Glenn Alford For the Journal
Jul 11, 2024 (Originally published on the Idaho State Journal website, https://www.idahostatejournal.com/community/be-cool-in-the-pool-aug-2-at-the-twelfth-annual-aid-for-friends-splish/article_28c54894-3fa0-11ef-b76b-935af033732a.html)
Graham Buckley enjoys the Ross Park Water and a New Beach Ball at the 2023 Splish and Splash
POCATELLO — With another Pocatello summer of record-breaking heat upon us, how does a chance to be cool in the pool at the Ross Park Aquatic Complex sound? The Twelfth Annual Aid For Friends Splish and Splash Fundraiser will be held Aug. 2 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ross Park Aquatic Complex, 2901 S. 2nd Ave. in Pocatello.
It includes a barbecue dinner, all the swimming you want and use of the complex’s two new water slides. The best part is that it’s all for a good cause. The fundraiser for local homeless shelter Aid For Friends features exclusive use of the Ross Park pools and a pulled pork meal at the Ross Park Pavilion so Mom and Dad can relax by the pool.
Tickets for Splish and Splash are $15 for a single adult, $10 per child (ages 2-17) and free for children under 2. Raffle and event tickets are available at the Aid For Friends office, 214 E. Center, Suite 50 in Pocatello, its website aidforfriendspocatello.com or at the event. Last year’s Splish and Splash netted $11,905.68. This year’s goal is $15,000. All proceeds go directly to Aid For Friends and are spent locally.
Admission includes music by a disk jockey, beach balls and raffle drawings conducted live at noon Aug. 9 on the Aid For Friends Facebook page. There will be a variety of raffle items, including one night at TownePlace Suites with dinner at Jakers and Lava Hot Springs passes, along with many other great items.
Major event sponsors include corporate sponsor Teton Honda and event sponsors Modern Woodmen of America, Black Rock Dental and Centennial Pocatello Rotary.
“Aid For Friends gives a big thank you to corporate sponsor Teton Honda,” said Shelter Manager and Splish and Splash Chair Tami Moore. “They sponsored our big, new street sign and will be with us for the immediate future.”
“I’m excited for my first Splish and Splash fundraiser for Aid For Friends,” said new AFF Executive Director, Michele Poletti. “This is an amazing event and opportunity for people of all ages to come have some delicious food and great swimming along with helping the shelter to raise money and continue to help those in need in our community. Retired previous Executive Director BJ Stensland will be truly missed. She put a lot of time and effort into Aid For Friends’ success the past 25 years, and we wish her well and hope to see her at future AFF events.”
The Aid For Friends crew was ready to help the public enjoy dinner and swimming at the 2023 Splish and Splash
Aid For Friends was originally a homeless shelter that provided lodging and some meals, but has evolved into a multi-faceted resource center serving many.
The agency was born during the savage Pocatello winter of 1983-84 when one young man froze to death while trying to find shelter in a dumpster and another had a foot amputated because no shelter services operated here. Since 1984, AFF has offered safe, secure shelter for homeless families and individuals and meals, showers and laundry facilities, and then case management to connect clients with employment, medical and other resources including housing opportunities.
“Without Aid For Friends, at least 40 to 50 people would be sleeping out in the street every night,” said Moore. “Aid For Friends addresses the needs of homeless families and individuals with a safe shelter and vital supportive services.”
The event directors are still looking for more businesses and individuals to help sponsor the event, as well as new or gently used adult and child swimsuits so AFF shelter guests can join the fun and swim at the aquatic complex.
For additional information, contact Moore at 208-232-5669.
