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.

Idaho Epilepsy Foundation – D.L. Evans Bank Golf Tournament

Epilepsy is rather common, affecting approximately 1% of the United States’ population, yet it is still mysterious to those who are afflicted and their families, as well as to the scientists researching it.  Luckily for our area, the Idaho Epilepsy Foundation (IEF) is there to provide support to patients and families and help them sort through all the information regarding this complex neurological disorder.

People with epilepsy experience seizures, which are brief interruptions of the brain’s electrical activity.  These can usually be controlled with medication or dietary changes, but the condition does pose certain challenges for those with epilepsy and adds a layer of complication to patient’s lives.   With IEF’s help, people with epilepsy are able to find solutions and support and continue to participate in the activities they love.

You can support the IEF’s efforts and help your neighbors and friends with epilepsy at the D.L. Evans Bank Golf Tournament on June 25 at Shadow Valley in Boise.  You might find yourself as the winning team and holders of the Traveling Cup!  Entry fees are $125 for a single golfer or $500 for a foursome. There are also hole sponsorship opportunities available.

To register or for more information, visit www.epilepsyidaho.org or call 344-4340.

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation – Boise Take Steps Walk

It is a problem that most don’t talk about but which affects the daily life of many Americans.  Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful and debilitating digestive diseases that affect over 1.4 million American adults and children.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

On Saturday, June 27th Boise residents will have a chance to help those who suffer from these diseases by participating in the Boise Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis. 

Starting at 4pm at the Old Timers’ Shelter at Ann Morrison Park, the walk will cover 2 miles along the Greenbelt.  Participants can walk individually or form teams.  There is no fee to join, but walkers are encouraged to try to raise at least $125 for their efforts.

It is the first year this national event will be held in Boise.  The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation brought the Take Steps program to Boise after a successful walk/run in 2007.  The walk/run, led by then high school student Kyle Knutson, raised more than $10,000 for CCFA.

The walk will raise crucial research dollars for the CCFA, whose mission is to cure these diseases, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these seldom-discussed diseases. 

For more information, visit www.cctakesteps.org/boise  or call (877) 703-6900.

Idaho Botanical Garden – 25th Anniversary Celebration

Where can you take in amazing concerts, take part in outdoor science projects, and stroll 30 acres of beautifully-kept gardens that serve as a living museum?  The Idaho Botanical Garden, just a short drive from downtown Boise.

The Garden is a huge part of what makes the Boise Valley such a phenomenal place to live, and this year marks its 25th Anniversary.  Born from a strong cadre of volunteers with a passion for botany, conservation and gardening in 1984, the Garden has greatly expanded its programs and is considered a primary horticulture education center in our area for young and old alike.

On June 26, 27 and 28, the Garden is hosting a trio of activities that will introduce you to the best the Garden has to offer.  On the 26th, savor the designed outdoor living spaces at the Enchanted Garden Gala.  Featuring a delicious tasting menu from Bill Green and entertainment from the Frim Fram Four and Amy Weber, you are sure to have a delightful evening.  Tickets are $100 per person and include a membership to the Garden.

On the 27th, join in with friends at the Summer Garden Party featuring Blaz’n Kelly in the English Garden from 7-9 p.m. and Jon Bonine’s Quartet in the Meditation Garden from 9-11 p.m.  Tickets are $40 per person and include a membership to the Garden.

Bring the whole family to Family Day on Sunday the 28th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  There will be games, music, stories, and the chance to explore the Children’s Garden as well as the other amazing features in all of the Idaho Botanical Garden.  Regular admission fees apply, with a pancake brunch for $5 for adults and free for kids.

For reservations for any of these events or for more information, call 343-8649.

Canyon County Historical Society – Boise Valley Oregon Trail Bus Tour

Original emigrants to this area endured incredible hardship as they found their homes in the West.  On Saturday, June 20, Canyon County Historical Society is offering a chance to follow the steps of those pioneers from the comforts of a luxury coach bus.

The Boise Valley Oregon Trail Bus Tour will follow the main emigrant trail used in the 1840's and 1850's though the Boise valley.  Author and historian Don Shannon will be on hand to recount the stories of the travelers and their travails.

They will pick up the trail at Bonneville Point on the east side of Boise and follow it through Boise, down to the site of the Ward Massacre, through Caldwell, out past Notus to the approximate location of Old Fort Boise beyond Parma.  The tour will also stop at the replica of Old Fort Boise in Parma.

The tour will start at the Nampa Train Depot Museum in Nampa Idaho, at 8am and return participants around 5:30pm.  Lunch, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are $50 for CCHS members and $55 for non-members.  They can be purchased by calling 467-7611.  More information is available at www.canyoncountyhistory.com.

Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides – Udderly Delicious

Is there anything more refreshing in the summer than a crisp glass of milk?  Or perhaps a scoop (oh, make it two!) of homemade ice cream?  Add a dollop of chocolate syrup or fresh fruit to either, and you just might be in heaven.  Oh, and maybe just a nice slice of fresh pie or a cookie that you know just came from the oven?

