Big Brothers Big Sisters and U of Idaho Foundation Announce Board of Directors

Being on a Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization is a great way to make a difference and to give back to the community!  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho and the University of Idaho Foundation recently announced their newly elected Board of Directors.

Board of Directors for BBBS of Southwest Idaho:

Andy Fujimoto, CEO of AmeribenIIEC Group (Chair of the Board)
Jeff Hancock, VP of KeyBank (Treasurer)
Larry Koomler, Payne Financial Group (Secretary)
John Griffazzi, Stein Distributing
Gerry Mattison, Idaho Independent Bank
Kevin McDonald, UDrove Humanitarian Bowl
Stacy Pearson, Boise State University
Patrick Wiese, Stonebrook Mortgage Co.
Susan Richardson, J.R. Simplot Co.
Mark Stastny, Scentsy
Tena Lokken, White Cloud Analytics
Eric Bjorkman, Perkins Coie
Beth Coonts, Hawley, Troxell, Ennis & Hawley
Rikki Watkins, Bank of the Cascades
Maj. Ron Freeman, Ada County Sheriff's Office
David McCune, Wells Fargo Co.
Bruce Wetten, TitleOne

University of Idaho Foundation:

Jeffry Stoddard (Chair of the Board)
Laine Meyer (Vice Chairman)
Carl Dyess (Treasurer)
Nancy McDaniel (Secretary)
Tom A. Alberg 
Richard W. Allen
Daniel L. Alsaker  
Carl F. Berry
Greg S. Casey
Carl F. Dyess 
Keli Ann Elledge 
Frances T. Ellsworth
Andrew P. Emerson
Lori S. Espe
J. Dennis Faucher  
Karen E. Gowland
Mark L. Hedge 
Peggy Jo Jones 
Lawrence L. Knight
Dayaldas T. Meshri 
Laine R. Meyer 
Patrick L. Mitchell
Douglas Oppenheimer
Thomas L. Reveley
Jeffry L. Stoddard
Michael W. Sullivan  

 

Many thanks to these community leaders for giving their time and talent to these great nonprofits!

Help End Hunger in Idaho

The U.S. Postal Service is having its annual food drive to help the Idaho Foodbank on May 8, 2010, and they are looking for some help in carrying the food donations! Would you like to help make a difference? Help get food to our neighbors? 

To help the USPS with their food drive, contact Cindy Hale at chale@idahofoodbank.org or call 336-9643 x. 236.

Great Ways to End Hunger in Idaho!

(Published in the Idaho Statesman January 12, 2010)

With the increase in region-wide unemployment, more and more families are struggling to put food on the table.  Demand at area food banks is estimated to increase 30% over and above the 27% increase from last year.

With such pressing need, many groups are finding innovative ways to help restock the warehouses of area food banks.  Although January and February are typically the lowest months for food donations, two organizations are planning on turning that around this year.

Dump Hunger Campaign Benefitting Local Food Banks

Western States Equipment has launched a six-week food drive that partners 13 Western States branch locations with local food banks within their community.

In its second year, the “Dump Hunger” campaign is hoping to collect 150,000 pounds of food – equal to two CAT 730 truckloads.

In addition to the food collection, Western States will match $1 for every 5 pounds of food collected, up to a $17,000 contribution.

Donations to the campaign can be brought to any of the Western States branch locations.

The Dump Hunger campaign will end on Tuesday, February 9th.

For more information, including Western States branch locations and a weekly Dump Hunger tracker, visit www.westernstatescat.com.

Will Act for Food by Daisy’s Madhouse 

Local theatre artists will be using their creative talents and ingenuity to serve those in need through “Will Act for Food” presented by Daisy’s Madhouse.  This “a play in a day” festival will bring actors, writers and directors together to create an evening of entertainment to benefit the Idaho Foodbank.

The festival performances will be at the Danny Peterson stage at the Morrison Center on Saturday, Jan 16 starting at 8pm.

The day prior to the festival, writers will be given a line and a prop they must use to produce a 10-page one-act play in a variety of randomly assigned genres.   The next morning, directors and casts will be chosen randomly for each of the 10-12 minute plays.

Guest judges Tom Willmorth of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Fool Squad, Dana Oland of the Idaho Statesman and local playwright and director Sandra Cavanaugh will critique the shows. 

All registration fees and tickets proceeds will go to the Idaho Foodbank. 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and BSU Students.  The show is recommended for ages 14 and up.

Tickets are available at Select-a-Seat at www.idahotickets.com or 426-1494.

For more information on the Idaho Foodbank, visit www.idahofoodbank.org or call 336-9643.

