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June 2025 News Brief

Celebrate 20 years of the Wood River Women’s Foundation

WRWF is celebrating 20 years of creating new connections for women in our valley and using our collective giving power to support our local nonprofits and their important work in our community. Let’s all bring a new friend to the organization this year! The more members we have, the more we can give!

Summer of Celebration 

The Wood River Women’s Foundation is celebrating its 20th Anniversary and we’d like to warmly invite you—our valued members—to join us in honoring two decades of collectively giving nearly $5 million in community grants and the visionary women who started it all. As we look to the future, we’re launching our 20th Anniversary Endowment Campaign to ensure WRWF continues to thrive for years to come. With nearly $400,000 already raised, we’re well on our way—but we need your support to reach our goal. Every contribution, big or small, is an investment in our mission and community. And to celebrate, we’re throwing a party! Join us on July 30th at the Argyros for a Roaring 20s–themed evening of fun, connection, and inspiration as we honor our past and build the next 20 years—together.

WRWF…WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Back in 2005, Barbara Thrasher found herself on a chairlift with a member of the Seattle Women’s Foundation. After hearing about what they do, Barbara was inspired to start a similar group in Sun Valley. With the help of other local women like Jo Murray, a group was invited to tea to discuss the idea. Almost all the women agreed to join with the now late Camille McCray, handing over the first donation, stating, “You must start. You must do this.”

WRWF Member Jeanne Cassell Nominated to Heritage Court

Jeanne Cassell, nominated by the Wood River Women’s Foundation, has been a member since its inception. A former educator and dedicated community leader, she helped launch WRWF and has watched it grow from 30 to 300 members, granting nearly $5 million to local nonprofits. Cassell also helped start the State of the Valley Forum as part of the Education Committee and has been a steadfast supporter of the Foundation’s mission of collective giving and community impact.

Event Recap

Meet & Mingle

A special wine tasting was provided by Angela Baron, Wine Associate at Albertsons. We extend our sincere thanks to Jackie Cole, DL Evans Bank Manager, as well as Chris Bender, President, and Chase Hamilton, General Manager of S&C Importers and Distributors, for their generous support. Additionally, attendees heard from Josh Rodriguez, Intermountain Program Manager with the National Forest Foundation, who shared insights on the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project and how their $25,000 grant will support the implementation of NFF’s important work.

Upcoming Events 

Hot Springs Field Trip

Date: Monday, June 9th
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Location: Hailey Hot Springs 
Meet: Mountain Humane, 101 Croy Creek Rd., Hailey

Register NowJune

Hailey Rocks Concert

Date: Thursday, July 3rd 
Time:
TBD
Meet:
Hop Porter Park, Hailey

More DetailsJuly

4th of July Parade Marshal

Date: Friday, July 4th 
Time:
11am-1:00pm
Meet:
Main St., Hailey

More DetailsJuly

Field Trip to The Advocates Thrive Kids Early Learning Center

Date: Wednesday, July 9th
Time:10am-11:30am
Meet: The Advocates, 513 N. River St., Hailey

Register NowJuly

20th Anniversary Celebration

Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 5-8pm
Location: The Argyos, 120 S. Main St., Ketchum

Register HereJuly/August

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Know someone who’d make a great WRWF member—but cost is a barrier?

Have you met a woman who would be a fantastic addition to the Wood River Women’s Foundation, but when you mention membership, she says, “I’d love to join, but I just can’t afford the dues right now”? You’re not alone. Many of us have had this experience. And while some members have stepped in to sponsor these women directly, we now have another way! Thanks to the generosity of a member donor, WRWF has established a Fellowship Program—created to make membership accessible for women who bring diverse experiences, ideas, and energy, but who may not be able to afford the dues.
Who Is Eligible?

