It began with an epic flood.
In 1996, North Idaho students and educators weathered a record deluge that spurred evacuations and dramatic helicopter rescues. Cindy Wilson, a longtime educator and advocate who later ran for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, was living along Orofino Creek at the time. Orofino city officials tore down Wilson’s home and a nearby church to prevent the buildings from creating a dam or inflicting other damage as they floated away. Wilson did not receive any compensation when officials obliterated her home.
That’s when her fellow union members stepped up.
Monica Beaudoin, IEA’s president, told Wilson’s story at that year’s Delegate Assembly and collected donations for Wilson. But Beaudoin’s work wasn’t done. She had heard about a union fund for children in Rhode Island and was sure the concept would work in Idaho.
“I don’t think (the fund) was even named by that point,” says former IEA President Robin Nettinga. “But Monica said, ‘this is the beginning, and we’re going to create this fund, and we’re going to help children.’”
That’s what Beaudoin was like, says former IEA Executive Director Jim Shackelford. “She was just determined that whatever educators in Idaho needed, she was going to try to help get, whether it was through the legislative process or policy making. The establishment of the Children’s Fund is a perfect example of one of many of her successes.”
Nearly 30 years later, the IEA Children’s Fund has become one of IEA’s most beloved programs. Its early days, and its continued success, are a testament to the tenacity of IEA members and the depth of their care.
Caring for Kids from the Start
After Delegate Assembly, Beaudoin appointed legendary Boise educator Marian Pritchett to serve as the first IEA Children’s Fund president. She spent endless hours on the task, Shackelford says.
“She was always, always so cheerful and creative,” he says.
By 1997, the new Children’s Fund gave away its first official donation. By the end of the year, there were 27 more — and the Children’s Fund became an official, 501(c)3 nonprofit.
“It was immediately a success, which told us it was something that our members really valued and appreciated and it was really helpful to kids,” Nettinga said. “We said to ourselves, ‘We can’t just raise $100,000 and spend $100,000 every year. We have to figure out a way to make this sustainable.”
Beaudoin, buoyed by the fund’s success, appointed a task force to figure out a way to make the fund sustainable for generations of Idahoans to come. The Children’s Fund Endowment, which ensures the fund will continue decades into the future, was born of that effort.
But in the meantime, IEA needed money to grow the endowment — and members and IEA staff stepped up. They held bake sales and contests, solicited contributions from businesses, and brought the entire effort back to where it began: Delegate Assembly. To this day, the annual Children’s Fund auction is one of the most popular events at DA … even if attendees are “fined” for not silencing their cell phones, paying every time a ringtone ripples out over the crowd.
Easy to Access, Easy to Use
From the very beginning, the Children’s Fund was designed to get students help quickly.
“The one guiding light we had was to keep it as simple as possible,” Nettinga said.
IEA Senior Accountant Venny Baker has been volunteering for the Children’s Fund since its earliest days, originally fielding donation requests over the phone. The rules have not changed much since she started. Any IEA member or staff person can request money for nearly any item that will help a child have a better educational experience: a warm winter coat, new prescription glasses, essential medicine or simply to provide meals when hungry.
“The board has updated the policy over the years with fund request limits, but overall, the fund has minimal restrictions,” Baker said.
When a request is made, it goes through a quick review process; if the request is OK’d, the money is usually disbursed within 10 working days.
What makes the process special, Baker said, is the relationship IEA members have with their students.
“These are the people with direct knowledge of what the needs are, and they can access funds quickly, with minimal questions asked, and no follow-up required,” Baker said.
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
Some of the people who were instrumental in lifting the fund off the ground have since passed away. Pritchett died unexpectedly in 2002. Beaudoin passed away in 2020. Both of them saw the fund improve and grow; Beaudoin was able to enjoy the fact that the fund had grown to $1 million.
Now, Baker says, it stands at over $1.6 million. More than 7,500 grants have been given to Idaho school children in need.
“There are so many (children),” Baker said. “Children who have lost parents, or have a parent who is ill or disabled, who have lost a home to fire or are homeless. Children with dental, vision and hearing issues. Kids who come to school hungry, wearing shoes with taped holes or worn soles, no coats or warm clothing for the winter. They all touch my heart.”
Thanks to Baker and the IEA members who contribute to the fund every year and raise donations, the work continues as Beaudoin hoped.
“I’m most proud that Monica Beaudoin had the foresight to see into the future and realize what an impact $1 could make on the life of a child,” Nettinga said. “She was willing and able to do the footwork to get this great piece of the organization started, and the proof is in the pudding — we’re still actively working today, and kids are still actively benefitting every single day from the Children’s Fund.”
How You Can Help a Child
- Make a donation: Anyone can make a donation to the IEA Children’s Fund by visiting its website. Donations are tax deductible.
- Request a grant: All IEA Children’s Fund grants must be requested by an IEA member. To get assistance for a child in need, visit the Make a Request page of the Children’s Fund website.
- Donate to the IEA Children’s Fund auction at DA: Have an amazing item you know will be a hit at DA? Donate it to the Children’s Fund auction! This major fundraiser attracts donations from throughout Idaho. To get involved, or to coordinate a contribution even if you’re not attending DA, talk to your local president.
Drink and Dine for the Children’s Fund
North Idaho residents, this weekend you can enjoy your favorite IPA or nosh on shrimp satay while benefitting the IEA Children’s Fund. The North Idaho Education Association Retired Council has partnered with Bardenay in Coeur d’Alene for a one-night-only fundraising event, with 20 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Children’s Fund. All you need to do is show up, order your favorite meal and drink, and Bardenay will handle the rest.
IEA Children’s Fund Night at Bardenay
5-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
1710 West Riverstone Drive
Coeur d’Alene, ID
