On Tuesday, October 22nd, DWI held their Annual Meeting at the Westbank and hosted over 200 attendees. The theme was "Harvesting Tremendous Success", highlighting many clients, caregivers and staff. CEO McKayla Matlack opened the evening by recognizing all the DWI Champions who have supported DWI over the past year, including our Board of Directors, the Foundation Board of Directors, legislators and staff.
Speakers included two former clients of our Adult Life and VR programs, Sam and Ortencia, who successfully shared their journey to reach their chosen independence. Jarod presented his son Sheldon's story detailing his experience in the Adult Life, Community Employment and the Extended Work Services programs.
Staff member Susan Goldman, who has already retired once from DWI, shared her heartfelt reasons for continuing to serve the clients. As a DWI Champion, Susan is a positive influence on both clients and staff.
Awards were presented to Staff and many supporters and DWI Champions in the community:
Advocate Award: Rep. Wendy Horman for her leadership in advocating for individuals with disabilities and for her openness to learn more about what DWI does in the community.
Distinguished Service Award: Kelly McCain for her many years of service to DWI as an involved parent, Board Member and Board Chair. She has continued to passionately give of her time and energy for the success of the Mission of DWI.
Humanitarian Award: Bryan Parker, of the INL leadership Program, for many years of bringing a team of volunteers to assist with the physical enhancement of the Idaho Falls Campus
Employers of the Year: Farr's Candy Company in Idaho Falls and Five Guys in Rexburg for their support of employing individuals with disabilities.
Employee of the Year: Kristy Clute for her 27 years of service to DWI in many roles within the LIFE program, the Accounting Department and now currently the Director of Operations and Corporate Compliance.
A new award was introduced by Lori Gentillon, the Heart of a Champion Award was presented to Shirrie Brown, VP of Rehabilitation / Manufacturing & Production for her determination and excellence in taking on her roles over a 25-year span with DWI.
Service Awards were presented to long time DWI Champions for their service:
20 Years: Sean Davey, Matthew Hadley, Jason Andrews, Carol Melton, Judy Ashley
25 Years: Shirrie Brown, Kristy Clute, Sheri Havens
30 Years: Bruce Webster, Jackie Bierma, Janice Ford
45 Years: Lori Gentillon
The evening also included a raffle table with over 50 items and the dinner was catered by Dixie's Diner.
We appreciated all who attended and supported the event, and we look forward sharing even more success stories next year.
Raffle Prize Donors: High Mountain Adventures, Take 5 Oil Change, vib Massage Therapy, Nails by Anna Marie, McKayla Matlack (multiple), Rustic Rock Coffee, New Sweden Farms, Collet's Burger & Beer, Real Deals, All in The Details, Black Knight Limousine, Festival of Trees (multiple), Salon h. davis, Museum of Idaho (multiple), Destiny Blatter Photography, Club Apple (multiple), Madison Armory (multiple), Oswald Service, North Bigham County Library, Mike Walker, Visit Idaho Falls, DWI, Fixxology (multiple), Tim Sopalski (multiple), U Pick Red Barn, LEO's Place, Revive total Wellness, Blue Cross of Idaho, Frontier Credit Union, Ahhhsome Relaxation (multiple), Fall Valley Cleaning, Jessi Colleti, Ridgeline Aesthetical, Jen Riggs, Yoga London, Lynn Morgan, Tricia Drake, Wellberry Health, The Preparedness Pantry, Jones Sew & Vac, Anna smith, Rosa Maria Mulser, Estelle Strydom, Mickie Newby, Sarah Eye Epiney
