12 Tribes Casino donation supports student reading initiative

CHELAN — A local reading program for elementary school students received a $1,000 donation from tribal gaming to support youth literacy in North Central Washington.

The Lake Chelan Rotary Club's Book Buddies program, which serves elementary schools in both Chelan and Manson, accepted the contribution from 12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino. The program, established in December 2021, coordinates more than 30 community volunteers who regularly visit schools to read with students.

Book Buddies provides books for students to take home and read with family members. In 2024, the program distributed nearly 5,000 books free of charge to elementary school students in both communities.

Tom Jensen, Book Buddies Volunteer Coordinator, said, "Their support of this community-based program is genuinely appreciated, and their donation represents a significant endorsement of its objectives."

The donation was presented to Jensen and Valerie Rohrich by representatives of 12 Tribes Casino.