June 2017 News Brief

Welcome from Your President

We are always so thrilled to see our grants at work in the community! Our 2017 recipients – all selected by your votes – have received their funds and are initiating their projects. We feature two of the 14 grantees this month and will spotlight others in the future. As always, it is the power of collective giving that enables these laudable projects.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Joanne Wetherell, President
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Grantee Spotlight: Girls on the Run! Volunteer Coach Training and Support Initiatives, $8200

“The 2017 grant to Girls on the Run provided critical volunteer training and support for approximately 30 mentors who implement the after school program at all of the Blaine County schools. GOTR sent a lead coach to a Girls on the Run International training program to learn new techniques for implementing the most current curriculum at the heart of the Girls on the Run program. The grant also allowed GOTR to implement training tools that use online learning methods, combined with in-person training, that enhance the volunteers’ ability to connect with and create a successful experience for participants. The goal of receiving and implementing this new training was to increase our ability to build relationships, create a positive inclusive environment and create a mastery climate for all. GOTR is thrilled that WRWF has supported an all-around improved experience for our volunteers and participants. Thank you!”

–Mary Fauth, Program Director

 

Grantee in the Spotlight: Wood River Wolf Project, Lava Lake Institute for Science and Conservation, $14,898

Photo Credit: Phoebe Bean

“The Wood River Wolf Project is a collaborative of ranchers, government agencies and conservation organizations working together to promote the coexistence of livestock and wolves through the use of nonlethal deterrents. WRWP researches non-lethal tools and techniques, provides training and tools to ranchers and sheep herders, monitors the presence of wolves, and makes that information available to operators so they can proactively employ non-lethal deterrents. We offer education to the public about this complex issue, and our long-term goal is to be a resource for other communities dealing with predator and livestock conflict. The Wood River Wolf Project is a model of collaborative problem-solving, offering a creative and practical approach to protecting both wildlife and livestock, and demonstrating that co-existence is possible. The Lava Lake Institute for Science and Conservation serves as our fiscal agent.”

–Avery Shawler, Project Coordinator
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Social Media Workshops for Us!

Social Media Committee leaders Judy Cahill, Charlotta Harris, and Terri Bullock

WRWF realizes that it is vital to have a strong social media presence both within the Foundation, and with local non-profits, the community and other collective giving organizations in order to spread the work and the word of WRWF.

In order to engage our members and better tell our story, the Social Media Committee is conducting workshops to educate our members on how to effectively use Facebook, Instagram and our Website to help build of community of supporters. Social Media Chair, Terri Bullock, states that, “Response to these workshops has been outstanding, both from member attendance and workshop feedback.” Workshops will continue to be scheduled and posted on the website calendar throughout the year.
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MEMBER EVENTS

Participants in the May Meet & Mingle at the Ketchum Innovation Center

Member ‘Tini Party and Orientation, Thursday, June 22nd at the home of Carrie Morrow, 101 Parker Gulch, Elkhorn/Sun Valley. 5:00 -6:30 PM. To welcome our new members, to share more about the WRWF, and chat with recent grantees. All members are invited. Guests are welcome! RSVP to CARRIE MORROW
EMAIL:morrow_carolyn@yahoo.com TEXT: (858-922-8857)

Annual Meeting – July 31st, 11:30-2:00 PM, at Trail Creek Cabin, Sun Valley. Be sure to register early as space for our annual luncheon and grantee celebration will be limited. Fee: $35. Members and guests welcome.12th Annual Meeting & Luncheon

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Brief Notes:

• Joanne Wetherell and Peggy Grove did a live radio interview on KDPI, our local station and grant recipient for 2017 
• Our membership is now at 297!
• If you would like to volunteer to host a social event, please contact Penny Weiss, our Events Chair (penny.weiss@me.com); or Kathleen Eder (kjeder56@gmail.com) or Terri LaFaivre (svterri@gmail.com), Membership Co-Chairs

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President’s Closing

There are many ways to participate in the WRWF. We welcome those who merely wish to provide financial support as well as those who will devote many hours to board and committee work. Everyone counts. We hope to see all of you at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon, on July 31st, but sign up now because space is limited!

Respectfully yours,

Joanne Wetherell
President-WRWF