Women’s Gift Alliance will host its annual fundraising dinner on Sept. 15 at the Hagadone Event Center, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Katia Passerini, president of Gonzaga University. Everyone is welcome to join WGA to hear Passerini speak on the value of generosity and celebrate the accomplishments of four nonprofits that received $30,000 grants from WGA this year.

“Something I’m very proud of is we give large grants that really make an impact,” said WGA President Patricia Krug.

This year’s $30,000 grant recipients are 3rd Avenue Marketplace, Charity Reimagined, Newby-ginnings of North Idaho and Safe Passage. The funds allowed 3rd Avenue Marketplace, a food bank, to replace old appliances. They enabled Charity Reimagined to create a 12-week financial empowerment and wellness program for low-income adults in Kootenai County. 

Newby-ginnings, which provides resources for veterans and active military families, will use its grant to purchase movable industrial shelving for its new warehouse. Safe Passage will use its funding to implement a new legal program for survivors of violence seeking legal resolutions.

“Our grants are all designed to make an impact,” Krug said. “Not just covering operating expenses.”

The Coeur d’Alene Symphony, North Idaho State Fair & Rodeo Foundation and Safe Start also received $5,000 grants from WGA this year.

Previous grants helped Kootenai County Search & Rescue purchase a drone to locate missing people in the wilderness. They also allowed the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene to establish a piano lab with five pianos. Another grant helped Lake City Playhouse update its sound and lighting equipment.

Since 2005, WGA has awarded more than $1.9 million in grants to local nonprofits. The organization’s 52 founding members were inspired by the Washington Women’s Foundation and decided to establish a similar organization to support nonprofits in Kootenai County. 

WGA awarded its first $26,000 grant to the Kootenai County Search & Rescue Council. Today, the organization awards $30,000 grants to four nonprofits each year.

“When they make a contribution, people know that their dollars are going to make a big impact,” said WGA founding member Janice Baldwin. “It’s a joy for me to see that come to fruition over these years.”

During the fundraising dinner, each grant recipient will speak about what they have accomplished with WGA funding. Baldwin and Krug hope the nonprofits' stories, along with Passerini’s message, will inspire women to become philanthropic leaders.

“She has a remarkable story to tell,” Krug said, “and she’s going to be talking about philanthropy and ways to give back.”

Krug said the annual dinner is an opportunity for women to become more involved in their community and connect with others who share a commitment to giving back. She said new attendees will receive a warm welcome and encouraged ticketholders to contact her at [email protected] ahead of the event.

The WGA annual dinner will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Hagadone Event Center. Tickets are $100 and include dinner and dessert. Registration is available at womensgiftalliance.org/events.