TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; The Queen of Hearts Womenand#8217;s Fund of the Tahoe Truckee region has as its mission: and#8220;The Queen of Hearts Womenand#8217;s Fund strengthens and inspires women to engage in significant philanthropy, resulting in an improved quality of life in the North Tahoe Region.and#8221; Under the umbrella of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, the women of the Queen of Hearts, through their endowment have donated more than $200,000 during the six years to a variety of local nonprofit organizations representing children and families, seniors, education, the environment, and the arts. The annual grants cycle is currently in progress.

An important community event sponsored by the Queen of Hearts, Autumn GEMS, will be held at the Northstar Overlook Patio Tuesday, Sept. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is a great chance to mix and mingle as you learn about Tahoe Truckee nonprofit organizations. Members of the Queen of Hearts will have a chance to give a $1,000 grant to one of the attending nonprofits, so visit the tables and vote for your favorite organization.

In addition, preceding GEMS from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Northstar Recreation Center Adult Room, there will be an educational panel speaking on Growth with Purpose: The Economic and Environmental Impact on Our Region. Speakers include: Lynn Saunders, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce; Bill Dietz, Tahoe City Merchants Association; Cindy Gustafson, TCPUD and Cherie Sprenger, North Tahoe Business Association.

In addition to the Queen of Heartsand#8217; members and families, the public is also invited to attend either or both of these community events. Appetizers will be served at the GEMS event and there will be a no-host bar. There is a $15 fee to attend. Please RSVP at http://www.ttcf.net.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com