Eye on Sun Valley: Wood River Women’s Foundation to Honor Grant Recipients

Put yourself in this picture when the Wood River Women’s Foundation hold their awards luncheon next week. Friday, August 2, 2019 STORY BY LYNNE MACKENZIE PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK The Wood River Women’s Foundation (WRWF) will honor the 2019 Grant Recipients at its 14th Annual Celebration of Grant Recipients and Annual Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Trail Creek Pavilion at Sun Valley Resort. This year’s awards will total more than $267,918 and will be granted to 11 local nonprofits. Since 2006, the WRWF has funded more than 137 grants totaling more than $2,594,000. “The announcement of our new grant recipients is always the highlight of our mission each year,” said WRWF President Peggy Grove. “This year’s grants support local youth and families through academic, food-security, mental health and outdoor education programs.” During this year’s cycle, WRWF members screened numerous applications, visited the sites of applicants and listened to presentations describing the many projects that will benefit the Wood River Valley Community. In April, all 340 members had an opportunity to vote on the final slate of applicants. The 2019 grant recipients: Blaine County Education Foundation, Blaine County Hunger Coalition, Blaine County Recreation District, Environmental Resource Center, Inc., Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley, Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, Idaho Base Camp – South Valley After-School Program, Men’s Second Chance Living, NAMI Wood River Valley, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, and The Advocates. Speakers will begin talking at noon. And, given that the work of these non-profits benefits all in the Wood River Valley, the WRWF invites the community to attend. Tickets are $40 and are available for purchase at www.woodriverwomensfoundation.org. For more information contact the WRWF office at (208) 309-2530. The Wood River Women’s Foundation’s mission is to inspire and educate women to become leaders in philanthropy. Members encourage and create significant positive change in the community through pooled grant-making. Founded in 2005, the foundation has grown from 27 founders to over 350 members today, with each member contributing $1,000 annually. New members are welcome and encouraged to attend the luncheon for more information.