EVENT: Roadhouse aids troop support

The local chapter of The Blue Star Mothers of America would like to send a huge Thank You to the Texas Roadhouse!

In December, the Texas Roadhouse sponsored a fundraiser for us.

The funds we raise are used to support our local troops, and to send care packages to local soldiers who are deployed. The Texas Roadhouse sold a delicious box lunch to customers and donated most of the proceeds to our group. They were a pleasure to work with, and made this fundraiser hassle free and successful. We would also like to thank all those businesses and friends in the community who purchased the box lunches to support our troops.

Sincerely,

DEBORAH SILVA

and the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America

FEAST: Going wild for Family Promise

The 6th Annual Wild Salmon Feast to benefit Family Promise of North Idaho took place Jan. 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC). It was sponsored by three Lutheran Churches in the area - TLC, Lutheran Church of the Master and St. Mark's Lutheran.

Roughly 190 people enjoyed the dinner, featured music, silent and live auctions and a delicious dessert auction. Raised in the evening festivities was a net of just under $8,459. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is providing a $1,000 match of the proceeds, for a grand total of $9,459 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 signature entree - wild caught salmon from the cold water of Bristol Bay, Alaska - which was excellent! Rolling up their sleeves and cooking up a storm were Bill Dougherty and Russell Flamm grilling and adding their own flair with some amazing seasonings and techniques. They were most aptly assisted by Bill Robinette, Rod Gunderson, Travis Morris, Craig Leaf, Devlin Flamm and Clifford Roatch. Special recognition also goes to Coldwell Banker - Schneidmiller Realty for $1,000 to underwrite the cost of the salmon and Associated Brokers for $250 to offset rental costs.

Prize donors and major contributors to be recognized were Richard and Jill Jurvelin, Wealth Management Strategies, Capone's Pub & Grill, The Odom Corporation, Century Distributing, A to Z Rental, Pastry and More, Roland and Toby Curtis, Kayak Coeur d'Alene, Mystica Trump, Flour Mills Natural Foods, Mary Robinette, Teri Burch, Sue Boeckelman, Sweetwater Bakery, FPNI Board of Trustees, Carol MacLean, Carol MacPhee, Fins & Feathers, CastAway Fly Shop, Vernie Hiatt, Jill Dougherty, Sen. Mike Crapo, Krista Hartley, A New Dawn Massage, The Gym, Andy Storjohann, and Tim Frahm. Hats off to the decorating team of Jean and Jim Davis, Marilee and Doug Renfrew and Julie Fisher.

Special thanks to the amazing kitchen crew: Jan Leaf, Julie Fisher, Jeff Weiss, Nikki Betts, Darrin Payton, Carrie Gridley, Devlin Flamm, Wendy Gunderson, Makayla Lance, Jay and Connie Gridley, and Dan and Tammi Payton.

Finally, I would like to give special praise to the youth of Trinity Lutheran Church who handled waiting tables with good humor and efficiency, Cynthia Marlette, who provided beautiful music for the evening, Mike Wood, our talented auctioneer, and our wonderful Master of Ceremonies Teri Burch.

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

JILL DOUGHERTY

Event Coordinator, FPNI at Trinity Lutheran Church

TERI BURCH

President, Family Promise of North Idaho