Newsletter Fall 2011

In This Issue: Mark your Calendars............................................................................................................1 Membership Renewal Notices .............................................................................................1 2011 Annual Meeting ..........................................................................................................2 Celebrating a Half Million Dollars of Pooled Grant Making ..............................................4 Grant Recipient Appreciation ..............................................................................................5 Receiving and Giving Back .................................................................................................7 Capacity Building for Local Nonprofits in the Wood River Valley ...................................9 ICF Regional Luncheon Keynote: John Michael Schert, Trey McIntyre Project.............9 Summer Social Event .........................................................................................................10 New Members ....................................................................................................................12 WRWCF Purpose and Mission: .........................................................................................12

Mark your Calendars for Future Events

Thursday, December 29, 2011 5:00 to 7:00 pm casual holiday gathering for members and their special guests hosted by Barbara Thrasher and the WRWCF Board. At the home of Barbara Thrasher & Rick Koffey. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 (tentative date) Educational Winter Forum at The Valley Club from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. It will be an exciting retrospective to celebrate our reaching over $500,000 in pooled grant giving to nonprofits in Blaine County. Details to follow. Morley Golden of WOW and the Wood River Foundation recently hosted an instructive seminar on principles of philanthropy for local nonprofits and foundations. The keynote speaker, Leanne Kaiser Carlson, provided enlightening insights on capacity building, the implementation of collaborative efforts among nonprofits and constructive involvement of donors. She has been invited to return the week of January 9th to extend and elaborate on her presentation. WRWCF members are welcome to attend this rare and informative opportunity. Invitations will be sent shortly after Thanksgiving. For further information, please visit www.wow-projects.org .

Membership Renewals
2012 Membership Notices with cover letter from President Barbara Thrasher have been sent. Renew your membership in the WRWCF so that we can continue our unique grant-making, enhancing the lives of Wood River Valley residents.

Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation Annual Meeting August 9, 2011 - The Valley Club
By Debby Law

Welcome
President Barbara Thrasher cordially welcomed members and guests to the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation Annual Meeting held at The Valley Club on August 9, 2011. She introduced the current Board members, all of whom stood to be recognized. Following are her remarks, well worth reading and contemplating. They clearly articulate why our members are passionate about and committed to the work of this organization.

accomplishment for a small town in Idaho. I think that was just a little miracle. Since then, 38 agencies have received our funding. In a state where the average grant is $3000, and hard to find, we are a beacon of hope. Our grants average over $10,000. Thats just part of where we were then. There are many stories, many little miracles. And this is where we are today: We are: 130 women making a difference. We are from all walks of life, all over the country, with one heart and one mission. We know that we are so lucky to live parttime, full-time and sometime in Idaho. We know that this is the last great place we will ever live. We dream of leaving a place that our children and grandchildren will return to. We know that our neighbors around us are the reason we are so lucky. And we care deeply about them. We started in 2005 - we didnt need 2008 to remind us that people in our lives need help. We refuse to accept the status quo. We know that we can strive for an Idaho that has children without pain, elderly without fear, relationships without violence and a place to turn when there seems to be no hope left. We know change is possible. We believe in change and we invest in it. We know that when you are compassionate and giving it causes others to do the same. Now six years later, we are here to celebrate $500,000 of grants invested back into our community. Dr. Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation said: The single most important thing we can do is unleash

Barbaras Address to the Annual Meeting:

I thought I would tell you about where we have been, who we are and where we are today. And I cant talk about this without saying that I am talking about little miracles. So where we have been: Six years ago we were like a newly planted aspen tree. The aspen tree spreads through a root system that eventually sends up new trees all around the original. Thats our model. Thats our logo. Here in Sun Valley aspen has a whole other meaning! Plant one and many will follow. Jo Murray and I decided that the model of pooled giving that was begun by Colleen Willoughby in Seattle could work here in this valley. Indeed, it had worked already in Boise and Coeur dAlene. One cup of tea with a group of friends became a commitment. A commitment to philanthropy that was educated and compassionate. And that first year we funded three 501c3s. One was the Bellevue Childrens Library renovation. A library that probably would have closed became the proud symbol of

the full power of half the people on the planet women. Thank you for coming. Thank you for being a part of something that makes a difference. I would now like to introduce Kathie Levison, our Governance Committee Chair.

