Alissa's Fundraiser for Truckee Roundhouse

Thank you for stopping by my Truckee Roundhouse Give Back Tahoe fundraising page and reading about another year at my favorite place in the world!

At the end of a long day at the Roundhouse, the space is silent. No more sewing machines thumping, no metal wheels grinding, no router bits screaming... It’s in those rare, noiseless minutes that I think about all of the incredible moments that happened. 

I picture the person who walked in nervous and walked out proud, carrying something they made with their own hands. The member who was stuck on a project and found clarity by talking it through with someone they’d only just met. The teenager who discovered a new skill that they were inspired to pursue. The endless deep conversations that make people feel better about their place in the world.

This is what the Roundhouse does. It gives people a place to discover themselves, to find purpose, to build skills, to meet others who care. It’s creativity, community, and kindness woven together in a way you can’t find anywhere else.

We do this as a community-powered nonprofit. That means the magic only happens because people – members, volunteers, and donors – choose to show up for one another. We share tools. We teach each other. We help each other stay safe. We learn together. We clean together. That shared responsibility is what makes this place thrive.

This year, one of my favorite moments was seeing my whole family show up for this community at the Maker Show (in matching hats)!! My cousins, aunts, uncles, everyone came out to celebrate the makers and cheer on this creative community. I’m so grateful for a family that embraces this world with me—who sees the magic, feels the purpose, and shows up with the same joy I feel every day at the Roundhouse.

Also this year, I pushed myself to learn a tool I've avoided for too long... the CNC router. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s intimidating… but with the guidance of our incredible instructors (thank you, Grant and Brian!), and a few very rough cuts, I learned. I even designed and built a bar and stools for my Burning Man camp (love you, Bears!), unicorn toys for my niece’s 5th birthday with the help of my big bro (love you, bro!), and a moon shelf for my best friend’s new baby room (love you, Paigey!). 

Access to tools like our incredible CNC machines is all possible because of our shared access model and the donations that keep it alive. When we all pitch in, we can afford big, amazing tools and help each other use them. Our operating costs are 50% supported by donations so that we can sustain this important access and affordable programming that keeps our community connected and strong. When you donate to the Roundhouse, you choose to believe in a supported creative ecosystem. You chose to take care of someone else's journey because that's why we are here on earth. To support each other and care for those around us. 

Every gift—big, small, anything—helps shape the creative space where all of that magic happens.

And donating this year is so important because EXPANSION HAS STARTED!! Construction is underway, and by this time next year, I’ll be writing from a bigger, even noisier space! All donations are crucial to fund this project and expand our footprint to meet our community’s demand and let more people explore their creativity.

So as we grow, I hope you’ll grow with us. And if you haven’t explored your own creativity lately, maybe this is your sign ✨

Thank you so much!

Alissa