DEC NIBJ: Giving back: Region's companies invest in community
"I respect generosity in people, and I respect it in companies too," Paul Newman once said. "I don't look at it as philanthropy; I see it as an investment in the community."
The legendary actor is as renowned for such films as “The Hustler,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “The Sting,” as he is for founding the Newman's Own food company. Founded in 1982, the food brand has given away more than $600 million since it was launched by Newman more than 40 years ago.
Newman's Own Foundation supports more than 7,600 charities and provides about $30 million a year, focusing on children in need, veterans, nutrition and empowerment initiatives.
Also launched by Newman: the Scott Newman Foundation, created in 1980 to combat substance abuse; the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (which later evolved into the global SeriousFun Children's Network) that helps seriously ill children through free camps in more than 30 countries.
Like Newman, North Idaho's businesses are connected to the community, working to help neighbors, community members and friends.
"When businesses support nonprofit organizations financially and with volunteerism, the ripple effect is substantial," said Rachel Peterson, executive director of United Way of North Idaho, a nonprofit that works in collaboration with other nonprofits and local partners to improve multiple aspects of community members' lives — education, finance, health and more — with a special focus on those in the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
From sponsoring local events and fundraisers to donating to local youth and school groups, the region's businesses not only donate financially, but their employees and owners also volunteer for local charities, coach local sports teams and sit on the boards of the region's nonprofits.
Like Winter Ridge Market, they have a personal connection to local nonprofits and feel a deep pride in being able to help those in need in the region.
"It’s at the heartbeat of the store,” Vanessa Stanley, grocery manager at Winter Ridge, said. “We are able to do our jobs because of the community, so we get to do our jobs that then gives back to the community.”
Like Winter Ridge, Mountain Madness Soap Co. is determined to make a difference — one bar of soap at a time. Like the famous sock company Bombas, which famously gives away one pair of socks for every pair purchased, Mountain Madness donates a bar of soap for each bar sold to those in need of hygiene products by working with such organizations as St. Vincent de Paul and Safe Passage in Kootenai County.
There are groups like the Community Resource EnVision Center that combine fun and fundraising through its weeklong Festival of Trees events, which include a free family day and gingerbread contest as well as the gala fundraiser and auction of breathtaking trees — all aimed at helping the community's nonprofits.
The cynics of the world may say helping others is good business. The region's businesses have a different outlook. Their philanthropic efforts are simply the right thing to do. Helping friends and neighbors is the North Idaho way.
"When we think of philanthropy, we think of donating money to an organization," Peterson said. "Monetary donations are essential; nonprofits rely on financial support to keep their doors open. But philanthropy can be so much more than this. When businesses look at what they specialize in and ask, 'How can we use this skill to help our neighbors in need?' that is when the magic happens."
Caroline Lobsinger
NIBJ Editor