March 2025 News Brief
President’s message
Dear WRWF friends,
I am so happy to share with you my first President’s Message! Thank you for such a warm welcome at our Annual Members Meeting and Grantee Celebration on August 8. The business of electing leaders at our annual meeting is important, but celebrating WRWF accomplishments, our members, and our amazing grantees provide the true joy of the meeting.
Speaking of the Annual Meeting, we have many people to thank for such a lovely event. Many thanks to Jori Potiker for graciously hosting us, to Jenni Riley, Kathleen Eder and Toni Damalas and everyone on the Membership Committee for all the planning, all our grantee attendees for their inspiration, and to Board member Karissa Price-Rico for reminding us to cultivate a sense of purpose in all our work. As always, our volunteer work would not be possible without the dedication and positive attitude of WRWF staff members Noe Garing and Lindsey Larrivee!
You will be hearing more from us in the coming months about our plans for 2025. We are already laying the groundwork for another successful Grants Season and thinking about how to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the Foundation. It’s a great year to get involved!
As I write my message the Wapiti fire continues to threaten Stanley. Please consider extending your philanthropy and generosity to our neighbors up north. A GoFundMe has been established for the all-volunteer Sawtooth Valley Rural Fire Department to support Stanley firefighters and their families, many of whom have been displaced because of the fire. You can support them by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-stanley-fire-and-stanley-ambulance-volunteers or mailing donations to PO Box 29, Stanley, Idaho 83278. WRWF supports your bravery and commitment; please stay safe out there.
With gratitude and joy,
Jeannie
Grantee Spotlight
Mountain Rides – Supporting Access to Healthcare with Community Health Transportation
Mountain Rides is a local organization dedicated to improving access to essential services for Wood River Valley residents, and their non-emergency medical transportation service is making a significant impact. Through the support of a $25,000 grant from the Wood River Women’s Foundation, Mountain Rides has been able to expand and enhance its ability to serve the community’s healthcare transportation needs.
Launched with the goal of bridging a critical service gap, Mountain Rides’ non-emergency medical transportation program transports residents to medical appointments in Twin Falls, ensuring that individuals who lack access to transportation can receive the necessary care. The service, now known as Community Health Transportation (CHT), offers free rides to essential appointments such as doctor visits, dialysis treatments, physical therapy, and dental and optometrist appointments.
“Years ago, we recognized that many residents in our community, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers, were unable to get to the healthcare services they needed,” said a Mountain Rides spokesperson. “We knew there was a gap in services, and we were determined to fill it. This grant from the Wood River Women’s Foundation has been an instrumental part of our ability to provide this critical service.”
The CHT program has grown significantly since its inception. In 2024, Mountain Rides reported a 117% increase in ridership compared to the previous year, an additional 346 trips made possible thanks to WRWF’s funding. The service is available five days a week, and requires only a simple application. This ensures that the transportation remains focused on medical needs while offering convenience and reliability for the community members who depend on it. By offering these rides free of charge, Mountain Rides ensures that no one has to worry about how they will get to their appointment, removing barriers to timely and necessary medical treatment.
As the program continues to grow, Mountain Rides is focusing on increasing awareness of CHT to ensure more people in need can access this valuable service. The partnership with the Wood River Women’s Foundation has helped establish a strong foundation for future government funding, ensuring the program’s sustainability.
Mountain Rides is excited to see the continued success and expansion of Community Health Transportation, and with support from organizations like ours, it is confident that it will be able to meet the growing demand and continue making a positive impact in the lives of many.
If two new members join WRWF under your encouragement, you will be thanked for your recruitment efforts with either a $25 coffee card or a bottle of wine. This is an opportunity underwritten by a generous member to continue growing and strengthening our collective membership through our personal and unique networks. Remember, there is no limit to how many rewards you can receive in a year. Be sure your BFFs give you credit when they join so we can track your success towards a reward!
In 2024 the Wood River Women’s Foundation saw 43 new members join us and 33 were from member referrals!!! Thanks to the following members for bringing in two or more new members:
And 2025 is our 20th year so let’s top that!
Keep spreading the word about WRWF and our mission! This reward is being underwritten by a generous WRWF member who truly believes in the power of women’s collective giving.
Celebrate 20 years of the Wood River Women’s Foundation
Gail Landis
As you know, 2025 marks the 20th year of our wonderful, volunteer led, women’s collective giving organization. We will be celebrating all year long and part of that celebration is sharing the stories of long time members who’ve dedicated their time to our mission.
