BONNERS FERRY — Ken Worsham was quiet for most of the Bonners Ferry Rotary meeting — until Rotary President Sandy Johnstone invited him to speak at the end of the May 5 meeting. 

Worsham spoke about his life and his love for Bonners Ferry. At the end of his remarks, he announced he would donate $50,000 to the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club. 

There was a stunned silence among the roughly 25 people in attendance before it gave way to a standing ovation. The meeting ended shortly after, and many attendees approached Worsham to thank him and shake his hand.

Worsham has held several jobs, including working as a casino owner. He said the donation came with no formal conditions, though he expressed a preference for how the funds should be used. 

He expressed that $30,000 should go toward scholarships for students pursuing trade schools, while the remaining $20,000 could be used at the club’s discretion.

Johnstone’s hands were shaking as she handed the check to the club’s treasurer. 

Part of Worsham’s motivation to donate came from support that his family received from Boundary County for his twin brothers, who had spinal muscular atrophy. 

“A lot of people in the community donated money for them to go to Denver, Colorado, to a chiropractic center, thinking that would help them,” Worsham said. “I thought I’d give something back to the community.” 

Worsham said he believes trade schools are a strong alternative to college. 

“I saw the trade school in Rathdrum,” Worsham said. “It is fantastic. I would have gone to one because I didn’t really like high school myself.” 

Worsham grew up in Boundary County and said some of his favorite memories include fishing and hunting. 

“We grew up so poor,” Worsham said. “We didn’t have a pot to pee in.” 

Shortly before graduating high school, Worsham’s family moved away, but North Idaho remained important to him. He has lived in Hayden for the past four years. 

    Ken Worsham announces his $50,000 donation next to Bonners Ferry Rotary President Sandy Johnstone.