Lee Pesky Celebrates a Decade of Helping

By Kristi Coffman - kcoffman@idahostatesman.com
 Edition Date: 09/20/07
 

The Lee Pesky Learning Center isn't just about overcoming learning challenges, according to Executive Director David Holmes. "We really are in the business of saving lives," Holmes said, explaining how helping a child with learning disabilities can alter his or her life.

The center also provides educators with the necessary tools to improve students' literacy skills and supplies new parents with a literacy-tips booklet. "Our partnership with schools and other

organizations are mutually beneficial," Holmes said.

The Lee Pesky Learning Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with fundraising events in Ketchum and Boise.

The center was created in 1997 by Alan and Wendy Pesky in honor of their son, Lee Pesky, who overcame a learning disability, graduated from college and went on to become a successful businessman. Lee Pesky, who was raised in Connecticut and spent

much of his childhood in Ketchum, died at the age of 30 of a brain tumor in 1995.

The learning center has its headquarters in Boise with two additional offices in Hailey and Ketchum. Holmes has been involved with the Pesky center for 13 months and says he knows the value of the center to the community and state. "It's become a resource for children and adults with learning disabilities in the state of Idaho. It has a unique role in our community, and it's been an honor to be a part of everything that it does," Holmes said.

Board member Gayl Loutzenheiser said she became involved because of her experience growing up with a quadriplegic sister. "Dealing with a ‘hidden' disability can be extremely difficult for an individual and their family. I know firsthand how stressful a disability can be for an individual and for their family," Loutzenheiser said.

Loutzenheiser, who has volunteered at the center for seven years, said she continues to volunteer because she has seen the difference it can make. "In 2002, we found that one of our daughters has dyslexia. Without the Pesky center, I have no doubt that she would have had low self-esteem and taken a path that might have involved poor life choices. Instead, she knows she has to work harder than others, and she does," Loutzenheiser said.

Holmes said that staff and volunteer fundraising, such as the upcoming 10th anniversary scavenger hunt, are what keep the center running. "An important part of what we do is to raise dollars every year. Volunteers assist in that and enable us to keep our doors open," Holmes said.
 

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