'Keys' to success in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d'ALENE — The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Hagadone Event Center was recently transformed into a concert and dance hall as two virtuoso pianists engaged in a friendly musical duel.

Friends and supporters of Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County gathered for the inaugural “Keys for Kids” Dueling Pianos fundraiser and were treated to an evening of music, fun and laughter.

The event raised over $100,000 to support the summer programs and provide scholarships to families in need.

"We are thrilled to have hosted our first Keys for Kids Dueling Pianos Fundraiser," said Mark Kuhnhausen, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County, in a press release.

Sponsors and guests at the sold-out event were treated to an interactive musical experience. The artists performed a dynamic repertoire of hits spanning various genres and eras. 

Guests requested their favorite songs by writing them on index-size cards, attaching a cash tip and bringing them up to the stage. It was no secret that the higher the tip, the better the chance of getting their song performed, the release said.

"Our sponsors and guests not only enjoyed a memorable entertainment experience but also have enabled us to continue to make a significant difference in the lives of local youth," Kuhnhausen said.