Hospice wine tasting fundraiser set record

COEUR d’ALENE — The 35th annual Hospice Wine Taste brought in about $218,000, increasing last year’s contributions by about $35,000.

Hospice volunteers on Feb. 1 transformed The Coeur d’Alene Resort conference center into an entertaining evening for more than 300 community members who support Hospice’s charitable care.

“Not only did we raise more money for our mission than ever before, but everyone involved had a wonderful time sampling great wines, eating fabulous food, sharing their hospice stories and enjoying a wonderful uplifting and powerful evening,” Hospice of North Idaho Executive Director Kim Ransier said Friday.

More than 200 local businesses and individuals provided gifts and donations for the live and silent auctions and game prizes. Additionally, nine catering sponsors, and 10 beverage distributors shared offerings to guests at the annual event.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone that contributed to the success of our 2020 event and for supporting our mission,” said Wine Taste co-chair and Hospice Board Chairwoman Sheri Isch. “It is a collective endeavor and we are all the better for it.”

Kootenai Health was the presenting sponsor of the Hospice Wine Taste.

“Kootenai Health and Hospice of North Idaho have a long history of working together. We are both nonprofit organizations with a common goal of ensuring people in northern Idaho can receive the care they need, close to home,” said Kim Anderson, spokesperson for Kootenai Health.

Ransier thanked Duane and Lola Hagadone, Hagadone Hospitality and the staff at The Coeur d Alene Resort for their support “to our mission of care and comfort to everyone in our community during their end of life journey. We are thankful, grateful and truly blessed.”

The 35th annual Hospice Wine Taste supports the nonprofit’s charitable mission and care for patients in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties.