Originally established as an auxiliary by nurses returning from service in WWII, the goal of AWCMS (the Alliance) was to encourage and help Nevada students pursue a career in nursing. A sponsored event raised funds for the first Alliance nursing scholarship, awarded in 1949. In 1951, the first "Doctor's Wives Rummage Sale" was held to ensure the continuation of the scholarships.

 

In the 1970s, the Alliance established the Community Action Fund (CAF) Committee which awarded local non-profit grant applicants with funding for their health and service related endeavors. Since 1949, the Alliance has awarded over $300,000 in nursing scholarships and $2 million to community organizations in Washoe County.

 

Looking to the future, the Alliance will continue its proud tradition of partnering with the Washoe County Medical Society (WCMS) to advocate for sound government health care policy and better community health. Through fundraising and volunteerism, we will continue to support local non-profit organizations to improve the health of Northern Nevadans. We are proud of our past accomplishments and look to the challenges of the future with confidence that we will continue to have a positive impact on the health of our fellow citizens.

 

Philanthropic Focus, Fiscal Year 2018 - 2019

The Alliance will continue its support of nursing scholarships at TMCC and the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno, as it has for several decades.

 

Each year we will focus our giving on select health issues. The 2nd annual Miracle in March Gala, March 2, 2019 will once again provide funds to the Ridge House, an organization that supports families affected by the opioid epidemic.

 

Additional recipients will be determined in the next few months through an application process, interviews and on-site visits prospective recipients.

 

2017 - 2018 Philanthropic Recipients

Last year the Alliance supported several organizations whose work is critical to the health of our community. Click here to view our 2017 - 2018 beneficiaries.