Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity brought families together in Sandpoint on Saturday, August 1, with its first-ever ReStore Summer Carnival — a community fundraiser aimed at building two new homes in the city.
More than 30 families turned out for the inaugural event, which featured a bouncy house, cotton candy, a rubber duck pond prize activity, a ReStore scavenger hunt, hot dogs, and drinks. The lighthearted atmosphere carried a serious purpose: all proceeds from the carnival will go toward constructing two homes behind Farmin Stidwell Elementary School in Sandpoint.
What Is ReStore?
For those unfamiliar, ReStore is a resale shop operated by IPHFH that sells donated home improvement materials at reduced prices. The store serves a dual mission — keeping usable building materials out of landfills while channeling revenue directly into the organization’s homebuilding efforts. IPHFH is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.
Robin Rawlings, executive director of IPHFH, told the Bonner County Daily Bee the organization’s focus is on lasting impact for the families it serves. “What we really want to do is to create quality homes that we know that most of the family stays there,” Rawlings said. “We just want them to have a good quality home.”
More Events Ahead This Fall
The carnival is just the beginning of IPHFH’s fall fundraising calendar. The organization is planning a “Keys for Homes” benefit concert in September at the historic Panida Theater in Sandpoint. Concert pianist Jim-Isaac Chua is scheduled to perform at the event.
With summer in full swing across the region, community events like these reflect the kind of neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit that defines North Idaho. Sandpoint residents looking for other ways to enjoy the season have plenty of options — the Sandpoint PRCA Rodeo returns to the Bonner County Fairgrounds on August 7 and 8, and a recent open water swim event drew more than 60 participants to the area.
What Comes Next
Construction on the two homes behind Farmin Stidwell Elementary is expected to move forward with funds raised through events like the Summer Carnival. The “Keys for Homes” concert at the Panida is scheduled for September 2026, with pianist Jim-Isaac Chua headlining. Community members interested in supporting IPHFH’s mission can follow the organization’s upcoming events or shop at the ReStore location in Sandpoint.