August 2021 News Brief
Early reading skills are crucial to student success; tutor and student enjoying the work!
Grantee Spotlight: Lee Pesky Learning Center
Working together to build foundational reading skills
Research shows that students who fall behind in reading ability by third grade are more likely to experience negative academic, social, and economic outcomes. Lee Pesky Learning Center seeks to tackle this reading gap through its Pathways to Literacy Program. The program trains tutors to provide reading instruction to incoming first graders in the Wood River Valley who are Latinx and/or English learners. Instruction is provided during the summer so that when school starts, students have the foundational skills necessary to become successful readers. WRWF granted Lee Pesky Center $25,000 in 2021 to help fund its Pathways to Literacy Program.
Grantee Spotlight: Blaine County Education Foundation (BCEF)
Hemingway STEAM School students sharing their invention
The impact of COVID-19 on student education has been dramatic; disruption of in-class learning over the past year and a half has resulted in more than fifty percent of students in grades K-12 falling behind. Not surprisingly, many students and faculty will need an extra year to get back on track. In response, BCEF created “Back On Track”, a funding program that will be used to compensate teachers and staff for after school tutoring; provide digital tools to help teachers facilitate online learning; and, enable student access to online resources while catching up from pandemic related learning loss. WRWF granted BCEF $25,000 in 2021 to help fund the “Back on Track” program.
Read Eye on Sun Valley’s story about BCEF efforts here.
WRWF’s Annual Meeting and Grantee Celebration
Congratulations to WRWF’s 2021 nonprofit partners!
Nonprofit leaders pictured from upper left: Becky Lopez, The Alliance of Idaho; Teressa Johnson, Wood River YMCA; Evelyn Johnson, Pesky Learning Center; Sarah Sentilles, The Alliance of Idaho; Morgan Buckert, BCRD; Sara Gress, WRTC; Kristy Heitzman, BCEF; Mary Fauth, BCCF; Paul Bennett, Swiftsure Ranch; Lyn Drewien, Hailey Public Library. From bottom left: Teresa Beahen Lipman, The Senior Connection; Molly Goodyear, Girls On The Run; Mary Bowman, Little Wood River District Library; Laura Rose-Lewis, IHAD.
With a “Hat’s Off!” theme, nearly two hundred WRWF members gathered under the tent at Trail Creek on August 4 for our Annual Meeting and to tip our hats to the extraordinary work of our nonprofit partners.
Members Leah Giacobazzi, Heather Burnett, Debra Vadalma, and Pam Reinschild
Members and grantees enjoyed reconnecting in person as President Terri Bullock underscored the resilience required over this challenging year and a half. “Despite the obstacles we faced, we all came together and created new ways of connecting so that we could push on with our annual grant process,” Terri reflected.
Terri also highlighted WRWF’s new Future Forward initiative and welcomed our younger members as new philanthropists and future leaders.
Keynote Speaker Teresa Beahen Lipman of The Senior Connection delivered inspiring remarks and spoke of hope and the impact of WRWF.
Thank you’s go out to Teresa for participating in this event, to all WRWF members who voted as an important part of our governance requirements, and to all who attended the luncheon.
Read Eye on Sun Valley’s story about the Annual Meeting and Celebration here.
Read Idaho Mountain Express’s article about our event here.
Graybird Survey Update
Graybird Foundation interviewed a record 106 WRWF stakeholders between April and June 2021. This number represents forty-five active members, twelve Board of Directors, six Founders/Past Presidents, six Future Forward Members, eighteen influencers,* seventeen nonprofit leaders, and one each from non-active and lapsed members.
The findings noted strengths that include the organization’s talented, generous, and diligent membership; the commitment to the local community; and, to a lesser extent, the dedication to philanthropic education. Opportunities for the organization include diversifying its membership; considering full-time staff to alleviate volunteer burnout; and, increasing visibility to gain awareness for its philanthropic impact.
Plan to join Graybird leaders on October 7, from 4:00-6:00 PM, MT at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum, where results of the survey will be shared in-person and via Zoom.
