Goodeve to MC for Festival of Trees gala

The Kootenai Health Foundation has announced that television personality Grant Goodeve, will be the master of ceremonies for the 2011 Festival of Trees Gala.

Goodeve is now in his 14th season of hosting the Seattle-based outdoor travel show, "Northwest Backroads." He also hosted the HGTV series, "If Walls Could Talk," and is best known for his role as David on "Eight is Enough."

This year, Goodeve will be the master of ceremonies for the Festival of Trees Gala, Coeur d'Alene's biggest social event of the season. At the Gala, guests enjoy an elegant dinner and live auction of the Festival Christmas trees, which are decorated and donated to the cause by local businesses and individuals. To wrap up the night, guests can dance to the sounds of The Hit Men. Cathy Shortridge, this year's Gala chairwoman, arranged for Goodeve's appearance.

Proceeds raised at the Festival of Trees help fund medical enhancements at Kootenai Health.

This year, the Festival of Trees will support cardiac services, specifically the addition of Heart Rhythm services.

Currently, more than 400 people in North Idaho leave the state for this care. Heart Rhythm services include treatment for individuals experiencing heart rhythm disturbances such as arrhythmias, diagnostic services to determine the cause of such disturbances, as well as insertion and maintenance of treatment devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers. Wells Fargo is the Festival of Trees presenting sponsor.

Tickets for the Gala are on sale now. The Gala is Saturday, Nov. 26, at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.thefestivaloftrees.com or call (208) 666-2345.