Angel Wings Network sets sights on spring fundraiser

Weiser’s Angel Wings Network is getting ready for the opening day of its fourth annual Online Auction on April 21 at 9 a.m. The full 10-day auction will fold neatly into the second part of the nonprofit’s spring fundraising effort in the four-day 2025 Idaho Gives campaign that starts April 28, with both concluding on May 1.

 “This is the fourth online auction, and it’s completely online,” the group’s programs and development coordinator Carie Lawrence told the Signal American. “We’ve got some awesome packages coming in, at least seven stylish womens’ western boots, plus several pairs of western slide-in mules. 

 “There’s an adorable dollhouse, complete with miniature furnishings,” executive director Mabel Dobbs added. “Peoples Furniture and Weiser Classic Candy always donate, and Carie got a great deal with Tamarack, a summer unlimited pass, probably worth at least $500.

 “We’ve also got the weekend at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas again, thanks to Wade Stanton,” Dobbs added. “That’s a two-night, three-day stay with meals, a nice package worth $800 or over.”

 Organizers are hoping to have the bulk of the incoming donated auction items by Friday, April 4, but will happily accept donations after that date.

 “We just like to have most of them in by the 4th, because it takes me so long to get everything listed,” Lawrence said. “What’s nice this year is I can use AI when I’m writing the descriptions and that’s awesome.

 “We’ve also got some quilt raffles, with the tickets available online, and some fixed price Angel Wings items, hats and t-shirts,” she added.

 Dobbs said they are really pleased with a new online platform for the auction this year.

 “The first two auctions were done through Greater Giving, and that worked well, but was also a lot of work,” Dobbs said. “We set up our own through Argenta last year and it was even more work, so this year we’re going with One Cause. It’s a little more expensive, but Carie says it’s so much better.”

 Lawrence added the new program, and maybe finding a rhythm to her system seems to be coming together.

 AWN has participated in Idaho Gives for over 10 years.

 “We do the auction along with Idaho Gives, so if anybody wants to do monetary donations you can do it through there,” Lawrence said. “And we will accept donations anytime.

 Angel Wings has served cancer patients in southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon for the past  15 years, and over that time the organization has been able to increase its services, thanks to generous support from both near and far.

 In 2024, AWN raised a total of $26,000 from the spring auction and Idaho Gives fundraiser, plus was awarded numerous grants from: College of Idaho Student Philanthropy Group, LOR Foundation, Idaho Food Bank, Forever Idaho Southwest, Idaho Central Credit Union, the Mellon Foundation, and St. Luke’s CHIF. 

 In addition, the nonprofit received $30,000 from the Flock Cancer Street Stroll, and plans on being in Boise for this year’s event set for Saturday, May 10, on Boise’s historic Harrison Boulevard.

 The organization’s Angel Riders equestrian group will have a booth at this weekend’s Idaho Horse Expo, which is running Friday through Sunday, April 4-6, and they’re already working out plans for another outreach event at Weiser’s Fred Hust Arena on Saturday, June 14.

 “We’ve blocked that Saturday before the Fiddle Contest for the last three years,” Dobbs said. “Then, the Fiddle Parade on the following Saturday.”

 “Each year we’ve received more,” Dobbs added. “I think last year we received $3,500. It’s definitely worth our time to participate.”

 All of the fundraising and outreach events combine for the main purpose of serving patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.

 2024’s numbers add up to a big impact. There were 103 new cancer clients added during the 12-month period; 18 new volunteer applications turned in; $32,775 in fuel cards given out to help with the cost of traveling to treatments and doctor appointments; $10,375 in grocery cards given; $17,567 in restaurant and meal cards; 44,840 miles logged by transport drivers; 13,000 volunteer hours contributed; plus distributing 143 gift bags valued at over $39,000.