Welcoming spring with treats, helping homeless

SANDPOINT — Bonner Homeless Transitions is once again welcoming spring with its “Treats on Your Feet” fundraiser.

The annual event not only gives people a reason to get out and walk, it helps those in need — with a few treats along the way.

“And the weather looks like it is going to be really nice, which I am really excited about,” said event organizer Nannette Heintzelman.

Heintzelman started the event four years ago with Tamie Martinsen, a long-time program manager for Bonner Homeless Transitions, who passed away in December after many years of dedicated service to the community.

“She was one of the first people I met when I moved here about 20 years ago,” Heintzelman said, adding they were both involved with the Farmer’s Market.

After doing some fundraising for the food bank the year before starting “Treats on Your Feet,” Heintzelman approached Martinsen with her idea for the event. She already knew exactly what she wanted to do, and as she lives on the west side of Fifth Avenue, Heintzelman said she wanted to keep it on that side of town.

Martinsen, of course, was on board with the idea, manning the station alongside Hentzelman at Super 1 Foods, where the walk begins each year.

“I really miss her, and I hope people come out for her,” Heintzelman said.

The event has grown this year to add two additional businesses — Cafe Bodega at Foster’s Crossing, and Matchwood Brewing.

The event will, as usual, start at Super 1, where participants can pick up a punch card for $20. They will then walk to the different businesses, including Cafe Bodega, where they will receive tulips and some soup; the Pie Hut, where of course they will get a piece of pie; Bizarre Bazaar will be handing out daffodils; Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters will have tea and coffee; and Matchwood Brewing will have beverage samples as well.

There will be a donation jar and information at the Super 1 station for those who want to help out and learn more about Bonner Homeless Transitions without participating in the walk as well, Heintzelman said.

In an email to the Daily Bee, Joanne Barlow, program manager for Bonner Homeless Transitions’ Trestle Creek property, said because the organization is not county, state or federally funded, events such as “Treats on Your Feet” are essential to the organization. The funds will help provide safe housing, case management, crisis intervention and employment opportunities for people in the community, as well as help with resources for food, clothing and access to medical services. The mission of Bonner Homeless Transitions is to assist families and single women in achieving self-sufficiency and increasing the quality of their lives, she said.

“We rely on the generosity of our community, grants and fundraising to support the 10,000-plus bed nights for homeless women, children and families in Bonner and Boundary County,” Barlow said.

“Treats on Your Feet” is scheduled from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, April 13.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.