JACC: Back in black

POST FALLS - The operations at a historic cultural gem in Post Falls are back on solid ground thanks to the community putting on its rally cap.

The nonprofit Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center accumulated around $17,000 in debt in two years during leadership changes, said Randy Oaks, a Post Falls Chamber of Commerce board member who is also an interim JACC board member.

The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce took over temporary leadership of the JACC next door this fall to help the center get back on its feet.

Oaks said there was no criminal wrongdoing by the previous leaders, but the nonprofit fell behind on bills during changes at the helm.

Leaders set $60,000 as the goal for the recent Back in Black dinner and auction fundraiser for the JACC.

"The reason we came up with that number was that we wanted (to be on solid ground) for six months heading into the new year," Oaks said.

The fundraiser generated $70,000, surpassing organizers' expectations.

"The night was tremendous," Oaks said. "Kudos go out to the chamber membership and the people who continue to support the community and understand the value of places such as the JACC."

The Jacklin family, which led the charge in restoring the JACC, donated $20,000. That amount was matched by the nonprofit Greene Idaho Foundation, which raises funds from bingo at the Greyhound Park and Event Center.

Oaks said the 92 people who attended opened their hearts and pocketbooks to keep the JACC open.

"We're now in a position to move forward," he said. "If we hadn't run the event, we probably would have looked at shutting the JACC down for a month to reorganize. But this community always steps up some way, somehow."

Oaks said since the chamber of commerce took over temporary leadership more than two months ago, the JACC has booked 17 events.

"We're holding true to the true meaning of the JACC," he said, adding that arts and cultural events, weddings and concerts will remain the focus.

Helga Wernicke has remained the JACC's office manager during the transition. Oaks said the search for a new executive director will start in January and the person will likely be hired in March.

The chamber of commerce will provide leadership through at least June, then re-evaluate the situation, Oaks said. The JACC, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will eventually have a permanent board again.

Shaina Nomee, the center's most recent executive director, and six of the nonprofit's nine board members stepped down earlier this year. The board members who remained then approached the chamber of commerce to assist the JACC with leadership.