Silverwood makes six-figure donation to Canopy Village
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 4 weeks AGO
Pictured from left are Canopy Village Director of Development Paul Brown, Canopy Village Board Treasurer Elaine Kingston, Canopy Village Interim Executive Director Rosa Melter, Silverwood Public Relations Manager Sara Meddock, Silverwood Director of Marketing Jordan Carter, Canopy Village Director of Compliance & HR Christine Shear, Canopy Village Director of Family Support Services Patti Reichert and Canopy Village Direct Care Provider Lauren Levine.
Courtesy photo
COEUR D’ALENE — Guests on Silverwood Theme Park's historic reenactment of the Steam Engine No. 7 train robbery ride this summer donated more than $27,000 to Canopy Village.
Sara Meddock, Silverwood’s public relations manager, said the Silverwood founders, Gary and Jeanne Norton, matched that amount and then some, bringing the total donation to $100,000.
"We have worked closely with Canopy Village for many years," Meddock said. "Knowing how these funds make such a difference in the lives of the kids and teens they serve is a great feeling."
Canopy Village, formerly known as Children's Village, is a trauma-responsive haven in Coeur d'Alene. It restores trust and hope for children and families who experience abuse, neglect, or crisis. The local charity has a vision of creating compassionate communities where every child feels safe, secure, and nurtured in a stable and loving family environment.
"We feel so blessed to be able to serve our community," expressed Rosa Mettler, interim executive director of Canopy Village. "A community where children matter, kindness is taught, and everyone can play a role in making a difference in the lives of those in crisis."
The Nortons and Silverwood's support for Children's Village reached $1 million in 2021, and this week’s check brings the total to $1.4 million.
Mettler shared the story of a gentleman and his young son who visited the Canopy Village office this summer.
“They had been at Silverwood and heard about Canopy Village while getting ‘robbed’ on the train,” she explained. “He brought his son in to understand the work that we do and to give an additional donation. We thank Silverwood for their continued support of the children we serve. Their donation is a foundation for our work.”