Treasurers Report

Board Election Vote

Joanne Wetherell, Treasurer & Elly Davis, ICF

Kathie Levison, Governance, & Carol Scheifele-Holmes, Publicity

Joanne summarized the annual renewal and funding process that the WRWCF follows with extensive support from the Idaho Community Foundation. Pooled membership funds received each year are held for a 6-month seasoning period by the ICF and are distributed through our single annual grants cycle in August. We accept memberships throughout the year. Note, however, that pooled membership dues must be received by midJanuary to qualify for distribution in August of that year; otherwise, the funds will be carried over to the following annual grant cycle. The ICF distributes member-designated funds after the 6-month seasoning period following the quarter during which those funds were received. This procedure is detailed on our website under FAQs at www.wrwcf.org and on the membership renewal form sent recently. Joanne turned the program over to Charlotte Unger and Jan DeBard, Grant co-chairs.

Kathie emphasized the important function that Board members play in leading the WRWCF and, in particular, offered that those standing for reelection have played significant roles in advancing the mission of our organization. She moved that the following Board members be elected for a third 2-year term: Barbara Thrasher, Marcia Liebich, Joanne Wetherell, Debby Law, Gale Elkins and Gayle Stevenson. Motion seconded and passed. Kathie then urged any member or an acquaintance of a member who might be interested in serving on the Board to let her or another Board member know. When we have openings, it is helpful to have a list of those interested in serving; participating on the Board is rewarding in many ways. Kathie then introduced Joanne Wetherell, our Treasurer.

Grants Committee Presentation of 2010/11 Grantees

Grants Committee Co-Chair Charlotte Unger conducted the Grant presentation portion of the meeting. At the close of the meeting, a sign-up board was passed to

encourage members to volunteer for the Grants Committee (site sub-committees), Events Committee and Newsletter production. For a summary of their celebratory remarks on reaching our half-million-dollar mark in pooled donations to our community, please see the article below entitled The Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation Celebrates its Half Million Dollars of Pooled Grant Giving.

For details of Grant recipient presentations of projects and appreciation, please see article entitled 2011 Grant Recipients Thank the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation For more information on the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation and membership applications please visit www.wrwcf.org.

The Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation Celebrates its Half Million Dollars of Grant Giving within Blaine County
At its 2011 Annual Meeting in August, the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation granted a total of $94,000 to seven local organizations and celebrated its half million dollar pooled giving achievement. By Krista Detwiler and Debby Law The Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation President, Barbara Thrasher, welcomed members and guests to its Annual Meeting. She recounted the vision for the foundations beginnings in 2005 with 27 women, and its growth to our current 125plus members. I cant talk about this group without saying that we cause little miracles in this valley she marveled. Things happen because of this group, and we refuse to accept the status quo. The average donation through similar organizations is $3,000, she continued; I am proud to say that we are a beacon of hope as we give an average grant of $10,000 to each organization we choose.
Charlotte Unger & Jan DeBard, Grants Committee Co-Chairs

Following the business meeting, the program was turned over to Grants Committee Co-Chair Charlotte Unger and Jan DeBard. Charlotte reflected on the depth of the foundations contribution to our community. Including this years pooled grant total of $94,000, the WRWCF celebrates the milestone of giving over half of a million dollars to the Wood River community since its inception in 2005.

