COEUR d'ALENE — Members of the 3Cs — Cancer and Community Charities — are always more than happy to give away their money.

On Friday, they celebrated a distribution of $111,550 to support 32 local causes in their mission to improve the lives of countless individuals and families in North Idaho.

"I always say, 'We pay to play,'" incoming 3Cs President Ann Dare said. "In everything we do, we are raising funds to give back to the community. It's wonderful.

"Maybe they don't have thousands of dollars to give, but everybody can feel like they've given to the community, which is important," she said.

Spirits were buoyant as 3Cs members and grant recipients gathered in the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn for the benevolent organization's annual Appreciation Lunch. Through their many activity and social groups, 3Cs members spend the year raising money to lift up others in their community.

Paula Lyon, founder of the Coeur Community Closet, said the funds her program received will serve as many as 5,000 students in the Coeur d'Alene School District and surrounding area by providing those in need with new clothing and shoes.

She shared her gratitude for the 3Cs support of the Coeur Community Closet.

"We tell our students we have such a generous community and that this is all done out of love," she said. "We encourage them to take advantage of it and know people love them, care for them and value them. As a recipient, we couldn't be more grateful."

Entertainment was provided by Jonathan Arthur and Bob Marlowe, who serenaded attendees as they enjoyed a meal together.

A changing of the guard also took place, as outgoing President Rhonda Newton gave a heartfelt farewell while welcoming Dare and her cabinet to the 3Cs' next two years of leadership.

"I personally am inspired every day, hearing about the acts of kindness our local charities provide to those in need in our community," Newton said.

She distributed roses to the ladies who served in her cabinet and expressed deep gratitude for the work they, and all 3Cs members, have accomplished in the past two years.

"We certainly know how to put the 'fun' in fundraising," Newton said.

This year's 3Cs grant recipients:

Alzheimer's Association

Bag and Boob Babes

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

North Idaho CASA

Casting for Recovery

Children's Village

Coeur Community Closet

Community Action Partnership Coeur d'Alene Food Bank

Community United Methodist Church

Family Promise of North Idaho

Harmony Ranch

Hayden Senior Center

Hospice of North Idaho

Idaho Drug Free Youth

Imagination Initiative

Kootenai Health Foundation Cancer Patient Support and Walden House

Lake City Bicycle Collective

Lake City Center Meals on Wheels

National Alliance on Mental Illness Coeur d'Alene

Northwest infant Survival and SIDS Alliance

On Site for Seniors

Orchard Ridge Senior Living

Post Falls Food Bank

Post Falls Senior Center

Press Christmas for All

Rathdrum Community Center

Relatives as Parents

Safe Passage

Safety Net

Tesh, Inc.

Trinity Group Homes