With soapy sponges, smiling volunteers, and the scent of grilled hot dogs in the air, the “No Dads Left Behind” car wash fundraiser brought the Pahrump community together on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in the parking lot of Great Basin College. Organized as a Juneteenth celebration and a tribute to fathers, the event raised funds for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund—an ongoing effort to support local students in their pursuit of higher education.
The idea behind the event came from Doré Foskey, a longtime member of the Martin Luther King Foundation and a driving force behind many of its fundraising efforts. “I know that I have ideas that I like to utilize to be able to raise money for particular events,” she said. “This one was especially important because it’s not just about raising money—it’s about honoring dads, bringing the community together, and keeping young people connected to education.”
The location—Great Basin College—was a purposeful choice, thanks in part to the support of Dr. Christopher Salute, who joined the effort to help promote higher education among local high schoolers. “We’re showing them that Great Basin is also a great place to continue their education,” Foskey explained. “So we’re working hand in hand.”
Dozens of volunteers lent their time, including friends from the community and members of the Civil Air Patrol. “I was looking for maybe a football team or a baseball team to join in, but this is only the first one,” Foskey said. “If we do well this time, we’ll be able to start planning another one for next year—and hopefully even bigger.”
Home Depot played a key role in getting the car wash off the ground by donating much-needed supplies like towels and buckets. Foskey was quick to express her appreciation. “Home Depot is very big on community, and they really helped us out. Smith’s and Walmart have also supported us in the past when they hear about events like this.”
Adding to the festive vibe, volunteers served up hamburgers and hot dogs courtesy of Vivian Schmatz and her church, giving participants something to enjoy while their cars got squeaky clean under the summer sun.
For Foskey and the Foundation, the ultimate goal remains clear: scholarships. “This year, we were able to award six students with $1,500 each—$9,000 total in scholarship money,” she shared. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The Foundation also has its sights set on something even bigger. Next year marks the group’s 25th anniversary, and plans are already in motion to make it a celebration to remember. “We’re going to do something big for that,” Foskey said.
In the meantime, she hopes those interested in supporting future events will reach out early. “A lot of people want to help, but they jump in at the last minute,” she noted. “If we can get names, emails, and phone numbers ahead of time, we can keep them in the loop and keep growing this.”
As cars left the parking lot sparkling and participants laughed under the bright Nevada sky, the “No Dads Left Behind” event proved to be more than just a car wash. It was a testament to what’s possible when community members come together for a shared cause—and a meaningful way to celebrate freedom, fatherhood, and the future.
