MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – In response to the destructive Valley Fire, Big Valley Rancheria has made a donation to support its neighbors in recovery efforts.

The Big Valley Rancheria Business Committee and Tribal Administrator presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Middletown Rancheria for recovery from the Valley fire on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in front of the Middletown Rancheria Tribal Office.

The donation was made from the tribe’s charitable donation fund which is used to support the community throughout the year.

More than 38 Middletown Rancheria tribal members, employees of the Twin Pine Casino and St. Helena Brewing Co., and community members suffered losses as a result of the fire.

“Our neighbors are in need, and Big Valley is committed to helping in any way possible,” said Tribal Chairman Anthony Jack.

This donation isn’t the first contribution that Big Valley Rancheria made to support fire response and recovery efforts.

During the Rocky and Valley fires, Konocti Vista Casino opened its doors to the Lake County Office of Emergency Services and housed the Emergency Operation Center, or EOC.

In addition to the space, Konocti Vista Casino and staff provided meals and snacks around the clock to personnel working in the EOC. 

The tribe’s gymnasium was used as an evacuation center for the public and personnel assisting in recovery efforts.

Firefighters and many other first responders filled the hotel during the Valley fire.

Big Valley Rancheria officials said it is committed to providing additional financial support as the community recovers from this devastating fire.