A wonderful holiday tradition. Festival of Trees fundraiser helps improve health care facilities, expand services and technology.

Nothing brings a family or a community together better than decorating a Christmas tree.

Robin Wright and her sisters, Becky Boifeuillet and Roberta Lamarr, have been decorating trees for the Festival of Trees for over 10 years to support the annual Kootenai Health Foundation fundraiser. Their tree - the Super 1 tree - is one of the crowd favorites.

“It’s a blast,” said Wright. “My parents have been doing a tree since this all started. My sisters and I are working on decorating a tree that is metallic, bronze and silver. It’s so much fun seeing all of the trees on the night of the gala. You know how much hard work went into them.”

Wright volunteers her time because their Christmas tree will be auctioned off and sold the highest bidder to raise money for the Kootenai Health Foundation. The proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support the expansion of Kootenai Health’s Emergency Department and Operating Rooms.

“I am helping because everyone can benefit from the hospital,” said Wright. “It’s nice to know it’s there for myself, my kids and my grandkids.”

The Kootenai Health Foundation’s 28th annual Festival of Trees will take place Nov. 25-Nov. 28 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The focal point of the fundraiser, the Gala, is a black-tie event where the trees are auctioned off.

“Together we have helped Kootenai Health improve patient care facilities, add cutting-edge equipment and technologies, and bring higher levels of care to our community,” said Mike Chapman, Chair of the Kootenai Health Foundation Board.

“The Festival of Trees is a community tradition that kids and adults of all ages look forward to every year.” 

To date, the Festival of Trees has raised nearly $6 million. Sue Thilo helped launch the first Festival of Trees here. She modeled the event after a festival of trees held by St. Alphonsus hospital in Boise. She’s proud that the Foundation’s fundraiser continues to thrive.

“I am constantly amazed by the generosity of the community,” said Thilo. “People open their hearts and their checkbooks for a great cause. It’s hard to find a fundraiser that will attract and retain donors like the Festival of Trees.”

By MARC STEWART

Director of Sponsored Content

For more information about the Festival of Trees or to get involved, contact the Kootenai Health Foundation at (208) 625-4438 or email: foundation@kh.org