Wine Taste raises record amount
2SHOTS AND A CAMERA/Courtesy photo A bid goes up during the auction at Hospice of North Idaho’s recent Wine Taste fundraiser.
COEUR d’ALENE — Hospice of North Idaho’s 34th annual Hospice Wine Taste raised a record amount of support for patients in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties. The local nonprofit recently hosted the annual fundraiser at its new Coeur d’Alene campus.
“Hosting the event in our new Community Building felt magical. It enriched the experience and focused the evening on our mission,” said Hospice of North Idaho executive director Kim Ransier, in a news release.
Contributions to the 34th annual Wine Taste raised more than $172,000 for hospice care. Hospice’s clinical team attributed its success to the community’s values.
“Our community knows that we’re expanding the Schneidmiller House, and I think they wanted to help us ensure that we can continue to keep up with the needs of our community,” said Cindy Reed, Schneidmiller House director.
Guests raised a record $51,000 in the paddle raise portion of the event to furnish the seven-room expansion of the only 24-hour hospice in-patient unit in Idaho.
Event proceeds also benefit patients living in their homes and skilled nursing facilities throughout Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties. Support raised at Wine Taste each year provides medical supplies, medications, equipment, family grief support and more.
“The generosity of our guests moved me to tears,” said Sheri Isch, Hospice board member and event chairperson. “I am proud and humbled to be part of an organization so enthusiastically supported by our community.”
Kootenai Health partnered with Hospice of North Idaho as the presenting sponsor of the 34th Annual Wine Taste.
“Kootenai Health is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2019 Wine Taste. A shared commitment to our patients and community has been the foundation of Kootenai Health relationships with Hospice of North Idaho since the beginning,” said Kootenai Health spokeswoman Kim Anderson.
Through this support, Hospice of North Idaho continues to provide expert care, regardless of a person’s financial circumstances.
“I have deep gratitude for everyone in our community who helped make this year’s Hospice Wine Taste over-the-top fun, heartwarming and successful,” Ransier said.