We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and generosity brought to our 2nd Annual Gold Ribbon Gala in honor of Alyssa Carano Grant!

We are thrilled to announce that the 2nd Annual Gala raised an astounding $1,031,636.70, and still counting! What makes this amount even more spectacular is that the William N. Pennington Foundation is matching donations to the Know the Gold campaign dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000,000 through February 5, 2026.

Thank you to the Lisa and Gregg Carano family for helping create an unforgettable evening. And thank you to every single sponsor, donor, attendee, volunteer, vendor, committee member, NNCCF board member, NNCCF families, and NNCCF staff member who brought this night to life.

Together, as a community, we show what’s possible when we unite to make an impact for northern Nevada families facing the unimaginable.

Thank you to all of the people and organizations who helped to make the 2nd Annual Gold Ribbon Gala possible. We wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

A special thank you to our sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors – The Roberts Family, The Gary & Carrie Carano Family, The Montreux Golf Squad, The Robert and Dorothy Keyser Foundation, and The Franklin Family

Gold Sponsors – Glenn Carano, The CLC Family Foundation, Panattoni Development, Silver Legacy | Eldorado | Circus Circus Reno, Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company, Corwin Ford Reno, Better Homes & Gardens Drakulich Realty, Savage and Son, Inc., The E.L. Cord Foundation, Cure 4 the Kids Foundation, and KTVN – 2 News Nevada

Silver Sponsors – Alston Construction, Brock Law, Ltd., Carson City Toyota, Dennis Banks Construction, Duncan Golf Management, Gina Carano, The Krukow Family, L & L Hughes, Martin Harris Construction, McDonald Carano, PNC Bank, Renown Children’s Hospital, The Scottish Tattoo Crew, Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc., Tamarack Casino, Thelma & Thomas Hart Foundation and Whittier Trust.

Big Impact Starts With Year-Round Support

Each year, NNCCF helps approximately 160 local children with needs such as medical, emotional, household, educational, and travel expenses related to treatment. In total, NNCCF has provided more than $12 million in direct financial assistance to families. As we continue to raise funds for children battling cancer in our community, the need for financial and emotional support continues to rise, with NNCCF providing a 127% increase in financial support in the last 4 years.

At NNCCF, everything we do is made possible by the generosity of compassionate supporters like you. By becoming an Annual Event Sponsor, you have the opportunity to create a lasting impact for the children and families we serve all year long.

 Choose a level that works for your business, or let us create a custom package that meets your unique goals. For example, you can invest your chosen sponsorship level to one event or choose to spread your sponsorship across multiple events throughout the year.

The benefits of an NNCCF Annual Event Sponsorship:

*Enhance awareness and visibility of your brand

*Cultivate and engage clients and staff with unique experiences

*Demonstrate and promote your commitment to supporting children facing cancer in our community

Chloe Iler was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up moving around the country frequently. Her childhood was split between Ohio, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Danville, California. She moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. She graduated with a BS in Business Management with a minor in Accounting. Chloe has ten years of experience in customer service and has been a professional figurative artist for three years.

She constantly strives to live her life intentionally and passionately. Meditating, lifting weights, hiking, painting, and playing with her two cats keep her sane and happy. You can find her snowboarding in Tahoe with her boyfriend Collin or traveling to exciting new places. The most important thing in her life is her crazy Italian family, which consists of two older sisters, a twin brother, and a beautiful mom and dad.

Why I started working at NNCCF:

I started working at NNCCF because I believed in their mission and impact on the community. After meeting the amazing team of women, I felt right at home. Childhood cancer has a special place in my heart. My twin brothers’ best friend was diagnosed in high school and gained his angel wings after graduation. I wish the Bay Area had a place like NNCCF to help them during that time. Now, I want to be able to help the families that need it the most.

Ask me about:

Body positivity, snowboarding, and my kitties!

What I think is amazing:

Sunsets! No matter where you are in the world, the sun will set on your day and rise again in the morning. I think there is something so beautiful about that.

Something quirky about me:

I am currently working on a standup comedy set! I love building relationships through jokes and humor and have always dreamed of getting up on stage and making people laugh.

