, they have more than $19 billion in assets and contribute more than $6 billion to the state’s economy. They employ more than 43,200 people, as well as have thousands of volunteers who donate an average of 59 million hours a year.

Nonprofit organizations range from those that provide a unique service to religious organizations to civic clubs.

“They play a central role in the democratic process by educating members of the public about vital issues in their communities and in our state and by providing a means for individuals to deliberate on and advocate for public policies that affect them,” reads one of the proclamation’s passages.

It goes on to say, “Every Nevadan benefits from vital contributions made by nonprofit organizations that strengthen our social fabric, public policy, sense of community and future.”

That is especially true in Boulder City.

Think about Emergency Aid of Boulder City, which helps those facing crisis situations by providing groceries or rent and utility assistance.

Or Lend A Hand, which helps senior citizens and disabled people live independently by offering services such as transportation to medical appointments or for running errands, light housekeeping and companionship as well as lending medical equipment.

Consider the Nevada Community Prevention Coalition, which provides invaluable information about living healthier, mental well-being and how to avoid or quit abusing drugs and alcohol.

Also nonprofit are the churches that feed our spiritual souls. They nourish and enrich our lives in so many ways, often far beyond the weekly service. They offer social outlets, assistance when needed, guidance for life’s troubles and sometimes, community events. What a loss it would be if there were no Country Store presented by Grace Community Church or Easter Egg Hunt, this year, for the first time, sponsored by Boulder City United Methodist Fellowship.

Then, there are the many service clubs, such as the two Rotary clubs and a Lions Club. Through members’ efforts, thousands of dollars are raised to help support a variety of events, activities and organizations in town, as well as answering calls for help for national and international programs.

Nonprofit groups such as the Community Club raise funds for extras the city needs but doesn’t have money for including tables and chairs at the recreation center, and supporting programs at schools and other nonprofit groups.

Our Chamber of Commerce also is a nonprofit organization. It is responsible for so much more than just helping local businesses survive. It promotes the beauty of Boulder City and helps attract visitors who are essential to our well-being. It’s primary fundraiser, Spring Jamboree, is an event most people look forward to, as are the Fourth of July and Santa’s Electric Light parades, which the chamber sponsors.

There are organizations devoted to helping our veterans, the American Legion, for example. And nonprofit groups that espouse the same political views that we do and clarify issues and vet candidates’ backgrounds during elections.

There are philanthropic nonprofits that do nothing but help the community.

In Boulder City, you might be surprised to learn that Boulder City Hospital is a nonprofit organization. And so is The Homestead of Boulder City, an assisted living and memory care facility.

This month, take a moment to recognize those who serve Boulder City’s nonprofit groups. Thank them for their efforts. For without them, our community wouldn’t be that place that we have come to know and call home.