A good reign almost always has to come to an end... Please join us in saying goodbye to two impactful leaders in the BCCF leadership. Â Co-Founder Kevin Jones was the inspiration behind the creation of BCCF, and Sheila Moriarty jumped in soon after as a volunteer with her abilities to communicate in Spanish with our earliest applicants. Â They both leave a massive hole in our foundation, but this also leaves room for others to step up and serve in their place. Â
As the story goes... When our restaurants suddenly shut down at the beginning of pandemic, owner and operator of Sawtooth Brewery Kevin Jones put a post on social media asking if anyone knew how to get donations in the hands of people in need. Recently retired from her previous work running a local non-profit, Mary Fauth was feeling a bit helpless to do something until she read this and immediately reached out to her friend Kevin.
"My first message to him was 'I do!' and then I immediately started researching about starting an actual non-profit entity so there could be a the accountability the IRS grants those that achieve that status," shares Mary.
We're not sure Kevin counted on getting as involved as he did, but her next message was "Would you like to be part of the initial board of directors? Need a minimum of three. I'm submitting an application for a non-profit called Blaine County Charitable Fund."
Kevin still had a business to figure out how to keep alive, employees he personally feels responsible for, and how to do it all in the midst of the unknown... But he said "put me down for now."
Four years later Kevin helped guide the organization from its hands on working board days, to an organization full of the right programs, policies and procedures and staffing to make it what it is today. Being a self-proclaimed introvert, he stepped up when the organization needed a Board Chair in last year of service.
BCCF, and many others we are sure, will miss him greatly as he transitions his family from the Wood River Valley to Boise and works remotely for the successful business he helped to create in our Valley.
(Kevin Jones pictured here on the left next to one of BCCF's newest board members Al Oliver.)
When BCCF first started offering services, it was abundantly clear that the founding board members would need volunteers, and future board members, that could actually communicate with what was largely a Spanish speaking clientele. Sheila was one of many such people that stepped forward and offered her help calling clients about their application and stepping them through BCCF's early processes. As BCCF earned their 501c3 status and was able to hire one part time Spanish speaking staff member, and then looked to expand the board, the organization asked her to step onto the leadership team.
Even though Sheila had was busily pursuing her career path, at times juggling three contracted jobs at ones, she took on an officer role as Treasurer and always gave the BCCF Board of Directors confidence in the financials. Her integrity and very objective perspective on decisions being presented to the Board will also be appreciated.
"Reflecting on the years since 2020, I am beyond grateful for the growth, collaboration, and impact that our collective efforts have brought. Each member of the board and staff have brought their strengths forward to reach humbling achievements. Most quantifiably $1Million in donations! The obstacles the board navigated stand as testaments to the strength of the leadership team. I have the utmost confidence in the continued success and evolution of the company under your guidance. Your dedication is unwavering and will drive BCCF forward to best serve our community's needs." ~ Sheila Moriarty
(Sheila Moriarty serving up beverages to supporters at the BCCF open house with fellow board member Steve Thompson.)
If you are interested in serving at BCCF through committee and/or board work, please reach out to BCCF!