Future Wolverines benefiting from local nonprofit

Just a year and a-half after establishing the Future Wolverines Foundation 501c3 nonprofit (FWF), nearly 300 local children have been able to participate in scores of athletic and youth activities offered in Weiser.

 Putting the love in Weiser’s “We Love Our Kids” motto might be the whole drive behind the FWF, with a desire that funding be available so that no child’s athletic potential go untapped or to reach a common goal within a team setting.

 At the same time, the first year’s total donations of over $10,500 hasn’t been matched this year, with only a little over $2,500 coming in for all of 2023, while the output has been over $6,000. Depending entirely upon donations for funding, the Future Wolverine Foundation’s account balance now could use a boost.

 The FWF was included on a healthy list of Washington County nonprofits that participated in Idaho Gives last spring, and the board intends to be part of that again next spring, with those dates scheduled April 29 through May 2, 2024. 

 The Foundation’s board of five includes Colton Mills, Hunter Mizar, Herb Haun, Lyndon Haines, and Kellie Biddinger. There is no paid staff, and the group hasn’t held any fundraisers, but depends entirely on generous community members, Wolverine fans, Weiser High School alumni, grants and memorials. All of the tax deductible donations filter right back into Weiser’s economy through fees paid to the Weiser Recreation Department, or directly to Weiser High School sports teams that put on camps for younger athletes. 

 “If anyone has thought about donating or renewing a donation, we’re asking they please consider doing it now,” the FWF board said in a group statement. “Donations help so many children participate in activities that would not be available to them without that help.”

 Donations may be mailed to Future Wolverine Foundation, 2240 Valley View Drive, Weiser, ID 83672. For anyone with questions, the board encourages them to call (208) 573-0812.

Seventh grader designs winning poster

 Coinciding with the FWF’s reminder that donations will continue to benefit kids in the community, a poster contest in Weiser Middle School’s computer class was held to come up with a design for advertising the available funds at the recreation department.

 After the FWF board completed the poster judging, WMS seventh grader Lily Glenn was named the winner last Wednesday, Nov. 1. By Thursday, a copy of the poster was included on a recreation department flier promoting some upcoming programs.

 Taking part in both the school’s computer and journalism classes, Glenn said she enjoys writing. 

 “I really like writing, and I’m in an advanced language arts class, too,” Glenn told the Signal American. “I play school sports, and I play softball. My softball coach does both recreation and a travel club, and I’m moving up to U14.”