Would you like to have a great taste from Idaho’s amazing local farms and dairies that produce milk and other delicious food products without hormones or other chemicals?  Celebrate our local family farms and dairies on Sunday, June 14 at the Boise Urban Garden School, located at 4821 Franklin Rd. in Boise from 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

You will have the opportunity to sample milk, cheeses, quiches, and baked goods created from the bounty of our community’s local farms and dairies.  Proceeds of the sales go to the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, which seeks to promote alternatives to pesticides through educating the public, providing support to farmers wishing to transition to organic, creating pesticide-free public spaces, and working on legislative policy.

Tickets for the event are $15 adults, $7.50 children. Tickets are available by calling Jennifer Miller at (208) 850-6504.

Idaho Rivers United – Water Wise Garden Tour

Pop quiz:
What is one thing you can count on in Boise in the summer?  Answer: heat.
What is one thing you can’t take for granted in the West?  Answer: water.

As the balance of those critical factors test our lawns every summer, it is helpful to know how to make the best use of water.  Idaho Rivers United is dedicated to not only protecting our rivers but also with educating citizens on overall water policy and conservation. 

On Tuesday, June 16th, Idaho Rivers United will be conducting a Water Wise Garden Tour to highlight efficient gardening practices.  Attendees will enjoy food and drink at the MK Nature Center along with a guided tour of their demonstration garden and presentations.  They will then be transported to tour four Water Wise gardens around the city.  Experts will be at each site to talk about the plants and the design, and the owners will also be available to talk about upkeep and water savings.  The tours will end at 9pm.

Tickets are $20 for Idaho Rivers United members and $25 for non-members. For a $35 donation you get to go on the tour and join Idaho Rivers United. 

For more information, visit www.idahorivers.org or call 343-7481.  Space is limited.

St. Luke's - Kid for a Night

With the theme of "Play Ball!" St. Luke's has teed up a fun-filled event for the annual Kid for a Night on Friday at Boise Centre on The Grove.

There is no sitting on the sidelines for this evening: This is an all-play event. And event rookies need to understand that this is no ordinary fundraiser. As the largest fundraiser for St. Luke's Children's Hospital, it is a night when adults get to play as they haven't since they were kids.

With Boise State Football Coach Chris Petersen and Dr. Jill Beck, a pediatric otolaryngologist, leading the charge as this year's Kid for a Night ambassadors, we imagine the playbook for the night to go something like this:

All right, team, time to huddle up and talk strategy. We've taken possession of the Centre on The Grove. Some of you will head down the sidelines to the Human Bowling arena. Others will rush the Football Frenzy Obstacle Course. A lot of you will want to try out Human Foosball. We're talking 40 by 60 feet of foosball fun here, team! You players will be attached to cross wires in the game arena and allowed to move only side to side while working with your team to move that ball. Word on the turf is that there's no flipping and spinning involved, but plenty of fun is guaranteed. OK, are we ready?!! Let's play ball!

Live entertainment (aside from what will be happening in the various game arenas) will be provided by the Blues Brothers Rock and Soul Review.

Tickets are $175 each. For information or to purchase tickets, call 381-2123 or e-mail foundation@slrmc.org.

Special Olympics Idaho - Breakfast with Champions

Growing up, as we participated in various sporting events, we constantly heard from parents and coaches that sports were not just about being athletic - they built character. Sure, the winner got a trophy or ribbon, but what really mattered was developing sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity.

Among the competitors who constantly exemplify this ethic are the amazing athletes of Special Olympics Idaho. Each Special Olympian demonstrates that an intellectual disability is not an impediment to outrageous achievement, and they all serve as role models for what athletics stands for in our society.

On Tuesday, June 9, you can celebrate these athletes and help Special Olympics Idaho to continue its programs at Breakfast with Champions. Starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Boise Centre on The Grove, the breakfast will feature Hedda Sharapan of Family Communications, a non-profit founded by late TV icon Fred Rogers.

There is no charge for the breakfast, but guests will have the opportunity to make donations. For tickets and information on being a table captain, contact Christine at 323-0482, Ext. 21

Camp Discovery Raffle

When you're facing a battle with cancer, moments of fun and respite can be like a breath of fresh air.

Camp Discovery provides such a breath of fresh air, as well as activities to help keep the heart pumping and the spirit soaring.

Based in Salmon, Camp Discovery provides free multiday river adventure programs to youth and adults with cancer. The educational outdoor experiences are designed by counselors and outdoor professionals to help build and restore physical, spiritual and emotional strength.

Camp Discovery is holding a statewide raffle to help provide scholarships for teen and young adult cancer survivors to attend adventure programs this summer on the Salmon River.

First prize is an AIRE Outfitter II, a two-person inflatable kayak ($1,379 value). Second prize is a one- day fall guided steelhead fishing trip with Idaho Adventures in Salmon ($350 value).

The raffle ends Saturday, June 27. Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40 and are available at www.campdiscoveryidaho.org/upcoming-events.asp or(208) 303-0040.