HAYDEN — Snow and ice didn’t dampen the community’s support for Hospice of North Idaho.

The annual Hospice Wine Taste fundraiser — held Saturday, Feb. 4 at Hayden Lake Country Club, during a record-breaking winter storm — raised more than $143,000 for the nonprofit.

It was the second-largest fundraiser in the event’s 32-year history.

"We are inspired to continue the highest quality end-of-life care," said Kim Ransier, Hospice of North Idaho’s executive director. "This community demonstrates a strong value for the specific care that only Hospice of North Idaho provides."

Through the generosity of the community, Hospice of North Idaho is able to provide expert care for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Hospice also provides direct support for families grieving the loss of loved ones, and at the end of life, offers round-the-clock nursing care at Hospice’s Schneidmiller House.

Over 200 community businesses and individuals directly supported this year's Hospice Wine Taste event.

Rose and Matt Backs of Elite Auctioneers facilitated a live auction of 16 community-donated items which generated $34,650. Auction items included an Alaskan cruise, Colorado and Idaho ski packages, fine dining, a wine-cellar startup, and Gonzaga Bulldog Men’s Basketball game tickets. Mountain West Bank sponsored the ever-popular balloon raffle.

Additional attractions included a blind wine taste, gourmet restaurant certificates, adventures and excursions, and a chance to win any auction item of choice. Guests also raised their paddles to support patient medical needs, soup and cookies for families visiting the Schneidmiller House, and grief camp for children and teens; in total raising $15,500.

Guests sampled fine wine provided by distributors such as Barrique Distributing, Centennial Distributing, Coeur d’Alene Cellars, Hayden Beverage Company and more. Those who purchased bottles of wine contributed proceeds directly to Hospice of North Idaho. Local chefs selected their favorite dishes for the guests’ pleasure. Catering sponsors included Greenbriar, Garden Plaza, Seasons of Coeur d’Alene, Pastry and More and the facility host Hayden Lake Country Club. Event sponsors included Kootenai Health, Young Construction, Frame of Mind, and StandOut Promotions. Visit www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org for a complete listing of sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

"As the area’s only local nonprofit hospice, we send our sincere thanks to the community for its strong support," said a news release. "This support is a testament of shared values for quality palliative care, end-of-life care, and grief support for all ages. We are honored to carry out our mission to provide superior hospice care to our communities in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties."