By Mike McKenna
One of the great things about being a girl growing up in the Wood River Valley is that you don’t have to look very far for some great role models.
A stroll down Sun Valley Road leads past statues of some famous local female athletes like skier Gretchen Fraser, Paralympian and politician Muffy Davis or snowboarder Kaitlyn Farrington. Olympic skier Picabo Street even has streets named after her in both Hailey and Ketchum.
But the Wood River Valley is also blessed with lots of female role models off the slopes, as well. Women who are making positive impacts in the lives of just about everyone lucky enough to call our slice of Idaho home.
The Wood River Women’s Foundation (WRWF) is celebrating 20 years of making big, and small but important, impacts throughout the Valley. Fittingly, the idea for the nonprofit first took place on a chairlift.
Back in 2005, Barbara Thrasher found herself on a chairlift with a member of the Seattle Women’s Foundation. After hearing about what they do, Barbara was inspired to start a similar group in Sun Valley.
With the help of other local women like Jo Murray, a group was invited to tea to discuss the idea. Almost all the women agreed to join with the now late Camille McCray, handing over the first donation, stating, “You must start. You must do this.”
An astounding 52 Letters of Interest for support came in the first year the WRWF started giving out grants. It was instantly obvious that our community needed a lot of help and needed some heroes like the WRWF.
“What’s amazing about this organization is when we ask for help, the hands that go up,” Barbara said. “We have people who are so talented here. I’m constantly amazed at who steps up to help when we need it.”
The WRWF has given out nearly $5 million to 294 different organizations over the last two decades. Membership has also grown tenfold, with around 300 current members, making it one of the largest women’s foundations in the country.
“One of the things that’s makes us different is that you can do something small or do something huge and still make an impact. Time, treasure or talent, any or all, there are a lot of ways to help,” Barbara said. “In a small community like ours, you can see the difference you’re making.”
The WRWF just awarded $375,000 to 25 different local organizations. This philanthropy touches every corner of our community; from small start-ups to well-established organizations to helping build a permanent stage for Hailey’s Hop Porter Park.
“It’s about more than money. It’s about education and community,” Barbara said.
“The real power of our organization is the women we draw from. It’s outstanding, both humbling and inspiring,” WRWF President Jeannie Shrouds said.
From food security to self-confidence, from the arts to the slopes, to just simply having fun and making new friends, life is better for girls growing up—and all us living—in the Wood River Valley because of the efforts and support of the WRWF.
Find out more at WoodRiverWomensFoundation.org.