My role model:

My older sisters. As a kid, I copied everything my oldest sister did. She’s the kindest and hardest-working woman I know. My other sister taught me how to stand up for myself and that it’s okay to be exactly who you are. She’s the funniest and most caring person out there, and I love being in both of their presence.

My favorite quote: 

“Ride the wave”

A proud Reno/Tahoe local, Hannah has earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. She originally set out on a path in public service but made an unexpected leap into the world of finance—as someone who’s always believed in following her instinct, this turned out to be the best one yet. Since transitioning careers, Hannah has thrived in the financial sector, bringing a fresh perspective shaped by her diverse academic and professional background. That leap opened the door to a fulfilling career where she could apply analytical skills in new and meaningful ways. But the very best decision yet? Joining the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. Being part of an organization that makes such a powerful impact on families right here at home has brought her work full circle—combining purpose, service, and heart. Outside of work, you can usually find her enjoying time with family, friends, golfing or relaxing with her dog, Bruno.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
After building a solid career in finance, I realized I wanted to use my skills in a meaningful way that gave back to the community I’ve called home my whole life. The Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation felt like the perfect intersection of professional expertise and personal purpose—supporting local families during some of their most challenging times.

Ask me about:
My wiener dog Bruno

What I think is amazing:
The sky, everything about it amazes me, sunrises, sunsets, clouds, and the moon. It gives a quiet sense of connection to all my loved ones up there. It’s a daily reminder of peace, presence, and perspective.

Something quirky about me:
I have a birthmark in the shape of where I was born, Lake Tahoe.

My role model:
My sister, Sharae. She amazes me everyday and is the best person I know.

My favorite quote: 
“Be happy, don’t find fault in everything, get along with everyone.” Mary Townsend, my grandmother on her 90th birthday.

Jenae Oxarart joined NNCCF in April 2024 after falling in love with the organization as a college intern in 2016. She was raised in Winnemucca and moved to Reno for college in 2011. After earning a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Jenae spent her career working in the non-profit world. She has worked for The Children’s Cabinet, The Community Services Agency, and The Child and Family Research Center.  Additionally, she gained event planning experience and has blended her experiences to help NNCCF put on extraordinary events that impact our community. In her downtime, you will find her spending time with her husband, Scott, their two little girls, Kinsley and Ella.

 

Why I started working at NNCCF:

Working for NNCCF has always been my dream job! That dream is finally a reality, and I am so excited to be apart of the organization I feel so passionate about.

 

Ask me about:

My family and sports

 

What I think is amazing:

Uncontrollable laughter, the world, and the power of kindness!

 

Something quirky about me:

I rarely know the exact words to songs, yet I sing them anyway.

 

My role model:

My parents! My dad is a real-life genius, and my mom is the kindest and strongest lady there is.

 

My favorite quote: 

“In world where you could be anything, be kind” -Emma Hadley

Originally from Long Beach, California, Kim moved to the Reno/Tahoe in 1991 after graduating from California State University, Long Beach with an accounting degree. She obtained her CPA license in 1997 and had spent many years working in public accounting.

In 2004, Kim began working for Walton’s Funerals & Cremations as the Controller. She became co-owner of Walton’s in November 2019 which is one of the largest family owned funeral homes in the nation. Walton’s currently has 11 funeral homes, one cemetery and four crematories throughout northern Nevada.

In 2021, she was appointed by Governor Sisolak to serve on the State of Nevada Funeral and Cemetery Services Board. She has previously served as Board Treasurer for Dress for Success – Northern Nevada Reno, Pioneer Center for Performing Arts, and Reno American Little League.

Kim and her husband have five boys and one grandson and enjoy golfing and traveling in their spare time. As a cancer survivor herself and close friend to a family that has used the services of NNCCF, Kim is honored to be able to serve on this board.

Matt Cates is a second-generation Nevadan, born and raised in Reno. He graduated from the University of Nevada in 1998 and joined Granite Construction Company in 2002. Matt is currently the Construction Manager for the Nevada Region, managing all construction operations. Matt joined the NNCCF Board of Directors in December 2023. He previously was a member of the Nevada FFA Foundation Board of Directors. Matt and his wife Leigh live in Reno with their two daughters, Ryleigh, and Makenzie and three dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and playing golf.