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NEWPORT — With widespread support for a strong rural hospital and healthy community, this year’s Festival of Trees raised $32,790 for the Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation.
“We are so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate the season with us,” said Josh Johnson, NHHS Foundation manager, in a news release. “The money raised helps us support vital needs for our growing Newport Community Hospital. It also goes to community health initiatives.”
The event and fundraiser was on Saturday, Dec. 6 and featured family activities, an evening gala and a raffle for eight sponsored prize trees collectively valued at $14,000. The following winners were drawn that evening: * Mary Carswell, “All Around Town Tree,” a collection of gift cards donated by local businesses * Jake Scribner, “Merry Questmas,” donated by the Tribe * Karen Snyder, “The River Tree,” donated by Kalispel Casino * Heather Lynn Jared, “Grizzly, It’s Cold Outside,” donated by Maws and Paws Booster Club * Marie Hughes, “Let It Cocoa,” donated by Super 1 Foods * Jeff Jackson, “Cozy Christmas,” donated by staff at River Mountain Village * Rick Ross, “Toy to the World,” donated by NHHS Board of Commissioners and NHHS Foundation board and staff * Melissa Pillars, “Baking Spirits Bright,” donated by Safeway In addition to raffle ticket sales, a silent auction and sponsorships added to the fundraising total. The silent auction raised $3,880, a record for the Festival of Trees. Sponsors included the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Kalispel Casino, Wheatland Bank, Wellpoint, Gesa Credit Union, Columbia Bank, Innovia Foundation, Waters Meet Foundation, Life Flight Network, Albeni Falls Building Supply, Pend Oreille Title & Escrow, Juarez Transport, Chapman Financial Services, Coordinated Care, Selkirk Ace and STCU.
NHHS Foundation’s next fundraiser is the 2026 Iron Sommelier and Brewmaster Event Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Priest River Event Center. Tickets will be available in early January.
