Priest River graduates go for America’s Favorite Couple

PRIEST RIVER – It’s not too late to choose America’s Favorite Couple, so why not make it one with local ties? Husband and wife Tim Humrich and Danaree Mullaley Humrich are asking area residents to help them get over the finish line in Colossal’s America’s Favorite Couple competition, a nationwide campaign raising funds and awareness for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Oceana. This is the last week of the competition and the Humrichs, both 1985 graduates of Priest River Lamanna High School, are currently in fifth place nationwide in their group, which includes 85 couples.

Couples have a chance to win $20,000 and have their journey celebrated in an advertorial in Variety magazine. The competition is hosted by actor Jeff Goldblum and his wife, Emilie.

“As a Bonner County resident off and on since 8th grade, we are passionate about our community,” Danaree wrote to The Miner Newspaper. “Through this competition, I have the opportunity to bring attention to two important issues - hunger crisis and ocean health. This experience has been incredibly meaningful because I grew up in Hawaii and the beach was my happy place. I have volunteered at our local Bonner County Food Bank and enjoyed giving back to the community.”

Voting closes Thursday, Aug. 7. People can vote once a day for free or donate money for more votes, but donations aren’t required. The money is split between the Los Angeles Food Bank and Oceana, both non-profits, though Colossal LLC Management does collect a fee for running the competition.

Tim and Danaree met in the eighth grade after Danaree’s family moved to Priest River from Hawaii. Danaree remembers Tim as always being kind and a guaranteed date to school dances. After graduation, Danaree went back to Hawaii and Tim joined the military. The two reconnected in Priest River in 1990 and have been inseparable ever since, according to Danaree. They have two sons and will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary Thursday, Aug. 21. Danaree said Tim has made many sacrifices for their family, allowing her to stay home and raise their children. The couple lives in Sandpoint.

Fighting hunger and ocean conservation are issues that are important the Humrichs. Growing up in Hawaii, Danaree said she experienced the beauty and wonder of basically having the ocean as her back yard. She and Tim vacationed in Cozumel, Mexico two years ago where they helped conservations dig up turtle nests to assist baby turtles in the hatching process.

“It was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives,” Danaree said.

To vote for Tim and Danaree, go to www.americasfavcouple. org/2025/ daranee-and-tim SOPHIA MATTICE-ALDOUS IS A MURROW NEWS FELLOW WORKING DIRECTLY WITH NEWSROOMS AT THE NEWPORT MINER AND RANGE MEDIA THROUGH A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY. HER REPORTING IS AVAILABLE FOR USE VIA CREATIVE COMMONS WITH CREDIT.