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Category: Individual
 Grand Prize Contenders
Nominee: Lidwina Dirne,Coeur d’ Alene, ID
Lidwina Dirne is a “person” for others. Inspired by the death of a close friend, Lidwina has dedicated her life to the service of the uninsured citizens in Kootenai County . As foundress of the Dirne Community Health Center , she has helped thousands of people access care that they could not reach before. For twenty years she has toiled tirelessly, inspiring dozens along her path and changing lives at every turn. She is the epitome of selflessness and a picture of the great things passion can achieve. Lidwina Dirne is Idaho ’s Brightest Star.
Lidwina Dirne has devoted her life to serving those in need. Lidwina has been inspired by a friend who died prematurely because she was not able to access primary care. Ever since then, Lidwina has been on a mission to provide access to care for the uninsured. She was born in Holland and has traveled the world, taking with her the love and dedication that she vowed to share when she joined a lay Catholic order; “live frugally and serve others.”
With Lidwina at 86 years of age, it is sadly a question of when she will leave us. When the day comes, despite the celebration of her beautiful life, we will all be sad and Coeur d’ Alene will lose a very special advocate. She has given hope to the hopeless and brought light into the darkness.
Nominee: Dr. Royce Wright,Caldwell, ID
In 2001, Dr. Wright created and opened a feeding program called the Oasis Food Center. The feeding program sends food to nearly 450 needy persons weekly. Dr. Wright is also the Director of the FDA’s Summer Feeding Program, Chaplain for the Caldwell Police Department, an advisor for the Western Idaho Community Action Program , and Chairman for the Canyon County Housing Coalition.
The work Dr. Wright does is truly selfless. He believes in the best of people and has dedicated his life to helping individuals realize their potential. He seeks neither compensation nor recognition, while being a tireless advocate for those in need.
Without Dr. Wright’s compassion and charity, many children and families would go hungry. His heart for people and his willingness to assist those in need is a blessing to the Treasure Valley. If Dr. Wright were to suddenly move, he would leave an immeasurable void in the Treasure Valley.
American Falls
Counselor Patty Bolinger is a role model for faculty and staff and a passionate advocate for the middle school youth in the American Falls School District. Patty’s dedication to help all students is evident in the large amount of time she spends working with at-risk youth, underachievers, and students in need of additional assistance. She works not only with the students, but also reaches out to teachers and parents to help her students succeed in school and in life. She has expanded a program to welcome new students, trained peer mediators, encouraged career exploration, and facilitated groups of students to deal with sensitive issues, including grief counseling.
Blackfoot
Husband and wife team, Chuck and Margene Belnap, have given thousands of volunteer hours to their community. For the past 15 years they have helped people work through their problems, provided assistance to indigents passing through Blackfoot, run the local food bank, and made sure the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and facility ran smoothly. In addition, they have been founding members and volunteers of the Citizen’s On Patrol (COPS) program and continue to be involved in all aspects, including its administration and coordination. What makes this couple such an asset is not only the generosity of their time, but the attitude with which they approach needed tasks. Everything they do is done with enthusiasm and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of the community. Leading by example, these proud grandparents demonstrate how involved citizens help create a safe community for all of its citizens.
Boise
Sally Zive has a passion to improve the lives of others. Her work in the community helps families and children by creating opportunities through a network of organizations working together. She was instrumental in creating the Youth Partnership between Boise State University, Boise School District, the Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Treasure Valley. Sally also created an additional funding stream, within the United Way, for valley youth projects called “Tomorrow’s Leaders.” She helped to ensure that childcare was available for children in homeless families served by the Community House and has championed the implementation of 211, a service that connects people with important health and community services. Sally “lives” her job, attending coalition meetings, community events, and fundraisers. Her leadership, vision, and direction have brought people and resources together to address issues of hunger, shelter, and safety.
