Commitment to community earns McAdam WOW honors

The Women Honoring Women committee is proud to announce Nancy McAdam as one of the 2026 Bonner County Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, recognizing her lifetime of service, leadership, compassion, and commitment to building a stronger community.

Since moving to Sandpoint with her husband Bill in the mid-1970s and opening The Hydra, McAdam has played an important role in shaping organizations and programs that continue to enrich the community today.

Among McAdam’s most lasting contributions was helping co-found The Festival at Sandpoint. Friends and fellow volunteers recall her tireless behind-the-scenes work, especially her strengths in organization, collaboration, and fundraising. What began as a bold local vision has grown into one of the Inland Northwest’s most treasured cultural traditions.

McAdam was also an original charter member of the Community Assistance League (CAL), serving as president from 1984 to 1986. Through CAL, she helped launch Afternoon Academy, an after-school enrichment program that gave local children opportunities to explore arts, creativity, and practical life skills. She even introduced etiquette classes at The Hydra, creating fun and memorable ways for young people to build confidence and social skills.

Throughout the years, McAdam supported school bond initiatives, Special Olympics events at Schweitzer, 911 implementation efforts in Sandpoint, and numerous charitable causes. Friends describe her as someone who consistently stepped forward whenever there was a need while never seeking recognition for herself.

In addition to her community work, McAdam devoted herself to raising four children and supporting family and friends with extraordinary care and loyalty. Her children credit her example of service and generosity for shaping their own lifelong commitment to helping others.

Friends say McAdam possesses a rare ability to make people feel supported, valued, and included. Whether hosting gatherings, mentoring younger women, or quietly helping others through difficult seasons, she has built a legacy grounded in compassion and connection.

Even through personal health challenges, including two battles with breast cancer and now supporting her husband through Alzheimer’s disease, McAdam has continued to face life with remarkable grace and resilience.

Now a part-time resident but still deeply connected to Sandpoint, McAdam continues supporting local causes and remaining engaged in the community she helped shape for nearly five decades.

For Bonner County, Nancy McAdam’s legacy is found not only in the organizations she helped build, but in the countless lives she has touched through kindness, wisdom, leadership, and enduring friendship.

McAdam joins fellow 2026 honorees Dee Ann Smith, Sharon Bistodeau, Rebecca Hawkins, and Sue Brooks, all recognized for their leadership, service, and lasting impact on the community.

The Women of Wisdom Gala Luncheon honoring these exceptional women will be held Saturday, June 13, at Marigold Bistro in Sandpoint. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling Diane at 208-290-6362 or by emailing [email protected].