Spaghetti feed brings big bucks

COEUR d'ALENE - Thanks to the efforts of Alycia Barrowcliff, Children's Village in Coeur d'Alene is getting closer to reopening the Miller Home to shelter children who are abused, neglected, or homeless.

Barrowcliff organized a spaghetti feed and silent auction as a fundraising event for the local nonprofit. Sunday, more than 250 people were at The Coeur d'Alene Resort for the event, which raised $22,779.46.

"It went fantastic," Barrowcliff said. "We planned for 250 people and there weren't any seats open."

Duane and Lola Hagadone, who challenged Barrowcliff to raise as much as she could prior to the fundraiser, will match the money raised. That match brings the grand total to $45,558.92.

Barrowcliff said she and the other volunteers received an "overwhelming" amount of praise from those who attended the fundraiser, which featured live music and a silent auction.

"It was a very fast-paced event," Barrowcliff said. "I think people liked it so much because there wasn't any time where they were just sitting around."

The 21-year-old said her family and friends were a "huge support system" in the days leading up to the event and she also thanked the Hagadones, Northwest Tile and Floors and Deborah Miranda.

"Everybody has been great to work with," Barrowcliff said. "We received so many compliments and suggestions that we should do it again."

Barrowcliff added that she wants to hold the fundraiser again next year and is already thinking about how to refine and improve the event.