Bonners Ferry
Betty Mills believes in giving back to her community through regular volunteerism. She has served on many community boards, including the Boundary Regional Community Health Center board, in which she was an original executive member working to develop high quality healthcare for all populations. She volunteers regularly as a reading coach for the Boundary County School District and the North Idaho College Head Start Center, where she promotes early childhood education and family literacy. She lives by the motto, “If nobody volunteers to do it, it won’t get done,” and a lot of the time it is Betty who is volunteering for the things that no one else wants to do. She makes personal sacrifices in order to give to the community and is a leader whose commitment and acts of kindness inspire everyone who knows her.
Eagle
Dedicating her life to fitness and empowerment, Rebecca Evans has been a youth, disability, and fitness advocate and expert in the Treasure Valley for almost seven years. She serves on committees for the disabled community, educates the general population through the media about health and wellbeing, and promotes healthy living as the director for Girls on the Run (grades 3 rd – 5 th) and Girls on Track (grades 6 th - 9 th). She also mentors mothers of special needs children and provides free workshops for women throughout the Treasure Valley. Rebecca’s philosophy is, “early intervention with ALL children cannot only help ensure a healthy quality of life, but in some cases, ensure that the child has a life.” The mother of three young children, including a disabled child, Rebecca “walks the walk” and demonstrates that you can honor your family values and make a difference in the community.
Emmett
Tom Hoppell always has his eyes open for things to do to make his community better for families, children, and the general population. Service to others is what makes Tom’s life work and his leadership has attracted many to work alongside of him. Tom and his wife, in addition to being devoted to their own six children, have taken numerous at-risk youth into their home. He has worked with several youth organizations, organizing basketball, softball, and soccer teams and has received training to write grants in order to expand community youth projects. He lobbied at public hearings to get a recreation district formed to offer children an alternative place to be kids and be safe. Tom is described as a “mover and shaker,” a true role model, and the one with enough passion for many.
Garden City
As chair and guiding force of the Garden City Urban Renewal Board, Pam Beaumont has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for children and families in Garden City. Pam’s accomplishments are reflected in some of the board’s activities, including the implementation of an annual “Spring Sweep” project, which in the first year removed 25 truck loads of trash and 600 old tires; the purchase of playground equipment; the funding of a vehicle for a resource officer at the Boys and Girls Club; the improvement of facilities for an affordable housing project, and the installation of street lights and sidewalks. Pam is a true example of resident involvement in community projects that benefit all.
Hayden
Retired Marine and ex-chaplain Graham Crutchfield is a quiet leader who persistently speaks up for those who are unable to do so for themselves. He single-handedly raised over $47,000 for a health clinic that serves financially challenged families and has worked closely with the Coeur d’Alene Press to help children and families, particularly those in the military. Graham helped implement the most successful local fundraising program in the nation by raising money to purchase phone cards for families of soldiers in Iraq. He also raised funds for the wives and children of soldiers serving in Iraq for a host of needs, including clothing, food, and other necessities on a continual basis. In addition, Graham coordinates a Knights of Columbus high school essay contest to promote literacy and patriotism. As a community cheerleader, Graham has helped create a local atmosphere in which selfless giving is becoming a hallmark of the region.
Idaho City
Tori Kosberg, who works in the special education department of the Idaho City High School, is a champion for her students and one whose passion for helping, caring and encouraging is something special. Tori does after school tutoring to help students who need extra instruction or computer time to complete their school assignments. She also volunteers with the Boise County court system to help parents and their at-risk children reverse unacceptable behavior. She continues to direct at-risk students into better choices and has a forgiving attitude when there is failure or disappointment. She often provides these students with the support – such as attending their sports activities – that their parents are unable to give.
Jerome
Lenny Meyers started the Jerome Food Pantry in the basement of the First Church of God almost three years ago because he does not want anyone to go to bed hungry, especially little children and senior citizens. This program services about 130 families once a week. Lenny also started a lunch on Sundays at the church where parents can bring their children to eat when the soup kitchen is closed. He partners with the community action agency to give out Thanksgiving boxes and spearheads a community dinner at Thanksgiving and Christmas for those who don’t have anywhere to go. Using his own pickup truck and trailer, Lenny picks up food all over the Magic Valley and Treasure Valley. Though he is disabled, Lenny volunteers his time and digs into his own pocket in order to serve those most in need in his community.
