I would like to encourage city officials and the citizens of Blaine County to consider the extended impact the Back Alley Party at the Wicked Spud in Hailey has on nonprofit groups, as well as the community.
As executive director of Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, founder of the Blaine County Hunger Coalition, and co-founder of DrugFreeWave, I understand very well how thankful small non-profits are for every opportunity they get to do community outreach.
Back Alley Parties are lighthearted, festive, and fun. Kids play games on the grass. Families share meals outside the home. Neighbors converge to meet and greet. Friends gather for laughs and good music. Non-profits receive a venue to share their passion.
Yes, some money is raised for non-profits. Yes, non-profits get a chance to share their mission. However, these events provide non-profits with much greater lasting value. I've seen, first-hand, how Back Alley Party attendees eventually become donors, volunteers, partners, or board members of featured non-profits—all as a result of conversations spurred within a casual setting of friendship and music. The value may be difficult to measure, but it's real and it's substantive.
In the spirit of community development, wellness and fun, I urge you and all the citizens of the valley to work together to keep this wonderful party alive and on-going.
Tom Iselin
Executive Director
Sun Valley Adaptive Sports
