July
2009
By
Addison A. Arce
We have come a long way since we first started this Memorial
Foundation in 2005. Today our foundation has raised over six
figures, has made seven financial awards to first responders
in Kootenai County. Progress has come without a price; three
of the four original founding retired police officers have
stepped down as directors. One of those directors has passed
away. Our original Board of Directors has changed; one of
our original directors has also passed away.
As
your new Board president I would like to report to you that
the Foundation continues to grow. There are several law enforcement
agencies and employees of the City of Coeur d’ Alene participating
in a volunteer payroll contribution plan to our Foundation.
Our Pennies for Protectors project, is planning on extending
to other elementary schools in Kootenai County. Tom Capone,
owner of Capone restaurants has indicated a desire to have
an annual fundraiser at his Post falls restaurant. The Foundation
has become a member of the Coeur d’ Alene Chamber of Commerce
and will seek higher visibility for our Foundation and seek
additional sponsors for our annual golf tournament. We have
started researching a scholarship project for dependents of
first responders and hope to have this project implemented
in the spring of 2010.
Our
4th Annual Kootenai Police & Fire Memorial Golf Tournament
is scheduled for August 14, 2009, at Avondale Golf Course,
in Hayden, Idaho. Last year’s tournament was a success raising
over $20,000
The
most important task facing the Foundation today is getting
Kootenai County law enforcement and fire agencies personnel
involved in the Kootenai County Memorial Foundation day to
day operation. They must get involved, if this Foundation
is to survive.
As I mentioned our Board of Directors has changed, several
leading individuals in our community saw the value of the
Foundation and stepped forward and got involved. We continue
to look for new directors and/or individuals who will take
the time to help our Foundation.
