Thursday, January 23, 2025
21.0°F

Another shining year for foundation's Festival of Trees

Devin Weeks Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 1 month AGO
by Devin Weeks Staff Writer
| December 4, 2019 12:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — 'Twas another busy year for the Kootenai Health Foundation's Festival of Trees, which wrapped up in all its shiny holiday glory on Monday.

Former Hayden Mayor Ron McIntire and family donated $100,000 to the Foundation during the Festival. Mountain West Bank also contributed a gift of $100,000.

Kootenai Health Foundation development manager Melanie Lambrecht reported that all together, the 31st annual Festival of Trees brought in more than $450,000. The funds will help Kootenai Health purchase a second da Vinci surgical robot, a $2 million tool that will help patients get in and out of the hospital faster.

"It’s amazing how our community rallies together to support our community hospital each year during the Festival of Trees events," Lambrecht said Tuesday. "These events are a success because of our hundreds of volunteers and generous donors."

From the Friday d'Lights through the family day and children's workshop to the Holiday Luncheon, all events went well, she said.

"We are so excited and happy with how everything went," Lambrecht said. "What I love most is seeing the different tree displays each year. They are so creative and beautiful. We are also so happy for the number of guests that attend our events. We had 452 gala guests and 456 guests attend the luncheon with thousands who come through Friday and Sunday. I’m always amazed at how many people participate each year."

But the stars of the show are always the trees. Here are the 2019 Festival of Trees winners:

Christmas Memories — The tree that best exemplifies the spirit of the Christmas season: Willamette Dental Group, "All Roads Lead Home at Christmas."

Handcrafted with Heart — most wonderfully decorated with handcrafted ornaments: Macy's, "Festive Northern Folk."

Most Artistic — most artistic feel: North Idaho College, "The World's a Stage."

Most Creative — most original and clever concept with a specialty theme: Anesthesia Associates of Coeur d'Alene, "Urban Bubbles."

Nature's Beauty — best tree inspired by nature: ALLWEST Testing and Engineering, "A Radiant Northwest Christmas."

Most Elegant — most elegantly decorated: Hayden Lake Physical Therapy, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes."

Best Children's Theme — theme, toys and décor of special appeal to children: Chapman Financial Services, "A Toy Story Christmas!"

Spirit of the Festival — best-decorated with the spirit of the Festival in mind: Witherspoon-Kelley Attorneys and Counselors, "Vintage Christmas by Design."

Judges' Choice — most outstanding tree from all the trees on display: Century 21, Wade and Nicole Jacklin, "Christmas Morning Chaos."

MORE IMPORTED STORIES

Tree Festival fundraiser far from a masterpiece
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 5 years, 2 months ago
Variety is the spice of this holiday event
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 5 years, 1 month ago
Festive fun at the Festival of Trees Brunch
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 6 years, 1 month ago

ARTICLES BY DEVIN WEEKS STAFF WRITER

Docuseries 'opens wounds' for some in North Idaho
February 5, 2020 midnight

Docuseries 'opens wounds' for some in North Idaho

RATHDRUM — Family and friends who lost loved ones to suicide have expressed concerns with the “Irreplaceable” docuseries being filmed in Lakeland schools this week.

Young welders showcase talents in SkillsUSA contest
February 8, 2020 midnight

Young welders showcase talents in SkillsUSA contest

RATHDRUM — Showers of orange sparks cascaded from workstations to the floor as student welders meticulously completed their projects Friday at the Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum.

North Idaho canines will appear on Animal Planet
January 31, 2020 midnight

North Idaho canines will appear on Animal Planet

The biggest sporting events of the year are happening this weekend: Dog Bowl III and Puppy Bowl XVI.