In a recent feature in Edible Reno-Tahoe Cooks!, Sean Fannan, Founder of the Marcella Foundation, and his wife Kele Song, share their inspiring culinary journey. As passionate travelers, they've explored cuisines from around the world. But their experiences also opened their eyes to the harsh reality of food insecurity. This realization ignited their mission to combat hunger in South Lake Tahoe. For Kele, cooking is a form of creative expression. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, seeing it as an opportunity to be an artist. In the feature, she generously shares her granola recipe—a testament to the belief that food can bring both pleasure and social change. Sean and Kele's story reminds us of food's transformative power. Through their dedication, they're turning their passion for cooking into a force for good, showing that food has the ability to nourish both body and soul.

THREE PILLARS: FEED, READ, LEAD

The Marcella Foundation is dedicated to investing in innovative ideas to make a positive impact in South Lake Tahoe and beyond across three core pillars: FEED, READ, and LEAD. Under FEED, we aim to ensure that the community has access to essential food for healthy lives. In READ, we foster childhood literacy through community support. Lastly, under LEAD, we offer scholarships, support college readiness, and are piloting a program called Momentum Mentors.

In our 2023 Impact Report, we explore the work we’ve completed in our inaugural year of operations in South Lake Tahoe!

Marcella Foundation and Toys for Tots partner up on a successful holiday toy drive!

Marcella Foundation and Lift Literature partner to give 63 kindles to 2nd graders at local elementary school in support of their BookMode program

The Marcella Foundation announces grant awards for the Think Big and Make a Difference Grants!

Grant applications open through July 19, 2023

BookMode is on a mission to help kids become enthusiastic readers and develop a lifelong love of learning. Founded by two South Tahoe High School alumni, BookMode seeks to get kids excited about reading and give them access to thousands of books and audiobooks through technology.

Welcome to the Marcella Foundation, we’re glad you’re here! The Marcella Foundation is a private nonprofit dedicated to improving the community of South Lake Tahoe through innovative programs in education, kids and family, arts, and economic development. Founded by Tahoe native, Sean Fannan, we value great people and ideas that confront the root causes of issues.