Spotlight on Service: Jenni Riley’s Dedication to WRWF
Since joining the Wood River Women’s Foundation in 2018, Jenni Riley has been a force for positive change—combining her passion for philanthropy with her commitment to fostering community connections. Her leadership has not only enriched WRWF’s mission but has also strengthened the very fabric of the Wood River Valley.
Jenni’s journey with WRWF began with a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. Recognizing the foundation’s ability to amplify support for multiple nonprofits, she saw WRWF as the ideal avenue to maximize her volunteer efforts. Just two years into her membership, she joined the Board of Directors, embracing the opportunity to help guide the organization forward.
One of Jenni’s most significant contributions has been through the Education Committee, which she joined immediately upon becoming a member. Understanding that knowledge empowers more effective giving, she was instrumental in helping members and the broader community identify key issues, raise mission awareness, and better understand the needs of local nonprofits. Upon stepping into the role of Education Committee Chair, she spearheaded the State of the Valley (SOTV) winter event, an initiative that provides critical insights into the evolving needs of the Wood River Valley.
Currently serving on the Nominating Committee, Jenni now plays a pivotal role in identifying the next generation of WRWF leadership. She also enjoys lending her expertise to special event committees, such as those organizing the Annual Meeting, where she helps bring WRWF’s mission to life.
For Jenni, volunteering at WRWF is about more than just giving back—it’s about finding her tribe. “I’ve had the chance to connect with like-minded women who share my passion for philanthropy,” she shares. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the collective impact we make in supporting nonprofits that serve our community.”
Her advice to new members? Jump in! “Start by attending social events to meet other members and learn about the different committees,” she recommends. “If you’re new to the valley, the Grants Team is a fantastic way to get to know the nonprofits WRWF supports.”
Through her leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication, Jenni Riley exemplifies the spirit of WRWF—building a stronger, more connected community, one initiative at a time.
Thank you Jenni for your continued dedication and service!
Event Recaps
February 11th: State of the Valley – Focused On Youth Mental Health & March 5th: Après ski
6th Annual State of the ValleyMany thanks to our President, Jeannie Shroads, and the Mental Well-being Initiative for organizing our 6th Annual State of the Valley session at the Community Library. It was a thought-provoking session on the state of mental well-being for the youth of the Wood River Valley. The panel discussion was moderated by the Valley’s own Tyler Norris and had experts as well as local teens talk openly about the problems we face collectively and what’s being done about it. Click here to watch a recording and here to see member Karen Bossick’s great coverage in Eye on Sun Valley.
We are grateful to our moderators, panelists, and especially our youth panelists for their participation. Click here to view our State of the Valley page on the WRWF website.
On March 5th, more than 60 WRWF members and guests gathered at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute for an afternoon of warmth, connection, and appreciation at our Après Ski. This special Member Appreciation Event was a wonderful way to celebrate the vibrant community of women who make WRWF’s impact possible.
Attendees enjoyed a delightful selection of hosted appetizers and beverages, creating the perfect après ski atmosphere to unwind and reconnect. The highlight of the evening was guest speaker Andrea Hernandez, Marketing Communications & Outreach Specialist, who shared the powerful impact of WRWF’s 2024 grant in supporting Mountain Rides’ non-emergency medical transport service. Her insights shed light on how this vital program is ensuring that community members have access to essential medical care, reinforcing the far-reaching effects of WRWF’s collective giving.
With lively conversation, inspiring stories, and an atmosphere of gratitude, the Après Ski was a true celebration of the generosity and commitment that define WRWF. Thank you to all who attended and continue to make a difference in our community and to all who brought a guest!
Stay tuned for more upcoming events—we love gathering with our incredible WRWF members and welcoming new faces into our mission of impact and connection.
grantee community event recap
Thank you to every member who watched the Grants Presentations & Cast their Vote!
On March 12, WRWF members had the opportunity to hear from 25 incredible nonprofit finalists competing for $379,367 in pooled grant funding. Each finalist presented a compelling case for their funding request—demonstrating the immense needs in our community and the inspiring work being done to address them.
If you missed the live session, don’t worry! The presentations are available for viewing, so you can catch up before casting your vote. Every active WRWF member received a ballot on March 12 and had until midnight (MST) on March 26th to vote for their top 15 choices.
While all finalist organizations will receive at least partial funding, not all can be fully funded, as total requests exceed $437,580. That’s why your vote is crucial—helping to determine where WRWF’s collective giving will have the greatest impact.
