Small fundraiser makes big impact

We read about and attend some pretty spectacular charity fundraisers in our communities throughout the year, where money raised hits six figures. What we don’t hear so much about are the many more modest events that also bring in funding to local, lesser-known nonprofits.

Bert and I were invited to participate as guest bartenders at American Legion Post 143 on Saturday. We had a one-hour shift, before handing it off to the next guest bartender until 8 p.m. We were all volunteers with all tips dedicated to Faithful Friends, a Coeur d’Alene-based nonprofit. The organization rehabilitates rescued dogs which then become part of Idaho Correctional Institute Orofino’s prisoner dog obedience training. Dogs with the potential to be of service undergo additional training to become emotional support or therapy dogs, often to veterans.

The last guest bartender of the evening was a big hit with the crowd for sure. At 7 feet tall, it’s hard to miss Robert Sacre in the crowd. But for those who are long-time fans of Gonzaga basketball, he’s a familiar face. Turns out he’s a really exceptional human, too. After Gonzaga, Rob was selected in the NBA draft by the L.A. Lakers, where he played for four years. On Saturday, he tended bar and generously posed for photos with everyone, including yours truly. A sweet guy who’s now married and the father of three.

But the winner of the evening was Faithful Friends, with over $3,000 in tips raised. Kudos to Elizabeth Glidden, Angie and David Hatch and Keith Sims for being the driving forces behind the event and to Post 143 members for their generous tips.

Learn more about Faithful Friends by calling Geraldine Schneider at 208-704-1141.

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If you’re reading this, you’re obviously a newspaper reader, so you know there’s an election coming up Nov. 5. That gives you about six weeks to look at the issues and candidates for a variety of positions in your community, state and country. Try to drown out the noise and look beyond sensational headlines and social media memes in your research.

Every election, large or small, is important. Your vote counts this year and always. If you’re not registered, now’s the time to do it!
voteidaho.gov

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I love that Summer is thumbing her pretty little suntanned nose at Fall with our temperatures in the 80s this week!

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Happy birthday today to James Hagman, Linda Riley, Susan Evans, Beck Jacobsen, Brenda Watkins, Gladys Sullivan, Michael McGee (40!), Ronald Schlepp, Rebecca Greer, Marcia Hughes, Cheryl Snyder, Cate Kuhlmann, Teri Oliver and Charlie Taranto. Tomorrow, Darci Allert, Hannah Riorden, John Oaks, Lisa McElwain (60!), Teresa Hooker and Dan Tesutov do the birthday dance. On Friday, beautiful golden girl Ruth McDermid (96!) shares a birthday with Cindy Lash, Delraya Anstine, Kaley Fowler, Julie DeGon, Robert Hoyt and Paul Landers. Saturday celebrations for Linda Snider, Kayla Troxell, Kylie Solberg, Meg Elyard, Natalie Loval, Ken Cook, Wayne Riddle and Bryan Czarapata. On Sunday, our oldest grandson Matt Snider, A’mya Ohlig (21!), John Holley, Gina Myers, Peg Mettalia, Phil Corliss, Greg Youngman, Jim Rosenlund, Shellie Mundy and Marilyn Griffitts blow out the candles. On the last day of September, our youngest daughter, Sarah Polk, shares the date with Steve Griffitts, Chickie Albright, Debra Raymer, Don Schmitt, Jeff Baltzell, Wilma Mort, Dan Grimmett, Valerie Mesenbrink, Brett Hollenbeck, Ann Siebert and Donna Cooper. First day of October birthdays for Casey Irgens, Jill Gardner and Kathi Southland.

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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email thoreson.kerri@gmail.com.