Community Thanks

CONCERTS: Hats off to conductor Madrid and organizers

Having attended several Lakes Middle School concerts that Jon Madrid has conducted, I am always amazed at the progress of the students. It is evident that his relationship with the students is phenomenal.  

On May 14th, I attended the North Idaho Youth Symphony Honor Band that he also conducted. My grandson performed as a part of this select band made up of sixth through ninth grade students from local schools. Unbelievably, they put this performance together after only three practices and a dress rehearsal. It is the best youth concert I have ever attended. The choice of music and how well they played was phenomenal. 

Thank you to all who organize this program.

JOHN & CATHY RIDER
Coeur d'Alene

GOOD SAMARITAN: Grateful for grocery gift

Today I was standing in line at Safeway Grocery, when this young gentleman who was checking out in front of me walks back to me and says, "Ma'am, is it all right if I pay for your groceries?" I was stunned by his kindness! 

I replied, "Why do you want to do this?" 

He answered with a smile, "Because I enjoy doing things for people and espectially the elderly. In today's world, it is tough for everyone, so if I can help make someone's day a little better, I want to do it."

What a sweet and kind young man. He said his name was Ken and that he owned his own business, Eco Systems Sprinklers.

God bless this kind, loving young man. I am forever grateful.

BEV TURNER
Coeur d'Alene

MOM PROM: Sisterhood and support celebrated

North Idaho’s favorite tradition for mothers has officially reached a new milestone. The Third Annual Mom Prom was a spectacular sell-out success, with 240 incredible moms filling the room with laughter, light, and a whole lot of sparkle.

This evening is designed specifically for moms to take a well-deserved night off, and it has quickly become the most anticipated date on the calendar. It was a joy to see groups of friends showing up in coordinated outfits, embracing the chance to dress up and celebrate together. The energy in the room was electric, reaching an all-time high when Bridget Lewis was crowned our 2026 Mom Queen — a standout moment in a night dedicated to honoring every woman in the room.

Beyond the dance floor, these moms showed the true power of community. Through the excitement of over 100 raffle prizes and curated grab bags, the event raised more than $22,900. These funds stay right here in North Idaho, allowing A Parent’s Paradise Charities to continue supporting and connecting local families.

A project of this scale simply could not happen without our incredible Board of Directors and our dedicated team of volunteers. Their tireless work behind the scenes is the heartbeat of this event. We are also filled with immense gratitude for the 90+ sponsors who recognized the importance of this night for moms and made it all possible.

With sincere thanks to our 2026 sponsors:

GOLD SPONSOR: Project Beauty Share

SILVER SPONSORS: Clark's Jewelers • Hazel Tree Midwifery • Post Falls ER • Restoration Health Care

BRONZE SPONSORS: Allison Industries • Auratography • CDA Green Clean • Coeur de Clean • Curtis Orthodontics • Dance Dentistry • Danya Stevens Flowerz by Dayz • Dezirea Blumig Country financial Insurance • Discovery of Learning • Eagles • Elmers • Enchanted Beauty • Executive Limousine • Fizz Labs • Gracie Jiu Jitsu Postfalls • Heal Mama • Hiipop Dance Fitness • Inland Mama • Jennifer Bookamer birth services • Kathryn Jex 7 Blooms • Lacey Green Photography • Leah Rees Photography • Lake City Physical Therapy • Lashell Johnson • Lazarus Garage • Length & Strength Barre Studio • Maids4Moms • Nikki Parquett wellness • Northwest Family Counseling • Northwest Pizza Company • Old European • Simplicity Bliss • Stable Roots Parent Coaching • Staples • Sweet elegance bakery • The Blackwell Hotel • The Portrait Experience • The Village Doula • Third Eye Beauty Co • Eileithyia birth services LLC • True North Marketing • Well-Natured Being • Wild Rose Birth Services • Teacher of Joy LLC • RIMM DJ services 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: AB Aesthetic & Wellness • Always Linked • Amethyst Haven • Becky Cochran • Beyoutiful Hot Yoga • Birdies Pie • Blue Turtle Becky • Bolton Law • Bonnie Rawlins Pink Zebra • Brambleberry Cottage • CDA Press • Classified Threads • Cold Stone • Conchito • Costco • Cracker Barrel • Crown and Thistle • Curated Closet • Dutch Bros • Fit4Moms • Follow My Lead • Glory and Shine • HERNails • Hotworx • ICCU • Inland Cafe • ISpa Nails •The salvation army Kroc center • Kait Mckay photography • Museum of Idaho • Northwest Specialty • Planet Terra • Priebe Chiropractic • Rathdrum Parks & Rec • Rooted Chiropractic • Shandales Minis • Silke White • Skinplicity • Sowing joy farm • StretchLab • Spud pest control • Tandoori Grill • Tansanity • Trader Joes • Tree House

To the moms who sparkle, the volunteers who serve, and the sponsors who give—thank you for making this our best year yet. We are already looking forward to celebrating with you again in 2027!

With gratitude,

A PARENT'S PARADISE CHARITIES
Rathdrum

HELPERS: A word of gratitude 

A huge 'shout out' to the three Good Samaritans (two gentlemen & a young lady) who helped me find my white Kia in the Walmart Parking lot on Tues, May 12. 

It's quite an embarrassment to space out, unable to find the car that you parked a short hour ago. You all came to my aid, offering to help without me even asking! Your example of kindness is what helps make Post Falls a community I love to call home. Thank You!

LINDA KOCIS
Post Falls

DAN GOOKIN: Thank you! 

As a student at North Idaho College, I'm not Gookin' around. The mayor of Coeur d'Alene, Dan Gookin, has been doing a really great job as mayor, and I would like to congratulate him. May Gookin lead us for years to come!

KONNER KNOLL
Hayden