August 6, 2008
In 2002, in an owners meeting in the basement of Jim Tomlinson’s building downtown, I suggested to the investor group that we establish a foundation. My vision for the Idaho Stampede Community Foundation was quickly embraced. I contacted Tom Foerstel (http://www.foerstel.com/) for a logo and we were on our way. Here’s an excerpt from a recent article in Eagle Magazine: Off the court, the Idaho Stampede continues to manage and grow its charitable arm, the Idaho Stampede Community Foundation—the first foundation in Idaho established by a professional sports franchise. About a dozen programs were created to help “even the score” for those who may be at a disadvantage, with a particular emphasis on youth.Current projects include “The Reading Stampede,” an education outreach program designed to boost skills in students in kindergarten through third grade, and “Team up for Tickets,” a program that makes it easy (and tax deductible) for season ticket holders to donate unused game tickets to children who would otherwise be unable to attend. One of the foundation’s more innovative programs is “Operation Open Doors,” a fund for renovating the homes of injured soldiers returning home from deployment with significant physical injuries. Of all my accomplishments as President of the Idaho Stampede, I think this one is tops. Or maybe it was the time I beat Clint Hordemann in H-O-R-S-E.

In 2002, in an owners meeting in the basement of Jim Tomlinson’s building downtown, I suggested to the investor group that we establish a foundation. My vision for the Idaho Stampede Community Foundation was quickly embraced. I contacted Tom Foerstel (http://www.foerstel.com/) for a logo and we were on our way.

Here’s an excerpt from a recent article in Eagle Magazine: Off the court, the Idaho Stampede continues to manage and grow its charitable arm, the Idaho Stampede Community Foundation—the first foundation in Idaho established by a professional sports franchise. About a dozen programs were created to help “even the score” for those who may be at a disadvantage, with a particular emphasis on youth.

Current projects include “The Reading Stampede,” an education outreach program designed to boost skills in students in kindergarten through third grade, and “Team up for Tickets,” a program that makes it easy (and tax deductible) for season ticket holders to donate unused game tickets to children who would otherwise be unable to attend. One of the foundation’s more innovative programs is “Operation Open Doors,” a fund for renovating the homes of injured soldiers returning home from deployment with significant physical injuries.

Of all my accomplishments as President of the Idaho Stampede, I think this one is tops. Or maybe it was the time I beat Clint Hordemann in H-O-R-S-E.

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