Local nonprofit to host gala to support Idaho girls and raise funds to end period poverty

IDAHO FALLS — A local nonprofit is inviting the community to an upcoming event to celebrate progress and raise funds to end period poverty.

The Idaho Period Project is putting on a gala called “EmpowHER: Breaking Barriers, Ending Period Poverty — an unforgettable evening where elegance meets empowerment!” It will be on Friday, March 14, in Idaho Falls at the Snake River Event Center at the Shilo Inn. It will begin at 6 p.m.

“We are excited! We will have a silent auction, a live auction, and then a little bit of a program. We are going to do a raffle,” said Avrey Hendrix, founder of the Idaho Period Project.

There will be cocktails and mocktails, boutique shopping with local vendors like Indigo Market, Urban Ink Studio, Cozy Moon Co, and Bejeweled Creations, dinner and live entertainment.

“Our first priority is to raise funds in order to keep working on legislation and to get period dispensers in schools. Even above that, to keep doing our period pack program where we give period packs to girls in need at schools,” Hendrix said.

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According to its website, the Idaho Period Project’s mission is “to create access to essential menstrual products for every woman and girl in Idaho, ending period poverty and ensuring health, dignity, and equality for all.”

The nonprofit began in 2022 and has donated more than 750,000-period products to approximately 1,500 girls across 13 counties in eastern Idaho. This includes both schools and food banks. The organization has also recently partnered with Blue Cross of Idaho and Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation to work within the community schools in the state. Click here to learn more.

Hendrix is encouraging anyone to come to the event. Tickets are currently available for purchase. Click here to purchase tickets.

“I think it will truly empower everyone that is at the event to want to do more within the Idaho Period Project. Maybe find ways to advocate more, whether it be in their own schools or volunteering with us at period packing parties,” Hendrix said.