BONNER COUNTY IS MORE THAN JUST SANDPOINT

From war zones to boardrooms, Aaron Guyett’s story isn’t about success—it’s about surrender. After surviving Iraq and losing everything in the 2008 crash, Aaron found peace not through control, but through Christ. Today, he’s building Leaders of Leaders: a movement to develop disciples who lead with purpose, prioritize what matters, and live what they believe. Whether it’s a rodeo camp or a men’s retreat, Aaron starts and ends with Jesus—and equips others to do the same.

What if education wasn’t just about performance and conformity, but about nurturing the whole child? In this heartfelt interview with the team at Sandpoint Waldorf School, we explore how Waldorf education brings learning to life through story, art, movement, and deep connection. From mud kitchens to mythology, it’s an approach where childhood is honored, and wonder is essential.

What began as one couple’s response to a personal cancer journey has become a lifeline for hundreds. Cancer Can't, founded in memory of Jonathan Van Keulen and now led by his wife Becky, is redefining cancer support—especially in underserved and rural communities. From a volunteer transportation network to emergency grants and plans for patient lodging, this Spokane-based nonprofit is powered by compassion, community, and the belief that no one should face cancer alone.

The Festival at Sandpoint may be best known for its two-week summer concert series, but behind the scenes, a small nonprofit team is working year-round to make a much bigger impact. From arts education and youth scholarships to a bold vision for a permanent venue, this North Idaho gem is all about building community through music. Learn how you can get involved—from volunteering to bidding in their annual auction, now live!

101 Women: How a Simple Idea Creates Big Impact in Sandpoint Many community challenges call for creative solutions. Some require innovative thinking, while others come down to basic needs—money, people, or space. 101 Women is a straightforward response to the universal need nonprofits face: funding. But beyond raising cash, it also fosters networking and empowers women. President Vicki Reich and founding member Becca Orchard each discovered 101 Women in their own way and at different times. Yet both speak to the strength of a clear mission—and the remarkable impact that happens when women from all walks of life come together for a common good. Becca, with a background in corporate America and a history of nonprofit involvement, particularly with homeless youth in Atlanta, moved to Sandpoint in 2009. While exploring her place in the new community, she connected with the Sandpoint Community Resource Center (now the Envision Center) and played a key role in our strategic planning. It was through this work that Becca connected with Jennnifer Macdonald, the visionary behind 101 Women. (Other founding members include: Kelli West, Angie Dail, Kathy Converse, and Nancy Dooley.) Inspired by a similar model in Colorado, Jennifer envisioned a collective of women pooling their resources to support local nonprofits. Becca's experience made her the perfect partner to help structure this idea. "She had this idea and needed someone to help guide it," Becca explains. "She invited me to a meeting—promised it would be just two meetings a year and super easy. So of course I said okay." Vicki, whose career was primarily in the natural foods industry, moved to Sandpoint in 2007. After managing a local online food co-op and working at Winter Ridge, she learned about 101 Women from a friend. Intrigued by the simplicity and potential impact, she attended a meeting and was immediately drawn in. "I went to the first meeting and was blown away by how simple and powerful the concept was—how 101 women could come together to make a huge impact on local nonprofits," Vicki shares. The Power of Simplicity: The 101 Women Model So, what exactlyis 101 Women? In their own words, it's brilliantly simple: gather 101 women who are passionate about supporting their community. Each member contributes $225 annually, creating a substantial pool of funds that can make a real difference to local nonprofits. Becca's experience in the nonprofit world exposed a crucial needs gap: while smaller donations were relatively common, securing larger amounts for significant projects was a challenge. 101 Women aimed to fill that void, with a minimum grant amount of $10,000. "My experience as a nonprofit was that it was pretty easy to get a $500 or $1,000 check—but no one was handing out $10,000. And a lot of nonprofits, especially newer ones, have costly projects that need real support," she explains. Initially focused on specific projects, 101 Women evolved to recognize the often-overlooked need for operating expenses, particularly staffing. "Over time, we discovered that nonprofits often need help with operating expenses—the unglamorous stuff," Becca notes. "People love donating to events or buying things, but it’s staff—people—who are the real need, and it’s the least often funded." Beyond the financial impact, 101 Women fosters a strong sense of community. The meetings provide a valuable space for socializing and connection, allowing members to meet like-minded, passionate women. A Window into Community Needs One of the most significant benefits for members is the insight they gain into the diverse range of nonprofit activities within Bonner County. "I think one of the things that I hear often is that the women love being a part of it because they learn so much about their community," Vicki emphasizes. Initially open to all nonprofit sectors, 101 Women recognized the challenge of comparing vastly different causes. "We realized that when somebody who wanted to buy bikes for kids was going up against the food bank who needed food to feed people—it just was never a fair fight," Becca explains. To ensure a more equitable process, they now operate on a bi-annual grant cycle, alternating between "basic needs" (food, housing, health) and "environment, education, and other causes." Busting the Myth: Joining 101 Women Despite the name, 101 Women isn't a closed or exclusive group. "One of the myths I would like to dispel is that it's a closed group—that it's hard to get into. It isn't," Becca explains. While there is a waitlist, it's primarily to ensure that new members joining mid-cycle have the opportunity to participate in the voting process. New member registration opens every spring, around June 1st. Due to natural turnover, there are always openings, and the organization rarely exceeds 101 members. "We always seem to be pushing right to the edge to get 101 women," Vicki adds. "We don’t often get a ton more than 101. Sometimes we’re a little below, sometimes a little above, but over the years it averages out." The simple requirements? Being a woman and paying the $225 annual fee. All that’s required is that you’re a woman and that you’re 18. That's it. Maintaining Simplicity, Maximizing Impact While there have been discussions about expanding into networking events or youth initiatives, 101 Women has consciously maintained its focus on its core mission: simple collective giving. 101 Women has supported a wide array of vital organizations in Bonner County, addressing diverse needs. "The power of 101 Women is its simplicity," Vicki emphasizes. "We’ve given away over $170,000, so accountability matters. But we’re still entirely volunteer-run," Becca points out. “On May 22nd we will give away another $10,000.” Inspired to Make a Difference? "This experience has taught me that small efforts can snowball into powerful change," Becca reflects. "This started from one person’s idea and a few people putting in some work—and now it’s something powerful." Vicki echoes this sentiment: "Sometimes we hesitate to start something because we think it has to be big. It doesn’t. Just take the first step." If you're a woman in the Sandpoint area looking for a meaningful way to support your community, registration for 101 Women opens on June 15th. You can find more information and past annual reports on their website: 101womensandpoint.com .

