Proceeds will help build new care facility

COEUR d'ALENE - Tip a toast for a good cause.

Hospice of North Idaho is hosting its annual Wine Tasting fundraiser Saturday, offering up top-of-the-line vinos to help the nonprofit service care provider build a new Hospice care facility in Hayden.

"It's a great event," said Paul Weil, executive director. "The community is just so generous in the way it supports us."

The 25th annual sampling features more than just a taste of cabernet. Gourmet fare from High Mountain at the Coeur d'Alene Casino, Bistro on Spruce, Pilgrims Market, Greenbriar Catering, Scratch, the Wine Cellar and Decadent Dreams will provide more than finger food to go with your glass.

It also features around 200 items guests can bid on during the live and silent auctions, including a mink coat from the jazz age, jewelry, and, of course, some great wine.

The event was first put on (in a much smaller form) by volunteers looking to help the program. The event brought in $100,000 last year, which Weil said Hospice of North Idaho uses to pay off indigent care costs.

This year, the funds will go toward its new 12-bed inpatient facility that will offer patients and families hospice care on six acres of land between Ramsey and Atlas roads near the current Government Way office.

"We feel very fortunate and blessed," Weil said of the contributions that have poured in to make the total $4 million project happen.

They'll also be raffling off a $600 ring and a personally crafted Christmas Card by local artist Rann Haight.

But back to the wines, where there will be more than 250 types to taste: Sample bottles include Rombauer, Whitman Cellars, Northstar, Col Solare, Five Star, Barrister, Perrier Jouet Grand Brut and GH Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut for starters.

For beer lovers, Stella Artois will be poured too.

The black tie optional event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Hayden Lake Country Club.

Tickets cost $100, and there are 50 left.

Information: 772-7994