FAST FIVE: Happy Halloween birthday, RaeAnne Capaul!
Meet RaeAnne Capaul, a driven, ambitious person who has been accused of being the “Homework Police” to her 12-year-old son. As a single mom, she takes that as a compliment! She is blessed with a huge family, both natural and adopted, that join in with her love for the river and golfing. Her family and career are her passions and she takes great pride in the titles of "Mom, sister, daughter, Auntie Rae/Deedee, friend and assistant." She loves cheering on the Green Bay Packers with her son Kyler, since most of the family aren’t fans!
Generation:
I believe I am more of a Generation X, even though I was born in 1983, making me a millennial. I don’t feel like I have the expertise of technology like most millennials do, although I don’t miss the famous dial-up tone for the internet. I do miss dragging the cord to the phone into my room to talk to my friends.
Career and community involvement: I am the administrative secretary and lead worker for the Administrative Department of the Kootenai County Assessor’s Office. I have had the pleasure of working for the county for almost 10 years. I am grateful to also be a board member and lead for the Annual Golf Classic for Matt’s Place Foundation. This foundation assists patients with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) by providing resources, technology and assistance to families affected by this horrific disease.
Parental status: Proud single mom of an intelligent independent son.
1. What's it like to be born on Halloween, and what is the best costume you've ever worn on this day?
As a kid, I was not at all a fan of having my birthday on Halloween because I never got to have my birthday party on my actual birthday as everyone was out trick-or-treating. As an adult it became more fun to get dressed up and attend different Halloween functions each year. My favorite costume was definitely when we went to Las Vegas for my 30th birthday. Myself and 19 of my friends dressed up as flappers and gangsters from the '20s.
2. What are some of your favorite seasonal traditions this time of year?
I am very much a family-oriented person and am so fortunate to have a very large family, most of which resides here in Coeur d’Alene. Every year, almost all of us (35 to 40 people) gather and enjoy a very thankful Thanksgiving turkey dinner. On Christmas Eve we also have a tradition of having an “Appetizer Dinner” and all of the kids get to open gifts.
3. Why are you such a strong supporter of Matt's Place Foundation?
In 2009, we lost my beautiful Aunt Debbie to ALS. At that time, there was not much information about the disease or how much it costs to treat a PAL (patient with ALS). Luckily, having such a large family, we were able to stand strong and support my aunt and her family as she battled this horrific disease for three years. I never want to see a family struggle to make it, not only emotionally but also financially. I was blessed to meet Matt and Theresa in 2015 and heard about their foundation and their mission to help ALS patients and their families, building ramps or contributing to remodels so the PALS could stay in their homes even when they become wheelchair bound. I knew that I could make my aunt proud by joining this amazing group and their mission. More recently, on Dec. 12, 2016, my mom’s best friend (my MAMA No. 2) was diagnosed. This time, however, I had the resources and knowledge of what this disease was and how we could get her the best care and assistance possible. Although we lost her in April of 2019, Kathy and her family were able to comfortably, with the assistance of Matt’s Place Foundation, make many memories together.
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a strong independent woman who can get anything done most of the time but very few know that I am a softie when it comes to a sappy Hallmark movie.
5. If you could have your birthday wish come true, what would it be and why?
To find a cure for ALS, because no one should have to live a life with this disease or watch a family member battle it.
