Sayler honored as chamber's top volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Jon Sayler as June’s volunteer of the month for his service to our community and many of our non-profit organizations.

Sayler brings his passion for a project into everything he does, whether it’s designing someone’s dream home, assisting in the design and building of a medical facility in Swaziland, raising funds for exchange student programs, installing lighting and advising on building issues at his church or making the dream of community access to a lakeside trail a reality.

“Jon’s passion is like a force of nature and his joy in the project sweeps his friends and colleagues along with him,” Anita Aurit said. “Before you realize it, you’ve rolled up your sleeves alongside him and are in the middle of something wonderful. He doesn’t coerce, wheedle or bribe, his enthusiasm invites you to be a part of something and you find yourself as enthusiastic participant.

As a case in point, Aurit told chamber members that, before becoming friends with Sayler, she refused to apply anything to her car that required a razor blade to remove.

“And yet, my car proudly displays a Friends of Ponderay d’Oreille Bay Trail sticker on the back window,” Aurit added. “I guess you could call Jon Sayler the Pied Piper of volunteerism.”

Aurit said Sayler’s community mindset is a gift to Sandpoint. He’s that rare form of volunteer, a servant leader, she said.

“He’s someone who’s motivated by a passion for the cause and determined to put project above ego and self-promotion, rolls up his sleeves and invites others into the opportunity to serve,” she said.

Chamber officials said Sayler’s vision and passion has moved the dream of many to turn the dream of a scenic Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, accessible to all, into a reality. Chamber CEO Kate McAlister said Sayler’s ability to bring the right people together to make the project happen resulted in a $75,000 grant and a $12,000 recent trail fundraiser — as well as a large influx of grant funds totaling more than $650,000.