The Sandpoint Lions Club has been making a profound impact on the community for decades, hosting beloved events like the Fourth of July fireworks and the Easter egg hunt, while supporting programs such as Toys for Tots and eyeglass assistance. At the heart of it all is Janice Raider, a longtime volunteer whose personal journey from receiving help to leading the club shows the true spirit of service. As the Lions Club evolves to include new voices, fresh ideas, and a growing youth Leo Club, they continue to welcome volunteers who want to make a difference — one smile, one connection, and one act of kindness at a time.

Founded in 1998 by a passionate group of women, Second Chance Animal Adoption has grown from backyard shelters to a vital community resource in Bonners Ferry. Focused on reuniting lost pets with their families and finding forever homes for abandoned animals, the shelter thrives on community support, thrift store proceeds, and a growing network of foster families. With about 22 animals in care at any given time, Second Chance is currently seeking more foster volunteers and encouraging adoptions—like that of Chance, their sweet and silly yellow Lab. Their upcoming microchip clinic on May 24 at Tractor Supply is another way they're making a difference, ensuring pets can be quickly reunited with their owners.

​Love in Action Idaho is revolutionizing community support by connecting donors directly with specific needs in Bonner County. Through their online registry, you can choose exactly where your contribution goes, ensuring 100% of your donation aids those facing challenges. Discover how you can make a tangible difference today at Love in Action Idaho's website.

When Kelli Bult couldn’t find a fitness space that welcomed her son Caleb—born 10 weeks premature with unique physical and cognitive needs—she created one. What began as a personal journey turned into a powerful nonprofit: The Unique Center for Athletes of All Needs (UCAN). UCAN is not your average gym. It’s a community-driven, adaptive fitness center that empowers individuals of all abilities to move, grow, and thrive together. From padded play structures and wheelchair-accessible equipment to inclusive classes and tiered pricing, UCAN is redefining what accessibility looks like in the fitness world—and beyond. 💪 Fitness meets inclusion 💡 Innovation meets compassion ❤️ A nonprofit model that lifts everyone Learn how this mom turned a challenge into a movement, and how your support can help UCAN grow even stronger.