Ketchum
Dr. Keith Sivertson sets an incredible example to others with his service to the community, both volunteer and paid. As a volunteer of the Ketchum Fire Department, he has saved many lives and continues to serve as a teacher and mentor to many other volunteers. Keith has also been directly responsible for beginning and implementing the upgrade of pre-hospital emergency care from the Advance EMT to Paramedic level positions in Blaine County.
Kooskia
Students in grades kindergarten through twelve at Kooskia schools know Captain Skott Mealer, detective, Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, by name and face. Captain Mealer, in turn, has memorized every child’s name and what they like to do. He participates in activities with them – often on his own time – and takes math tests, plays games, and spends time listening to the students and working to keep them safe. His passion is contagious and he has encouraged others in his department to become involved in school and community programs.
Lapwai
Joyce McFarland’s passion and commitment to the youth and families in the tribal community is evident from the long list of programs she has implemented in the past ten years. She has written grants and received funding from several sources to support needed services such as, school and community mental health initiatives and reducing tobacco and drug use among young people. Joyce goes out of her way to reach as many youth as possible through schools, community centers, organizations, and cultural awareness events.
Lewiston
Korlyn Williams provides volunteer service to community youth and family members through Head Start and Early Head Start programs. She is passionate about serving children in need and has helped with the expansion of both programs. She has been a volunteer for over 12 years, serving over 700 children and their families. Korlyn shines in every aspect of serving others, whether she’s serving as president of the Board of Directors or tutoring children in reading. Korlyn completes each task with care and love.
Malad
Katie Gilgen is the Student Body President at Malad High School and is very involved in the Renaissance program as well. She has been very active in the 4-H program, the high school youth council, her church youth camps, and the cross country team. Katie has earned her Certified Nursing Assistant degree in high school and is employed by Oneida Hospital. At the hospital, she goes out of her way to bring joy and kindness to those she works with, both residents and co-workers.
Malad
Leora Brown and Josephine May are amazing women. They drew needed media attention when they staged a protest about the deplorable condition of the railroad crossing on State Highway 38. After registering complaints with Union Pacific and getting no response, the two 82-year-old women stood on the tracks with protest signs and petitions. These women gathered 288 signatures and were able to get the crossing fixed – making their community a safer place to live.
Meridian
Gus Hein has been a long-timer supporter of Meridian’s youth, being a major influence behind the Meridian Education Foundation. For ten years, Gus has also been a volunteer for the Guardianship Monitoring Program, where he makes sure his 36 assigned children and adults are not abused, have food and shelter, and feel safe in their court appointed home. He has been active with the Lion’s Club for 38 years, helping with numerous service projects. For ten years, he has volunteered every Wednesday to serve donors for the Red Cross. Gus has unbelievable energy and gives unselfishly to anyone who needs it.
Moscow
Chris Curry is a tireless individual committed to promoting children and families in Moscow and the Palouse. She founded Families Together, a nonprofit organization committed to the success and support of families who have a child or children with disabilities. Chris believes that family involvement and support of children with disabilities is necessary to their success and identity as individuals and members of a family. She is truly a selfless volunteer in supporting families during times of extreme challenge.
Nampa
Andy Rodriguez was nominated for his work on behalf of low-income families and at-risk youth. He is an outstanding leader in Nampa and serves on key commissions in Canyon County and the Pacific Northwest as well. As director of the Nampa Housing Authority, Andy touches a large portion of the population as he works tirelessly to provide families with homes. He has extended the resources of the agency by partnering with Habitat for Humanity, the Nampa School District, the local urban renewal agency, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to make home ownership a reality.
Parma
As the volunteer chair of the Juvenile Justice Commission, Jack Atkeson inspires the twenty five to thirty people who attend the meetings each quarter. Jack identifies segments of the community that may not be represented in juvenile justice organizations and actively recruits them to participate and improve the system for youth and families. He has worked directly with juveniles in the justice system, providing them guidance while holding them accountable for their actions. He has used these same techniques with members of the Commission to strengthen their abilities and desire to improve the juvenile justice system for Idaho’s youth.
