SANDPOINT — Litehouse Inc.’s annual Charity Golf Classic continues to make its mark on education in our community. Held at the Coeur d’Alene Resort last week, the event raised over $332,000 in gross proceeds from Litehouse vendors and local businesses. All proceeds after expenses will go directly to the Panhandle Alliance for Education, a non-profit dedicated to promoting excellence in education and community support for the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

Participants of the event included Litehouse employees, partners, vendors, and several locally owned businesses. Contributors enjoyed the opportunity to mix business with pleasure through meetings, a round of golf and several social gatherings.

Education has always been a core value of the Litehouse culture. Its founders had their roots in education, and the 100% employee owned company continues to make education a priority by investing in local public schools through PAFE. Every dollar raised is reinvested into the Lake Pend Oreille School District and our next generation.

“PAFE is a fantastic organization and we are proud to be able to support the great work they are doing. My perspective has always been that a well-educated community, especially in the formidable years, is what makes for a safer, more enriched community for all to live in,” said Jim Frank, Litehouse president and CEO

“Strengthening the community through a cause that impacts families and the health of our businesses environment is an investment in our future. We need quality schools to insure that local talent will be there for expansion and continued success,” said Kelly Prior, Litehouse chief financial officer.

Local participants in the tournament included: Lewis and Hawn Excellence in Dentistry, Realm Partners Real Estate, Sandpoint Title Insurance, Trinity at City Beach, Farm Bureau Insurance and Financial Services, Clearwater Gear, and Pierce Auto Sales.

“We appreciate this wholehearted support from the local business community. Their financial commitment to the Litehouse Charity Golf Tournament says we value our educators and recognize the teacher is the most important factor in delivering the best possible instruction to every child.” Geraldine Lewis, president, Panhandle Alliance for Education.

Funds from this event will sponsor classroom projects through the 2018 PAFE Teacher Grants Program. Grants make educational enrichment a reality in our classrooms. Examples include flying drones, reading puppies, forensic labs, college and career exposure, interactive science fairs, royalties for Broadway Plays, musical instruments, and many more. Over 690 grants have been awarded since 2003.

The Panhandle Alliance for Education is a nonprofit organization composed of local citizens, businesses, and educators. The mission is to promote excellence in education and broad-based community support for the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Donations are distributed as a working pool of money used to fund classroom teacher grants, READY! for Kindergarten, an early childhood literacy program, a district-wide English Language Arts program, and other strategic programs. For information or to participate in recurring monthly giving, go online to panhandlealliance.org.