Murray honored as chamber's top volunteer

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has recognized Justine Murray as its Volunteer of the Month for June 2025, honoring her service, advocacy and commitment to the community.

Murray is the owner of La Chic Boutique, a gift shop in downtown Sandpoint that she has operated for more than 12 years. Beyond her work as a local business owner, she is also the founder and executive director of the Ethan Murray Fund, a nonprofit organization established in memory of her son to increase access to mental health care.

Through the Ethan Murray Fund, Justine Murray has provided therapy scholarships for both teens and adults, as well as high school scholarships for students affected by mental health challenges or those pursuing careers in the mental health field. Her efforts have helped bridge gaps in care and support for individuals and families throughout the region.

Murray runs the nonprofit alongside her husband, Matt Connery, and their daughter Cora, who is also deeply involved in the local community, working at Evans Brothers Coffee and Matchwood Brewery.

A Sandpoint resident for more than 20 years, Justine is known for her dedication to community service. Through La Chic Boutique and her nonprofit efforts, Murray has supported NAMI Far North, coordinated backpack care kits for those in need and for the past six years, collected and donated new socks to Bonner Homeless Transitions.

In addition to her advocacy and volunteer work, Murray is an avid hiker and backpacker. In 2021, she and Connery have hiked the Idaho Centennial Trail, a 900-mile journey across the state, raising nearly $70,000 for the Ethan Murray Fund.