By Helaine Jesse — At the third annual “Meat & Drink” hosted by the Nevada Builders Alliance on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity announced a remarkable milestone, officially surpassing $1 million ($1,040,263.04) in funds raised since Jan. 1, 2025!
More than 400 people attended the “Meat & Drink.” Attendees enjoyed live music from Carson Chandler, great food from Carson City BBQ and a fabulous bar sponsored by Jim Gray, Country Financial. One highlight included Certificates of Congressional Commendations presented to the Nevada Builders Alliance and other key supporters from US Senator Jacky Rosen’s representative Molly Rose Lewis.
“The Sutro Tunnel & Site would not be what it is today without the generosity of those who came before us. The original donation of the land made it possible to protect this important piece of Nevada’s story — and today, thanks to the Tunnel Vision campaign and Travel Nevada, we have already raised $1 million and counting toward bringing new life to the site for future generations,” said Sam Landis, FoSTC Board President.
Since acquiring the site in 2021, FoSTC has relied on volunteer efforts, donations and grants to begin the first phase of preservation efforts. That phase focused on cleanup, stabilization, and reopening of the tunnel, as well as safeguarding the site’s enduring structures, making it both historically preserved and visitor-ready.
At the heart of this effort is the Tunnel Vision: Where the Past Lights the Future campaign, a bold $5 million fundraising initiative designed to secure the long-term restoration and preservation of the Sutro Tunnel and its surrounding site.
The recent milestone of $1 million+ raised represents the successful completion of the campaign’s quiet phase, which was fueled by early contributions from the men and women whose early generosity and hard work laid the foundation for today’s progress and a major $493,323 grant from Travel Nevada. The campaign now enters its public phase, where all Nevadans—and history enthusiasts everywhere—are invited to take part in shaping the future of the site.
“From a few volunteers and no money until now, our hopes and dreams are starting to come true. The future is so bright, we need to wear sunglasses,” said Kit Carson Weaver, Honorary Co-Chair of the Tunnel Vision Campaign. “Now it is our turn to ensure that this legacy — and the stories of the miners who built the region — are preserved for future generations.” Weaver previously served as the Assessor in Carson City elected for four terms unopposed and has been actively involved with the Sutro Tunnel and site since 2017.
Jennifer Russell, who serves as Honorary Co-Chair of the Tunnel Vision Campaign with Weaver said “When you are standing in the tunnel, you feel the weight of the water. It’s not just history, it’s the power of nature that made everything work. But when you see it, when you smell it, touch it and really feel it, it’s the weight of the water.”
Russell’s connection to Nevada runs deep – her grandfather, Charles H. Russell, served as Nevada’s governor, and her great-uncle, Judge Clark Guild, founded the Nevada Day parade. Guild also served as Lyon County district attorney. Russell’s ancestors are buried in the historic Dayton cemetery, making her role in the campaign both personal and historic.
For more information on the Tunnel Vision Campaign, contact Major Gifts Officer Helaine Jesse – helaine@thesutrotunnel.org.
About Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity
Preserving History | Building Legacy
The Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sustaining the historic Sutro Tunnel and Site, honoring its remarkable mining history while transforming it into a vibrant destination for tourism, education, and recreation—a treasured landmark for visitors of all ages and generations to come. #TunnelVision #MinersRock.
