Foundation steps up for SNR

COEUR d’ALENE — The Greater Coeur d’Alene Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Idaho Community Foundation, joined Specialized Needs Recreation at the organization’s annual Gems & Jeans event to celebrate two community partnerships that generated more than $18,500 for SNR’s Building Belonging Campaign and its new facility at Cherry Hill Park.

The support includes a $7,500 legacy gift from the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC) of the Inland Northwest and more than $11,000 raised through the Hayden Lake Country Club Ladies Member Guest Tournament. Together, the gifts advance SNR’s vision for a permanent home where people of all abilities can gather, learn, and connect.

CRC recently concluded more than three decades of service and worked with GCCF to identify an organization that could carry forward its commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Founded in 1988, CRC provided programs and training on conflict, mediation, and child development for the legal community and counselors in North Idaho.

“We applaud the decades of meaningful work the Conflict Resolution Center contributed to communities throughout the Inland Northwest,” said Heidi Rogers, adviser to GCCF and vice chair of the Idaho Community Foundation Board of Directors. “Specialized Needs Recreation stands out as an organization whose mission reflects many of the value’s CRC championed for years. We are honored to help ensure CRC’s legacy continues through the life-changing work SNR is doing every day.”

“Throughout its history, the Conflict Resolution Center worked to promote peace for families and an understanding of the nature and resolution of conflict,” said Anne Solomon, who served on CRC's board and currently serves as treasurer and board member of Art on the Green. “We wanted to invest in a mission that supports a special group of families in Coeur d’Alene. We see that spirit reflected in SNR’s commitment to fostering belonging, inclusion and connection.”

GCCF also partnered with the Hayden Lake Country Club Ladies Member Guest Tournament to collect gifts from tournament participants. The fundraiser reflected the tournament’s strong community spirit and the generosity of its committee, sponsors, volunteers and participants.

“One of the things that makes this tournament so special is the way our members rally around causes that strengthen our community,” said Brandie Chapman, chair of the Ladies Member Guest Tournament Committee. “We were honored to partner with the Greater Coeur d’Alene Community Foundation and support Specialized Needs Recreation. The enthusiasm and generosity of the women participating made this effort a tremendous success.”

“When people come together around a shared purpose, incredible things happen,” Rogers said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed through both of these partnerships and helped create opportunities for those served.

“When people come together around a shared purpose, incredible things happen,” Rogers said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed through both of these partnerships and helped create opportunities for those served by Specialized Needs Recreation.”

Founded in 1984, SNR provides recreational, educational and social opportunities that help individuals with disabilities build independence, life skills and relationships. Its Building Belonging Campaign will create a permanent home at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene.

“We are deeply grateful for these generous gifts and for every donor, golfer, volunteer and community partner who made them possible,” said Lindsay Patterson, SNR's executive director. “Building Belonging is about creating a community where everyone is welcomed, valued and connected. This support helps bring that vision to life and will have a lasting impact on the individuals and families we serve.”

How to Support the Work

To support local projects through the Greater Coeur d’Alene Community Foundation Project Fund, visit greatercoeurdalenecommunityfoundation.org or mail a check payable to the Idaho Community Foundation with “GCCF” in the memo line:

Idaho Community Foundation 250 S. Fifth St., Suite 450, Boise, ID 83702

To support Specialized Needs Recreation’s Building Belonging Campaign and the development of its new facility at Cherry Hill Park, visit snridaho.org/building-belonging/.