Mustang Ranch Strengthens Ties Through Giving
When people think of the World Famous Mustang Ranch, a few assumptions may come to mind—but what many may not realize is just how deeply rooted the Ranch is in supporting Storey County and surrounding communities. For decades, Mustang Ranch has stepped up in meaningful and impactful ways.
“I’ve been here 17 years and just the amount of donations and heart this company has for the county, it's very reassuring in humanity again,” stated Mustang Ranch General Manager Katie Van Lier.
Over the years, Mustang Ranch has donated tens of thousands of dollars directly to schools, nonprofits, plus community and veterans’ programs—in recent years, Mustang Ranch has donated more than $30,000 to Community Chest alone.
“We do a wide range of donations,” Van Lier said. “It’s everything from big to small—it’s whatever we can do for the community.”
One program especially close to their hearts is the Storey County schools BackPack food program. What once served about 20 students has now grown to nearly 40, with Mustang Ranch helping provide meals weekdays and on weekends; plus, the Ranch donated a new chest freezer for the kids to be able to store their meal items.
Support also extends to seniors across the county, with food deliveries every other week to senior centers in Mark Twain and Lockwood—reaching roughly 120 seniors. And when the holidays roll around, Mustang Ranch goes all in.
Thanksgiving sees turkeys delivered to around 200 families in Storey County, with additional support extending into Fernley. Christmas brings one of their largest efforts: the Angel Tree program, led by Madam Tara Adkins.
“We used to have 20-25 angel trees; this year we had 45 and we don’t even have that many ladies in house at Christmas time,” Van Lier elucidated, noting that participation has doubled in recent years. “So employees, the girls, everybody’s doubling, tripling up. When it comes to the kids, we don’t really have to twist arms around here.”
“I don’t want to say the word overboard, but one angel and the girls would come with five bags, big bags,” Madam Adkins laughed.
Community safety has also become a bigger priority. Recognizing increased traffic along USA Parkway, the Gilman family (owners of Mustang Ranch) recently donated around $30,000 toward motorcycles for the Storey County Sheriff’s Office in order to help improve access to incidents and decrease response times in the area.
Beyond community giving, the chefs and team from onsite restaurant Wild Horse Saloon* participate (and often win) in local events like Virginia City’s Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Chili on the Comstock. They have also expanded on-site food options and entertainment offerings in the saloon to welcome a broader audience—Wild Horse Saloon caters to anyone 18 years and older. They host karaoke every third Friday and just installed new big screen TVs, plus they often run event night food specials. And if you work on USA Parkway, it is only a short drive for a filling lunch.
“The whole idea… is that I want to get a different crowd that’s not necessarily our clientele, so they can come out here in a way that’s no pressure and actually see … and know that we’re a legitimate business,” Van Lier explained. “It’s regulated, it’s safe, all the good things.”
For those who’ve never visited, Van Lier offers a simple invitation: “I would encourage anybody who has never been here or has thoughts about us one way or another to please, just come out, see the place, get a tour, talk to the ladies, and don't be afraid to reach out if there's something that your organization needs—if we can, we will. That's what we do.”
At the end of the day, Mustang Ranch continues to show that community involvement can take many forms, all rooted in care, consistency, and showing up when it matters.
Check out mustangranchlounge.com/events for upcoming events and specials. Don’t Tell Comedy is hosting a show March 7 at 8 p.m., get info and tickets at www.donttellcomedy.com/shows/reno-17811/.
*Mustang Ranch and Wild Horse Saloon are separate businesses both open 24/7, but patrons must be 18 years or older to visit the bar and restaurant. Some events require ages 21+. Contact 775-343-1003, WildHorse@mustangranch.com with questions.
