‘Idaho Gives’ to local nonprofits

COEUR d’ALENE — Community members and volunteers gathered Monday to show support for North Idaho’s nonprofits.

Idaho Gives is a statewide giving event that supports more than 650 local nonprofit organizations across the Gem State. Last year, the event raised $3.8 million from nearly 13,000 donors. The fundraising campaign will run through Thursday.

“Idaho runs on nonprofits,” said organizer Dr. Sarah Lynch, quoting a saying coined by the Idaho Nonprofit Center. “We run on the generous support of our community.”

In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Gives kicked off with a community barbecue at the Human Rights Education Institute in downtown Coeur d’Alene, where members of the public learned about the participating nonprofits.

The city of Coeur d’Alene proclaimed this week Idaho Gives Week.

“I encourage all residents to continue to recognize and support the many nonprofit organizations in our community,” Coeur d’Alene Mayor Jim Hammond said in the proclamation.

Lynch said she’s grateful to have the support of local elected leaders, as well as the community.

“I’ve been blown away by the nonprofit community here in North Idaho and the amazing work they’re doing,” she said.

Volunteers from Companions Animal Center brought some special guests: Ezra and Boaz, pooches who were recently surrendered to the shelter after their owner entered a memory care facility.

The dogs, estimated to be between 3 and 5 years old, politely greeted the community members and volunteers in attendance. They’re inseparable and must be adopted together.

“This is the first bonded pair of dogs I’ve ever seen,” said volunteer event coordinator Anita Parisot. “They’re very well-behaved boys. They’re super sweet.”

Those interested in adopting Ezra and Boaz can contact Companions Animal Center.

Also among the nonprofits in attendance was Family Promise of North Idaho, which helps low-income families and families experiencing homeless achieve sustainable independence.

“We help homeless families get back on their feet,” said volunteer Cheryl Hinchliff.

Each year, Family Promise of North Idaho serves 18 families on average. About half the people served by the nonprofit are children under 6 years old. Families go through a 90-day program, which includes case management, as well as life skills, parenting and financial literacy classes.

About 80% of families who complete a Family Promise program secure permanent or transitional housing.

“We couldn’t be here without the tremendous support of so many people,” said executive director Cindy Wood. “There’s still more work to be done and we’d love to bring more people into the fold to help end homelessness.”

Marrion Newsam Banks represented the Idaho Forest Association, a membership nonprofit focused on educating private forest landowners and the public about forest management.

“Our purpose is to make sure people understand what good forestry looks like and why it’s important, so hopefully they’ll make good decisions for their own piece of paradise,” Banks said.

Info: www.idahogives.org

    Ezra and Boaz are a bonded pair awaiting adoption at Companions Animal Center.