COEUR D’ALENE – The 2023 fundraising year has been a powerful one for the Cancer and Community Charities, better known as the 3Cs.

The group of about 500 ladies have managed to collect $120,000 to release to local charities later in the summer. Though the recipients won’t be announced until Aug. 18, most of the nonprofits receiving the grant awards fall within the health and human resource categories.

3Cs President Ann Dare said it has been encouraging to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition and surpass last year’s figure of $111,000.

“We’re excited that we’re able to provide. It’s been a good year for us,” Dare said.

Dare credits the group’s spring "Passion for Fashion" show that raised $66,000 in profits at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

The ladies club was originally started in 1962 as an offshoot of the bowling club the “Cancer Crusaders” to help local cancer patients with travel expenses who had to travel to Spokane for treatment.

“It has evolved. Since 2009, we’ve raised $2,497,830 to give to local nonprofits in Kootenai County, and we currently have 13 active groups that are involved in raising money throughout the year,” Dare said.

Women in the 3Cs can take part in bunco, bowling, golf, gourmet, singing, “Funables,” “showtime gals,” bridge, mahjong, book club, Twisted Stitchers, Crafty Crew or garden club to enjoy themselves while raising money to put toward those who need it in the community.