October 2016

President’s Message

October 2016 News Brief

 Greetings from the Board

Dear Members,

We are still growing – now we are a collective giving group of 293 members! And to bolster the community’s awareness of our collective philanthropy, a new Marketing Committee is at work. In this issue, read more about them as well as two of our current grantees. Mark your calendars for two important events scheduled for this month.

WRWF Board with new members gathers in October

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WRWF HONORED ON TOWN SQUARE BLADE PLACARD

If you have recently visited Ketchum’s Town Square, you may have noticed two stunning blade placards flanking the entrance with inscriptions celebrating “A Place in the Sun” and “Cultural Heritage.” The Cultural Heritage placard was dedicated to the Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation. Its inscription reads, “Welcome to Town Square. Dedicated to all those who contribute to our community. Caring for the arts, education, recreation, and our environment. Creating a spirit of giving, a space for healthy living.” At its base is a medallion honoring the WRWF for its work in pursuit of these ideals. We are humbled and grateful that we have been honored in this manner.

Blade Placard in Town Square

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GRANTEES in the SPOTLIGHT

Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley, Building Repair, $14,000

“The funds received from the Wood River Women’s Foundation have been influential in providing critical repairs to the maintenance of our office building. ‘I feel like I should take my shoes off!’ was a remark from a visitor after our first improvements were completed. Our little house has been overlooked so long that this grant enabled us to provide much needed upkeep while also utilizing other moneys to continue to provide our scope of services for patients, families, caregivers, and the bereaved. The new updates to our office environment have boosted staff morale and the overall mood when walking into the office. We are very grateful for the freshened space into which we can now welcome individuals, and of course we are happy to assist anyone who walks through our doors with or without shoes!”

–Lisa Wild, Executive Director

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Hemingway Elementary School StarLab: An Exploration of the Stars, Moon and a Laser Show, $13,100

StarLab, an inflatable, portable dome planetarium used to introduce students to the wonders of astronomy, has arrived at Hemingway Elementary, thanks to a WRWF grant.

Now you can come and experience this mobile planetarium yourself! On Friday, October 21st, at 4:00 PM, science teacher Scot Slonim will do an exclusive presentation for WRWF members. Members can email their RSVPs to Jane Reynolds at gijaneinc@cox.net. The first 22 responses will be confirmed. A wait list will be developed if necessary. We will meet in the lobby at Hemingway Elementary School at 4pm.     

Photo courtesy of Scott Slonim

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NEW MARKETING COMMITTEE SPRINGS INTO ACTION

Judy Cahill and Jane Reynolds, Marketing Co-Chairs

Wouldn’t it be splendid if everyone in Blaine County knew about the WRWF and our mission to offer non-profits the ability to carry out or expand their proposed projects? To raise the visibility of our organization and promote our mission, Jane Reynolds (Chair) and Judy Cahill (Co-Chair) have assumed leadership of the new Marking Committee. You can expect to see more coverage in the local press, more presence at local events, and more advertising and print publicity in the coming months. This committee is ablaze with energy and ideas. Please contact Jane (gijaneinc@cox.net) if you have marketing or advertising skills that you would like to contribute.

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MEMBER EVENTS

October Brunch for New Members

New members and old enjoyed brunch at Deborra Bohrer’s home in Sun Valley on October 14^th, where board leadership provided an orientation to the many and varied possibilities for personal involvement in the foundation.

Successful Estate Planning Workshop

Over 100 people, 12 from WRWF, attended the Estate Planning presentation co-sponsored by WRWF and 11 other local non-profits at the invitation of St. Luke’s.  The compelling takeaway was that with proper planning, you may reduce your estate taxes and subsequently leave more money to your family and to charities.  It’s also important to have a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.  You can download printable forms at http://stlukesonline.org/livingwill.

November Meet & Mingle at the Clayworks!

On Thursday, November 17th at 4:30 PM everyone is invited to Boulder Mountain Clayworks in Ketchum for our Meet & Mingle. The Clayworks supplies the clay, molds, and paint for us to make bowls that are then fired. Once finished, the bowls are the featured (and coveted) items at the Hunger Coalition soup and salad lunch. Attendees go home with a bowl.

Bring your own beverage. Snacks are provided. Registration is not required.

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President’s Closing Statement

With the advent of this beautiful fall, much activity is occurring at the WRWF. To keep track of past and future events, check the newly designed website, Facebook, and Instagram. You are always invited to volunteer for a committee or special event. Any contribution of time, talent, or treasure is much appreciated.

Joanne Wetherell
President