The Bartender's Ball held at the Coeur d'Alene Eagles on March 1 to raise funds for the local nonprofit H.E.L.P. Help Every Little Paw. The popular event boasted the best in the hospitality and service industry in the Inland Northwest. Winter weather could not keep fans away as it was a spectacular turnout resulting in a packed room!

In an attempt to garner more chances to win an espresso machine, complete with coffee and servicing set, guests brought more than 800 pounds of pet food which will support local food banks. This fun event was the place to be, as this worthy cause raised a $10,000!

Eleven bars and six caterers competed with specialty drinks and appetizers for the coveted title of champion for 2014. Judges Choice Bar was awarded to Bonsai Bistro (90 pts.), Crickets (78 pts.) and 315 Martinis and Tapas (77 pts). Judges Choice Caterer was awarded to Meltz (87 pts.), Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery (70 pts.) and Mackenzie River Pizza (66 pts.).

A big shoutout to our other local STARS that participated, including Moments in Cake, Enoteca, Seasons of Coeur d'Alene, Fort Ground Grill, Caruso's Deli, Whispers Lounge, Coeur d'Alene Casino, and Splash.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Spirits West, Ruby Frog Entertainment, Holly and Karen Hansen of Windermere Cd'A Realty, Lake City Pet Hospital, Coeur d'Alene Eagles No. 486, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., You're Invited Designs, Atomic Threads, Minuteman Press, Ready Ice, and A to Z Rentals.

Silent auctions, live auctions and prize items provided by Hagadone Marine Group, ROW Adventures, Chef Troy Chandler, Socially Geared Pub Crawler, The Coeur d'Alene Resort, Spa & Boat Cruises, At Your Service Bartending School, Tom Addis, Kellogg Pet Medical, Sandra Kay, Jan Jesberger Insurance, Pioneer Title, Title One, Best Western Cd'A Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Triple Play, Everson's Jewelry, Cd'A Summer Theatre, Kootenai County Fairgrounds, NW Pet Resort, Cd'A Pet Resort, Randy Henry Golf Simulator, Mike Hansen, Rusty Car Coffee Company, Dale Miller Woodworking Good Dog, BreAnne Art, The Cellar, Fleet Feet, Liz's LaBella Gift Baskets, MH Meyer Art, Dave Smith Window Tinting, Rachels Piece of Cake Chocolates, Toni Spencer Art, Deni Photography, Silver Mountain, RDI Heating and Cooling, Nails by Catrina, Wiggets, Memory Lane, Wildtree, L'Bri, Phones Plus, Make Wine Make Beer, Starbucks Coffee and others.

The event would not have been a success without the countless hours that our committee put in and each sub committee's volunteers. A special thank you to Holly and Karen Hansen, Amoorena Sijan, Nicole Barnes, Paul and Jeanette Laster, Bob and Suzanna Spencer, Heather Sutta, Jan McSweeny, Gene and Anne Marie Delvecchio, Kody Harris, Ronda Nash, Shane and Anna Keller, Liz Montgomery, Anne Ware, Kelly Scheffield, Michael Irby, Ryan Roberge, Tia Mills, Kathleen Kelly, Lisa McMikle, Mike Hansen and DJ/Auctioneer Montoya

Help Every Little Paw is nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and happiness of all pets. We achieve our goal to rescue those abandoned, stray or neglected, and to provide medical attention, spay and neuter program, socialization rehabilitation and food to those in need through raising necessary funds.

KAREN HANSEN

Help Every Little Paw