Five years later, the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation has donated nearly $500,000 to nonprofits

What started five years ago with five women each agreeing to pitch in their own money to make life better in the Treasure Valley has evolved into an organization of 178 members who have given nearly a half million dollars to local nonprofits.

On Wednesday, more than 300 people representing dozens of Idaho’s nonprofits gathered at Boise State University to help the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation http://www.idahowomenscharitablefoundation.org/ celebrate its fifth anniversary.

At a luncheon, Claire Gaudiani, the keynote speaker and author of the book "The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism," credited the organization for its efforts.

"What you’re doing is a vital part of the energy that has made America strong," Gaudiani said.

Ken Dey
Idaho Statesman

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060921/NEWS02/609210315/1029/NEWS02