Community Thanks Feb. 14, 2010

HAITI: Funds go to orphanage

Once again I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be a part of the Coeur d'Alene community. It is with immense gratitude I share the success of the Winton Cocoa for Kindness fundraiser for Le Foyer Baptiste Pour Enfants orphanage in Haiti.

What started as a small school's donation to a worthy cause quickly gained momentum and became a significant contribution toward meeting a critical need.

Winton Elementary, with the help of this community, raised just under $4,000 for the orphanage. We put the word out and you responded. Donations came from everywhere: emptied piggy banks, envelopes in the mail, people stopping in off the street, area businesses and employees from within the school district. Bryan, Ramsey and Sorensen Elementary were quick to offer help by routing their schools' fundraising efforts to the cause as well.

Not only did you make a difference for the children in Haiti, but you made a difference for the 310 students at Winton as well. You showed them that while we cannot change everything, we are not powerless in the face of tragedy.

I am proud to call Coeur d'Alene my home. Winton thanks you for your support. Together we really do make a difference!

A special thank you goes to Riverstone Starbucks who, once again, has been a willing and vital partner in our many school endeavors.

Sincerely,

KRISTIN GORRINGE

Principal

Winton Elementary School

FESTIVAL: Keep orchestra alive

I would like to thank The Festival at Sandpoint for all their continued support of the Sandpoint Youth Orchestras. They not only umbrella tax deductible contributions which support the orchestra and raise funds to support the orchestra, but also do a lot of behind the scenes work to keep the orchestra alive and well.

At this moment we have 35 young people who are participating in the orchestra program. Included among those are two cellists (one in the beginning orchestra and one in the continuing orchestra) who are using instruments provided by the Festival. The youth orchestra is honored to have the opportunity to perform at the Festival's wine tasting benefit in April.

Thanks again to the Festival at Sandpoint for their fine work in supporting the arts in our community. Everyone benefits from your work!

BETH WEBER

Cocolalla

KMC: Shows passion, love

I would like to say THANK YOU to the people at Kootenai Medical Center and Dr. Neil Nemec for saving my life.

The entire staff cared for me and about me with passion and love. As if it wasn't their job to provide health care but the very strings of their heart had compassion for my health.

Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do.

Warmly,

MARILYN CUSHMAN AND THE ENTIRE CUSHMAN FAMILY

Coeur d'Alene