Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops to hold Haiti fundraiser

COEUR d'ALENE - More than $2,000 in donated merchandise has been provided for the Our Hearts for Haiti at The Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops.

The items will be given away in 10 drawings over seven days, beginning on Saturday when the main event is held to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts in the earthquake-shattered country.

Deb Mote, owner of Louis Permelia and an organizer of the event, said the afternoon program of painting is filling fast, but there may be a few spots open on Saturday for late arrivals.

All the stores in the plaza, and one other participating business will donate a portion of the proceeds of sales on Saturday to the Red Cross.

"We are so pleased we are doing this," Mote said. "We are so proud of the people in this community."

From 2-5 p.m., Cindi Schneider of Painting with Spirits will host a painting program with step-by-step guidance by artist David Clemons, who provided his work "Love Grows" as one of the items to be given away during the week.

The $50 cost will include a large menu of food items, many prepared by employees and operators of The Plaza Shops. Studio 107 jewelry, art and wine shop at Fourth Street and Lakeside Avenue will serve wine and donated a basket of wine, chocolate and other goodies.

On the day of the event in the plaza and throughout the week owner Patricia Williams will also donate 10 percent of sales to the Red Cross.

Other items up for grabs in the drawing include gift certificates, an antique beaded bag, a bike rack, jewelry, a Coeur d'Alene Resort spa package, a couples painting package and even a bike rack.

On the final day, Feb. 13, "Love Grows" will be awarded.

Reservations can be made by contacting Mote at 765-0886 or at deblpcda@aol.com.