2011: A memorable year for Idaho
Gracious Hosts: Boise couple Carmen Morawski and Travis Cossel
The end-of-year holiday season is one of those times of the year when it’s important to take stock of the world around us, the loved ones in our lives, and celebrate the rich diversity of life that makes every day a true gift.
During this last year, I’ve been blessed to have had several opportunities through my work with Pride Foundation to witness much generosity and support for the LGBTQ community in Idaho. When I started my role as the state’s regional development organizer in December 2010, Pride Foundation had little visibility here. There were few donors and volunteers, and an overall lack of knowledge about our mission to support grassroots organizations and students promoting and creating LGBTQ equality. While there are certainly further strides to make, the last 12 months have shown plenty of potential and hope.
Supporters Terry Groth, Jamie Dillon and Lora Volkert at our Idaho end-of-year celebration
I’ve written about many of those experiences already. Among them: Boise musicians Stephanie and Bart Bell putting together a benefit concert for equality, north Idaho couple Thomas Bry and Joey Palisano rallying their progressive community in Sandpoint for a Pride Foundation fundraiser, and Nampans Janie Burns and Lori Steele graciously hosting a highly attended “Coming Out to the Farm” event for us at their southern Idaho home.
What those stories share is that all of those inspiring people are new to the Pride Foundation family this year and united in their quest for LGBTQ equality in Idaho.
That vision and support for the LGBTQ community and Pride Foundation’s work in the Gem State has continued to gain momentum the last few months of 2011. Boise couple Carmen Morawski and Travis Cossel reached out to their friends and work colleagues for a fundraising party in October, past north Idaho donors Keith Ekness and Ted Kearn renewed and significantly grew their financial support in November, and Boise volunteer Emilie Jackson-Edney stepped up her leadership role this fall by joining Pride Foundation’s five-state governance committee.
Volunteers Emilie Jackson-Edney and Jim Smith tabling at a December concert for Pride Foundation new grantee Common Ground Community Chorus
Capping off the year in December, nearly 60 past and new Idaho grantees, volunteers and donors attended a Pride Foundation end-of-year event, celebrating our collective efforts on LGBTQ issues in 2011. And one of those new grantees, Common Ground Community Chorus, performed its annual Christmas concert, a simultaneously laugh-out-loud and moving show, attended by about 200 people. A Pride Foundation raffle during the concert resulted in a $100 donation to the Idaho Human Rights Education Center – a fitting end to a memorable first year, and a kickoff for what will no doubt be an even better 2012.
Steve Martin is Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Idaho. Email Steve.
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