STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Limelight Ketchum Community Fund has donated $30,470 to nine community organizations in the Wood River Valley.
This is the third year the Limelight Ketchum Community Fund has given out grants.
This year’s recipients:
IDAHO ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN. The free program tries to close the language and literacy gap between kids who live below the poverty line and others with two three-session workshops for 30 families in its READY! For Kindergarten program.
MEN’S SECOND CHANCE. The halfway house opened in 2018 in Hailey to provide safe, sober and affordable housing, as well as counseling and support services, for those dealing with substance abuse problems.
I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION. The grant will fund math and science tutors for high school students who are part of a special program that provides, academic and social support for low-income students to attend college. It will also support counselors who work with the students.
BLAINE COUNTY SENIORS COUNCIL. The grant will address food security.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER for its Growing Great Minds Program and Spring Exploration Series.
MOUNTAIN RIDES TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM for bus pass scholarships.
CRISIS HOTLINE for its annual community training.
IDAHO BASE CAMP for its after school outdoor adventure program.
NAMI for its Bluebirds Program, which provides afterschool activities teaching middle and high school students coping skills.
The Limelight Ketchum Community Fund is financed by contributions from Limelight Hotel Ketchum, by employees who contribute to the fund through an optional paycheck deduction and by guests through an opt-out $1-per-night donation. A four-person board made up of Limelight Hotel Ketchum employees determines who to gift the monies to.
Applications for the next grant cycle are due early-mid September 2020. Email Hannah Berman at hberman@aspensnowmass.com for more information.