WGA annual banquet Thursday
The Women's Gift Alliance presents $25,000 to the Literacy Project of North Idaho earlier this year. From left, Laura Umthun, Joan Rock and Joan Woodard, all with WGA, Cat Gilmore, Literacy Project of North Idaho founder, Holly Edwards, Literacy Project, Maria Angel and Sam Gilmore.
BILL BULEY/Press
COEUR d'ALENE — The Women's Gift Alliance annual dinner is scheduled 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hagadone Event Center.
Erin Jones, author of the best-seller "Bridges to Heal Us: Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing," will be the keynote speaker.
In its 19 years, WGA has presented more than $1.5 million to local nonprofits. Earlier this year, it gave $85,000 to five nonprofits during its annual grant presentation.
WGA is a nonprofit, affiliated with the Idaho Community Foundation. Of yearly membership donations, half are pooled and distributed via grants while the remaining half is divided between individually designated gifts and the WGA endowment fund.
Jody Harris, WGA president, said nearly 200 people attended last year's fall dinner and they're hoping for just as many this year.
She said members agree to donated $1,050 annually. Individually that might not go that far, but together, it has a big impact, Harris said.
"Our organization is based on collective philanthropy," she said. "The more members we have, the more we can donate."
Event sponsors include the Hagadone Corp., Bank of America and Rita Case.
Tickets are $90.
Info: www.womensgiftalliance.org