"Kathy helped me when..."
The inspiring words that started it all.
Board of Directors 2022-2023
Olivia Luther, President
Carolyn Sorentino, Vice President
Dona Fuller, Treasurer
Dee Bailey, Secretary
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Directors:
Cindy Vogel
Heidi Rickert
Kellie Murray
Connie Pierce
Alyse Ehrmantrout
Our Mission
It is the mission of the Angels Over Sandpoint to honor the memory of the Angels who have gone before us by helping those in need in our community.
Our Vision
Live, Laugh, Lighten the Load
Our Values
We value each other as individuals
We embrace the gift of life
We believe in the power of community
We contribute in a positive and non-political way
Kathy Pelland 1949-1997
Our History
Sandpoint is a special place for reasons far beyond its glorious mountains and lake; it’s home to special people who embrace the value of living in a small community, of knowing your neighbors, and lending a helping hand in need. This selfless spirit directly inspired the formation of the Angels Over Sandpoint.
In 1997, when long-time Sandpoint resident Kathy Pelland died tragically at the hands of an oncoming drunk driver on the Long Bridge, hundreds of people turned out for her memorial. In sharing stories and recollections, a common phrase was repeated over and over: “Kathy helped me when…” Invariably a story would follow about how she had been a good friend, regardless of time or circumstance, and had always lifted spirits without ever letting anyone down.
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Kathy’s untimely death provided the inspiration for a group of friends to carry on her spirit and the Angels Over Sandpoint group was formed. From that first few, membership has grown to over 70 individuals who continue to raise money with fun-filled events and sponsor numerous programs to give back to the citizens of Bonner County.
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With original monies from the Kathy Pelland Memorial Fund, the Angels added to the pot. We staged gala fun and fundraising dances. The first big contribution was $3,000 to help finish the Sagle Bike Path. From that point on, we have balanced fundraising with giving and helping, carrying on in the spirit of the Angels. We have since helped many families and individuals in need. Since 1997, Angels Over Sandpoint has raised over 1.4 million dollars and contributed money, time, and a helping hand to hundreds of local people to continue Kathy’s tradition of helping neighbors in need.
Fundraising
Angels Over Sandpoint has donated countless volunteer hours giving back to the Bonner County community - everything from hauling boxes of school supplies and unloading backpacks in preparation for our Back to
School program in the fall, to interviewing students for our varied scholarship programs.
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Our volunteers have donated their time for activities such as creating holiday decorations for our annual Kinderhaven Tree auction donation, as well as stacking firewood and dropping off home-cooked meals to those unable to leave their homes in the winter.
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All of our efforts require monetary support and much of our time is spent fundraising. The Follies is our most popular annual fundraiser, which has delighted fans since 2003. We continue to sell out the Panida Theater for this raucous variety show. Our annual Italian Open Golf Scramble is a terrific fundraising event for the golf enthusiast.
We have also sponsored High Teas, New Year’s Eve Dances and local celebrity 'roasts'; sold holiday cards with artwork from local artists and beautiful calendars filled with the talent of local photographers. We have sold cookbooks, held yard sales, and auctioned donated items, BUT we still rely on individual donations from generous folk who appreciate our efforts to help our neighbors.