Hospice Wine Taste a record success

HAYDEN — Hospice of North Idaho raised more than $160,000 at its “VIVA la VIDA” Wine Taste and Auction at the Hayden Lake Country Club Saturday night.

The black-tie event, with sold-out tickets, collected the most money the event has raised in its 31-year history.

“It was a spectacular evening,” said Executive Director Kim Ransier. “People were in great spirits and opened their hearts and wallets to the community’s nonprofit hospice, Hospice of North Idaho.”

In addition to the overwhelming selection of fine wines to taste at the event, food was donated by catering sponsors — the Coeur d’Alene Casino, Pastry and More, North Star Retirement, Uva Trattoria, Seasons of Coeur d’Alene, The Cellar, The Fedora, and Garden Plaza.

More than 200 donors contributed items to the silent and live auctions, and many volunteered their time to put the event together. The presenting sponsor of the event was Kootenai Health, of which Hospice of North Idaho is an affiliate and community partner.

Platinum sponsors of the event included Young Construction Group, Mountain West Bank, Thorco Inc., Northwest Specialty Hospital and Summit Cancer Care.

John and Connie Young were recognized at the event for being longtime supporters of Hospice of North Idaho.

“John and Connie do so much for our community; we are only one of the many organizations they support. It’s an honor to know them,” said Ransier.

One of the evening’s highlights was a donation by guests of more than $20,000 during the paddle raise. Funds were raised to support the grief and loss programs that Hospice of North Idaho provides to the community at no charge, including the children’s grief camp, Camp Kaniksu.

Proceeds of the event will go directly toward this, and also to patient care for those lacking the ability to pay for hospice services, including paying for medications, medical equipment, stays at the Hospice House, and visits with physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and grief counselors.

Hospice of North Idaho is the area’s only local nonprofit hospice. It is the support of the community and events like the Hospice Wine Taste that enable Hospice of North Idaho to continue in its mission of providing superior hospice care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.