Noting the scope of the Foundations giving within Blaine County, Unger said, The half million dollar mark does not even include the member-designated donations given over the past six years. If we included those figures, we have donated just under threequarters of a million dollars to the Wood River Valley community. Smiles and applause filled the room. At the meeting, WRWCF members and guests honored the work of two past grantees and applauded the awarding of seven new grants to deserving local organizations, selected by membership vote from eleven finalists following a rigorous vetting process. This years total grant amount of $94,000 was distributed among the following Blaine County non-profits: The Hunger Coalition, The Senior Connection, The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, The Blaine County Education Foundation, Wood River Fire & Rescue and the Wood River Community Orchestra. In addition, a group of eight members of the WRWCF privately funded the requested

grant to help support a group of Carey High School Students to attend the 2012 Envirothon, a state-wide environmental education competition held in Boise. Another two members contributed the $2500 request to help fund the competition in 2013. A representative from each grant recipient organization had a chance to address Foundation members to express appreciation and comment upon the changes its grant would generate within each organization. Naomi Spence of The Hunger Coalition and Erin Pfaeffle of St. Lukes Center for Community Health reported on the positive changes implemented by their organizations as a result of the 2010 grants. Barbara closed the meeting with a quote from Margaret Meade with, Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is only thing that ever has. For a synopsis of the Grants presentations, please see the following article entitled 2010/11 Grant Recipients Thank the WRWCF.

Grant Recipients Thank the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation

By Krista Detwiler, intern with Jo Murray, summer, 2011 Nine grant recipients, two from 2010 and seven from this year, spoke at the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundations 2011 Annual Meeting held on August 9th at The Valley Club. Here are highlights of their talks: Prior to the grants presentation, members and guests heard from Naomi Spence, a representative from The Hunger Coalitions Mobile Food Bank program. Spence told the story of a young girl and her mother who gained confidence and learned the power of giving back through being both clients and volunteers at the Mobile Meals Program. The 13-year-old girl asked Spence if she could help one day, and Spence willingly gave her a task to help clients collect their meals more quickly. The girls mother waited quietly in the background for her daughter to finish her volunteer duties. After a few months, Spence asked the mother to help as well. Though initially hesitant, the mother joined in the volunteer effort and transformed herself from a quiet woman who never made eye contact to one of confidence, eager to improve her English and help others. Spence spoke of the power of being on the other side of the table. She told of the moment when the

mother proudly reported that she no longer needed the Mobile Meals services, but of course was still going to volunteer. This program has provided 140,000 meals to the hungry in the Wood River Valley during the past year. Erin Pfaeffle from St. Lukes Center for Community Health, also a 2010 grant recipient, reported that with last years $5,000 grant for mental health programs, St. Lukes was able to improve 20 locals lives through offering them each six to eight sessions of therapy for mental health. She read a few participants quotes from a feedback survey on the program including, I dont know how my son would have coped without it. This program was a godsend. A representative from each of this years recipient organizations discussed how the current grants would be used.

its $5,000 contribution to the can do fund, which goes toward financing small needs of students in the Wood River Valley such as activity cards or athletic health insurance. Burchmore told the story of an at-risk middle school girl whose sports uniform was purchased with the can do fund to keep her involved in the sport she loved. A Wood River High School student also received help from the can do fund for the cost of enrolling in dual credit high school classes to put toward a college degree. She is the first in her family to attend college. Its the small things and expenses that sometimes make all the difference in a students educational experience, Burchmore said. Jeanne Liston, executive director of The Hunger Coalition, gave special thanks to the WRWCF for its support over the past four years, and for the second year of funding $25,000 for the Mobile Food Bank program. Liston commented on the increasing need for The Hunger Coalitions services within the community and the heightening levels of desperation. She spoke of the new hungry, who are professional, educated and capable people who defy the stereotype of those in need and who feel embarrassed and disgraced to have to ask for food. Josie Evans-Graham from the Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwests Boise office described the new Cuidate, or take care of yourself, program and thanked WRWCF members for their continued support and grant of $16,573. Cuidate provides sexual health education to prevent unplanned pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted disease. This pilot program was a success, and Planned Parenthood plans to continue, improve and expand the program throughout Idaho and the Northwest. Kimberly Coonis, executive director of Senior Connection, spoke about the Meals on Wheels program. Coonis said the program is, more than a meal because its a friendly faces walking through the door.

