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PRIEST LAKE — A public open house celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Priest Lake Memory Gardens will be held Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the gardens. The focus of this event is to celebrate the community’s generosity by hosting a fundraising activity for the Priest Lake Food Bank. The Priest Lake Memory Gardens are located adjacent to the Priest Lake Golf Course just off Highway 57.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10th anniversary than put a spotlight on another Priest Lake organization that is doing great work in our community,” Board President Brian Miller said. “The Priest Lake Food Bank serves between 150 and 175 local people every month and deserves our complete support.”
The Priest Lake Food Bank is currently raising funds to build a new permanent building because the current shared facility is too small. The Food Bank serves food-insecure families, seniors on a fixed income and seasonal workers in the Priest Lake area. It is open twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. Representatives from the food bank will be available to answer questions and accept donations.
Refreshments will be served. The food bank will have baked goods for sale in the Welcome Shelter plus it’s the final day to purchase raffle tickets which they have been selling to raise funds for the project.
“We hope to see a good turnout at the open house,” Miller said. “People can also see the progress we’ve made, learn about future plans and provide their input on what they’d like to see at the Priest Lake Memory Gardens.”
Visitors to the open house will see 50 screens spread along picturesque pathways with 406 metal fish plaques honoring 524 loved ones. Several benches and alcoves also are placed throughout the gardens. Donors have funded a dock now installed on the reflecting pond with a water feature.
“Many thanks to all the people who use the Priest Lake Memory Gardens as a means of honoring their loved ones,” Miller said. “We sincerely appreciate all the support.”
Further information about Priest Lake Memory Gardens can be found on the web site www.priestlakememorygardens. com or by calling Executive Director Ron Hardin at 509-993-7143.
“Our board is extremely thankful to all those who have donated time and money to support this project,” Miller said. “We look forward to continued support. And would like to see this support extended to the food bank.”
Plans call for ongoing improvements to the Priest Lake Memory Gardens each year as funds and volunteer assistance becomes available.
