Festival of Trees raises $29K for hospital district

NEWPORT — The 2024 Festival of Trees returned to Newport in mid-December, transforming the Ponderosa Room at Newport Community Hospital, and raising over $29,000 for Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation programs.

This year’s event, sponsored by Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Kalispel Casino, gathered every prize tree in one room to allow for a perfect viewing experience, daytime family activities, festive music by Newport High School Choir, and a holiday gala — the way it was prior to the pandemic.

“The community’s reaction to the ‘new’ venue was fun to watch,” said Lori Stratton, Foundation Event & Program supervisor. “Most people remember when the Ponderosa Room was actually the nursing home’s dining room.” 

Adorned with hundreds of twinkly lights and exquisitely decorated prize trees, guests oohed and aahed over the room’s transformation, especially during the Gala when lights were dimmed and tables set. Sponsored by Mountain West Bank and MiFiber, the Gala showcased a full house dressed to impress, enjoying a delicious prime rib feast prepared and served by Newport Community Hospital’s Pine Street Café. Guests also enjoyed the no-host beer and wine bar, operated by Brownells’ of Newport. 

Additionally, 14 creative mini tree packages were donated for silent auction by NHHS employees representing: Human Resources; Emergency Department; River Mountain Village Advanced Care – Activities Department; Information Technology; Acute Care / Outpatient Services; Administration; Quality Department; Labor & Delivery Department; Facilities Department; Patient Financial Services; Behavioral Health; Surgery Department; Diagnostic Imaging Department; and Health Information Management.

The drawing for the nine raffle prize trees (collectively valued over $13,000) was held during the gala. Winners included: Jan Steinbach (“All Around Town” – Sponsored by Pend Oreille Valley area businesses); Kristal Lewis  (“Getting Things Done – D.I.Y.” – Sponsored by KCB Construction, Albeni Falls Building Supply, Rival Roofing, and Timber River Exteriors); Amanda Crow (“Grizzly Tailgate” – Sponsored by Maws & Paws Booster Club); Jamie Evans (“Kalispel Barbeque” – Sponsored by Kalispel Tribe of Indians); Christie Wall (“Ready for Elk Camp” – Sponsored by Kalispel Casino); Desiree Hood (“Candy Cane Christmas” – Sponsored by NHHS Residential Care Services); Jane Tilley (“The Toy Tree” – Sponsored by The NHHS Foundation Board & Staff); Sherry Kisamore  (“Homemade for the Holidays” – Sponsored by NHHS Health Information Management); Ashley Grew (“Winter Wonderland” – Sponsored by Safeway).

2024 Sponsors included: Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Kalispel Casino, MiFiber, Wellpoint, Mountain West Bank, Coordinated Care, STCU, Selkirk Ace Hardware, KCB Construction, Albeni Falls Building Supply, Dbl T Excavation, Super 1 Foods, and Newport Rodeo Association. NHHS Foundation’s next event is the 2025 Iron Sommelier & Brewmaster Event on February 22nd at the Priest River Event Center (tickets available January 5th).  For more information, visit www.NewportHospitalAndHealth.org.

Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation was established in 2008 in Newport, Wash. The Foundation’s mission is to cultivate relationships and partnerships to generate financial and other resources to assist Newport Hospital and Health Services to serve the community, promote health and improve lives. In support of the District’s mission, the Foundation raises money for healthcare equipment, supplies, healthcare delivery, and overall community health and education.

    "Ready for Elk" — one of the trees up for raffle at the 2024 Festival of Trees, which returned to Newport, Wash., this year — is pictured.