Growing a legacy
DEVIN WEEKS/Press John Corcoran, president and founder of ElderHelp of North Idaho, gives Coeur d’Alene Garden Club Garden Tour chair Bonnie Warwick a big hug during a funds distribution Thursday in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
The Coeur d'Alene Garden Club distributed $15,000 among 10 local causes and nonprofits during a presentation ceremony Thursday at the downtown Coeur d'Alene home of Susan and Will Beglinger. The funds were raised during the club's garden tour, held annually in July. Left to right, front row: Coeur d'Alene Garden Club Garden Tour chair Bonnie Warwick and club president Cathy Evjen. Second row, left to right: Liz Beck, Children's Village; Rayelle Anderson, North Idaho College Foundation; Melanie Krier and Katie Simmons, ICARE (St. Vincent de Paul); and Kristine Miller, Safe Passage Violence Pre…
By DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer
COEUR d’ALENE — For more than two decades, the Coeur d'Alene Garden Club has invited the public to explore the wide variety of private gardens that can be found in North Idaho.
Some are vast and sprawling, others intimate and serene, but all of them contribute to the greater good when they are featured on the Coeur d'Alene Garden Club Garden Tour.
"I enjoy, personally, people admiring my flowers," said club president Cathy Evjen. "Gardening is my entertainment. When people walk by and say, 'I love your flowers,' you appreciate it. It’s part of who you are."
As well as botanical beauty and creativity, the Garden Tour provides a way to raise funds that go directly back to the community.
This year, the tour brought in $15,000 that was distributed to 10 local nonprofits during a check presentation Thursday. It was held at the home of Will and Susan Beglinger, whose downtown Coeur d'Alene garden was a destination on this year's tour.
"We thank you that we might honor you today, because you make a difference. You all make a difference,” tour chair Bonnie Warwick said to the recipients. "The Garden Club is very happy to share the profits of our recent tour. It was a beautiful success, as many of you know."
Each year, part of the proceeds go to North Idaho College's dual-enrollment scholarships.
“We feel grateful,” said Rayelle Anderson, executive director of the NIC Foundation.
"Bonnie Warwick and all of the members of the Garden Club have been investing in high school students pursuing dual-credit coursework for 20 years," she said. "They have been investing in student scholarships for years, but in particular they focus on the high school students. Prior to the state of Idaho making the decision to make dollars available for dual credit tuition, the Garden Club has been funding that for our regional students and making opportunities available.
"No pun intended, but the Garden Club truly has grown a legacy of support," she continued. "Look at all the charities that are being invested in today. By people from the Garden Club and all of those who open their homes and gardens, they are transforming lives.”
Warwick, who has chaired the event for 21 years, announced that she will not be directing the tour next year, although she is happy to mentor her successor.
"It’s mixed emotions," she said. "I’m sad that it’s ending, but as one door closes, another door opens. I’m sure there will be something to keep me off the streets."
Gardens are wanted for the 2019 tour. To nominate a garden or learn more, email cdagardenclub@gmail.com, visit www.cdagardenclub.com or call 208-664-0987.