Simmons' philanthropy earns WOW recognition

In the letters nominating Georgia Simmons for the lifetime achievement award, writers explained Simmons’ unique combination of sweeping imagination and individualized inspiration. For these reasons, she has been chosen 2017 Woman of Wisdom by the Women Honoring Women committee.

Marcia Wilson has known the new Woman of Wisdom for over 12 years, and calls her a “leader, a creative genius, generous community volunteer, philanthropist and highly valued citizen.”

Wilson explained that Simmons “thinks BIG and has the gumption to make her ideas happen.”

According to Wilson, ideas for fundraising and commitment to their success have resulted in over $1. 5 million to be invested in Panhandle Alliance For Education’s classroom grant and endowment fund so the fundraising will continue to make dramatic results in the education of Bonner County children.

Every letter mentioned Simmons’ special gift of collaboration and teamwork.

“It is her leadership I must say I most admire,” Bo Whitley wrote. “She has the ability to get things done, and helps to persuade others to do likewise. It must be her inspiring way, as she sets an example for others to want to join in and be like her.”

Several letters testify to her individual touch. Kathy McConnell wrote that Simmons is a “true mentor, able to help you to write your story through your experiences and goals, not hers.”“I was blessed to have her mentoring, but to also have her faith in me to hire me for a job that was outside of anything I had ever done before,” wrote Krista Compton.

Other letters mentioned Simmons’ affiliation and participation with Kinderhaven, Holly Eve and Bonner General Health’s Heart Ball.

Phyllis Foro, a longtime committee member recalled that Simmons was recruited to be an original committee member by the committee’s founder, the late Marsha Ogilvie. Simmons served for several years on the scholarship committee and remains a scholarship supporter.

The 2017 Women of Wisdom will be honored at a gala luncheon hosted by the Women Honoring Women Committee on Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at Tango Café in the Columbia Bank building. Contact Diane Stockton for reservations at 208-290-6362 or at stockton_diane@yahoo.com.

To be nominated for Woman of Wisdom, a candidate must be 65 years or older. She demonstrates vision, collaboration, leadership, grace, courage, integrity and a love of learning. She shows a commitment to the Bonner County community and has had a positive impact on it. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women.

The 2017 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Kari Saccomanno, chair; Diane Arrants; Kathy Chambers; Kathy Conger; Barbara Eacret; Deanna Harris; Alana Hatcher; Betty Heffner; Julie Jurenka; Pat Lewis; Sally Lowry; Maribeth Lynch, Laurie Mattila, Jeralyn Mire; Marlene Rorke; Sandy Ross; Patty Schwartz; Joyce Smith; Diane Stockton; Kendall Stratton, Sally Transue and Linda Van Dellen.