Grant Recipients 2011 First to speak was Tricia Swartling from The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence. The 2011 grant of $20,000 will be used for a new program to educate men and boys on how they can be involved in preventing and changing violence. This program is an excellent way to engage the entire community, and to hopefully stop violence at the root rather than solely dealing with the after-effects, said Swartling. Mike Burchmore of the Blaine County Education Foundation thanked the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation for

The most rewarding part of the Meals on Wheels program, Coonis said, is the stories our volunteers bring back and the outreach they provide. She told the story of an elderly woman found sitting in the dark because she wasnt able to change her light bulb. Without the Meals on Wheels program, who knows how long she would have continued sitting in the dark? Coonis asked. She thanked the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation for keeping the program alive through the $7,500 grant and private donations from our members who very generously came forward to help. Wood River Fire & Rescue representatives Brian Tuohy and Bart Lassman spoke of the new training opportunities provided by the grant of $9,288 for the purchase of a smart board. This enables the rescue teams to simulate difficult or complicated situations, otherwise too expensive or complex to offer, to train staff in multiple locations and keep them current on best techniques. It also promotes consistency of response by EMTs. Lassman said, Its a great tool that will play a vital role in the type of service for this community. Tuohy repeated the groups thanks to the WRWCF for its 2006 grant that funded a mechanical ventilator. (See Jo Murrays letter to editor reprinted from July 29th Idaho Mountain Express.)

Brian Tuohy Andrew Lewis, music director of the Wood River Community Orchestra said it was, thrilling, humbling and invigorating to be a grant recipient. He said that he appreciated the fact that the orchestra was considered. Most grants keep people alive, and we are not a basic necessity. But, if you are alive, music is a part of that which makes life worth living. Lewis reported that the grant funds of $9,000 would be put to work immediately that evening when orchestra members were to take lessons from members of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. The orchestra has performed for many local organizations including St. Thomas Church and Blaine Manor.

Members of the WR Community Orchestra

Funds held over for the 2011 grant cycle $1,639.

Receiving and Giving Back

By Jo Murray (Edited to reflect changes as of September, 2011) When I helped start the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation, which, on August 9th, will pass the half million dollar mark in total gifts to charity in Blaine County, our goal was to help those less fortunate than us. The lesson for me has been that whatever we do, we are only paying back those who have made our lives and successes possible.

My example is personal. I was skiing on Baldy in 1998 and fell and hit a tree. I had multiple injuries, including significant lung damage. The first reports to my family were that I might not survive and that if I did, I might have permanent brain damage. (Fortunately, I have had no lasting effects.) The doctors here said I needed to get to a lower altitude and an intensive care unit as soon as possible. Air evacuation was impossible because a snowstorm had closed the airports. The weather was so bad that the highways were closed, too. Nevertheless, the consensus was that I might die if I stayed here. So the paramedics set out with me in a snowstorm. I have no memory of the trip, although I knew I had been on a respirator. In 2007, our foundations second year of grant-making, we got an application from Wood River Fire & Rescue for mechanical ventilators for their ambulances. At the time, paramedic operated hand-pumped respirators to keep patients with difficulty breathing alive on trips to Boise hospitals. The trips typically are hours longer than usual because of weather conditions, as critical patients are evacuated by air if the airports are open. I realized for the first time that I had been one of those patients on hand-pumped respirators. When the grant was approved, I asked my fellow board members if I could present that one myself. I know there are other similar stories from other memberssome public and some that will remain private. It was a reminder to me that when we are in a position to help others, we need to do so. And everyones help matters.

How much does it matter? I used to write editorials for a newspaper. I went to a seminar where the question was posed as to whether a single editorial ever makes a real difference in the world. The answer was rarely. But the speaker went on to say that every editorial is like a drop of water in a river that turns sharp boulders into smooth pebbles. You can never say which drop of water makes the difference. Every single one plays a role. I think our womens group is like that. Now that we have 100-plus members, I like to think of us as a wave instead of a drop of water. Its wonderful to be a part of that wave. For those who are not familiar with our foundation, each member donates $1,000 a year plus $75 for administrative expenses. Of the $1,000 donation, each member has the option to put the entire amount into the pooled fund from which we provide grants to local charities. Alternatively, she may choose to split her donation; the selfdirected $500 can go to one (at $500) or two (at $250 each) tax-exempt organization(s) within the United States. Each member has one ballot vote in choosing the pooled grant recipients. If you are interested in learning more about our wave, please visit our website at www.wrwcf.org <http://www.wrwcf.org> or contact Gayle Stevenson at gayle@wrwcf.org or other members of the WRWCF Board. Jo Murray was a founding member and first president of the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation

