Community Thanks Feb. 21, 2010

FEAST: Benefit raised $3,271

The Wild Salmon Feast to benefit Family Promise of North Idaho took place Feb. 13, 2010. It was sponsored by three Lutheran churches in the area - Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church of the Master and Calvary Lutheran.

More than 167 people enjoyed the dinner, featured music, prizes and a first-ever dessert auction. Raised in the evening festivities was a net of $2,271. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is providing a $1,000 match of the proceeds, for a grand total of $3,271 raised in support of FPNI's mission to shelter, feed and provide solutions to families in crisis.

The evening would not have been possible were it not for the generous owners of White Cane Sockeye Salmon - Randy and Janice Houghton, with Al Riendeau and Margie Fiedler, all of Coeur d'Alene. These guys are professionals and their signature entree - wild caught salmon from the cold water of Bristol Bay, Alaska - was excellent! They rolled up their sleeves and cooked up a storm with Bill Dougherty grilling and adding his own flare with some amazing seasonings and techniques. He was most aptly assisted by Russell Flamm and John Downs.

Prize donors to be recognized were Richard and Jill Jurvelin, Randy and Jolene Pooley, Bill and Jill Dougherty, and Jacqueline Olson. Hats off to the decorating team of Jean and Jim Davis and Marilee and Doug Renfrew. Special thanks to the amazing kitchen crew: Jan and Craig Leaf, Jill Dougherty, Jeff and Penny Weiss, Carrie Gridley, Devlin Dougherty, Sally Paquin, Evelyn Tabert, Mari Osen and Lynne Downs. Taking tickets throughout the evening was Marion Keating and Pat Galyardt.

Finally, I would like to give special praise to the youth of Trinity Lutheran Church who handled waiting tables with good humor and efficiency, Mari Osen, who ran an amazing dessert auction, and Mike Wood, who was our talented auctioneer for the evening. Finally, the Trinity String Ensemble and pianist Clint Camster provided beautiful music throughout the evening.

Thank you to everyone for "going wild" for Family Promise of North Idaho - giving a "hand up" to families in crisis of homelessness.

PR. KATE LEPARD

President, Board of Trustees

Family Promise of North Idaho