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FAST FIVE: Melissa Quinn puts the 'fun' in fundraising

by DEVIN WEEKS/CoeurVoice Contributor
| March 6, 2021 1:00 AM

Meet Melissa Quinn, a Coeur d'Alene native, Gonzaga graduate and now the event coordinator for Idaho Youth Ranch - North Idaho.

Generation: I'm definitely on the tail-end of the Gen Xers. The so-called "MTV generation." I grew up with grunge and without a computer or a cell phone.

Career and community involvement: I was a public health nurse for six years before moving back to Coeur d'Alene in 2013. I joined Kootenai Health as a project manager, trainer and analyst for the outpatient electronic health record (EHR) system. At the same time, I started volunteering with the Idaho Youth Ranch and eventually I had the opportunity to join the team. Returning to my hometown, it was important for me to get back into the community. I joined the board for the EXCEL Foundation in 2018, which provides grants to teachers for innovative classroom projects in the Coeur d'Alene schools. I am also on the board for the Kootenai Medical Alliance, an organization that supports health care families and allows us to work together to give back and promote health-related community outreach.

Parental status: My husband and I have three amazing kiddos ages 6, 8 and 9. So depending on which night of the week it is, I am most likely driving one of them back or forth to school, soccer, basketball, ballet, etc.

1. Why and when did you begin your work with Idaho Youth Ranch?

Shortly after my husband and I moved back to Coeur d'Alene, someone talked me into joining them at a fundraiser called Wine, Women and Shoes. I went not knowing who the beneficiary was, but it sounded like fun. By the end of the evening I knew I wanted to learn more about the Idaho Youth Ranch and it was such a fun event that I joined the volunteer committee. I was still working as a nurse, so I co-chaired the event as a volunteer for three years. Eventually I realized that I loved the event planning piece and my hobby became my new career.

2. What are a few of the most fulfilling parts of your job, and/or a few proudest moments?

The most fulfilling part is every week hearing from our therapy team about the challenges our clients and families are overcoming and knowing that the event I help organize helps to connect our amazing community of donors and sponsors to make these much-needed services possible in North Idaho. My proudest moment so far was during our 2017 event. We invited a young client to share her story with our attendees. Her story resonated with a guest in the audience that night - so much so that her daughter started services with our team the next morning!

3. What should our community know about the good work that goes on at Idaho Youth Ranch?

Many people recognize the Anchor House on Government Way, but they don’t know what we do inside. The Idaho Youth Ranch has an amazing team that not only provides outpatient trauma-informed care for youth and their families, but also provides equine therapy and adoption services. Our adoption team can arrange placements for infants and foster children, but they also conduct home studies for local families who may be adopting elsewhere.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

As a family we try to explore at least one new national park each year. It has taken us to some interesting places that we never would have visited otherwise. Our goal is to hit all 63. I am also a diehard Gonzaga fan!

5. If you could accomplish anything in the next year and money was no object, what would it be and why?

If I could accomplish anything this year it would be to enable everyone to gather safely this summer without the weight of COVID on their minds. I would have our annual Wine, Women and Shoes event this summer and all our loyal ladies would be able to enjoy some wine and fashion while uniting to support our programs that help give hope to Idaho's youth and families.