Ringing in the New Year with Positive Changes!

(Originally published in the Idaho Statesman December 29, 2009)

Boise Life - Annual Fundraiser

This Thursday, celebrate the New Year while connecting with community-minded citizens.  Boise Life, a community-based website, is hosting a New Years Eve party at the Rose Room from 9pm to 2am.

With the motto “Enjoy, Serve, Learn”, BoiseLife.org covers information ranging from events to recreation tips and is an online resource to learn about local service projects.  They host a monthly service outreach program called BoiseLife Days, and have done projects ranging from cleaning up TableRock to delivering bicycles to the Boise’s refugee population.

All proceeds from the party will go towards Boise Life’s goal of opening a physical volunteer center.  The facility would match the needs of nonprofits with the skills and interests of individual volunteers, serving as a hub for volunteers and nonprofit organizations to partner and share resources.

Tickets to the party are $25 per person and include 2 drink tickets and light appetizers.  Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress as their favorite decade.  Tickets are available through BoiseLife.org or through The Costume Shop and Jenny’s Lunch Line. 

For more information on Boise Life, visit www.boiselife.org. 

Camp Rainbow Gold - Super Bowl Raffle

Take a chance at winning a dream trip to the Super Bowl while scoring big for children and families dealing with cancer.  Camp Rainbow Gold is hosting a raffle drawing for two tickets to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, FL. 

This Thursday, Camp Rainbow Gold will draw its raffle winner of two Super Bowl tickets, plus airfare for two and two nights’ double-occupancy hotel accommodations for the February 7, 2010 game.

Raffle tickets are $10 per ticket and may be purchased by calling 422-0176 or by visiting any Banner Bank in the Treasure Valley or the Camp Rainbow Gold Office at 2676 S. Vista Ave. in Boise on a weekday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.  The winner need not be present at the drawing on New Year’s Eve.

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Camp Rainbow Gold, an American Cancer Society program that supports Idaho’s children battling cancer and their families. 

Camp Rainbow Gold began as one week of summer camp for children living with cancer in Idaho.  It has grown to provide year-round support and fostering for both these patients and their families through programs such as Sibling Camp, Family Camp, hockey nights, football nights, ski days, teen support groups, and a college scholarship fund.

For more information on Camp Rainbow Gold, call 422-0176 or visit www.camprainbowgold.org.

Wish List for Today - Dress for Success

Would you like to help a woman who needs a little helping hand in order to get back on her feet and support herself and her children?   You might want to check out Dress for Success' amazing program, then.

The organization, comprised of over 90 affiliates around the world, is there to help women break the cycle of poverty and government assistance in a very simple, and yet so effective, way - provide her with appropriate interview clothing and some basic training in interview etiquette.  Once the woman gets a job, she may come back and pick another work-appropriate outfit, letting her start her job feeling confident.

This is more than just "looking good" - this is about giving women who have often been abused, or just otherwise never given any kind of emotional support, the chance to see that someone does care about and believe in her. 

The volunteers (lead by an angel in disguise as an executive director, Debi Foster), do an incredible job in making each client of the organization feel appreciated and ensuring that she leaves their offices with her head held high. It is a great formula for success.

Maybe in your closet or drawers, you might have some of these items?  If you are trying to find a good home for them, call Dress for Success at (208) 288-4405.

Plus size (14 and above) suits and separates
Shoes, purses, unused nylons
Jewelry
Unopened makeup

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Rock the Flock

They may not show bruises or cuts.  They may not have a cast or a splint.  Yet, their pain is very real and may be deeper as they often feel they cannot talk about it without judgment or ridicule and their healing can take many years.  They are our family members, friends and neighbors with mental illness.

Medical science is just starting to understand the causes and cures for a variety of illnesses including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.  As the research continues, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is here to provide support and information to those suffering from mental illness and their families.

With NAMI’s support, hundreds of thousands across the country are able to receive better treatment, have a better quality of life, return to the work force, and enjoy their families.

Support the local chapter of NAMI at Rock the Flock on Friday, May 29, 2009.  Starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Egyptian Theater, enjoy the amazing songs and vocals from Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours. 

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at the Egyptian Theater, located at 700 W. Main St. in Boise, or at the Record Exchange, located at 1105 W. Idaho St. in Boise.  For more information on the concert, visit www.rocktheflock.org, and for more information on NAMI, visit www.nami-boise.org.

 

Have some extra stuff, want to help?

Now and again, you likely say to yourself, "I don't have cash right now to give, but I do have this extra thingamajig that is perfectly useful and I wish someone could use it."  Or perhaps you would prefer to give a very specific thing to a non-profit instead of money?