*Influencers include members of the local press, representatives from local businesses, and elected officials.
Presentation and Discussion – Focus Grant 2022
Presentation and Discussion of the Focus Grant 2022 (FG2022)
August 25, Hailey Public Library
FG2022 Co-Chairs Louisa Moats and Laura Midgely will share information about the equity gap in education that our large-scale pilot grant is intended to address. They will also share the timeline, criteria, and process for grant applications, and welcome all ideas, comments, and questions.
Presentation – 4:00-5:00 PM, MT
Meet & Mingle – 5:00-6:00 PM, MT
Hors d’oeuvres by Café Della. Non-alcoholic drinks will be served.
Guests are welcome.
Please email christinabwrwf@gmail.com your plans to attend.
Focus Grant 2022 Information Session for Applicants
A Focus Grant 2022 information session for applicants will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 4:00-6:00 PM, Mountain Time at The Community Library, Ketchum. This session is to share information about the timeline, criteria, and process for those nonprofits that may wish to apply for this new, pilot grant.
Save The Date – The Alliance of Idaho, October 20
Come learn about the work of one of WRWF’s newest grantees, The Alliance of Idaho, on October 20, 2021 at 4PM MT. The Alliance of Idaho is a grassroots organization that protects the human rights of immigrants and their families and received a $25,000 grant from WRWF in 2021. Luis Campos, a nationally renowned immigration lawyer working on behalf of The Alliance clients, and Becky Lopez, Executive Director and new WRWF Future Forward member, will share details about the incredible work they are engaged in and will welcome discussion with WRWF members. The information session will be followed by a Meet & Mingle. Stay tuned for more information on this important session.
Education Session with The Alliance of Idaho
October 20, 2021
Presentation – 4PM- 5PM, MT
Meet & Mingle – 5PM-6PM, MT
Location: The Hunger Coalition – 121 Honeysuckle Street, Bellevue
July’s Meet and Mingle
Our gracious hosts, the Senior Connection Team
The Senior Connection opened their doors and their hearts for our July Meet & Mingle. Nearly forty members, guests and Senior Connection staff connected over nibbles and good conversation.
WRWF President Terri Bullock and member Toni Himmelman
Since our inception, WRWF has granted more than $116,000 to The Senior Connection to purchase buses for vital transportation services, to support their Meals on Wheels program, to build an ADA compliant bathroom, and more. The partnership between our two nonprofits is strong as The Senior Connection’s work in the community demonstrates deep caring, loyalty, trustworthiness and unconditional love for those who need their services—qualities that are reflected in our own group of philanthropic women.
Future Forward Member Coffee Talk
Board Member Gail Landis joins Future Forward members at the Coffee Talk
L-R Sara Lichtenberg, Franny Wood, Gail Landis, Elizabeth Ryan and Aneta Fosberg
Future Forward members gathered on July 27 for a Coffee Talk. WRWF President Terri Bullock, updated the group on the Focus Grant 2022, which was followed by a lively discussion on education and the opportunity gap in the Wood River Valley. Board members Gail Landis (Governance) and Jenni Riley (Education) also attended to offer insight into the committees they chair. Member Elizabeth Ryan brought two puppies she was fostering to join in the fun.
Future Forward members meet quarterly to welcome new members and discuss news and events happening at the WRWF. For more information please contact Summer Baldwin Bauer, Future Forward Liaison summerbauer@gmail.com.
Member Engagement Questionnaire
On August 5, all WRWF members were emailed an invitation to complete our new Member Engagement Questionnaire. Click here to access that link. As a volunteer-powered organization, we rely on our members to lead and operate the foundation. This new tool outlines the various opportunities, and asks how your skills, interest and availability might strengthen WRWF. While members are not required to participate beyond making their annual contribution, we strongly encourage, enthusiastically welcome, and greatly appreciate members who support WRWF as active volunteers. Please complete the questionnaire at your earliest convenience.
“We’re” Having a Baby!
