2018 Festival of Trees raises record funds
Jenny Smith Contributing Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 1 month AGO
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Erin Wiese helps children decorate cookies at the Newport Hospital and Health Services’ annual Festival of Trees celebration and fundraiser.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) The Dalkena Church Cantata performed at the Newport Hospital and Health Services’ annual Festival of Trees fundraiser and celebration.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Richard McGinnis was the winner of the (“All Around Town” tree sponsored by Newport, Priest River and Oldtown area businesses.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Jody Hagen was the winner of the “All Things Christmas” tree sponsored by Northwest Professional Real Estate and Old Republic Mortgage at Newport Hospital and Health Services’ annual Festival of Trees fundraiser.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Area youngsters enjoy the festivities at Newport Hospital and Health Services’ annual Festival of Trees celebration and fundraiser.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Nathan Conway won this “Wizard of Oz” tree sponsored by Exbabylon and Newport Alarm.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Sheila Myrvang was the winner of the “It’s For the Birds” tree sponsored by 1 Diamond Lake Quilters.
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Tony Moser was the winner of this “How the Handyman Stole Christmas” tree. The tree was sponsored by KCB Construction, Newport Laundry, Excess Disposal, Barrett’s Busy B Cedar Products, Leo’s Excavating, Rival Roofing, Cathy Burns, Bill Gumaer Construction, Kelly’s Bar & Grill, and Albeni Falls Building Supply
(Photo courtesy NEWPORT HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES) Dana Emerson won this “Hey Good Lookin’, Whatcha Got Cookin’ “ tree that was sponsored by The Newport Miner & Gem State Miner.
NEWPORT — Despite the large community exodus to Tacoma to support Grizzly Football in the state championship game, the 2018 Festival of Trees pulled ahead of last year’s fundraising, bringing in $22,000 for community and hospital programs. The day of festive celebration at Sadie Halstead Middle School shared holiday event-goers with the Stratton Elementary Craft Fair and several other local holiday events in Newport.
Festival of Trees attendees decorated cookies, had their pictures taken with Santa, made holiday crafts and all took part of the tree viewing and donation raffle. The Dalkena Church Cantata provided holiday entertainment during the daytime event that showcased 15 raffle trees boasting a collective $15,000 in prizes and gift certificates. The event benefits Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation community and hospital programs, including Healthy Kids Snack Bag program and Reach Out and Read.
The 2018 raffle tree winners were: Jody Hagen (“All Things Christmas,” sponsored by Northwest Professional Real Estate & Old Republic Mortgage); Nathan Conway (“Wizard of Oz,” sponsored by Exbabylon and Newport Alarm); James Deerwester (“Winey Birds,” sponsored by Newport Hospital and Health Services Administration Team); Richard McGinnis (“All Around Town,” sponsored by Newport, Priest River and Oldtown area businesses); Michelle Barnett (“Grizmas Tree 2018,” sponsored by Newport School District and Maws and Paws Booster Club); Hudsen Smith (“The Toy Tree,” sponsored by Concept Cable); Sheila Myrvang (“It’s For the Birds,” sponsored by 1 Diamond Lake Quilters);
Lacey Reedy (“Ready, Set, Play,” sponsored by West Bonner Education Association); Tom Wilbur (“Country Lane,” sponsored by Country Lane); Tracy Knerr (“Who Let the Girls Out,” sponsored by Fleur de Lis Floral & Home, Shanty Boutique, Just Because Fashion & Gifts, Bushels, Into the Garden, and Alice’s Wanderland Mall); Tony Moser (“How the Handyman Stole Christmas,” sponsored by KCB Construction, Newport Laundry, Excess Disposal, Barrett’s Busy B Cedar Products, Leo’s Excavating, Rival Roofing, Cathy Burns, Bill Gumaer Construction, Kelly’s Bar & Grill, and Albeni Falls Building Supply);
Dana Emerson (“Hey Good Lookin’, Whatcha Got Cookin’,” sponsored by The Newport Miner & Gem State Miner); Peggy Loutzenhiser (“Frozen Fun,” sponsored by Newport Roxy Theater); Diana Balasa (“Pend Oreille Playcation,” sponsored by Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino); Dana Cantrell (“Northern Quest Getaway,” sponsored by Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino);
Evening attendees enjoyed a festive holiday feast prepared and served by Newport Hospital’s Pine Street Cafe. Live music by local recording group Scotia Road featured sweet sounds of folk, country and a touch of blues, along with warm mother-daughter vocal harmonies, mandolin, guitar and upright bass. The event concluded around 7 pm and tree winners arrived shortly thereafter to pack up their holiday loot.
Event sponsors included the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Mountain West Bank, Amerigroup, Columbia Bank, Kilgore Construction, Life Flight Network, Molina Healthcare, STCU, Pend Oreille Valley Foundation, Newport/Priest River Rotary Club, and the Newport School District. The NHHS Foundation’s next event is the 2019 Iron Sommelier & Brewmaster Event on Feb. 23 at the Priest River Event Center; tickets go on sale on Jan. 7.
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