Capacity Building for Nonprofits in the Wood River Valley

By Marcia Liebich Capacity building refers to strengthening the skills, competencies and abilities of organizations to guide their internal development and activities to improve their services to our communities. John Smith, The Giving Practice I have just returned from the Philanthropy NW Conference in Missoula. Four of the sessions concentrated on what communities are doing to help build civic capacity. The theme of the conference was Barnraising, a reminder that people used to join together to help a neighbor. Building a barn was crucial to the survival of animals in the harsh winters. Today, in our difficult economic environment, that same spirit is needed. Thanks to two anonymous donations for the purpose of building capacity for our nonprofits, we are attempting a bit of our own Barnraising. We offered ten $100 scholarships to enable board or staff to attend the Idaho Nonprofit Centers September Conference in Boise and all ten were used. We have encouraged CSI to begin to offer classes on nonprofit management. The first will be a class on fundraising taught by Renata Beguin-Buchli. The class costs $150.00 for four sessions. (October 25 & 27 and November 1 & 3). We are offering a $75.00 scholarship to the first ten people who apply to us. All scholarships are spoken for. We are optimistic that this is only the first of many courses. The WRWCF is sponsoring a nonprofit corner in Jigsaws newsletter. You can subscribe at www.jigsaw.org if you are interested. It is free. We hope it will encourage more interaction between the business and nonprofit communities. Bob Mobley, a leadership coach who works internationally, has offered to consult with nonprofit executives free of charge to help them frame their message and improve communication skills. Four people have signed up. We are also compiling a list of consulting resources in Blaine County and Idaho. The Idaho Nonprofit Center has a grant from the Paul Allen Foundation to study needs in Idaho to help strengthen the nonprofit sector and we will be partnering with the Center. Do you have ideas for us? I would love to hear your comments. Please contact Marcia Liebich, marcia@wrwcf.org

WRWCF Members Receive Inspiration on How the Arts Can Invigorate Communities
Keynote Speaker: John Michael Schert, Executive Director, Trey McIntyre Project By Debby Law Several WRWCF members attended The Idaho Community Foundations second annual Central Valley Regional Luncheon held at the Sun Valley Inn on August 25th. Wood River Valley residents were well represented; they were joined by scores of

guests from communities in south central Idaho, many of whom commented on local projects supported by the ICF. Tricia Swartling, Executive Director of The Advocates, ICF Board member and fellow WRWCF member, welcomed guests, capably hosted the presentations and skillfully managed the Q & A session. She introduced keynote speaker, John Michael Schert, Executive Director of the Trey McIntyre Project. Schert captivated attendees with his call to Idaho to enter its Golden Era of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurism. Why, you might ask, would this visionary modern dance group select Boise as its base? TMP saw an opportunity for creative place-making in the kernels of Boises eager receptiveness for imaginative growth. An innovative synergy between The Project and the city was born. There existed in Boise a potential for new and creative thinking through stimuli by the arts. Scherts convincing optimism captured Boises heart and support, bringing a realization that TMP could bring vigor and a change in approach to many aspects of the citys growth, making the community a better place to live. The Projects enthusiasm, as exemplified in its ingenious performances, inspires others to think in

new ways. It infiltrates businesses, athletic teams, institutes of health delivery, nonprofits, services and many other organizations, fostering a greater sense of purpose. A particular focus of Scherts mission is to demonstrate how the arts can help an individual feel better and uplift his or her sense of well-being, especially those with chronic illnesses. For example, St. Lukes in Boise has an Artist in Residence program promoting interaction with patients to seek a new course toward achieving better health and personal outlook. And, while the TMP dancers were in Sun Valley in August, they made a special visit to Blaine Manor to perform for the residents. The imaginative and inventive migrates from the arts to foster new and innovative economic development, sports facilities, health care and cultural endeavors. The open-mindedness inspired by the creative arts induces us to see, think and feel differently; to be more receptive to possibilities, to become more selfdetermined. Such an invigorating attitude can bring new approaches to all aspects of life in the city of Boise, the state of Idaho and indeed, the country as a whole.