Key Takeaways from This Year’s Grant Presentations:
📌 Blaine County is at greater risk for wildfire than 90% of U.S. counties
📌 Hailey is the 5th most expensive town in the U.S.
📌 The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Program has a 90% approval rate
📌 Our Focus Grant on Early Childhood Education continues to yield positive outcomes in our community
📌 The Wood River High School Business Professionals of America Club is producing some outstanding future leaders given the presentation we saw today!
A special thank you to all the presenters who put together thoughtful and thought-provoking proposals today. Their dedication reminds us why our mission matters—working together to make the Wood River Valley the best it can be for everyone who calls it home.
🔹 Every year members can watch the presentations, cast your vote, and help shape the future of giving in our community! Final results for 2025-2026 will be announced on or shortly after March 28th, 2025 and awards made soon thereafter!
WRWF Calendar
When: TBD (depending the on main street sidewalk construction schedule)
Where: 460 N. Main St. Suite 102, Ketchum
Meet up with your fellow members and shop at the newly opened retailer, Johnny Was. A percentage of the sales will be donated to WRWF!
No registration needed, check back for more details ...
When: Thursday, April 24th
When: 4:30 to 6:30
Where: Sun Valley Club - 200 Trail Creek road
No registration needed, guests are welcome.
When: Thursday, May 29th
When: 5:00 to 7:00
Where: DL Evans Bank - 491 N. Main St. Suite #100 - Ketchum
Please register yourself and a guest if you are bringing one.
When: Thursday, July 3rd
Where: Hop Porter Park 126-312 Bullion St., Hailey, ID 83333
When: To be announced (late summer)
Where: Ketchum
Get ready to mark your calendars, because you don't want to miss a celebration spanning 20 years of WRWF members, grantees, and giving!
new members
None yet – so bring your friends and neighbors to join us ladies!
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!
New Member Spotlight
Jenna Vagias
Jenna is a dedicated leader in nonprofit and educational administration, bringing over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, community collaborations, and impact-driven initiatives. As the Project Lead for the Mental Well-Being Initiative spearheaded by the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, she is guiding this collective impact project—aligning the community around shared goals to improve mental well-being at the population level in Blaine County.
A long-time resident of the Wood River Valley, Jenna cares deeply about the well-being of her community, especially when it comes to supporting mental health and youth programs. As the mother of a teenage daughter, she understands firsthand the importance of fostering connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging in today’s world.
Jenna joined the Wood River Women’s Foundation because it offers an incredible opportunity to connect with a diverse, dynamic group of women—all with a shared goal of making a positive difference in the community. She loves the collective energy and generosity that WRWF brings to solving challenges and believes deeply in the power of philanthropy to drive change.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Jenna fully embracing the mountain-town lifestyle—whether she’s mountain biking, trail running, Nordic or downhill skiing, or sweating it out in hot yoga. She also loves getting creative with arts and crafts alongside her daughter and escaping on multi-day river trips or family adventures to sunny surf spots.
Tanner Riley
I grew up in the Wood River Valley and graduated from Wood River High School in 2011. I then attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, from 2011 to 2015, where I earned my BA in Elementary Education, with endorsements in All Subjects K-8 and Visual Arts K-12. After graduation, I returned home to begin my teaching career. Over the past ten years, I have taught math and science at Wood River Middle School, 5th grade at Ernest Hemingway STEAM School, and math at Wood River High School. During this time, I also earned an additional endorsement in Middle Levels Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design.
I cherish the many offerings of our wonderful community and appreciate the ease and frequency with which my husband, Nolan, our daughter, Rell, and I can access the outdoors. I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, trail running, camping, and fishing. I also participate in various coed sports available in our valley, such as B+ Hockey, Ketchum Coed Softball, and Ketchum Coed Soccer. Spending time at the lake with my family or working on projects together brings me joy. Both Rell and I have a passion for art, and we love to spend time crafting and painting together.
My Godmother, Karissa Price Rico, invited me to the WRWF Christmas party alongside my Aunt, Toby Arnett. With Karissa’s encouragement and sponsorship, I decided to join. I am eager to create more opportunities for the children in our South Valley. My goal is to provide affordable or free, safe environments where they can spend their time. While Ketchum has much to offer, many children in need of greater engagement in our community reside in the South Valley.
Community News
Source: Lending Tree By The New York Times
THANK YOU, Sponsors!
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