Pocatello
Del Butler puts in full days as the Simplot Don Plant Manager and gives countless hours of his time and skills to organizations serving children and families in eastern Idaho. Del is one of the founding members of the United Way’s Success by 6 initiative. Under his leadership as the initiative’s chairman for the past four years, Success by 6 has launched an early learning initiative in many counties and communities. He is instrumental in making high school track available to over 2,000 youth annually and in encouraging the company and employees to play an active role in the community.
Post Falls
Dr. Leanne Rousseau, M.D., a mother of four from Post Falls, provides preventive and primary medical care to many of Kootenai County’s 25,000 low income and uninsured residents through the Dirne Community Health Center, a facility she’s been instrumental in creating and sustaining. When her hours are up as the part-time medical director, Dr. Rousseau volunteers up to 20 additional hours per week without pay to ensure that everyone who needs medical care or counseling can be seen. Without her above-and-beyond service, the clinic would not exist and many families would be adversely impacted.
Rexburg
Kari Bowman of Rexburg is committed to strong family values, a wholesome community atmosphere, and the success of children. She devotes countless volunteer hours to her children’s school and her church, and is a popular volunteer coach for many local children’s sports teams. She’s also the creator, chairperson, and driving force behind Rexburg’s annual SnowFEST event, the premier winter carnival in Southeastern Idaho.
Rupert
Debrah Roundy, a Rupert school teacher, exemplifies the very spirit of volunteerism and community service, especially through her service to youth, special needs children, foster children, and foreign exchange students. A mother of four and scout leader for 26 years, Debrah has also devoted time to the Special Olympics, the Rupert Christmas Council, 4-H, the Sharing and Caring Christmas fundraiser, and various church activities.
Shelley
Dawn Lloyd of Shelley has been described as the “glue that binds the youth of the Shelley community together,” and deservedly so. Her tireless commitment to providing opportunities for youth is nearly beyond measure, with a focus on sports and recreation, esteem building, sportsmanship, and life skills. City leaders agree that if the City of Shelley had to reimburse Dawn for all of the time and extra efforts she puts into the community and youth programs, they’d definitely have to raise taxes.
Sugar City
Hayden McNeil of Sugar City is a young wife and mother who has a special knack for beautifying her community. Thanks to her vision, beautiful flower barrels decorate downtown Sugar City street corners and the city park twinkles with a colorful display of holiday lights. From the planning, to the fundraising, to the detail work, Hayden enthusiastically rallies others from the community to join her in city-wide beautification projects.
Twin Falls
Jessica Wilkinson of Twin Falls is a living testament to strength, endurance, and the power of the human spirit. After being hit by a car in 6 th grade and undergoing a difficult recovery, Jessica now devotes volunteer time promoting safety to school children, serving as a learning aide for fellow students with disabilities, working on a variety of fundraising and environmental projects, and acting as a volunteer crossing guard. She also successfully lobbied to have a streetlight placed at the dangerous site of her accident.
Worley
Darlene Sheldon of Worley, a retired school teacher from the Worley, Plummer, and Coeur d’Alene Tribal school districts, is celebrating 48 years as a community volunteer. She’s active in several organizations, including the Worley Senior Center, Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission, Museum of North Idaho, Worley Town and Country Club, and the American Association of University Women. Darlene has been an active Grange member for the past 51 years and donates 60 dictionaries to Lakeside Elementary students each year to help them with their homework.
Category: Organization
Grand Prize Contenders
Nominee: Cancer and Community Charities (“3 C’s”),Coeur d’ Alene, ID
Cancer and Community Charities is an organization of volunteers committed to raising funds to fight cancer and to assist with other worthwhile needs in the community. “3 C’s” started as a bowling group that raised money for the fight against cancer. Today, forty-two years later, there are thirteen additional interest groups and four large fundraising events (Spring Fashion Show, Fall Chefs Cook-off, Choral Concert and Winter Wine Tasting) that are actively raising funds. Throughout the year, sub-committees raise money through different ways, such as membership dues, book clubs, bowling, and bridge games.
