Businesses contributing to health of the community

SANDPOINT — When it comes to building the health of our community, Litehouse Foods is a champion philanthropist.

Its recent 2016 Charity Golf Tournament at the Coeur d’Alene Golf Course included Litehouse Foods vendors from across the entire country, plus a growing list of local business contributors. Ten local teams participated in the tournament. Proceeds from the big event are donated to the Panhandle Alliance for Education to support teachers and students in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. The money stays here — and local business owners value the investment in our kids and community.

“It’s how we give back,” stated local participant Tom Puckett of Realm Partners Real Estate.

“Nothing is more important than supporting our youth,” came from Lonnie Williams of Sandpoint Title Insurance.

“Absolutely pleased about giving back to our community; we love the credibility that the Panhandle Alliance for Education has earned when it comes to making a difference in our schools,” shared Tom Gibson, with the Gibson Wealth Strategy Group.

“We’re all in for fundraisers for education,” Dr. Jim Lewis of Lewis & Hawn Excellence in Dentistry.

Jeremy Grimm from the Kochava team stressed the importance of high performing schools. “Kochava hires locally, and recruits nationally; the quality of education is critical for both groups of potential employees.” The majority of Kochava’s new employees are in their mid-20 to mid-30 age group; people who are starting families and who have quality education on their minds.

Local business owners took advantage of a beautiful day on the world-class Coeur d’Alene Golf Course to play golf and discuss a little business with their team mates. Playing eighteen holes of golf is one of the best opportunities to build relationships; and, in this case, also do something wonderful for the community.

Other local participants included: Avista, Flowmark, Montana Seals and Packings, Mountain West Bank, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, Summit Advisor Solutions, Trinity at City Beach, and WallachBeth Capital.

All proceeds of the event were donated to the Panhandle Alliance for Education, a local not for profit corporation dedicated to promoting excellence in education and community support for the Lake Pend Oreille School District #84 (LPOSD). The dollars will be invested in our children’s education through competitive teacher grants and strategic programs like READY! for Kindergarten, Step-Up to Writing, the Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Comprehensive Wellness Program and Instructional Coaches for Teachers.

The Panhandle Alliance for Education has a track record of “moving the needle” when it comes to results. Most notably, a Career/College Guidance Counselor implemented in 2008 has resulted in a remarkable high school graduation rate of over 90 percent in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. When compared to the national average of 81 percent and the state average of 84 percent, it’s significant! In addition, the “go-on to post-secondary” rate in LPOSD is 78 percent; compared to 62 percent nationally, and only 41 percent in the state.

Also noteworthy is the reading by the end of third grade statistic in LPOSD. In Idaho, only 32 percent of students are reading by the end of third grade; a key indicator for success later in school because in 4th grade students must read to learn. With PAFE sponsored programs in place, nearly 90 percent of students are reading when they enter fourth grade.

“We are grateful for the community spirit and high value that Litehouse Foods and local businesses place on education for our children,” stressed Marcia Wilson, Executive Director of the Panhandle Alliance for Education. “Support for our public schools is good for business, good for children and vital for the future of our community.”

The Panhandle Alliance for Education is a non-profit organization composed of local citizens, businesses, and educators.

Information: www.panhandlealliance.org or call Executive Director Marcia Wilson at 208-263-7040