Donation honors Lippi's memory
SANDPOINT — There isn’t a cause in town that Jim Lippi didn’t support, or a charity to which he didn’t donate. If someone needed help, Jim Lippi and family were there. If a fundraiser was needed, Jim Lippi was there with his Ivano’s Ristorante crew, piling his famed pasta onto the plates of eager and grateful community members.
Over the years, he helped raise countless dollars and helped anyone who asked. He was selfless with his time, his talents and his resources. Among the groups he supported were the Angels Over Sandpoint, Kinderhaven, Pend Oreille Arts Council, and The Festival at Sandpoint. But groups were only the tip of the proverbial iceberg of his generosity — he exemplified the best of humanity, and of Sandpoint.
Jim Lippi passed away on May 12, 2016, surrounded by the family he loved.
In his obituary, his family said Jim Lippi left behind a legacy of truth, honor and hard work — a man dedicated to the love of family.
The dinner table has always been a fundamental element of Italian culture, they wrote. It is where traditions are passed along, stories are told and life is shared, offering an opportunity for family to strengthen the bonds that hold these relationships true.
In Jim Lippi’s eyes, the community was his family and he always — always — had its back.
In his memory, Pam Lippi donated $100 to the Sandpoint Lions Club’s Toys for Tots campaign to help ensure his community has a merry Christmas.
Today, the Lions have received $350 in donations, bringing the total for this year to $8,030. Today’s generous donations come from Pam Lippi, $100, “in memory of Jim Lippi from his family; Terry and Judy Cravens, $50; and Marian and Robert Rust, $200.
The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.
The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. A Christmas dinner for the family is also provided.
Those who need help this year can apply at the Lions Den, 607 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint (west of Memorial Field next to the Bonner County Historical Museum.)
The Lions Den will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 19, so members can accept applications. Applications also are available at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office.
If you have any questions about Toys for Tots sign-up, call Judy Dabrowski, 208-290-5314.
Donations for Toys for Tots can be dropped off at the front desk at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations also can be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, P.O. Box 414, Sandpoint, ID, 83864
You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Kootenai Cutoff Road.
Donations made by check are preferred. Be sure to include a note with your check indicating that it is a Toys for Tots donation. If you wish to make an anonymous donation, please include a note.
If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.