Gem of a donation

COEUR d'ALENE — Yes, she wanted the ruby ring.

But clearly, Sheree Deardoff wanted something else just as much.

The Post Falls first grade teacher doubled the next highest offer and paid $2,000 for a ruby ring, a gold ring and a pair of earrings that were mysteriously — and anonymously — donated recently to Press Christmas for All.

On Dec. 12, The Press published the story of the donation - and the donor's wishes. (https://cdapress.com/news/2020/dec/12/press-christmas-all/)

"The donor sounded discouraged," Deardoff said of the note attached to the jewelry and signed simply J.C. "Hopefully this will make them feel better and bring some fulfillment."

Deardoff did not have the jewelry appraised but already has one ruby ring so she has a rough idea of her new acquisition's value. The donor's note said its estimated worth was $3,800, but only $600 had been offered for it.

"I thought since it was for charity, you might be able to find someone willing to pay more," the donor wrote on a small note, dropped off at The Press in an envelope addressed simply to Christmas for All. "Please do your best. I'll be praying for good fortune."

Good fortune to the tune of $2,000 sealed the deal Monday, hopefully leaving everybody feeling good about the transaction.

"The estimated value, I couldn't come close to that," Deardoff said. "But I thought what I offered was as fair as possible."

Press Christmas for All is closing in on its all-time fundraising record, boosted in no small part by Deardoff's contribution. As of Monday, nearly $230,000 had been raised — meaning just $9,000 more is needed to set the record.

Can you help?

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

• Go to cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2020 at the top of the page.

• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown CDA.

DONORS

Parker Toyota; Lee Lorenz, in memory of daughter Jennifer; Linda Pedersen, in memory of my husband Arnold; Peggy and William Tarnasky; Jeff Sherwood; Kerry Erickson Jr., in memory of Kerry Erickson Sr.; Casey Curtis; Dennis Huss; James and Theresa Rosenlund; Aurora Greene; Michael Okuniewicz; Scott and Susan Brigham; Robert Johnson; Rob and Becky Reagan; Corky and Judy Meyer, in memory of Mike Meyer; Matt and Shatana Becker, in memory of Barry Wood; Shirlie Nilsson; Mervin Nilsson; Roberta Manley, in memory of Oliver Manley; Robert and Jane Shillingstad; Ron and Margaret Mazurek, in memory of Mary Riley; August and Joni Mack, in memory of Jerry Schomer; Randy Quintero; John and Clara Boller; John Jordan; Bill and Kay Millsap; Jerry Martin; Dick and Lisa Medley; Suzanne Polle; Jub Engineers; Myla and Leland McFarland; Cort and Valerie Wilcox; Tom and Sandra Ray; Donna Webb; Phyllis and Dale Holte, in memory of Ron and Rod Holte; Dennis and Dawnya Carter; Betty Ann Henderson, in memory of Frank Henderson; Trish Vanderveer; Roger and Judith Johnson; Gerald and Janice Tice; Deanna Ricks; Westwood Gardens; Glenn and Jodi Lauper; Matthew and Kami McLaughlin; Randy and Kimberly Haddock; Sandy and Fred Ambrose; Craig and Christine Ely; Rita and Clarke Webb; Lenora and David Fields; Faye Ferguson; Sandy and Dan Bertuccelli; John and Angela Miranda; Julia O'Neill

OVER $500

Wes and Mary Schmidt, in memory of our moms and dads; Tom and Tracy Skaar; Patricia Krug; Jonathan King; Schedler Mack Insurance; Sheree Deardoff; Gary and Bonnie Reichelt; Norb and Bev Twillmann, in memory of Howard Lytle and David Wardsworth