Newly crowned Mrs. Idaho uses platform to give back
Mrs. Idaho 2021 Griffen Turnbull holds a few of the sleeping bags collected for Heritage Health for the homeless. Giving back to the community inspires her.
ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT/Press
Mrs. Idaho 2021, Griffen Turnbull, adjusts her sash. "It's just so crazy," she said about wearing the crown. "It feels good."
COEUR d’ALENE — Meeting Griffen Turnbull, the newly crowned Mrs. Idaho, you might assume she's always been a pageant girl.
You'd assume wrong.
“I’ve been a tomboy my whole life,” said Turnbull, 34. “I just learned how to do makeup this past year.”
Born and raised in Hayden, Turnbull was chosen from 18 finalists representing the state of Idaho.
It's not all about physical beauty. The focus of the Mrs. Idaho pageant is philanthropy. Turnbull was drawn into competing because of the platforms she supports. And she clearly has a huge heart for people.
“It’s really the work you do on your own,” she said. “I like working hard with my community.”
The mother of a 3-year-old daughter, Joey, Turnbull is passionate about helping children.
“She says her mommy’s a princess,” Turnbull said.
As a board member for Children’s Village in Coeur d’Alene, Turnbull is a chairperson for their biggest annual fundraiser, taking place July 15. Helping with one charity, however, isn't enough.
Unloading a car full of new sleeping bags, Turnbull explained that they'll be going to Heritage Health to distribute to the homeless.
Getting educated on the homeless crisis in our community is imperative, she said, calling the issue "urgent."
“I just want people to understand that even in a tourist town there is a whole other side," she said. "I think my goal is to help open people’s eyes to that.”
Turnbull owns a home goods store in downtown Coeur d’Alene, and even that has become a hub for volunteer activity.
Collecting new and barely used cosmetic and hygiene items, Project Beauty Share distributes them to women affected by abuse, poverty, homelessness and addiction.
Turnbull has partnered with the organization for the past seven years.
Readers wishing to donate can bring items to White Brick Interiors, 311 E. Coeur d’Alene Ave.
“I love giving back to the community,” Turnbull said. “I make it a point to give back.”
The next step for Turnbull is to step onto the national stage this November in Las Vegas, where Turnbull will attend with her husband during the weeklong event.
Her goal is to become Mrs. America 2021.
Info: Projectbeautyshare.org thewhitebrick.com idahoamericapageant.com
