Carson City Leadership Institute unveils Children’s Corner project

The Carson City Chamber Leadership Institute graduated its latest class with an unveiling of its class project at the Carson City Library Thursday night.

The class unveiled the Bob Kennedy Children’s Corner in the Carson City Library.

Each year, the graduating class decides on a project to work on that benefits the quality of life for Carson City residents. As its graduation project, the class of 2015 decided to upgrade the children’s room at the library.

“We met with the library staff and brainstormed about what the library’s needs were,” said Coral Lopez, leadership class member and Western Nevada College controller. “We wanted to make the space more friendly for the kids.”

The class raised nearly $6,000 since November through donations and their dining to donate fundraiser at Applebee’s. With the money raised, the class was able to paint a mural in the kid’s area, got a new platform for seating and playing, new bookcases and rugs, and custom shelf toppers for displays.

“We basically just gave the area a face lift,” Lopez said.

The leadership class was excited to be able to bring a bright and fun space to the kids of Carson City so they can enjoy the library more, Lopez said.

“Anything to do with kids is popular, and we knew we wanted to do something with kids,” said Carson City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronnie Hannaman. “There is so much need for the library to update and they felt like this was something they could do.

“It’s always good to see their excitement with the project. It is exciting to watch something go from concept to reality.”

The Leadership Institute has been running for 26 years, and aims to educate future leaders. Each year the class completes a project aimed at making the community better.

For more information or to apply for the 2016 class visit www.carsoncitychamber.com.