Benefit sale a grand success
After a one-year hiatus, the North Valley Community Sale for Refugee Aid was rekindled by Sam and Ruth Neff in Whitefish for its lucky 13th year.
The Neffs succeeded in topping 2012 sales, raising more than $10,000 for Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee.
“The sale would not have been possible without the help of an uncountable number of volunteers from several parts of the valley,” Sam Neff said. “Some were regulars who have helped in other years, but many others dropped in for the sale and then stayed on for several hours to help out.”
One of them was Manita Coggins, who has served with Doctors without Borders in Angola, Africa.
Neff also thanked Olive, 5, and Laelia, 3 1/2, who set up business next door with their lemonade and hot chocolate stand. The young philanthropic entrepreneurs also donated their proceeds to the two charitable organizations.
The Neffs also made note of the copious community donations and great publicity they received with prominent articles in the Daily Inter Lake and Whitefish Pilot, public service announcements by Bee Broadcasting and TV coverage by KCFW.
“It is wonderful support from our unique community that makes this sale successful year after year,” the Neffs said. “Thanks to all of you.”
The geese may be hightailing it south, but it was ducks that made big bucks for the Whitefish Community Foundation earlier this summer.
More than $61,000 was raised at the Whitefish Duck Derby in August. Those funds were earmarked for the foundation’s Community Grants Fund and will be the wind beneath the wings for many local nonprofits.
Now in its sixth year, the derby features four races. Fifteen nonprofit organizations participated in the Nonprofit Fair this year and the $1,000 grand prize from the Nonprofit Race went to North Valley Music School. Prizes were also awarded to the top 10 finishers in each race.
Since 2000, the Whitefish Community Foundation has served the sick and hungry, built affordable housing and brightened the lives of thousands by supporting the arts. Every $5 duck purchased during the derby goes on to support numerous charitable organizations and services in Whitefish. Lucky ducks!
Marianne Dyon was driving home from church on U.S. 93 one recent Saturday when she saw several groups of people alongside the road picking up garbage.
“I couldn’t believe how many full garbage bags there were lined up along the side of the road. What a great job!” she wrote. “I don’t know who those people were but I would like to extend a big thank you for taking time to clean up along the highway.”
Dyon closed with this advice: “Now as good citizens we all should be more careful not to throw garbage out of our cars or trucks.”
Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.