CANYONVILLE, Ore. - The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians gave away $474,300 to non-profit organizations in the state of Oregon at their annual banquet.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation Awards was held at the Cow Creek owned Seven Feathers Resort and Casino in Canyonville on Tuesday. Sixty-eight different organizations were recognized.

One of those organizations was Seniors Escorting Seniors, SES, based in Myrtle Creek. SES drives senior citizens to doctor's appointments, the grocery store, or anywhere else they may need to go. They only ask for a small donation in return.



SES was awarded $5,000 to help with fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs for the vehicles used.

”We’re glad that they’ve accepted us and find our service well-needed. Thank you very much," said Bob Bright, the president of SES.

Douglas County received funds for eight different organizations, but Lane County walked away with the most. They saw donations for 21 organizations, totaling $137,000.

The Cow Creek Tribe said they have a long tradition of giving back to communities in the area. They said they will continue to increase emphasis on funding basic needs so the hungry are fed.

The awarded grants have totaled $16,925,227 since 1997.