January 2026 News Brief
Join us for the 7TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE VALLEY!
We are excited to invite you to one of our most timely and important gatherings of the year!
The WRWF State of the Valley is a signature event meant to address issues of concern in our community. Across the Wood River Valley — and the country — many of us are feeling the strain of rising polarization, diminished trust, and a growing inability to engage across differences. This year’s State of the Valley is designed to be a thoughtful, community-centered conversation about how we got here — and how we move forward together. Thus, our theme this year is Solving the Civility Crisis.
Please plan on joining us for this important community event.
Date: February 5, 2026
Time: 5pm to 6:30pm
Location: Wood River High School, The Den, Hailey, Idaho and on Zoom
We will be joined by a diverse panel of local leaders, educators, advocates, and journalists who are deeply engaged in this work, including:
In addition to panel dialogue, the evening will include a short interactive experience designed to help attendees connect with one another around what we love about living here — and what’s worth protecting.
We hope you’ll register now and join us for this meaningful conversation and help set the tone for a more connected year ahead.
2026 Grant Cycle is Open!
Application deadline is thursday, january 22, 2026
The 2026 WRWF Grants Cycle opened on January 6, 2025 continuing our 20 years of support for nonprofit organizations serving the Wood River Valley! Local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants between $5,000 and $25,000, which can be used to support both operational and programmatic work across a wide range of mission-driven efforts.
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Encourage any qualifying nonprofits you work with to submit an application before the deadline!
Eligible organizations must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) or otherwise tax-exempt entities serving the Wood River Valley. Additional guidelines and the application are available at the WRWF website.
Event Recap
Holiday Party
On December 18th, 54 members and guests braved a snowy evening to celebrate community and connection at the 2025 Wood River Women’s Foundation Holiday Party! The evening, generously hosted by Patti Zebrowski, was filled with warm conversation, seasonal treats, and laughter that made the wintery setting part of the charm. We also were able to introduce Alissa Weber, WRWF’s new Membership & Communications Manager to the group.
A special highlight of the event was a heartfelt presentation from Jovita Piña, Executive Director of The Senior Connection. Jovita shared stories about the vital work her organization does—from preparing and delivering nutritious meals to older adults across Blaine County to fostering independence and connection for seniors in the community. She spoke warmly about how funding from WRWF has helped ensure that these essential services remain strong and sustainable, touching the lives of many older neighbors throughout the year.
President Jeannie Shroads thanked all in attendance in celebration of WRWF’s remarkable 20th anniversary year, honoring the amazing dedication and generosity of our members. The event reminded all who attended of the true spirit of the season—community, generosity, and support for one another. With warm hearts and renewed enthusiasm, attendees left inspired to continue to grow the impact of WRWF in 2026 and beyond!
Upcoming Events
Date: Thursday, Feb 5th
Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: The Den, Wood River High School
1250 Fox Acres Drive
Fee: Free
Join us for the Wood River Women's Foundation 7th Annual State of the Valley Community Forum
Date: Thursday, Feb 26th
Time: TBD
Location:
Sun Valley Culinary Institute
211 N Main Street
Ketchum, ID
Save the date for this signature WRWF Member event!
Fee: Free
Sending a warm welcome to our new members:
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
I am a licensed therapist at Carbonate Recovery Center in Hailey. I graduated in 2024 with my Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. I also have degrees in Political Science and Communication. I work with adolescent and adult clients in the Wood River Valley navigating substance use and other mental health challenges. I specialize in supporting families and at-risk youth. I use preventative approaches that help individuals to reduce the likelihood of developing more serious mental health issues later in life.
I am deeply passionate about helping others and making a meaningful impact in my community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, all things nature, and shopping. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Grantee Highlight
Wood River Land Trust
Congratulations to the Wood River Land Trust on the successful acquisition of the Hailey Hot Springs Ranch! This major conservation milestone was made possible through community support and key funding from partners, including the Wood River Women’s Foundation! This landmark project permanently protects thousands of acres of open space, wildlife habitat, and treasured trails, expanding the Hailey Greenway and ensuring this iconic landscape will be enjoyed for generations to come. We are proud to support the Wood River Land Trust in safeguarding this beautiful property for our community. 😀
Grantee & Community Events
14th annual Empty Bowls
Join WRWF Grantee Blaine County Charitable Fund for the 14th annual Empty Bowls Event on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Support BCCF and enjoy a delicious meal with your community!
BCCF, Boulder Mountain Clayworks, and the Church of the Big Wood are hosting the annual Empty Bowls event on February 1st from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at the Church of the Big Wood. Proceeds benefit BCCF’s financial assistance program.
Register early, and you can purchase a handmade bowl for $25 and fill it with generous helpings of soup, chili, salad, bread, and dessert from local chefs. Entry is $30 at the door. Register today and we’ll see you there!
Please take their community-wide survey today.
The Blaine County Mental Well-Being Initiative, in partnership with the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation and several WRWF grantees, is conducting a survey (please be patient, the survey takes a while to load) to better understand our community’s quality of life, community connections, and mental health needs. Your input will directly guide efforts to enhance mental healthcare in Blaine County.
The survey is anonymous and takes about 5 minutes to complete. You will be asked questions about community connections, quality of life, and mental health or alcohol use. By participating, you’ll help create a more informed, responsive community plan to improve mental health services in Blaine County. Take the survey (please be patient, the survey takes a while to load) and add your voice to help shape how Blaine County invests in mental well-being. The anonymous survey is open until February 7, 2026.
St. Luke’s Wood River is celebrating 25 years of caring
St. Luke’s Wood River is celebrating 25 years of caring for people in the Valley by inviting the community to join them for Caring for the Valley: A Community Conversation with St. Luke’s Wood River. This forum is designed to provide greater awareness of the services available locally and guidance on navigating care. We encourage you to attend; several of your fellow WRWF members will be participating in a panel discussion with local and system leaders!
The event will be held on Tuesday, February 3 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Community Library in Ketchum. Registration for in-person attendance is requested by January 20th; a live-stream option will also be available.
THANK YOU, Sponsors!
We are grateful for our sponsors and extend a hearty WRWF thank you to Graybird Foundation, Zions Bank, UBS, and Panache!
THANK YOU TO OUR contributors