The Fun’s Shared By All At 3cs

Eureka! After years of informal research into North Idaho’s charitable organizations, I struck gold.

I found a guilt-free Coeur d’Alene women’s group that rates fun over sacrifice.

In fact, the 3Cs - Cancer and Community Charities - capitalizes on fun and still lavishes local charities with tens of thousands of dollars every year.

“We’re a unique organization, but really effective,” says Dorothy Wiegele, one of 3Cs’ founders and a 34-year devotee. “We’ll do anything you like to do.”

This redefines volunteerism into a workable adventure. Let’s see, I can’t find time to call six people to tell them about the Women’s Center’s fine programs, but I can spare two hours and $15 for a 3Cs tennis game with friends.

That’s the 3Cs’ secret: charge members small amounts to do the things they like to do.

Those things include bowling, skiing, reading, playing bridge or tennis, singing, gardening, traveling and - one of my favorites - eating gourmet food.

Last year, Dorothy, who is the club treasurer, collected nearly $32,000 from fun-seeking members.

In the United Way tradition, the money went to 26 charities, including Lake City Health, the Humane Society and Hospice of North Idaho.

Unlike United Way, which prohibits its financially strapped beneficiaries from raising money during the annual United Way campaign and requires public thanks at every opportunity, 3Cs gave its money with no strings attached.

“You have to do something to justify being here,” Dorothy says, admitting that bowling and bridge are her weaknesses.

Women stayed home and newspapers still had society pages when the group began.

Founder Ellen Walden saw no reason to isolate afternoon social gatherings from social responsibility.

Her sorority-like approach was so successful that 3Cs hasn’t changed much over the years, except to grow to 400 members.

“Each thing we do may not make a lot of money, but it adds up,” Dorothy says.

“And when you leave a little money for charity, you don’t feel guilty spending the afternoon playing bridge.”

On March 17, 3Cs will have a St. Patrick’s Day tea from 1-3 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene North, 301 First St. Newcomers are invited. Call 772-3766 for details.

Foreign fare

Girl Scouts sell more than cookies. At Saturday’s Carnival of Countries they’ll sell tasty treats from around the world for a dime a bite to celebrate Girl Scout Thinking Day.

For entertainment, they’ll perform skits about the countries they studied over the winter. The fun starts at Coeur d’Alene’s St. Pius Church, 625 Haycraft Ave., at 1 p.m. Bon appetit.

Senior spirit

Athol finally built its long-needed senior center, but the doors will stay locked until the kitchen is finished. Planners want a commercial kitchen that will help support the center. The problem is money.

Athol resident Dana Troglia figures her city is eligible for a state grant if it can come up with $22,000 in pledges of cash and materials by March 1. The center needs couches, a television and VCR, coffee tables and commercial kitchen equipment.

Call 623-5129 if you have something to donate.

Gold medalists

If you think the Olympics are about over, you’re wrong. This weekend, more than 100 athletes will swarm Schweitzer Mountain for the Idaho Special Olympics regional winter games.

Show some spirit and head for the Bonner Mall at 6 p.m. Saturday for the parade of athletes, then a dance. Sunday’s action is on the ski hills. Cheer on your favorite skiers and snowshoers. Their next stop is Twin Falls on March 8 for the state games.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: Who’s your favorite Panhandle athlete and how does he or she inspire you? Name medal contenders for Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; FAX to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.