As the Idaho Gives saying goes – when we are ALL in, we ALL win!
This was no exception on May 7th, 2015 when I had the pleasure of witnessing local nonprofits in Bonner County, Idaho come together to work towards the common goal of supporting Idaho Gives – an annual 24-hour day of giving online for Idaho nonprofits. It is not often that we have the time to take pause and come together to do some good, so experiencing this community-based grassroots effort was meaningful. Together we were able to share our work to our stakeholders in Sandpoint, Hope, Bonner’s Ferry, Coeur d’ Alene and other North Idaho communities at Idaho Gives ‘donations stations’ and local events, including stops at our gracious hosts Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters and the Idaho Pour Authority. Overall, Idahoans should be proud. During Idaho Gives donors did in fact ‘GIVE’ to Idaho nonprofits totaling over $1,000,000 donated throughout our great state!
As part of Idaho Gives, SOLE was the recipient of (2) separate ‘donation awards’ (i.e., financial awards given out periodically by the Idaho Nonprofit Center when people donate throughout the day). Specifically, two of the donations we received won a $500 ‘Golden Ticket Award’, as well as, a $250 ‘Donor Appreciation Award’. These awards brought our grand total to $2,016.00 received during Idaho Gives 2015! As a grassroots, voulnteer-driven nonprofit we view this as a great day because some local area youth will now be able to explore, achieve, and lead through the transformational experiential and outdoor education programs we provide. Specifically, these funds will be placed in the SOLE Youth Scholarship Fund – a scholarship fund for local area schools and individuals to participate in SOLE programming.
As we wind down Idaho Gives, I want to personally thank everyone involved from our volunteers, our board members, our partnering Bonner County nonprofits, and especially those that donated to our cause during Idaho Gives. Because of your continued support we are able to work towards our goal to ‘reach and teach’ 1,000 more youth through the transformational experiential and outdoor education programs that we provide. As we move towards summer please follow me on the trail via our eNewsletter and our blog at: https://solewp1.wpenginepowered.com/sole-blog/
Sincerely,
Dennison Webb, M.A.
Founder | Executive Director