Community Builder
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
To the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians: thank you for believing in our mission and investing so generously in our CV youth. Because of your support, children were able to participate in sports clinics and one-on-one coaching, develop new skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of sports without financial barriers standing in their way.
Your generosity provided much more than practices and training. You created safe spaces for children to belong, opportunities for them to grow, and special memories for families who were able to watch their children learn, smile, and thrive.
Every child we reached and every moment of confidence we witnessed this summer was made possible because the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians chose to believe in our work. You did not simply sponsor our summer clinics—you helped create opportunities and memories that our young athletes and their families will carry with them long after the final whistle.
On behalf of Gear It Forward, Inc., our families, and every young athlete whose life was touched this summer, it has been an incredible honor to represent your generosity throughout the Coachella Valley.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Yvonne Garcia
Founder, Gear It Forward, Inc.
Connecting Our Community to Opportunity
PLAYING BIG. BUILDING COMMUNITY.
Nearly all of Augustine’s employees reside in and around the City of Coachella. Since its opening, Augustine Casino has been a growing business in the East Valley providing nearly $200 million in total salaries and wages which have gone directly back into the local economy. The Tribe’s impact provides ancillary employment opportunities across the valley.
As a cornerstone of the Coachella community, the presence of Augustine Casino has increased property values, and sparked a more robust economy at the Eastern portion of Riverside County’s growing Coachella Valley. Crime has diminished and many people have felt a renewed sense of purpose. Through its economic impact, the Tribe is in effect helping to develop the area’s growing middle class. For its vast contributions, the community at large is grateful to, and has tremendous respect for, the Augustine tribe.
INSPIRING LOYALTY, OPPORTUNITY AND CHANGE.
Taking care of team members has also resulted in great loyalty to the Tribe, something that fuels our team’s desire to contribute. We are proud of the fact that nearly 25% of our team has been employed by Augustine for over a decade, and nearly 10% of our team has been employed by Augustine for more than 15 years, from the very beginning of the casino’s opening.
We believe this is a demonstration of the Augustine tribe’s commitment to members’ families, fostering a level of loyalty not often seen in today’s world. In fact, we have hired and trained migrant workers from the field and many more straight from the unemployment line. Often, even children of team members opt to work for the Augustine tribe, sustaining loyalty — and opportunity — with the next generation.