For those of you of that ilk, we would like to let you know to whom you might be able to give in that way. This post's target?  The needs of Life's Kitchen.

The mission of Life's Kitchen is to transform the lives of at-risk young adults by building self-sufficiency and independent living through comprehensive food service and life skills training and placement in the food service industry.  They run a pretty amazing eatery on Capitol Blvd., where you can grab lunch Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and know that you are not only partaking of a thoroughly yummy lunch, but you are also helping a great organization and some pretty fabulous young adults.

Their menu changes weekly, and you might want to sign up to get it emailed to you. They also cater events, and we have to say that it's generally always of darn good quality.

The young adults in the program go through a 16-week training, and, as you might gather, cooking is something that needs ... stuff.  Here are some of the items that Life's Kitchen has recently indicated would be welcome:

A Diamond elliptical steel commercial blender
New (2 yrs old or less) scanner
Black "Dickies" pants (32 x 32, 36x34, 36x30, 34x36)
Deodorant
White t-shirts (all sizes except small)
Female black pants sizes 7-12
Combination Locks

If you might be so inclined as to donate any of the items noted above, please call Kathy or Erin at 208-331-0199.

Trey McIntyre Project - 9+1 Fundraiser

If you’re looking for innovation and creative collaboration in the arts, you don’t have to take a step further than the dance company, Trey McIntyre Project (TMP).

Founded in 2004, TMP’s repertoire spans classical music, rock, jazz, and historic bluegrass music selections.  They moved their headquarters to Boise in 2008.

On Wednesday, May 27th, a reception will be held from from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the J Crist Gallery to showcase the TMP “9+1” exhibit.  A collaborative event between TMP and a group of local artists, it features artwork about and inspired by the 9 dancers of the company, plus choreographer Trey McIntyre.

The artwork ranges in scope from paintings to poetry.  Even the music and no-host cocktails have been designed with the dancers as inspiration.  Proceeds from the art sales will be split between TMP and the artists.

On Saturday, May 30th TMP will host a brunch from 10am - noon at J Crist Gallery.  Tickets are $10 at the door and include catering from Incredible Edibles, personal art tours with the artists of 9+1, and a raffle ticket for one of the items displayed in the show.

The 9+1 exhibit will close on Tuesday, June 2.

For tickets to the brunch or for more information, visit www.treymcintyre.com or call 877-867-2320.

TrICA - Annual Spring Fundraiser and Auction

Are the wiggleworms getting to your child this spring?  Does he have a good case of the fidgets?  We might have just the cure for you – the Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Arts (TrICA).

TrICA provides a variety of programs that give children an outlet for their energy and creativity, from dance to drumming, painting to plucking guitar strings.  It looks like the kids are having a whole lot of fun, but it really is more than that.  They are exercising developing parts of their brain and creating a foundation for learning.  Studies show again and again that children who are exposed to and participate in artistic endeavors perform better in school and are more likely to achieve academic success.

You can support TrICA’s programs and its efforts to build its permanent home at its upcoming Annual Spring Fundraiser.  On Thursday, May 28 from 6:30-9:00 pm, enjoy the beautiful setting at the Barber Park Event Center and help bring more joy, laughter and learning to our children.  You can bid on amazing experiences while savoring a delicious dinner, all to benefit TrICA.

Tickets are $75 each ($600 for a table for eight).  For information or to purchase tickets, call 484-0142 or email Nellie@tricarts.org.

Help Homeless Teens in Your Community

Have you been looking through your or your teen's closet and realizing that there are some jeans there that are still pretty good (in terms of wear) but just no longer fit correctly?  Here is a great way to get a better fitting pair and to help homeless teens!

For those in the Boise area, if you bring your gently-used jeans in to Aeropostale at the Boise Town Square Mall by Sunday, February 22, you can donate them to the Boise Rescue Mission and receive 25% off of a new pair!  What a great way to help with two problems ... helping other homeless teens and making sure you or your teen has a pair that fits better.

If you are not in the Boise area, Aeropostale is undertaking this same offer around the country. As part of their Teens for Jeans campaign, in conjunction with Do Something, they are doing their part to help teens in need. Last year, they collected 125,000 pairs of jeans, and they are hoping to collect twice that this year!  It is estimated that 1 out of every 3 homeless people in the U.S. is under the age of 18.  The reason for this is myriad - many of these are homeless because their family is undergoing a financial crisis, but some are escaping a bad situation and about 1 out of 5 are leaving directly from foster care.

You or your teen get to look and feel good, and you also help a teen who very much needs help. What could be better?