MISSION:

We will utilize the passions and dedication of our members to enhance the quality of life in our Island Park community, pursuing many avenues of charity by: (1) connecting and uplifting community members; (2) raising funds for charitable causes; (3) assisting those in need of charity, be it financial support, service, or community outreach; and (4) otherwise giving back to the community we love to build an even better place to call home, so current and future residents can enjoy Living The Mountain Life.

HOW WE STARTED:

The Mountain Life Charitable Foundation grew out of a shared passion among a group of friends and a love for Island Park, Idaho, the place we call home. From Pinehaven to Henry’s Lake, and the Shotgun Valley to the Yellowstone Park border, everyone on the team has a strong passion for Island Park and living the Mountain Life. The Mountain Life Team was founded in 2020 by Patty Laritz-Bithell and her assistant, Andy Zehrung. Tina Crow joined the team not long after, and by 2022, Kristen Andelin, Shawna Fuller, and Lynette Tingey were ready to join as well. The group formulated a plan to start their own brokerage to support the growing team. Mountain Life Realty came to life in February 2023 and shortly after Troy Ericson joined the team. Every member of the Team has been involved with Island Park fundraising events, but the Team wanted to make a bigger difference and have a direct impact. They wanted to be able to get involved in shaping the growth happening in town and support local events that provide us with a sense of community. They wanted funds to go to the causes that matter most to those living here, and for all funds raised to be spent in Island Park. It was apparent that their many ideas needed a new outlet. The team unanimously decided to form the Mountain Life Charitable Foundation to create an organization dedicated to supporting Island Park. Today the Foundation is growing a fund to have on hand for supporting neighbors in need, as well as an endowment to support the development of community resources. As part of the team’s commitment, each member contributes to the Foundation from each commission they earn.

WHAT WE’VE DONE SO FAR:

The Team has a lot of energy and has already been making a difference. Prior to officially coming together as a Team, the members worked with local businesses to put on a Snowmobile Fun Run in January 2023 that raised over $6,000 for the Island Park EMS. In July 2023, the Foundation organized Bingo for Your Neighbors with Shotgun Bar as a benefit event that raised $2,000 for a local Island Park resident facing medical issues. In June 2023 the Foundation collaborated with another local charity to put on Cornhole for a Cause and raised $1,000 for the Island Park Charter School. On Labor Day weekend the Team grilled free hot dogs and hamburgers and the Foundation raffled off a Blackstone Grill package to build the charitable fund for Island Park causes. In November 2023 our Festival of Trees brought a bunch of community members together for a fun time and raised nearly $10,000.The Annual Snowmobile Fun Run was held on January 20, 2024. During the event a special live auction was held for Island Park local, Patrick Shaw, who had recently been diagnosed with ALS. Money was raised for his new adaptive vehicle and medical necessities. The auction brought in $3,100 for Patrick. and the Fun Run event brought in an additional $5,650 for the Island Park community fund.

ISLAND PARK CHARTER SCHOOL:

The Island Park Charter School is looking to relocate. They need more space as they are outgrowing their current building and they would like a location that has room for the future. The Rally 4 A Cause live auction was held on January 20, 2024 to support the Island Park Charter School in their purchase of a new location. Proceeds from the event brought in $4,900. Additionally, we raffled off a classic snowmobile that brought in an additional $2,800, bringing the weekend total for the Island Park Charter School to $7,700. The Festival of Trees raised $1,000 from the Angel Tree for the Charter School by selling ornaments made by the students. After the event, our charity members voted to pledge an additional $7,500 to support the school’s relocation effort. This money added to the Rally 4 A Cause came to a grand total of $16,200 donated to the Island Park Charter School by the Mountain Life Charitable Foundation. All this was raised in two events between November 2023 and January 2024.

WHAT ARE OUR GOALS:

We intend to benefit the community of Island Park. As we came together as a group we discussed having short and long term goals. One way we intend to help in the short term is having money on hand to help neighbors in need. Long term we intend to focus on projects that can add to the resources of our community. Local Assistance Fund Part of the money we raise gets budgeted toward providing direct support for our neighbors. In 2024 we are launching the Local Assistance Fund. A neighbor in need can apply for assistance themselves, or someone can apply for a friend. We hope to increase our fundraising efforts so that this fund can grow to support as many neighbors as possible.

LONG TERM:

The Mountain Life Charitable Foundation is committed to developing resources that are available to everyone in the Island Park community. We see a need to develop a space for people to gather and spend time together with friends and family. Our charity members are collaborating to cultivate this dream and make it a reality. We envision a property that will have a park for all ages; including a play structure for younger children, disc golf course, lawn space and BBQ facilities. The ultimate property will feature a pavilion with tables for picnicking at the park, as well as a clubhouse with a small kitchenette that would provide an indoor space for those looking to get together for luncheons, game days or other small gatherings. We have created a separate fund within the Foundation to bring these dreams to life.

Festival of Trees

2nd Annual Island Park Festival of Trees