Citizens say goodbye to Bloem
<p>Former Coeur d’Alene mayor Sandi Bloem mingles with guests Thursday during a farewell party at the Kroc Center.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The mood was warm and informal at Mayor Sandi Bloem's farewell open house Thursday night at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.
More than 75 people filtered in and out of the reception to greet the former mayor and wish her farewell after serving as the first female and longest-sitting mayor of Coeur d'Alene.
There was little fanfare as the mayor worked the room.
In fact, there was no ceremony at all until Maj. Ben Markham of the Salvation Army stepped up to give the mayor a final award.
"You know we've given her awards," Markham said. "She has already received the highest award the Army can give to a volunteer who helps us accomplish our goals.
"It's the William Booth Award. We surprised her with it last year in recognition of all of the great stuff she has done - not just for the Salvation Army - but the entire community."
The William Booth Award, named in honor of the founder of The Salvation Army, is one of the highest awards conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army.
It is given annually to a deserving individual for outstanding service to the community through their donation of time, talent and energy, as well as dedication to The Salvation Army's goal of service.
Now, Markham said he wanted to give her something fun. He handed her a golden bell seated on a trophy pedestal, in honor of all the money she has raised ringing bells for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas fundraising program.
This year Bloem helped raise $24,000 in one day ringing bells at the Fred Meyer store.
"We wanted to recognize her as a bell ringer of excellence," he said. The trophy pedestal was engraved to recognize her service as an advisory board member, bell ringer and an unwavering Kroc Center advocate.
"Believe me, until the day I die, I will be ringing the bell at Christmas time," Bloem said as she accepted the bell. "It's one of the best things I have ever done.
"People give so generously, and it is so worthwhile."
Bloem said she will bring her golden bell with her next time she does the Red Kettle drive.