Christina Bauer, WRWF Executive Assistant
Congratulations to WRWF Executive Assistant Christina Bauer and her partner Ryan on the exciting news that they are expecting a baby this fall! As we all know, Christina keeps the Foundation wheels turning through her wide range of responsibilities and is always looking out for our work and our members.
The State of Idaho does not mandate paid leave for an employee in Christina’s situation; however, as a women-led, women’s organization, providing our staff with three-months paid maternity leave is clearly the right thing to do, the right example to set, and the right message to send to the community. This is an opportunity for WRWF to make a powerful statement in support of women and the Board has acted accordingly by approving a paid, three-month leave for Christina.
“Our” mother-to-be is expected to be out of the office from late October to late January, 2022. The Board has also approved hiring a temporary, independent contractor who will be trained by Christina over the next few months to cover most of her duties. The additional operating expenses associated with hiring a contractor to temporarily cover Christina’s workload are being funded by Board members. After all Christina has done to look out for us, our members and WRWF, the Board considers it a privilege to do the same for her at this time.
The timing of Christina’s leave corresponds with the peak of our annual renewal period. If you are able to get your 2022 renewal in before the end of October, that would help enormously to alleviate the end-of-the-year load on the temp.
Our warmest wishes to Christina and Ryan for a healthy mom and baby experience. The 340 WRWF “Aunties” are excited to meet “our” baby when Christina returns to work!
It’s Time to Renew!
It’s time to renew your WRWF membership! New and renewing members of the WRWF may use our convenient online form to complete the process, simply click on this link and fill out the form. You may submit your payment by credit card or check. If paying by check, make payable to the Wood River Women’s Foundation and mail to: WRWF, P.O. Box 3686, Ketchum, Idaho, 83340. Thank you!
Sun Valley Culinary Institute Tours
One of many themed dinners at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute
[photo credit: Karen Bossick]
The Sun Valley Culinary Institute is offering free tours every Thursday at 10:00 AM and WRWF members are welcome to sign up. WRWF granted the Institute $1,433 in 2020 to help fund their culinary educational program.
Read more about Sun Valley Culinary Institute’s weekly tours here.
You’re Invited: Trunk Show & Fundraiser
WRWF members are invited to a Jewelry Trunk Show
Hosted by Hazlett Wealth Management
Monday, August 30, 4:00-7:00 PM
675 Sun Valley Road, Suites J1 + J2, Ketchum
Members are invited to toast renewed friendships and celebrate our community at a special summer trunk jewelry event hosted by Hazlett Wealth Management. NY-based designer and founder Freida Rothman will be present to share her jewelry and accessories line.
A portion of all sales will benefit Wood River Women’s Foundation. Treat yourself while sipping bubbles and enjoying some bites. RSVP here.
If you can’t attend, we invite you to shop online at www.FreidaRothman.com. Enter the code “WRWF” upon checkout to show your support for Wood River Women’s Foundation.
A Warm Welcome to New WRWF Members
New members of the WRWF are invited to provide photos and a short introduction of themselves to share in the News Brief. We are delighted to welcome all new members whether they elect to participate or not. A warm WRWF welcome to all who joined this month!
Morgan Buckert
Morgan Buckert has lived in the Wood River Valley for sixteen years. She is Associate Director of Development and Communications for Blaine County Recreation District, co-owner of Backwoods Mountain Sports (with husband Paddy McIIvoy), and builds custom cowboy boots at her Hailey workshop. Morgan is also a long-time volunteer for Casting for Recovery, serves on the board of the Hailey Public Library, and is a founder of the Women’s Western Arts Association.
Anna Majernikova
Anna Majernikova has been a resident of the Wood River Valley since 2007. A dear friend introduced her to the WRWF and she is very excited to get more involved with an organization that serves our community. Anna also looks forward to meeting amazing and like-minded women who care about the magical place in which we live.
