3Cs to award $115K in grants this summer
The 3Cs will give away $115,000 in grants to community organizations in August. The appropriations committee made the announcement Monday. Front row, from left: Suzi Wong, Linda Pedersen, Judy Gardner and Ann Dare. Back row, from left: Lisa Thomas, Peggy Manko, Giannine O'Connor and Mary Ann Herston.
DEVIN WEEKS/Press
Members of the Cancer and Community Charities nonprofit announced Monday they will award $115,000 in grants to community organizations during the annual 3Cs Appreciation Lunch in August.
The 3Cs Appropriations Committee spent half the day going through 32 applications and deciding how to allocate the funds.
"Our favorite time of the year is when we can give money away," committee member Giannine O'Connor said.
"We work hard all year," President Judy Gardner said. "We learn a lot from all of the other nonprofits that we interview."
She said the grant requests bring attention to community concerns.
"Some of it's really scary, when you think what's happening to our kids and how many people can't read or write," Gardner said.
Including the funds that will be awarded Aug. 15 at the Appreciation Lunch, the 3Cs will have given nearly $3 million to support different nonprofits throughout Kootenai County.
Past recipients include Hospice of North Idaho, the Alzheimer's Association, Canopy Village, the Kootenai Health Foundation, Family Promise of North Idaho and Trinity Group Homes.
"This has just been a fantastic group of women that get out," Gardner said.
While they "pay to play," Gardner said, 3Cs members deeply care about others.
"They're very giving," she said. "We've been around for a long time, and we just continue to support the community.
The Cancer Crusaders Bowling League, that formed in 1962, blossomed into the 3Cs nonprofit, which includes activity groups such as the book club, bridge league, Twisted Stichers crafting group and more. Members pay $25 in annual dues and also give through their activity groups.
The Appreciation Lunch will be at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn. Tickets are $30. Contact Gardner at 208-664-4604 for details.