Fellowship candidates should:

  • Be at least 21 years old and reside in the Wood River Valley
  • Bring varied perspectives and a philanthropic mindset
  • Have financial need and be unable to fund full membership dues
  • Be ready to participate—attending meetings and events, and contributing time, talent, voice, and leadership to WRWF


Fellows receive full WRWF membership for two years. Continued membership support may be considered annually.

Any WRWF member may recommend a candidate! Have someone in mind? Reach out to the Membership Committee at info@woodriverwomensfoundtion.org to start the conversation. With deep gratitude, we thank our generous donor for making the Fellowship Program possible.

Sending a warm welcome to our new members:

  • Andrea Hernandez
  • Tammy Davis
  • Katherine Fincher
  • Kate Lieder

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Andrea Hernandez

 

I grew up in the Wood River Valley and have a deep love for this community that has given me so much. After spending six years working at the Starbucks in Ketchum and pursuing several entrepreneurial ventures, I felt a growing desire to get more involved locally—but I wasn’t sure how.

That changed five months ago when I joined Mountain Rides. From day one, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Since then, I’ve been promoted to Manager of Marketing & Communications, and I’m grateful for the chance to help strengthen and connect our community through accessible transportation.

Around the same time, I learned about the Wood River Women’s Foundation—a group I started to admire and hoped to join one day. I didn’t expect that day to come so soon! I’m honored to stand alongside this inspiring group of women dedicated to making a real impact.

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my husband and our three dogs—a husky wolf mix, a pitbull boxer lab mix, and a pitbull mix—who keep life fun and full of adventure.

I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and grateful to contribute to the growth and well-being of the place I’ve always called home.

Meg Pulliam

 

I have always been inspired by the power of women’s circles and collective philanthropy, which is what drew me to join the Wood River Women’s Foundation. My professional journey has centered on advancing the missions of nonprofit organizations—both as a philanthropy consultant and in-house leader—by spearheading major capital campaigns and helping organizations amplify their vision and impact.

Currently, I serve as Director of Philanthropy for the Wood River Land Trust, where I’m thrilled to combine my passion for conservation with my experience in fundraising and community engagement. The incredible wild spaces of the Valley first brought me here, and I quickly fell in love with everything the area has to offer—skiing, biking, climbing, hiking, and soaking in the local hot springs.

I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant and inspiring community, and I look forward to deepening my involvement with WRWF.

Tammy E. Davis

 

Tammy E. Davis has called the Wood River Valley home for the past 30 years. Deeply committed to community well-being, she currently serves as the Executive Director of both The Crisis Hotline and The Building Material Thrift, a charitable organization that helps support the Hotline’s mission. Tammy is also the co-chair of the 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance and an elected Alderman for the City of Bellevue.

Over nearly three decades, Tammy has dedicated herself to serving her community in a wide range of capacities—always with compassion, collaboration, and a vision for long-term impact. She has worked to strengthen the social services safety net in the Valley, while also helping to lead and inspire conversations around mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of human connection.

Tammy is a proud mother, daughter, “Gigi,” and friend to many. Her life’s work has been about building something lasting a foundation her daughter and future generations can be proud to stand on and build from. Her leadership is marked by her authenticity, perseverance, and belief in the power of people coming together to create meaningful change.

Her favorite past-time, if she’s not with her grandchildren or serving the community, she can be found out on the water catching fish!

Tammy is deeply inspired by the collective impact of the Wood River Women’s Foundation and is honored to contribute her skills, voice, and dedication to its mission. She hopes her participation will not only deepen her connection to the Foundation but also help inspire others, just as she has been inspired— through the strength of community and the power of the collaborative.

THANK YOU, Sponsors!

We are grateful for our sponsors and extend a hearty WRWF thank you to
Graybird Foundation, Zions Bank, and UBS!

THANK YOU TO OUR contributors

Thank you to this month’s News Brief contributors:

  • Jeannie Shroads
  • Lindsey Larrivee
  • Sarah Shepard
  • Noe Garing
  • LeeAnne Linderman
  • Joy Prudek
  • Sofi Kvantaliani