Popularity of the group has doubled in the last three years to 600 members. Each year members choose purpose as well as pleasure for their community service. This year $54,150 was awarded to local charities for support services, $9,000 more than last year. These funds provide healthcare, meals, youth support, safe havens, emergency shelter, tutor support, and other little extras that these organizations need.
The 600 members give of themselves by having fun and working hard, while concentrating on the ultimate goal of raising funds to help those less fortunate in the community. All activities are done locally, supported by membership, local businesses, and community members. If “3 C’s” did not exist, organizations that they support would not be able to give shelter, hot meals, tutoring, health services, and many other support services to those in their community.
Nominee: Shepherd’s Home, Inc.,McCall, ID
The Shepherd’s Home has been committed and dedicated to families and children since their doors opened in 1998. The Shepherd’s Home serves all children from birth to eighteen. While many of the children are at-risk, more children are coming from families in crisis from throughout Central and Southwest Idaho . The Shepherd’s Home provides safety and comfort to over 150 children – foster children, homeless children, hungry children, and troubled children. The Shepherd’s Home is not an institution, it is a HOME that thrives to provide love, structure, and consistency to the children they house.
More and more of the children are coming from private families. As a result, these children are being kept out of detention centers and off of welfare rolls. The Shepherd’s Home is on the front line of helping children and strengthening families. Caseworkers, law enforcement, parents, and teachers have all said, they don’t know where our community or state would be without the Shepherd’s Home.
If the Shepherd’s Home was to suddenly go away, the effects would be significant and devastating.
Blackfoot
The Blackfoot/Bingham County Youth Coalition (BBCYC) provides youth from five neighboring school districts, ages 11 through 18, with year-round opportunities to work toward their goals and learn valuable leadership skills through participation in an impressive variety of public service projects that address important social issues in their communities. Their theme this year, “Red, White and You,” encourages support of the military troops serving overseas.
Statewide (nominated by the City of Boise )
The Idaho Youth Ranch, founded in 1953, provides children and families a comprehensive system of services throughout Idaho, including emergency shelter, group homes, adoption services, transitional aftercare, and family services. Through their passion and commitment, Idaho Youth Ranch staff and volunteers work tirelessly toward their mission of providing troubled children and families a bridge to seek valued, responsible, and productive futures.
Boise
The Idaho National Guard Youth Program is comprised of more than 275 Idaho children and teens who have one or both parents or family members serving in the Idaho National Guard and Reserves. In addition to providing comfort and support for their families and each other, these kids regularly perform volunteer work in each of their communities and work to voluntarily uphold the same core values that are expected of our adult military personnel: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
Meridian
The New Heritage Theatre Company is committed to changing lives through the power of theatre. This non-profit professional theatre company, now located in Meridian, strives to provide the highest quality of professional theatre and educational opportunities to all Idahoans, regardless of physical inaccessibility, proximity, finances, or a lack of familiarity with the performing arts. Its innovative youth and teen programs, community outreach efforts, and touring interactive plays allow this unique organization to truly feed the soul.
Cambridge
The Upper Country Eldercare Coalition is focused on improving the quality of life for the elderly and those with disabilities living in the rural Idaho communities of Midvale, Cambridge, Indian Valley and Council. This group of 18 individuals regularly seeks opportunities to build understanding and awareness between generations and is currently raising funds to build a 15-bed assisted living facility in Cambridge. The goal of this project is to keep families together and allow the frail and elderly to remain in their own communities.
Hailey
St. Luke’s Center for Community Health is the community education and outreach department of the St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center in Hailey. It is committed to helping children and families by providing free and low-cost services, in both English and Spanish, that help them attain optimal health. These services include health education and screenings, parenting classes, emergency food, clothing and housing assistance, counseling, support groups, community referrals, and the popular Youth Adult Konnections program called YAK!
Idaho City
The Idaho City Community Club was established 45 years ago by a group of local women wishing to offer help, support, and fun to the local school children. Through the years the group has grown and has provided Idaho City youth with holiday treats and celebrations, academic scholarships, and a play area at the annual arts and crafts fair. These industrious women also provide meals and financial aid to families in need and hold an annual appreciation luncheon for the Idaho City businesses who regularly lend their support.
