Celebrating Community!
Our 2018 Grantees
Over 270 members, guests, and grantee representatives gathered at Trail Creek Cabin on August 8th at our Annual Luncheon to celebrate our 13th year and to honor the 2018 grant recipients. Our theme of “Stepping On Up” captured both the mission of the WRWF and the myriad contributions of the non-profits who enrich our community. From musical instruments to therapeutic horses to the Crisis Hotline, the projects we support are varied, worthwhile, and in many ways transformative.
A spirit of shared accomplishment permeated this joyous event. As a photographer’s drone flew overhead, the champagne flowed. We were reminded that in comparison to similar collective giving organizations that serve small communities, we are one of the largest; over 350 women now contribute annually. Working together this year, we awarded $270,000 from the pooled giving fund to 16 non-profit organizations. And as a total this year, we gave over $334,000 to both the pooled and our individually specified funds.
Jenny Emery-Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Library
Jenny E. Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Library in Ketchum and a current grant recipient, referenced Robert Frost’s poem Mending Wall in her keynote address. She reminded our gathering that what matters most is building something together — realizing community through enactment.
Kristy Heitzman, Executive Director of the Blaine County Education Foundation
Kristy Heitzman, Director of the Blaine County Education Foundation and a 2017 recipient of a WRWF grant, detailed a long list of student benefits supported by the Can Do Fund. From backpacks to athletic equipment to robotics competitions, the Fund enables 500 financially challenged students a year to participate fully in all BCSD programs.
Our Enduring Impact: 2017 Grantee, SV Summer Symphony Elementary Strings Program
In 2017, we awarded a second grant to the Summer Symphony program for the purchase of stringed instruments so that any interested student could learn to play free of charge. About 42 students, representing multiple cultures, completed the program. An additional staff person was hired as a coordinator.
“On the final day of the program, students shared what they learned with parents in an informal performance. Imagine 40 plus squirrelly 9-10-year-olds all holding something that makes a lot of noise anxiously waiting to play! Imagine the surprise and delight on their parents’ faces, when what they played sounded really good! Nearly 100 parents attended, and they were amazed at the progress their students made,” the Impact Report states.
Growing the Endowment
Gail Landis, Governance Chair
It’s hard to believe that only one year ago, our Endowment Fund was merely an aspirational goal. Thanks to the donations of many contributors, the leadership of Governance Chair Gail Landis, and the investment management of Brinton Moore, from Sterling Range Financial Management, the value of the Fund has grown to $590,000.
We encourage all members to continue their contributions, as the Fund not only provides for our future sustainability, but the proceeds also help to support our operating expenses, which include educational events on philanthropy and service to our community. Let’s aim for $1,000,000! As the endowment continues to grow it will, most importantly, support the charitable activities of WRWF long into the future and assure that your pooled giving will continue to impact our community throughout the valley as fully as it does today.
MEMBER EVENTS
New Member Orientation Brunch – Tuesday, September 18th, from 10:00 to noon at the home of Tish Jochums, 129 Quarter Horse Drive, Bellevue Farms. Join in welcoming new members; connect with current members; learn about our committees and board; and celebrate a recent grantee. RSVP by September 14 to Maija Eerkes, meerkes@msn.com or text (206) 999-7074. There is no charge for this event.
Brief Board Notes
- We now have 351 members and are still growing!
- Louisa Moats, Kat Vanden Heuvel, and Gina Wolcott were elected for second three-year terms on the board.
- Esther Ochsman, Chair of the Education Committee; Lynne Heidel, Co-Chair of the Grants Committee; and Joanne Wetherell, Past President, have retired from the board. All three have contributed immeasurably to the growth, longevity, and success of the WRWF and all three will be continuing to serve on WRWF committees. Esther will be on the Education Committee; Lynne will continue on Grants; and Joanne will also continue to serve on Grants.
- Starting this year, our grant application process will be completed online through our website. Applying for a grant will be much easier.
- The Strategic Planning Committee has developed a Member Survey that will be appearing in our e-mail boxes by the end of August. Input from members will inform the board’s Strategic Planning Session this winter. Strategic planning for our foundation allows us to envision what we want our organization to be in the years to come. Please take a few minutes to respond – your input is key. Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey!
Closing Message from Peggy Grove, Ph.D., President of WRWF
Congratulations on a truly amazing Grant’s Celebration Luncheon! My deepest gratitude to all of you who volunteered your time to make this event happen, who took time to attend, and who continue to participate in our collective support of the Wood River Valley community. We are a powerful force for good and every single one of you is making an important contribution to our mission!
Thank you!
Peggy Grove, Ph.D.
WRWF President
Peggy Grove, President
Our Mission Statement
The WRWCF inspires and educates women to become leaders in philanthropy and brings significant, positive change to the community by pooling and distributing its members’ resources.
PO Box 3686
Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 309-2530
Foundation Website
Please note that the old website address will take you to the new website
Mark Your Calendar:
Tuesday, September 18th, 10 to noon
New Member Orientation Brunch
At the home of Tish Jochums
Bellevue Farms
129 Quarter Horse Drive
RSVP by September 14th to:
Maija Eeerkes: meerkes@msn.com or
Text (206) 999-7074
Guests are always welcome
No charge for this event
Wednesday, October 3rd, 5-6:30
Meet & Mingle
Elkhorn Clubhouse Grille
No registration necessary
Guests welcome
Thursday, November 8th, 5-6:30
Meet & Mingle
Konditorei
No registration necessary
Guests welcome
___________________
Welcome New Members
Pam Colesworthy
Ketchum, ID
Janine Florence
Bellevue, ID
Frannie Papworth
Manhattan Beach, CA
Marcelle Pearson
Hailey, ID
Lynda Sanders
Los Altos, CA
Margaret Walker
Sun Valley, ID
Mindy Meads
Ketchum, ID
News Brief Team:
Louisa Moats
Photographers:
Judy Cahill
Charlotta Harris