Reason to Celebrate: WRWCFs Mission Continues to Inspire Members at Bastille Day Party
By Krista Detwiler
About 50 members enjoyed the lovely Bastille Day party at the festively decorated home of Sara Nelson in Golden Eagle. The gathering is one of the only exclusively social parties for the WRWCF during the year and included delicious food prepared by the board and sparkling wine from member Susan Passovoys Bubbleworks vineyard. President of the Board Barbara Thrasher reflected on the wealth of talent available in our small valley. This community truly is incredible due to its wealth of resources from individuals who have come from important careers and now have the time to give to a nonprofit that they are genuinely invested in. They keep our nonprofits as sustainable and successful as possible.

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of the board, Barbara reminded the WRWCF of their mission. We are 117 strong tonight, and I will say strong, Barbara said to applause. We are 22 and 86 years old. We are teachers, lawyers, professionals, moms, wives, aunts and we are so much more. Barbara reflected on how fortunate each resident of the beautiful Wood River Valley is, and how fortunate WRWCF members are to be housed, clothed and fed. But whats important, said Barbara, is that we havent forgotten that others arent, and that its not their fault. Barbara announced the magnitude of positive impact that the WRWCF has created through educated philanthropy when she announced to applause, At our annual meeting, we will have given half of a million dollars back to the Wood River community. Barbara ended her speech with a well-suited quote from the Dalai Lama: If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Charlotte Unger, Barbara Thrasher and hostess Sara Nelson at French theme hors d'oeuvres table

Barbaras observation was evident at the Bastille Day Party. Though the gathering was social, the mission of the WRWCF was in the forefront of conversations as members discussed the successes of the past six years. It really is incredible how weve grown, said founding member and past president Jo Murray. There are women in this room that neither Barbara nor I knew when the group started, and this is a wonderful sign. Weve grown so much. Membership Chair Gayle Stevenson spoke to her faith in the WRWCF to make tangible change in the Wood River Valley. Theres so much going on in the periphery in our community that we otherwise would not have been educated on, said Stevenson. The WRWCF makes it possible to know where our money is going and the real difference it will make. Recent member Lynn Whittelsey echoed Stevensons feelings with, This is a terrific way to go about annual fundraising and distribution. Its wonderful to give as a group rather than as an individual. Barbara Thrashers welcome speech beautifully synthesized all the sentiments in the room and sent prospective members running for membership forms. After thanking hostess Sara Nelson and members

Krista Detwiler, Debby Law, Marcia Liebich, Gale Elkins

Krista Detwiler is a senior at the University of Oregon and was a summer intern at Jo Murray Public Relations in Ketchum.

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New Members
Mimi Avins Nancy Bareilles Nancy Crandall Maryanne Davis Susan Greenspan Carol Hayes Gail Landis Jeanne Meyers Daphne Muehle Barbara Rognlien Beth Rohe Laurie Dodic Steinberg

WRWCF Purpose and Mission:

The Foundation was created to engage women of Blaine County in the power of collective giving with the goal of bettering this community by leveraging our dollars and forging partnerships. Each member annually donates $1,000 plus a $75 administrative fee. The Wood River Womens Charitable Foundations mission is to inspire and educate women to become leaders in philanthropy and bring significant, positive change to the community by pooling and distributing its members resources. For more information on the Wood River Womens Charitable Foundation and membership applications, please visit www.wrwdf.org

The Wood River Womens Charitable Foundations Board of Directors

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Suggestions? Please send your comments, corrections, contributions (articles welcome) and creative ideas for the WRWCF newsletters to Debby Law, newsletter editor, at debby@wrwcf.org Thank you. 12