Bustin’ Out of Boise, a local non-profit, raised over $4500 in one day during Idaho Gives. But what does this number really represent? It’s not simply a number on a piece of paper or an amount of money in a bank account. It has a tangible impact in the lives of women in the Treasure Valley. These dollars, when defined in terms of “Filling the Gap” for women and their families, provide a helping hand when it’s needed most.

This money represents reduced stress, youngsters who can focus on being kids, husbands who are able to use the extra time to care for their wives and single moms who have a few less items on their to-do list. It means coming home to a clean house after a long day of cancer treatment, or time to nap while someone entertains the children. It can mean a ride to and from treatment. For others, it means being able to choose meals without an arduous trip to the grocery store. For one of our participants, it meant her seventeen year old son could turn on the oven and prepare a hot meal for his mom.

These donations could buy 225 hours of house cleaning or 180 hours of in-home assistance or 90 trips to the local treatment center or 36 weeks of groceries for families during their time of need. While these household tasks may seem routine during the everyday course of life, they can be overwhelming to a family coping with a lengthy illness. Bustin’ Out of Boise, with the help of generous supporters, walks alongside these families. They are not alone in the fight. In the end, that’s what these dollars and cents really mean.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated time and money to Bustin’ Out of Boise through Idaho Gives. Our hearts are bustin’ with gratitude at your generosity!

Karen Thompson

Retired President/Co-Founder

I grew up in Northwestern Montana and am a long time resident of Boise, ID.