Before eventually moving to the Sun Valley area in 1997, Spur Community Foundation Executive Director Sally Gillespie was living in Philadelphia, only dreaming of living out West on the many vacations she would take to this side of the country. But she eventually made her way to Idaho, working at the Nature Conservancy, Sun Valley Center for the Arts (now the Sun Valley Museum of Art), and consulting in the nonprofit world before starting the Spur Community Foundation. Founded in 2016, Spur Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire impactful philanthropy in the Wood River Valley by helping people give purposefully and helping local nonprofits achieve maximum impact. It is through this work that the organization helps maintain the culture and spirit of this community. Sally lives in Elkhorn and in her free time enjoys walking the local trails, Nordic skiing, and outdoor socializing with her friends or her children, ages 22 and 20, when they are home. Read on to learn more about her perfect August day in Sun Valley.

How does your morning begin?

Sally: I’m out the door for some kind of walk or activity as the sun’s still low in the sky and it’s nice and cool. I’ve been commuting to work with an e-bike, so that’s been fun. After a walk, I’d tinker in my yard/garden.

What’s mid-morning?

Sally: I’d have some kind of hot, yummy beverage and eat a late morning breakfast. I like to cook at home, so probably eggs and veggies.

What are you doing midday?

Sally: Connecting with a friend: That could be another walk, hitting golf balls, going to hang at someone’s house. Truth of the matter is, at some point, even on my perfect day, I’m checking emails and working a bit. I also like to check out the local news, see what’s going on. I also spend time staying in touch with people from back East, where I’m from.

What’s your afternoon like?

Sally: I’d take a shower and prepare to do something social in the evening, either with my kids if they’re home or friends.

What’s the evening like?

Sally: We’d get drinks and nibbles somewhere, whether that’s the Duchin Room or Scout or somewhere like that. We’d order some apps, have some good conversation. To drink—I’m a tequila girl. Or I order wine.

What about after dinner?

Sally: I might read something—right now I’m reading Demon Copperhead—or watch something and do one of my hobbies, which is various needlepointing, knitting, and those kinds of crafts.