KC Dems Community Outreach Committee had another great year. Consequently, as the Outreach Chair, I want to thank our members and volunteers who generously donated their money, supplies and precious time, so that we could reach out and support many fine and deserving local organizations. As a result of our combined efforts, we not only supported many local causes, we also raised the visibility and positive presence of the Democrats in Kootenai County. This concerted community engagement is a demonstration of our commitment to living up to our Democratic values. In other words, our outreach offers opportunities to show we care. That is why we not only showed up in person, but also contributed financially including sponsoring several important causes affecting the community. Here is a 2019 recap of our many outreach activities.
Cathy Kraus – Community Outreach Chair
KEA Earth Day Celebration
KEA Earth Day CelebrationIn April, we participated in KEA’s Earth Day celebration by having an educational booth geared toward kids. It’s always fun to see how interested the kids are in helping our planet. Their enthusiasm is contagious!
St. Vincent de Paul Stand Down
In May, we donated food to the St. Vincent de Paul Stand Down event which is held to help and support our local veterans.
NI Pride Alliance Pride in the Park
June took us to the City Park for “Pride in the Park,” where we had a booth in support of the North Idaho Pride Alliance. We made positive contacts with many local folks—and as always, we registered voters and handed out party literature. The day was so uplifting! If you have never attended the event, we suggest you put it on your calendar for this year!
Riverstone Summer Concert Series
Riverstone Summer Concert SeriesIn August, Suzanne Marshall and Mike Marvinny assisted KC Dems in serving as the major sponsor for the August summer concert at Riverstone Park. The concert was one of a series put on monthly during the summer by and for the benefit the CDA Arts and Culture Alliance. The Alliance works to educate and support local arts. Since it was a very hot day, the Dems served nearly 200 root beer floats to thirsty concert goers. With attendance at about 400, we had great exposure and offered a positive presence at this event. Look for us again next summer!
SPAN Walk
SPAN WalkWe were back at Riverstone in September for the annual SPAN of North Idaho Walk. The event helps to educate folks about suicide prevention. SPAN is an acronym for Suicide Prevention Action Network. We had 10 KC Dem volunteers helping register the nearly 800 participants at the walk. They also handed out snacks and coffee to the attendees during the event. In addition, the KC Dems were a major event sponsor for the second year in a row. SPAN of North Idaho provides help and resources to people in our community who are impacted by suicide. We are very proud to be a part of this event. We care.
Souport the End of Homelessness
In November, for the 3rd year in a row, KC Dems provided artisan and homemade breads and butter for St. Vincent de Paul’s “Souport the End of Homelessness” fundraiser. This fantastic event helps fund St. Vincent’s warming shelters and other services they provide to homeless members of our community. About 1000 people attended this event. Put this one on your calendar for next November.
Christmas Food Drive
We ended the year with a food drive for the Post Falls Food Bank. Mary and Phil Ward gave us the wonderful idea of filling 100 stockings with Christmas treats for kids. In addition, we collected and delivered food donations plus $400 to the food bank for Christmas. Again, this is all because of the incredible generosity of the KC Dems. We could not do it without YOU!
A big thank you to all who donated either money, goods or time to our community outreach efforts-we ARE making a difference in the lives of others!
Cathy Kraus-Community Outreach Chair
