THANKS: For going wild for Family Promise

The third annual Wild Salmon Feast to benefit Family Promise of North Idaho took place Feb. 12. It was sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene. More than 175 people enjoyed the dinner, prizes and dessert auction. Raised in the evening festivities was a net of $3,733. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is providing a $1,000 match of the proceeds, for a grand total of $4,733 in support of FPNI's mission to shelter, feed and provide solutions to families in crisis.

The evening would not have been possible were it not for the generous owners of White Cane Sockeye Salmon - Randy and Janice Houghton, with Al Riendeau, all of Coeur d'Alene. These guys are professionals and their signature entree - wild caught salmon from the cold water of Bristol Bay, Alaska - was excellent! They rolled up their sleeves and cooked up a storm with Bill Dougherty grilling and adding his own flare with some amazing seasonings and techniques. He was most aptly assisted by Russell Flamm, Devlin Dougherty and Rod Gunderson.

Prize donors to be recognized were Richard and Jill Jurvelin, the Kroc Center, Bill and Jill Dougherty, Dan Ralls of Creative Healing Massage, Lauren Cuvala, Herbie's Deli, Lil Polpetta, Regal Cinema and Earl Kendle. Major sponsor of the Dessert Auction was Pastry and More, while Capone's Pub & Grill and the Odom Corporation provided wonderful spirits for the evening. Hats off to the decorating team of Jean and Jim Davis and Marilee and Doug Renfrew. Special thanks to the amazing kitchen crew: Julie Fisher, Wendy Gunderson, Nikki Betts, Jeff Weiss, Kathy Henderson, Jill Dougherty, Carrie Gridley, Devlin Dougherty and Tammy Payton.

Taking tickets throughout the evening were FPNI Board Members with Jay and Connie Gridley. Finally, I would like to give special praise to the youth of Trinity Lutheran Church who handled waiting tables with good humor and efficiency and Mike Wood, who was our talented auctioneer for the evening.

Thank you to everyone for "going wild" for Family Promise of North Idaho, giving a "hand up" to families in crisis of homelessness.

SERENA SMITH

President,

Board of Trustees

Family Promise of North Idaho