Hospice Wine Taste and Auction raises over $273K
“Fly Me to the Moon” was the theme Feb. 3 at Hospice of North Idaho’s 39th Annual Wine Taste and Auction. With over 400 guests, volunteers and sponsors at The Coeur d’Alene Resort attendees raised their glasses and bidder numbers to raise over $273,000 to support the area’s nonprofit hospice in its 43rd year.
This year was a Las Vegas theme, with bright lights, themed signs, nods to the Rat Pack, and homage to star-studded entertainers on posters that hung around the room; guests felt the high energy that Vegas brings.
“The energy and light from everyone at our 2024 Wine Taste was enough to make even Las Vegas seem dim. Despite the cool drizzle outside, we had warmth, laughter, and sheer joy reverberating around the walls of The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The delicious foods and drinks to sample were unbelievable, and everyone there was so excited to participate in our games that they sold out in just over one hour,” said Hospice of North Idaho Executive Director Eric Ladwig.
The evening consisted of 10 local distributors showcasing the finest wines and beverages, 13 local food vendors with gourmet appetizers and desserts, a Silent Auction open to the public for the first time and 17 Live Auction packages, such as a private catered Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise for the winner and 35 guests, a Medieval Wine and Dining package hosted by Bret and Michele Dirks, a trip to Kauai and a Gonzaga basketball package to name a few.
The “Paddle Raise” portion of the Live Auction “Opportunities for Support” brought in over $39,000 for Hospice of North Idaho. Toward the end of the evening, with the last few Live Auction packages left to bid, David Adlard, owner of Candle in the Woods, a fine dining establishment in North Idaho, offered two fine dining packages with limousine transportation for the winners and their guests to experience all that Candle in the Woods has to offer to the highest two bidders. These packages brought in an extra $11,000 in donations!
“I am full of gratitude for the outpouring of support that so many in our community showed through sponsorships, offerings for our auctions and games, and by showing up at the event to raise glasses and paddles alike," Ladwig said. "Our incredible hospice, palliative and bereavement programs open so many doors to care for members of our community in ways that change lives. You, our community members, and businesses are what make the beauty of our work possible. Thank you!”
This event continues to be one of the best in-person fundraisers in our area, put on by a group of people with a heart for hospice. Hospice of North Idaho would like to thank every person who volunteered, donated, sponsored and attended their event.
The money raised from this annual event helps Hospice of North Idaho continue to provide compassionate care for those who are seriously ill and those touched by loss in Kootenai, Shoshone, South Bonner and Benewah counties.