Lewiston
The Jenifer Educational Drug-Free Association (J.E.D.A.) is a club of approximately 50 students within Jenifer Junior High School who serve as positive role models and encourage peers to join them in being drug-free, anti-violent, respectful of themselves and others, and good decision makers. They host special events for fellow students and participate in community projects and events. This fall they successfully lobbied for two smoke-free days at the Nez Perce County Fair.
Lewiston
The Lewiston Youth Volunteer Program provides a safe, drug-free environment in which students challenge themselves to become productive members of the community through volunteer service. In 2005, these youth developed the “Refrain and Abstain Coalition” which educates youth on the value of refraining from drug use as well as abstaining from sexual activity. Since its creation in 1993, more than 1,000 students have participated in volunteer activities through this organization.
Moscow
The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department is 113 years old and stronger than ever. Its all-volunteer staff of 95 provides fire protection services and volunteer ambulance services to an area covering 128 square miles and approximately 30,000 people. Its members volunteer 8,000 hours of training and approximately 1,000 hours of response time every year without cost to the citizens of Moscow. These volunteers also provide fire prevention training to school children and mentor U of I students interested in firefighting careers.
Rupert
The Rupert Kiwanis Club has been serving its community for 53 years, actively participating in community events which help families and children through monetary support, teach responsibility through service club membership, and promote civic volunteerism by citizens of all ages. In 2005 alone, the Rupert Kiwanis raised more than $13,600 for programs, including the Women’s & Children’s Shelter, the Rupert Aquatic Pool, the Wilson Building & Theatre, the Mini-Cassia Reading Foundation and others. They also mentor and support the local K-Club, Builders Club, and Key Club.
Sugar City
The Sugar Salem High School Drama Department regularly entertains the community, but more importantly, its all-inclusive nature provides a creative outlet for socialization for students of every type. Its atmosphere of acceptance and success is a true confidence-builder for all who participate. This hard-working group is currently raising money to fund its upcoming trip to perform at an invitation-only drama festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Category: Corporation
Grand Prize Contenders
Nominee: Jacksons Food Store,Meridian, ID
While many businesses exist for economic motives, not all see themselves as being integral, contributing members of their communities like Jacksons does. Jacksons Food Stores are great corporate citizens that support their communities through the best practices. They are involved with numerous non-profit organizations in communities throughout the state. Their involvement in the communities in which they are located is noteworthy because they are in full support of employee involvement as well.
Jacksons has been a great supporter of many causes, including efforts to reduce domestic violence, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, college athletics, Women’s Fitness Challenge, breast cancer awareness, and countless other endeavors.
Jacksons Food Stores is the 8 th largest privately held corporation in Idaho and has proudly achieved Texaco’s® Gold Star for each of the three years of the “Building Tomorrow Together” program and for each of the nine years of the “Building the Brand Together” program. Jacksons has been recognized as the “Top Performer” in Chevron’s® “True Blue” national award system, earned Shell’s® “Pearl Award” in 2004, and was awarded the “5 Star Patriotic Employer Award” by the Idaho National Guard.
Jacksons Food Stores is a standout among Idaho businesses. They exemplify how adhering to good corporate practices yields benefits to its employees, communities, and state. Their aggressive retail program to prevent the sale of alcohol and tobacco to youth has undoubtedly prevented injury and saved lives.
It is inconceivable to imagine the impact on Idaho communities if Jacksons were to discontinue their financial support and commitment to service. If Jacksons were to leave Idaho , it would open the way for other, less responsible, retailers to step in.
