Fosdick Weekend - Live Auction, Dinner & Golf Tournament

by Rachel Reynaga, New Meadows Correspondent

Tom Anderson has become a bit of a legend around New Meadows. Whether mentioning his 27 years in the FBI, his nickname of Fearless Fosdick, or the organization of the same name that is steadily approaching 1 million dollars raised, people speak admiringly of this charming philanthropist and the organization he heads up.

During his time in service with the FBI, Tom and his late wife would visit New Meadows and golf with friends. On one such occasion, Anderson and about 25 ranching and logging friends were invited in by Bob and Lea Linville off the 17th hole. The group of friends  continued golfing and gathering, and at one point, a hardship case was brought to their attention. They decided to host an auction to raise money for the case and were so successful there was money left over. The group sought other people to help, and over the years the Fosdick grew in friends and generosity to become the organization it is today.

This past weekend, the Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament celebrated their 39th anniversary with a dinner and auction at The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill and a golf tournament and lunch at MeadowCreek Golf Resort. Saturday evening, volunteers setup the outside patio for 140 guests and arranged silent auction items in the courtyard up the street. Arriving guests could purchase dinner and raffle tickets, bid on silent auction items, visit the spin to win wheel, and even bid on a square in a chicken pen for a 50/50 contest. Betsy Ogden and Penny Steadham, dressed as chickens, encouraged guests to purchase squares in the pen. The square with the most droppings at the end of the night would be the winner. In a surprise finish, one of the hens laid an egg and the buyer of that square won.

Anderson greeted the lively crowd requesting a round of applause to thank and acknowledge the work of around 50 volunteers who put in incredible amounts of work to organize and put on the fundraiser. He recognized Lea Linville and her late husband Bob Linville, for their invaluable support over the years. Anderson also noted that a generous community member who appreciated the Fosdick volunteers and the grant recipient selection process has given an unprecedented donation of $24k to the Fosdick!

Over the years, the Fosdick has raised over $800k, with about $109k of that going to local student scholarships. One recent scholarship recipient, Leylani Vargas Mendez, shared at the gathering what the scholarship meant to her as a new student at University of Idaho. She said, “I was able to complete my second semester studies thanks to the scholarship. I’m now going to be a sophomore studying HR management with a minor in Marketing and Spanish…the scholarship grant meant a lot to me. I really appreciate you guys.”

Grant recipients often give back to the Fosdick by volunteering and donating. Vargas Mendez assisted with Saturday’s event. New Meadows resident, Cody Padgett, made a horseshoe flower art piece and donated it to the Fosdick.

Anderson acknowledged The Intersection Restaurant for generously letting the Fosdick have the event there again. He stated the entire $20 people pay for the meal goes straight into the account for grants since all of the meat and cooking time is donated and the rest of the meal is put together by volunteers.

To get the party going, an accordionist led guests in the chicken dance, an ongoing tradition. As guests finished their meals, auctioneer Joe Malay stirred up the crowd with jokes, teasing, and encouragement to keep on bidding. Guests bid on gift certificates to Shore Lodge, a Cabo vacation, Payette Pedal Party, and Intersection pulled pork and tri tip, among other prizes.

Sunday, August 4, the golf tournament kicked off with a shotgun start. All holes were sponsored by individuals, local businesses, and even in the name of people’s pets as “Fur Baby” hole sponsors. Additional above and beyond donations are gratefully accepted and make a huge difference in how much the organization can donate to grant recipients. As golfers finished the tournament, the group gathered for awards, announcements, and lunch. The top three and last place teams were awarded gifts. Anderson noted the organization is getting closer to their goal of raising 1 million dollars. Donation amounts have grown tremendously over the years with the last few years bringing in around $50k each.

Nine specific causes were selected to receive distributions from the money raised in 2024. These include:

Adams County Historical Society - For new display panels and supports for existing panels

Fosdick Scholarship Committee - For scholarships for graduates and residents in college, technical institutes, or online education to support second semester costs

Meadows Valley Public Library - To add automatic doors to entryway to accommodate Gold Line Bus passengers and meet ADA guidelines

Meadows Valley School District No. 11 - For annual science field trip costs, Community Garden irrigation system improvements, K-12 library purchases, and K-12 instrument repair, upkeep, and purchase of music supplies

Meadows Valley Community Center - For new black out coverings and a lighted display cabinet for posters

Meadows Valley Planet Youth - To support activity fees, food, and transportation for kids

Meadows Valley Farmer’s Market - For youth programs to teach how to plant, grow, and cook with fresh produce and for craft supplies

Payette Lakes Ski Club - For transportation from and to New Meadows for students and ski school scholarships for Adams & Valley county students

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge - For tent, mats, food, tools, and supplies. For school programs about the Iditarod and for MV students to visit the Wye Checkpoint during the races

Event Coordinator Sylvia Tinsley noted that an award celebration will take place in the fall after all donations are processed. During the dinner, donations will be awarded and the Friends of the Fosdick Award will be presented to the Linvilles. All are welcome and future details can be found on the Fosdick website: fosdickgolf.com

Thank you to all who worked tirelessly to make this event another success for the New Meadows Community!