The mission of Hospice of North Idaho continues, and always will be, to provide professional and expert end-of-life care to both patients and family members, regardless of their financial circumstances. Grief and loss counselors and medical staff help make life comfortable for the afflicted and provide guidance and hope to grieving and struggling family members. While many have insurance, others have little to no funds to pay for services, but no matter the situation, Hospice of North Idaho will ensure their patients receive equal and dignified end-of-life care.
Hospice is aided by generous donors throughout the year; however, a large amount is raised each year at the annual Hospice of North Idaho Wine Taste. This year’s taste will be Saturday, February 2, and move from the Hayden Lake Country Club over to The Schneidmiller House on the campus of Hospice of North Idaho. Sheri Isch is in her 10th year chairing the event and was inspired to do so after the care her family received during the loss of her first husband 11 years ago.
“When we first brought him in, it was more for me than for him,” recalled Sheri. “I needed the support and they were my angels.”
In the year after her husband’s death, Sheri was approached by Hospice to speak about her experience during fundraising efforts. She says that got the ball rolling and is excited to continue to put on the event each year with the help of many other like-minded volunteers.
“People just want to be involved because it’s a good cause. It means we’ve done a good job about explaining the benefits of hospice whether they have experienced it or not,” she said.
The theme of this year’s taste is “The Heart of It All.”
“This years’ theme reminds us of the beautiful place we live and that the core of hospice care is truly the ‘heart of it all,’” said Executive Director Kim Ransier.
Hospice is happy to report that donations continue to tick up almost every year, especially with the help of local sponsors. “About six years ago we started asking for sponsorships, and we’ve created great partnerships. Their sponsorship helps pay for the event set up costs, food and wine purchases, and auction items,” said Sheri.
Last year’s Wine Taste raised $150,000, which went to service 3,000 people in the community. Each year the funds go to a different area of need within Hospice of North Idaho. This has included purchasing beds and furniture upon opening the Schneidmiller House, hiring trained and certified counselors and funding the annual grief counseling camp for children.
Kootenai Health is partnering with Hospice of North Idaho as the presenting sponsor of the 34th Annual Wine Taste. “Kootenai Health is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2019 Wine Taste. A shared commitment to our patients and community has been the foundation of Kootenai Health’s relationship with Hospice of North Idaho since the beginning,” said Kootenai Health External Communications Director Kim Anderson.
Platinum sponsors Young Construction and Mountain West Bank are also generously supporting the event.
The Hospice of North Idaho Wine Taste is a black-tie optional formal event, and attendees are encouraged to dress their best. You’ll be treated to an assortment of the best wines in the region with professionals on hand to help you through your tastings while local chefs and caterers will provide delicious small plates and appetizers.
Throughout the evening, there are several ways to show your support. The silent auction returns this year. The items available have been narrowed down to a couple dozen, all of which are very fun and unique. There will be games set up where guests can win prizes that include date nights and other excursions. The balloon raffle is always a hit and the live auction is what gets everyone truly excited. A paddle raise allows you to donate money to a specific need for Hospice as well. Nearly 150 individuals and businesses have donated items and experiences to the Wine Taste, a testament to the belief in the organization’s mission and community impact.
“If people haven’t been before, it’s really a great experience. We love seeing new faces each year,” said Sheri.
If you are unable to attend the event, you can still get in on the action. Hospice also offers a raffle made available to the public. The winner receives a $4,995 trip voucher to go anywhere in the world. Event and raffle tickets are sold separately at HospiceWineTaste.org or by calling 208.772.7994.
Live Auction Items Preview:
L-1. Custom, Design-Build Shop Upgrade
Sponsor: Beck Cabinet Company.
Value: $3,000
Work with design experts at Beck Cabinet Company to build the shop storage of your dreams.
L-2. An Island Paradise Awaits You
Value: $5,000
Enjoy a week on the beautiful lush island of Roatan, one of the bay islands off the mainland of Honduras. Enjoy Oceanside luxury accommodations in a 2,000-square-foot condo complete with two master suites and a gourmet kitchen.
L-3. Start Your Own Wine Cellar
Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty Agents and Staff.
Value: Unlimited
Start your own extensive wine cellar with this very popular offering of more than 120 bottles of hand-selected wine. Each year this is uniquely packaged and will certainly win you many new friends.
L-4. Choose Your Cruise
Sponsor: Holland America Cruise Line.
Value: $3,500
Holland America has an ocean-view stateroom waiting for you and your companion! Choose your seven-day destination to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska or Canada/New England locations.