Nominee: Minidoka Memorial Hospital ,Rupert, ID
Minidoka Memorial Hospital offers support to programs totaling over $281,380 each year. Among these organizations and groups are, Minico High School’s Health Care Academy, free ambulance stand-by at sporting events (Idaho Regatta, rodeos, moto-cross, and football events), Healthnet (asset building programs for youth), 5 th annual “Ride-for-Safety” program (bikes are inspected and licensed by law enforcement, free helmets given-away, etc.), two bicycles awarded at rodeo, Fall Health Fair at Minico High School, Drug and Alcohol Free Senior Celebration, educational programs (community first aid & CPR, safe sitter training, prenatal, etc.), foot clinic, baby track (reminders for immunizations), Sharing and Caring Christmas Tree Festival (support for Minidoka Health Care Foundation), sponsorship for City Recreational Programs, Relay for Life, Rupert-s 4 th of July Celebration, Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce, 4-H/FFA Livestock Sales for both Minidoka and Cassia Counties.
The employees and their families are also involved and become more responsible and cognizant of the needs within the community. They learn to volunteer their time and energy for the good of others, such as by sending cookies to the Service Men and Women in Iraq. Employees serve on community organizations, such as the Kiwanis, the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, the Livestock Sale Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, the 4 th of July Committee, etc.
A tremendous void would be felt throughout the community if Minidoka Memorial Hospital were to ever leave the area.
Boise
Zions Bank of Boise , Idaho provides financial support to community projects embraced by its employees through their own volunteer commitment. Not only do community organizations receive financial support, they receive committed residents willing to volunteer their time. Projects such as Dress for Success, painting houses of low-income families, clothing women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and fun at the Zoo for families serving in Iraq are all examples of the work being done. Zions’ co-workers inspire each other, their family, and friends by engaging in community projects. Zions financially supports the projects that its employees commit to through volunteerism.
Category: Small Business
Grand Prize Contenders
Nominee: Walter Times Two, Burley, ID
Alice Walter and Deb Hopkins have a life-long commitment to not only the communities in which they live, but to all children at risk. Their passion is evident in the vast span of their community service. From donating bookkeeping services for 20 years to a non-profit school, to donating blood or volunteering their time in hospitals and long term care facilities in the form of Pet Therapy, these two women give of themselves straight from the heart. Between the two of them, they have been providing approximately 50 years of service.
Alice and Deb have formed an informal group of nine quilters to donate quilts to foster children, the Women and Children’s Domestic Violence Shelter, Project Linus program in Canyon County , and others. Forty-seven quilts have been donated to the Rupert Birthright organization. In 2003, sixty plus quilts were donated to the Shriners Hospital for Children, while fifty-six quilts were donated in 2004.
In order to help others trace their ancestry, Deb collects data, photographs headstones, and transcribes them at both the Heyburn and Rupert cemeteries. Deb sought and was awarded free web space where she could post her results. In 2003 she finished compiling the Heyburn Cemetery ’s 900 names and is currently working on the 1,400 headstones at the Rupert Cemetery .
The contributions of these two women impact over 100 youth/families per year. If Alice and Deb were to suddenly leave the area, it would be devastating to an entire community. It would be difficult to explain to a resident in a long-term care facility, who receives weekly visits from Deb and her dog Wilson , that they will no longer be a part of their lives.
Nominee: Windermere Coeur d’ Alene Realty,Coeur d’ Alene,ID
Windermere Coeur d’ Alene Realty has made a sincere commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and neighbors in crisis through their volunteerism, monetary gifts, and the Windermere Foundation. They believe in early education, meeting the basic needs of every child, and the prevention and healing of child abuse and neglect.
The basic philosophy of giving back to the community is role-modeled by the owners and the many representatives and employees who truly believe that they are blessed by their actions. The owners have reported that they were inspired by their parents, who reached out to the needy despite their own lack of material items. Each representative/employee of Windermere gives a percentage of their fees from every professional sale they complete to the Windermere Foundation. Those funds stay in the local area to help children and families.
Their financial support has allowed many charities to expand their programs. They have started an annual “New Boots and Socks” program for all needy children and this year they donated $15,000 to cover “little feet” to walk in warmth. They were also involved in developing a trust fund for child victims of crime. Most recently, Windermere held benefits to raise funds for the Groene and Tuggle victims.
One charity has tracked volunteer hours and other contributions made to them by Windermere, estimating that over $100,000 in ten years has gone to their agency alone.
