Festival of Trees raises $38K for hospital district

NEWPORT — The 2023 Festival of Trees proved that holiday spirit is stronger than ever, raising over $38,000 for Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation programs.

The drawing for the nine prize raffle trees — collectively valued over $16,000 — was held Dec. 15. Winners included: Sandy Campbell, “All Around Town,” sponsored by Pend Oreille Valley area businesses; Dennis Cash, “Woodsy Wonderland,” sponsored by River Mountain Village and Friends; Levi Litowitz, “Merry Grizmas,” sponsored by Maws & Paws Booster Club; Michele Seiger, “Hometown Outdoors Cooking,” sponsored by Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Kalispel Casino; Melissa Smith, “A Cook’s BFF,” sponsored by Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Kalispel Casino; Brea Hunt, “Pretty in Pink,” sponsored by The Newport Miner; Curt Holmes, “Baby, It’s FUN Outside,” sponsored by The Marshall Family; Scott Peacock, "Candyland Christmas,” sponsored by Safeway; Lindsay Henley, “Lake Life Love,” sponsored by Heart and Homes Northwest Realty.

Raffle ticket sales kicked off with a day of festive celebrations at Priest River Event Center on Dec. 9, entertaining families with free Santa photos, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and hot cocoa.