Festival raises $41,000

By LAURA ROADY

Staff writer

BONNERS FERRY — Silver bells rang in merriment after organizers of the Festival of Trees realized the community rallied together to raise $41,000 for the 18th annual event.

One of the largest crowds in the history of the event gathered Dec. 14 to support the Fry Health Care Foundation’s Festival of Trees Gala Night with a theme of silver bells this year.

Fry Healthcare Foundation president Linda Hiatt and Boundary Community Hospital Administrator Craig A. Johnson are extremely grateful for the community response to the Festival of Trees.

“The participation of locals was wonderful,” said Hiatt. “We are lucky to have the support of the community.”

More than 20 businesses and individuals sponsored the Festival of Trees with contributions totaling $11,650. Many other individuals and businesses sponsored events, such as Santa’s visit, donated services and donated items.

More than 50 items were auctioned between the live auction and silent auction, including decorated trees, wreaths, stockings and items from local businesses. Around $13,000 was raised through the auctioned items.

Also during Gala Night, attendees participated in a 50/50 game, envelope prize quest and Fund-an-Item. Jan Klopfenstein won the 50/50, with the pot being split between Klopfenstein and the Festival of Trees.

Through Fund-an-Item, community members pledged $6,250 towards the purchase of a “Stat Manikin” dummy for the Boundary Community Hospital education department. The money raised through games, auctions and sponsorships is being used to purchase a new wheelchair accessible 15-passenger van to replace the hospital’s aging van.

The current van was purchased by the Fry Healthcare Foundation about 15 years ago and has been extensively used by hospital patients and extended care facility residents.

“There were many, many volunteers that helped pull off the highly successful Family Night and Gala Night,” said Marcia Morman, Boundary Community Hospital community relations coordinator.