Introducing Mr. North Idaho. A new event giving local gentlemen an evening of celebrity status while shining the spotlight on nonprofits.

"For most of us, this is not our natural element, but we are folks that are going to give our best effort," Mr. North Idaho contestant Brad Leggat said Friday. "We are going to make it a very entertaining evening."

Beginning at 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Red Lion Hotel Templin's on the River in Post Falls, the inaugural Mr. North Idaho will feature representatives from 16 charitable organizations competing in the playful pageant.

"They’ll have their walkout song, they'll have their talent, we’re even doing a jokey sportswear swimsuit competition," said Tiffinay Vargas, founder of the host organization One More Time Northwest, which makes wishes come true for adults facing life-limiting conditions.

Leggat is the co-owner of the Coeur d'Alene-based FirstLight Home Care of Spokane-Coeur d'Alene, one of the largest home care agencies in North Idaho. 

Leggat and Vargas have worked together to serve a similar population through the years, so Leggat said it was a no-brainer to participate in Mr. North Idaho, knowing One More Time was involved.

"I've just admired and supported them for a long time," he said. "What they do is incredibly special. They help seniors and elderly residents in the final chapter of life experience one meaningful wish."

Each Mr. North Idaho contestant will give a short speech about the nonprofit he represents. Leggat will be on stage for Orchard Ridge Senior Living, a unique assisted living facility that has been serving Coeur d'Alene for over 100 years.

Leggat said he and his FirstLight Home Care team have worked closely with Orchard Ridge residents.

"I chose Orchard Ridge because their mission aligns so closely with my own work and values at FirstLight Home Care," Leggat said. "Our entire focus is serving seniors with compassion, dignity and respect."

Other nonprofits that will be showcased and supported by Mr. North Idaho include the Museum of North Idaho, represented by local business owner Dan White; Village of Hope, represented by artist Stephen Shortridge; Growing the STEM, represented by Jimmy McAndrew, who serves on the Coeur d'Alene School Board; Specialized Needs Recreation, represented by SNR participant and longtime North Idahoan Jacob Watkins. Jonathan Rivera, a music lover and adventure-seeker, will represent Camp Sweyolakan. Artist and performer Duncan Clark Menzies represents Home Share Kootenai County; outdoorsman, father and business leader Evan McIlreavy will represent Lemonade Day. Companions Animal Center is represented by firefighter and animal lover Chris Larson; Hunter Kennedy, a greenhouse owner and arts advocate, will represent Lake City Playhouse, history lover Keelan Dickson, whose hometown is River City will represent the Post Falls Museum, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, is represented by Dana Wing, who has been a Big Brother for almost three years. A few more contestants have yet to be announced.

Vargas said the fundraising goal is $100,000.

"There will be a raffle and a Mr. Congeniality contest, where we'll be raising money per man. Whoever raises the most is named 'Mr. Congeniality," she said.

Vargas is competing for her nonprofit, although as the event organizer, she is exempt from winning. She formed One More Time Northwest after her dad unexpectedly died in 2017 at just 58 years old. She said her walkout song, "Sharp Dressed Man," was chosen in his honor.

"When I was 16, I took my dad to the ZZ Top concert," she said.

The Mr. North Idaho music selections are as diverse as the contestants, Vargas said.

"We've got Taylor Swift, we've got the Pee-wee Herman theme song," Vargas said. "They each got their own, whatever makes them feel cool."

The winner of Mr. North Idaho is crowned the Epic Elk King. Five percent of net proceeds will go to the charity he represents. The first runner-up will be dubbed the Ballsy Bighorn, with 3% of net proceeds going to a represented cause. The nonprofit of the second runner-up, the Macho Moose, will receive 2% of the evening's proceeds. The people's choice will go to Mr. Congeniality for the most money raised for his cause.

Judges will include pageant professionals Mrs. Idaho America 2019 Heidi Poole, Mrs. Idaho American 2021 Marie Widmyer, Mrs. Idaho American 2025 Meaghan Sheets and Miss Idaho USA 2025 Kaitlyn Widmyer.

They will judge the featured fellows on style and swagger as they strut the runway, talent with a twist, which could be anything from delivering dad jokes to other quirky talents; athletic/swimwear, a lighthearted nod to traditional pageants that will require humor and creativity. There will also be a question-and-answer session with a curveball, as audience members are charmed by the speaker's personality, wit and honesty.

Leggat said this is an opportunity for the public to come to one place, one event, one night and support multiple nonprofits.

"Even if you aren't completely satisfied with my talent or lack thereof on stage, you can walk away knowing you supported 16 of our best nonprofits in North Idaho," he said.

Tickets start at $75.

And the dress code?

"This is Mr. North Idaho," Vargas said. "You come in your North Idaho chic. It can be a ball gown or shorts and a sweatshirt."

Info: mrnorthidaho.com

    White
  

    Larson
  

    Wing
  

    Menzies
  

    McIlreavy