Chamber Honors Matt Mire as Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Matt Mire as November's Volunteer of the Month. Matt's contributions to the community are very influential for many organizations. He lends in a hand in a variety of ways and undertakes a leadership position when he can.

Giving back to the community is clearly a large value of Matt's. He volunteers his time to teach Junior Achievement in the schools, assists the Upward Basketball program and coaches youth t-ball and basketball. He organizes and participates in community projects through Mountain West Bank such as their recent annual Day of Caring. This year, they painted a house and completed various projects for Head Start. As of the moment, he is currently the Bulldog Bench's Treasurer and the Hospital Foundation Board of Director's Treasurer. 

“Sandpoint is where I was raised and where I call home, I suppose those are the primary reasons why I enjoy volunteering and giving back as I’m forever grateful to the many teachers, coaches, and community members who played important roles during my youth," explained Matt. He continued with, "now that I have young kids I feel even more vested in our community.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Matt Mire for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: left to right, Matt Mire and Barbara Schriber.

Chamber Honors Bonner Community Food Bank

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Bonner Community Food Bank as November’s Business of the Month. The Food Bank is a non-profit service organization dedicated to providing nutritious food sources. The ministerial association, along with concerned citizens, organized the Bonner Community Food Bank in 1980. There were many locations the Food Bank called home until 2011 their present location at 1707 Culvers Drive was purchased.

The community of Bonner County is blessed with a Food Bank that is the only one of its kind in Idaho. When the new building location was purchased, it was with a new format in mind for the delivery of its food services called a market. The ‘Market’ format was established in November 2011, and has proven to be a brilliant way of food delivery for food bank recipients. Each individual that is head of a household is given 70 points to spend as cash in the food bank. Each other individual in that same family gets another 10 additional points. These points are used the same as money in a regular store. All of their clients have expressed how much they like this system, reserving their independence and integrity. 

Sometimes the choice is between buying food and paying the rent, buying medication, or other vital expenses. The Bonner Community Food Bank seeks to alleviate the stress of hunger and not knowing where the next meal is coming from, better equipping their clients to be able to deal with all of life’s challenges.

“Now, the Food Bank Board, staff and volunteers want to extend our heart-felt thanks to those who have made our success possible through contributions of time, goods or money,” said Alice Wallace, Director of the Food Bank. “Without your generosity we would not be able to help those who are truly in need in our community. The Food Bank relies on your support. Our funding comes from individuals, businesses, local organizations and grants. The current economic climate has created an urgent situation of reduced funding, a sharp drop in donations and a significant rise in the number of families who are turning to us for assistance. Without your generous support, we could not reliably provide food for our neighbors in Bonner County.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Bonner Community Food Bank for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information or if you are able to make a financial donation today, visit them at 1707 Culver Dr in Sandpoint or call to be a volunteer at 263-3663.

In photo: left to right, Carol Warren and Alice Wallace.

Schweitzer’s Birthday Weekend, December 13-15

Community Day, Founders Day, Sunday Solution

Sandpoint, ID – Schweitzer Mountain Resort turns 50 years old this December and would like everyone to join in for their birthday weekend, December 13 – 15. Guests can ski all three days for less than the price of a typical adult lift ticket.

The weekend starts December 13 with Community Day, a fundraiser for Bonner Partners in Care and Community Cancer Services of Sandpoint. That Friday all lift tickets will be just $10 – with all proceeds benefitting those two organizations. Guests can select which organization they’d like to donate to by purchasing online at Schweitzer.com. Tickets will also be for sale at the resort ticket windows on Friday morning.

The big birthday party, Founders Day, is Saturday, December 14. Schweitzer will be celebrating with $19.63 lift tickets in honor of their 1963 opening season. That afternoon; complimentary birthday cake will be served as supplies last, a re-dedication ceremony will take place to honor key figures in Schweitzer’s history, followed by live music in Taps Lounge and the opening of Schweitzer’s 25 year old time capsule.

On Sunday, party goers can sleep in and take advantage of Schweitzer’s Sunday Solution. Sunday afternoon tickets will be just $25 when purchased online.

“Schweitzer Mountain Resort want’s to celebrate our 50^th anniversary with the people who matter most, our loyal guests” said Tom Chasse, Schweitzer’s President and CEO. “This weekend is about helping the community, celebrating 50 years of service, and exceptional skiing”.