Anna’s profession and greatest passion in life is empowering singers and artists to live, create, and perform with freedom, joy, and in the state of flow. She combines vocal and performance coaching with energetic work, yoga, meditation, and MLP techniques. Anna is also mom to a curious little two-year-old girl, Lea.
Wendy Webb
Wendy Webb has owned a home in the Wood River Valley for two years. Friends introduced her to the WRWF.
Wendy is a parent, and a business executive (with twenty years at The Walt Disney Company). She currently serves on four public company boards of directors. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, reading, art, the garden, family, friends, and her pets.
A Big Welcome to These New Members!
Swati Bansal – Hailey, ID
Joy Flores – Chatsworth, CA
Heidi Hayes – Ketchum, ID
Susan Hoehn – Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Susan McGuigan – Kentfield, CA
Alexis Pugh – Winter Park, FL
Sarah Shepard – Hailey, ID
More Gratitude to Zions Bank!
Since mid-July, when the WRWF Board was able to again meet in-person and indoors, Zions Bank has generously contributed the use of their beautiful and digitally-connected conference rooms for a variety of WRWF meetings. We are so very grateful for Zions’ continuing support of our mission; their donation of high-quality meeting space enables our work to take place efficiently and effectively. Zions was an early community partner of WRWF and we are honored to be the recipients of their ongoing support!
On Our Calendar
August 25, Focus Grant 2022 Member Education Event and M&M, Hailey Library, 4PM to 6PM (MT)
August 30, Freida Rothman Jewelry Trunk Show, 675 Sun Valley Road Ste J1 & 2, Ketchum, 4PM to 7PM (MT)
September 1, Focus Grant 2022 Information Session for Applicants, The Community Library, 4PM to 6PM (MT)
October 7, Graybird Survey Update, Limelight Hotel, Ketchum, 4PM to 6PM (MT)
October 20, Meet & Mingle with The Alliance at The Hunger Coalition, 121 Honeysuckle Street, Bellevue, 4PM to 6PM (MT)
WRWF President’s Closing Message
WRWF President, Terri Bullock
Our Annual Meeting and Grantee Celebration has always marked the beginning of our “new year,” and once again, our Events committee didn’t disappoint. The “Hats Off!” theme perfectly captured the spirit of the year as we tipped our hats to our grantees, who rose to the challenge and found creative ways to confront and reduce the burden of need in our community, especially during these most challenging of times.
Keynote speaker, Teresa Beahen Lipman, Executive Director of The Senior Connection, spoke of a major concern at her organization. She shared that “Over 40% of seniors worry about being a burden to others. Our goal is for seniors to feel a part of, versus apart from, the community.”
This determination to be a part of is also true of the WRWF–we all want to feel connected around a common purpose. It is truly gratifying to be a part of something so big, so impactful, and so important. “Hats Off!” to our amazing grantees and members for what we are collectively able to accomplish!
As we move into our “new year” we are excited and energized to start with a Board Retreat. Our thinking and decision-making will be governed in large part by the rich internal reflections and learnings you shared in the Graybird Foundation stakeholder research, and by the results of our own Board survey. Included in this News Brief is a brief summary of the Graybird findings. Please save October 7 from 4:00-6:00 PM, MT at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum to review and discuss the research.
Several other exciting events are scheduled this month. Please join us at the Hailey Public Library on August 25, for an informative look at our Focus Grant 2022 followed by another fabulous M&M. This evening is sure to be a hit, so bring a guest and learn how FG2022 is evolving.
Lastly, Hazlett Wealth Management is generously hosting a Jewelry Trunk Show on August 30 with ten percent of the proceeds being donated to the WRWF! Stop by, connect with other members, and check out the fabulous jewelry.
Our website has details on all of our August events and our new Community Report (click here).
Until next month – be healthy, happy and thankful
Terri Bullock
Many thanks to members who have designated WRWF as their selected charity on AmazonSmile! To link Wood River Women’s Foundation AmazonSmile to your Amazon account, click here and get signed up. Then, whenever you shop Amazon, use the AmazonSmile website.
Thank you to our Community Partners!
