When $270,000 was set as the target for Live Give 7B’s second annual fundraising week, organizers thought the goal was bold.  

After that amount was surpassed by over $45,000, there was proof that Bonner County's exceedingly large presence of nonprofits was not only true, but that the community largely supported them.  

Executive Director of the Community Resource EnVision Center, Katie Begalke, said that 670 donors contributed to the weeklong event, almost 200 more than last year.  

“This campaign is about more than dollars raised,” Begalke said. “It’s about building a culture of giving, lifting up the work of nonprofits, and reminding people just how essential this sector is to the health and strength of our community.”

Live Give 7B is a regional week of giving, aimed at connecting the community to Bonner County nonprofits. The organization credits nonprofits for quietly powering the community through education and silent strength.  

Belgalke said that the week is more than a fundraiser, but also a celebration. She shared about this year’s “spirit week,” hosted throughout local businesses and community partners, where locals can connect and give back. And to conclude the weeklong event, The Hive hosted a live game show, where official Live Give 7B sponsors took the stage to win money for their favorite nonprofit.  

“From themed gatherings and local promotions to a community-wide Town Toast and 'Gear & Beer' night, Bonner County came together in a way that was both fun and meaningful,” Begalke said. “These events not only raised dollars but also deepened relationships between nonprofits, businesses, and the broader community, a key goal of the campaign.” 

The events are coordinated by the Community Resource EnVision Center, which said the goal of the event is to strengthen the nonprofit community by working together. As part of this, the event partnered with Idaho Nonprofit Center and aligned the event with Idaho Gives, a statewide fundraiser and awareness event for Idaho nonprofits. 

As organizers prepare for next year’s event, Begalke said that the scale of nonprofits within the community can often be overlooked. She further indicated that Idaho nonprofits generate over $6.5 million in economic activity annually and create more than 79,000 jobs (12% of the workforce) in the nonprofit sector.  

“These numbers tell a bigger story,” said Begalke. “Our communities don’t just benefit from nonprofits; we depend on them.”

    Members of the community gather at the 219 Lounge for a Town Toast event highlighting Live Give 7B