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Sandpoint represented at Philanthropy Day event

Mary Malone Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 1 month AGO
by Mary Malone Staff Writer
| December 17, 2019 12:00 AM

SANDPOINT — A number of local and regional individuals, organizations and businesses were recognized by the Idaho Nonprofit Center in November for philanthropic work in their communities.

“That philanthropic spirit, that spirit of giving in a community, is really contagious — that is why this community seems so full of people who just give back, because it kind of catches from person to person,” said Sagle resident Geraldine Lewis, who was honored by the center as an outstanding adult philanthropist for her work in education as a school board member, as well as with Panhandle Alliance for Education, Innovia Foundation, and her church.

The center hosted North Idaho Philanthropy Day in Coeur d’Alene on Nov. 14, where the honorees were announced in five categories — philanthropic company/foundation, outstanding nonprofit, outstanding adult philanthropist, outstanding youth philanthropist, and outstanding philanthropic media outlet. The individuals, businesses and organizations are nominated for each category, and Lewis said she has no idea who nominated her as it is done anonymously.

Under the philanthropic company/foundation category, the honorees are chosen from the nominees that demonstrate commitment to the profession, knowledge of the industry and leadership capabilities, bringing philanthropic work to the core of their mission, according to the center’s website. The 2019 North Idaho honorees in this category are Mountain West Bank, STCU, and Women’s Gift Alliance.

Outstanding nonprofits are chosen from those that are an innovative leader in their field, are vocal and visible in their field, collaborates with other organizations and sets an example for others. The 2019 honorees in this category are Sandpoint Community Resource Center, Gizmo-CDA, Kootenai Health Foundation, Inc.

Outstanding adult philanthropists are individual adults, 21 years and older, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in philanthropic efforts and/or projects benefiting charitable organizations. This award excludes the president, CEO and/or executive director of a nonprofit organization, according to the website. This year’s honorees, in addition to Lewis, are Ross Longhini and Debi Dockins.

The outstanding youth philanthropist requirements match those of the adult philanthropist category, though it is for individuals 21 and younger. This year’s youth honorees are Seth Gallagher, Lilian Smith and Defne Yuksel.

The honorees for the outstanding philanthropic media/marketing category are chosen for their commitment to the profession, knowledge of the industry and leadership capabilities, bringing philanthropic work to the core of their mission. Keokee and KREM 2 News were chosen as this year’s media/marketing honorees.

Lewis, Longhini, the Sandpoint Community Resource Center and Keokee are all Sandpoint honorees, and Mountain West Bank and STCU have local branches as well.

“In North Idaho, Sandpoint is well represented,” Lewis said. “When it comes to philanthropy, you look around this community and there are so many names that come to mind, so I was a little bit humbled being called out on it.”

Information: idahononprofits.org

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.

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