Dear Friends:
It’s hard to believe that there are just over two months remaining in SNAP’s 50th year.
Just yesterday, it seems, we were in the middle of brainstorming sessions, mapping out creative ways to celebrate five decades of equipping our neighbors to exit poverty. Some ideas stuck, others did not. My hope is that we have done a creditable job of honoring the mission this agency has carried out for so long.
While the billboards, radio ads and media coverage have shed light on this special anniversary, I have personally enjoyed the way our employees have taken pride in being part of this landmark year. When we went to staff last year to ask how they would like to observe the 50th, we were not met with suggestions for a big party, formal dinner or cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Instead, my colleagues decided it would be best to take a half day and focus on service projects that would do what SNAP has done so exceptionally since 1966 – serve our neighbors and make the community a better place. So we cleaned sidewalks in the South Perry and West Central neighborhoods, supported kids in Hillyard, sorted food at Second Harvest and brought cheer to seniors at Maplewood Gardens.
By the time we gathered later in the day for our annual all-staff picnic, I was beaming with pride. My co-workers had demonstrated what SNAP is all about by selflessly contributing to the common good.
It has been that way for five decades now, going back to 1966 when Father Frank Bach coordinated the establishment of community centers in the Hillyard, East Central and West Central neighborhoods, forming the foundation for what would be known later as “SNAP.” In 1986, SNAP began a new chapter by spinning off from Catholic Charities and becoming our own stand-alone 501c(3) nonprofit. I have been fortunate to be part of the mission here for 17 years, carrying on in the tradition of great leaders.
In less than a week, we will gather together with our friends in the community for an event we are calling the “Ode to Opportunity.” We feel the new name for our annual fall fundraiser captures the mission of what we do each day – open doors of opportunity for our clients by providing them with resources, education and encouragement. As Bob Peeler, a SNAPPER for the past 36 years has said, “SNAP is where we plant seeds.”
We are honored to have Sister Madonna Buder join us as our keynote speaker on Oct. 27 at the Spokane Convention Center. Many of you may know her as the “Iron Nun,” America’s favorite 86-year-old triathlete. Sister Buder was kind enough to step up when our original keynote, former U.S. Army Captain Luis Montalvan, was unable to make the trip to Spokane due to unforeseen circumstances.
Like many of our clients, Sister Buder has been told repeatedly “you can’t.” But over 350 triathlons and 45 Iron Man competitions later, she has made it very clear that she very much can. We hope you will be our guests for lunch as we learn more about this remarkable woman’s determination and work ethic, not only as an elite athlete but as a Spokane resident, dedicated to serving others.
Sister Buder once said, “The only failure in life is not to try. Your effort in itself is a success.”
Each day at SNAP, we see many such efforts, all inspiring in their own way. For 50 years, we’ve been honored to be a part of each individual path to success and stability. We thank you for accompanying us along this unique and rewarding journey.
In gratitude, Julie Honekamp – SNAP CEO