Chamber plans EMS, hurricane assistance

SANDPOINT — Red beans, rice … and relief

"Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that when we chose the theme for our auction a few months ago," said Judy Baird, chamber executive director, "that New Orleans would be dealing with such devastation today."

The theme for this year's chamber auction, scheduled for Sept. 16, is "Zydeco in Idaho" — a tribute to the sounds and flavors of New Orleans.

Each year the auction serves as a major fund-raiser for the chamber to help with operating expenses and to fund programs and services brought to its members.

Chamber officials recently announced plan to donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the auction to Bonner County Emergency Management Services.

The donation, along with match from Coldwater Creek, will help the county purchase equipment and services needed for county ambulance and emergency medical service.

"We felt this was an opportunity for the chamber to give back and help make a difference here in the county," according to Bill Justus, chamber president.

"When Hurricane Katrina hit and left these thousands of people in Louisiana and Mississippi without so many of the very basics we often take for granted, such as food and water, the world's attention was drawn to these people and the horror we were seeing on television.

Many of us were talking about how to help, where to even begin to somehow help make a difference and contribute. It seemed to us the auction, with its Louisiana theme, could serve a bigger purpose and somehow reach out to those who have lost everything."

The chamber will set up a collection point at the auction for anyone who would like to contribute to the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort. Said Justus, "This community is blessed over and over from the generosity of so many here in Bonner County. We come together when there is a need and this is a time for us as a community to help where there is such enormous need. One hundred percent of the Hurricane Katrina Relief fund donations made at the auction will be forwarded to the American Red Cross on behalf of the citizens of Bonner County. We are reaching out to everyone in Bonner County to help. There is so much need, and will be, for a long time to come."

In addition, donations may be dropped by the chamber office or mailed to the chamber at PO BOX 928, Sandpoint, 83864. Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross and may be considered charitable contributions.

The auction will be Sept. 16, from 5:30-9 p.m., at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Please contact the chamber at (208) 263-0887 or by e-mail at info@sandpointchamber.com to make a reservation or call for additional information.