Tesh invites fellow star reachers
COEUR d’ALENE — Tesh clients and employees have always reached for the stars. Now they’re inviting the public to join them.
With a new outlook and logo, CEO Marcee Hartzell said they're taking a fresh approach to fundraising, too.
Tesh, Inc. has been a big part of the local community since 1976, providing opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities.
For the past 15 years, Tesh held three major fundraisers annually: a spring benefit dinner, a fall luncheon and the Jan. 1 fun run, called Hangover Handicap.
“With all of the changes throughout COVID and the fact that we are a small organization, we decided we need to combine some of our fundraising efforts and be more efficient,” Hartzell said.
Nixing the spring benefit and the fall luncheon, Hartzell said Tesh is preparing for “one big summer celebration.”
July 28 at 5:30 p.m., the Reach For the Stars benefit and auction will be held at Settlers Creek, 5803 W. Riverview Drive in Coeur d’Alene.
Originally an old farm that was converted to an event space, Settlers Creek boasts a terraced amphitheater, a vineyard, silos covered with glittering lights and a creek running through the property.
“It’s a completely different atmosphere,” Hartzell said.
The tranquility of the venue lends itself to a “more relaxed celebration,” Hartzell said. It will include a live and silent auction, games of cornhole, a catered cocktail hour and a gourmet meal.
The menu includes herb-crusted top sirloin roast and rosemary chicken, seasonal grilled vegetables, and roasted baby red potatoes all grilled onsite over wood-fired ovens. An array of desserts will be prepared.
“It has a fresh new vibe,” Hartzell said. “And Settlers has been a great partner in the process. They really know the community we serve.”
Tickets are for sale online at Teshinc.com for $100 per person, or $800 for a table of eight. Ticket prices increase after June 1 to $120 per individual or $1,000 for a table of eight.
Another option is to sponsor a table for Tesh employees or clients and their families.
Dress for the event will be casual. Because the venue is quieter and more open, it allows Tesh clients to comfortably participate in the festivities, regardless of their special needs.
The funds raised will stay local. Plans are to use the proceeds to upgrade six Tesh restrooms, making sure they are ADA compliant and easily accessible for clients.
