3Cs raise $75K for Kootenai County charities

COEUR d’ALENE — The 26th annual Cancer and Community Charities fashion show drew more than 300 attendees to The Coeur d’Alene Resort for a night of glitz, glamour and giving Thursday night.

Girls and women of all ages strutted their stuff on the runway, showing off ensembles from area boutiques. For the first time, a cadre of male models joined the ladies, dressed in summer fashions. 

Even as the models wowed the crowd, the evening’s focus was on fundraising. 

“What I really enjoy is seeing all the people who come out to the event, all those generous souls who make it out and really contribute to make 3Cs a really special charity,” Laura Chambers, fashion show co-chair, said Friday. “Seeing everyone just makes my heart sing.” 

Over the past six decades, the 3Cs have granted more than $2.6 million to Kootenai County nonprofits. Members work (and play) hard all year in order to raise the funds, which are distributed at an annual appreciation lunch.  

“We go through an in-depth review of every request that we receive in order to make sure they hit the criteria to receive a grant from us,” Chambers said. 

Chambers said the fashion show raised an estimated $75,000 for the 3Cs, though the final figure is yet to be determined, due to some last-minute donations. The event is the biggest that the 3Cs put on each year, bringing in about half of the funds they raise annually. 

This year, nearly 40 local nonprofits will benefit from the efforts of the 3Cs, among them Canopy Village, Family Promise of North Idaho, Northwest Infant Survival and SIDS Alliance, Safe Passage and Trinity Group Homes. 

“I couldn’t be happier,” Chambers said. “At the end of the day, we’re able to donate to all these charities.” 

Info: 3cscda.com

    Mrs. Idaho American 2025 Meaghan Sheets and Miss Idaho USA Kaitlyn Widmyer made a special appearance at the 3Cs fashion show.
  

    Models showed off looks from area boutiques Thursday night.