FORT BRAGG, Calif. – Mendocino Coast Clinics, or MCC, Executive Director Lucresha Renteria announced Monday that the health center received a $60,000 donation from a generous local benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” she said. “Our donor said he had included us in his estate planning but decided he didn’t want to wait to see us put the money to good use.”

MCC has been providing healthcare to coastal residents for 25 years, serving everyone in the community regardless of their ability to pay.

Last year, MCC cared for approximately 9,800 patients, 90 percent of whom were low-income.

Each winter, the organization hosts a fundraiser called Crab, Wine & Beer Days where the auctioneer, Sheriff Tom Allman, asks attendees to help fund a specific need. This “Fund the Future” campaign allows MCC to expand to meet community needs.

This year, Fund the Future donations will be matched using the $60,000 donation – doubling the impact of each contribution. MCC is a non-profit organization, so all donations are tax deductible.

“We’re hoping people will be extra generous, knowing their dollars will have an even greater impact,” she said. “If any other donors would like to add to our Fund the Future project, we welcome your support! And in case you’re wondering when the fundraiser is, mark your calendars now for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2020!”

In the past, the Fund the Future project has been used to buy equipment for pediatrics clinic, including waiting room toys and a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed exam table. Last year, MCC’s Fund the Future project was dental equipment.

This year, MCC is looking at what $120,000 could buy that would best meet community needs.

Renteria said, “We are constantly paying attention to the changing needs of our community. When we identify a new healthcare need, we do our best to meet it.” This past year, they started a once-a-week service called Open Door@MCC to serve the LGBTQ and sex positive community.

Generous donations like this allow us to fill the gaps.

MCC is a local, nonprofit, federally qualified health center offering medical, dental and behavioral health care to people in the coastal communities of Mendocino County. Learn more at www.mendocinocoastclinics.org.