'Celebrate Life'

COEUR d’ALENE — Whatever needed to be done at Saturday night’s Hospice of North Idaho’s 35th annual Hospice Wine Taste, Bruce Nordstrom was there.

The volunteer was more than willing to take on any job — as he has in the past — so the fundraiser would be a success.

And judging from the spirit, spending and smiles of the crowd that filled The Coeur d’Alene Resort ballroom, it was.

“A lot of good energy, a lot of good people and the resort is doing a good job doing whatever needs to be done,” Nordstrom said as he watched the live auction get underway.

He also loves to pitch in because hospice was there when his mom passed away in 2007. Hospice staff comforted, guided and made things a little easier for the Nordstrom family in that difficult time.

“They really helped,” he said.

While he enjoyed the event that saw hundreds trying premier wines and gourmet food, he couldn’t quite partake in all the offerings.

“My New Year’s resolution is no alcohol so food, but not the wine,” he said, smiling. “It’s pretty tough tonight, to tell you the truth.”

Kootenai Health was the presenting sponsor of the gathering with the theme “Opa! Celebrate Life.” It featured silent and live auctions, good conversation, an impressive array of wines and food, along with sharply dressed men and women, a few wearing togas.

Bidding was fast and furious during the live auction led by auctioneer Matt Backs. Wine tours, trips, furniture packages, a cruise and a four-hour excursion on a yacht raised thousands of dollars in a short time.

It was Hospice of North Idaho’s largest fundraiser of the year and all indications are it was everything everyone hoped.

The funds go for hospice care in the community for those who need help. Many expenses for such end-of-life care are not covered by private insurance or Medicare and Medicaid.

That’s when hospice steps in.

Kim Ransier, hospice executive director, mingled with the crowd throughout the evening.

In the program, she wrote their vision is to be the leader in helping people have a comfortable conversation about end of life wishes, to teach family caregivers the skills they need to increase their confidence, and to help people understand their grief.

“Our vision is focused on the future needs of our community and how we can help everyone through their end of life journey,” Ransier wrote. “We honor each patient’s wishes and help celebrate each person’s life and contributions.”

She wrote that in Kootenai County, Hospice of North Idaho has cared for more than 55 percent of those who passed.

“Your involvement tonight validates your value for quality, nonprofit, end of life care of all,” Ransier wrote.

Christy Miller, executive administrative assistant and secretary of the board with Hospice of North Idaho, has been part of the annual wine taste for the past nine years.

“We do things above and beyond. It doesn’t matter if you have money or not, we take care of people,” Miller said. “We take of any kind of bereavement or grief in the community if you’re with hospice or you’re not with hospice.”

Miller was wearing a white toga and smiled as she surveyed the room.

“It’s a gorgeous event, don’t you think?” she said.

Phil Harding with the North Idaho Enological Society, a group that is “dedicated to increasing the knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of wine,” was one of many volunteers pouring wine Saturday night.

He enjoyed being part of an event where wine is in the spotlight and he gets a chance to share his knowledge with guests.

“I like to make the experience for the participants an educational one and make it a great evening for them,” Harding said.

It’s also a chance to benefit Hospice of North Idaho, he said.

“People are here because they like food, they like wine, and they want to help,” he said.

Allisha Rutherford with Heritage Health was another volunteer handling many tasks. She said a friend passed away a few months ago, and Hospice of North Idaho was there.

“They made a huge difference in her life,” Rutherford said.