Mel Dick honored as chamber's top volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has selected Mel Dick as February’s Volunteer of the Month in recognition of his service to the community.

Chamber CEO Kate McAlister said Dick is more than a small business owner in the community and his selection for “volunteer of the month” barely scratches the surface in terms of recognition for his countless hours of volunteer work he spends his time doing.

Since moving to Sandpoint, Dick has immersed himself in the community, McAlister said. He is currently on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Sandpoint and Panhandle Alliance for Education. He also serves on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Advisory Council and is a large supporter and founder of the Race Across America Team Laughing Dog and Team 24/7 for Autism.

Dick is also a large supporter and organizer of the WaCanID Bicycle Ride that takes hundreds of riders around the International Selkirk Loop.

When asked why he rides in the Race Across America Team, Dick answered, “to compete in one of the toughest sporting events in the world with a team of dedicated individuals, all of which have a sense of adventure and to raise awareness and funds to support autism.”

In 2008, Mel did the ‘Ride For Education’ that took him on a 10,000 mile journey across the country benefiting the PAFE and early childhood literacy.