STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Some of those who have made the Wood River Valley a better place were honored this past week at the 2025 Chamber Awards Banquet.

Friends, family and supporters crowded into The Senior Connection as they honored award-winners over a dinner of steak with chimichurri sauce and giant Portobello mushrooms served up by Senior Connection Chef Sky.

The Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber established an awards dinner honoring local heroes in the early 2000s, but that effort was discontinued when the City of Ketchum disbanded the organization to create Visit Sun Valley.

Geegee Lowe gets so excited when she can secure a flyover for the Hailey Memorial Day Ceremony.

The Valley Chamber revived the practice in 2019, only to have the pandemic short circuit its efforts. This was the first since, the honorees voted on by The Chambers 400 members.

The honorees:

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR--Geegee Lowe

Lowe has her fingers in everything, it seems, from organizing volunteers for the Trailing of the Sheep Festival to collecting books and baked goods for the Hailey Public Library’s fundraiser sale to leading the Hailey Memorial Day ceremony every year.

Marty Lyon, third from left, attended the dinner with 100 Men Who Care sidekick Jeff Nelson, Nelson’s wife Lucia and Marty’s wife Mila.

“She’s a powerhouse,” said Chamber Director Mike McKenna said. “If something cool happens in Hailey, this woman is involved. She gives me energy.”

“We have a great community,” Lowe told the attendees. “Everyone pitches in.”

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD—Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a business that goes beyond daily operations to create meaningful, lasting change in the community, actively investing time, resource and initiatives from volunteering at events to awarding money to nonprofits.

Tammy Davis is always trying to build community, in part through community Thanksgiving dinners that she organized for years.

One of its recent efforts was to secure a grant for The Advocates THRIVE Kids Early Learning Center.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of so many incredible organizations that do so much for our community.” said Guy Cherp, the local executive director. “We have nearly 100 percent participation by our employees in volunteer efforts and our employee-drive charitable fund.”

ECONIOMIC IMPACT AWARD—Harry Griffith

Harry Griffith is a remarkable leader whose dedication has helped shape the economic landscape of our community, said McKenna. “As the driving force behind Sun Valley Economic Development, Harry Griffith has worked tirelessly to support local businesses, attract new opportunities and promote smart, sustainable growth in Blaine County.

Guy Cherp, left, and his Cox Communications employees handed out $15,000 in 2024 Community Investment Grants to 10 Wood River Valley nonprofit organizations.

“As he prepares to retire, we reflect on the legacy he leaves behind—one of vision, collaboration and meaningful impact. His leadership has not only strengthened our economy but has also laid a strong foundation for the future.”

PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT AWARD--Marty Lyon

This award honors an individual whose generosity, vision and unwavering commitment to service has profound and lasting difference in the lives of others, said Sarah Benson, a board member of The Chamber. Marty Lyon not only has spurred thousands of dollars in donations for local nonprofits but has inspired others through his example in philanthropy.

He founded 100 Men Who Care in 2013 with 15 men meeting in the living room of his home. They gave $1,500 to Ketchum Community Dinners that first night. Today he has 300 men on his email list, and they have given $670,000 to date to 55 nonprofits. At its last quarterly meeting, they awarded $85,000 to the Wood River Land Trust’s efforts to preserve Hailey Hot Springs, the Wood River Orchestra and ARCH Community Housing.

“The goal is simply to give unsolicited cash gifts to nonprofits,” Lyon said.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD--Tammy Davis

Davis was called a dedicated leader whose compassion and service has made a profound difference in the valley. As the head of the Crisis Hotline, she’s been a steady source of support and hope for those facing their most difficult moments.

She also serves on the Bellevue City Council, bringing her heart for community and commitment to service into local government.

“I’m only able to do it with the support of all of you,” Davis told attendees.

HIDDEN HEROES AWARD—Mary Fauth

Mary Fauth heads up the Blaine County Charitable Fund, which had its genesis in the COVID pandemic as a small group of people, including Fauth, tried to figure out how they could support people whose incomes had been disrupted.

“People raised their hands and said, ‘We want to help,’ ” Fauth recalled.

CHAMBER’S HELPING HANDS AWARD--Men’s Second Chance Living

This award goes to a nonprofit that exemplifies what it means to show up, pitch in and make a difference. Whether it’s setting up, serving or simply lending a helping hand, Men’s Second Chance Living is always there volunteering their time and energy at countless Chamber evens throughout the year, including the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and Fourth of July Parade.

EDUCATIONAL NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR--Blaine County Education Foundation

The organization supports Blaine County School students by providing funding for school lunch money and for things like football fees so they can engage in extracurricular activities.

“What we do is only possible because of our army of volunteers,” said Executive Director Deb Van Law. “Kids are the greatest investment in our future.”

HEALTH NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR--Hunger Coalition

The organization provided 6,451 meals during the past year, educated 576 people about gardening and shared 6,000 healthy snacks with local schoolkids.

ARTS NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR--Sawtooth Botanical Garden

The public garden is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, educating people about the five biomes of the Sun Valley area and offering a beautiful place for weddings and other private functions. And it’s now involved in the arts because of more than a dozen fine arts sculptures sprinkled among the flowers.

RECREATION NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR—Hailey Ice

The ice rink, now in its tenth season, fills restaurants in Hailey during winter months as hockey players take to the rink, said McKenna.

BELLEVUE NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR--Sawtooth Reindeer

BELLEVUE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR--Building Material Thrift Store

The organization sells recycled building materials and other items, with the money going to the Crisis Hotline and other organizations.

HAILEY NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR—The Liberty Theater

This organization offers a lively place to take in concerts, movies and performances by The Liberty Theatre Company, some of the concerts and plays even bringing in people from as far away as Boise and Salt Lake City.

HAILEY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR—Black Owl Coffee

The owners couldn’t attend because they were debuting their new hot dog stand, but they have become known for offering tasty food at reasonable prices.

KETCHUM NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR—Burns Cowboy Shop

The shop, the oldest same family-owned Western Retailer in the world, opened just in time to cater to Europeans wanting a cowboy hat during the 2025 Audi FIS World Cup Finals in Sun Valley.

KETCHUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR--The Village Market

The grocery store anchoring Ketchum’s south end just finished a remodel.

“When you walk into that store it just feels good,” said McKenna.