If this business was not in the area, the impact on the entire community would be a great loss. Their example has inspired us all, making our community the greatest place to live and raise families! The staff at Windermere Coeur d’ Alene Realty have been heroes to so many in the Coeur d’ Alene area and are our Brightest Stars.
Blackfoot
First American Title of Blackfoot is a leader in community involvement in Bingham County and throughout Idaho . Every year they are present to give as much as they can to projects and activities, and to enjoy real one-on-one time with the youth in their community. First American Title recently celebrated their 100 th birthday by sponsoring a concert for the community and donating a substantial amount to local charities. They have started a private scholarship fund for Blackfoot High School Seniors and awarded 13 scholarships to graduating seniors in 2005.
Eagle
Transitional Golf Management (d.b.a.: BanBury Golf Club) of Eagle successfully hosted the 2005 U.S. Girl’s Junior Golf Championship at BanBury. The business raised $400,000 in cash and in-kind donations to pay for the expenses of hosting the national tournament. They organized 28 committees and 500 volunteers who worked for nearly two years to make the championship memorable for families and spectators. BanBury is home for the Eagle High School Girls’ golf team and the Executive Women’s Golf Association. The golf team is able to play and practice for free. Their vision, leadership, and tenacity merit the Brightest Star recognition.
Emmett
Merrill’s Egg Farm is a third generation family business. The family is community conscious and serves on various local committees. They hire local workers, including youth, and donate to nearly every event in the city of Emmett . They have been featured on the Discovery Channel and in BioScience Magazine for their innovative manner of composting chicken manure. Merrill’s has donated thousands of yards of compost to the City Golf Course, schools, and parks, making our valley more beautiful and green. The Merrill family farm is actively making our community a better place to live.
Grangeville
Frontier Journeys, Inc. was nominated for the Brightest Star Award because in addition to providing professional counseling for the community, they have donated a tremendous amount of time, work, and finances toward creating the non-profit organization, Frontier Connections. Frontier Connections was formed to unite community individuals, agencies, and organizations to help them collaborate to provide the best services possible for the communities in Idaho County . Frontier Journeys, Inc. has developed collaborations with Idaho County Juvenile Probation, School District 241, and Kids Klub after school program to offer new programs that expand services for juveniles and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Idaho City
Growling Bear is a small family owned business that offers hunting, fishing, and sporting goods. They also offer a taste of Old West Shoot Outs that play on the weekends. The business hires local high school students. Growling Bear promoted a weekend of fun for families of National Guard personnel stationed in Iraq . The time and energy for planning this free event was enormous and the pleasure on the faces of family members was proof that it was worthwhile. Thanks to Growling Bear!
Rupert
Riverside Mortgage is a small business that has shown a great deal of passion and commitment toward helping the youth of the Mini-Cassia community. Each year the employees of Riverside Mortgage volunteer and give countless hours to many different programs that are made available throughout the local area. The programs include little league soccer, football, basketball, T-ball, and Special Olympics. The company’s motive for serving has been for the sole purpose of helping the children. Riverside Mortgage has shown a passion and commitment to the children of this community that has been unsurpassed.
Category: Community of Promise
Nominee: Madison County 's Promise, Rexburg, ID
Madison County 's Promise was one of the first Communities of Promise to be established in Idaho and has the collaborative support of 125 community leaders who comprise the Madison Community Council.
The Council is housed at the school district and has done an excellent job, leveraging both human and financial resources for their efforts. Madison County Community Council has strong leadership and utilizes AmeriCorps members to help with their efforts. Nearly 6,000 youth are directly impacted by the Five Promises made and fulfilled by the community.
Madison County was recently named one of the "100 Best" Communities for Young People by America 's Promise. This distinction comes as a direct result of the powerful youth-adult relationships that make Madison so unique. Madison County’s Promise has been recognized by America's Promise as a Priority Community because of their excellence. This means that they have access to a great deal of training and technical assistance directly from America's Promise. Only a handful of Communities of Promise hold this national ranking.
Efforts in the community are very visual in nature with several outstanding campaigns and activities. Representative Mack Shirley of Rexburg continues to be a strong champion of Idaho 's Promise and the efforts in Madison County .
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