The holidays are swiftly approaching, along with the excitement of the 35th annual Festival of Trees in Coeur d’ Alene, Nov. 24 and 25.
The Kootenai Health Foundation puts on this event.
“(They are) the charitable arm of our local non-profit hospital, Kootenai Health,” Bennie Taylor said.
Taylor has worked for Kootenai Health for many years but started at the foundation two years ago and was previously an Administrative Assistant.
This year, she was promoted to foundation and event coordinator. She starts work on The Festival of Trees in July, but when she is not busy with that, she is setting up other events, such as their golf tournament and other fundraisers.
“I also manage all our board and committee members,” Taylor said. “This includes meeting minutes, catering for meetings, and email communication to them. I manage all the staff’s calendars and meetings with our donors. It’s a busy job for sure.”
The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, the public is invited to browse approximately 20 beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Coeur d’Alene Resort downtown for Friday lights.
Along with browsing, visitors can expect to be delighted by Christmas music, a hot cocoa bar, and, of course, Santa Claus.
“Many guests that night will watch the lights turn on downtown Coeur d’Alene and come inside to celebrate the season,” Taylor said.
The following Saturday morning, an event will be held for all Kootenai Hospital employees and their families.
This is Healthcare for Heros, which allows the staff and their families to get the much-deserved recognition for all the hard work they do helping out the community.
After that is the Gala, which is a black-tie event.
“Individuals and businesses buy tickets for dinner and dancing,” Taylor said.
Along with an already exciting night, people can bid in their tree auction and silent auction, which is also open online to the community.
“We havesome generous individuals in our community who like to buy certain trees and donate back to Children’s Village, Boys and Girls Clubs and sometimes Union Gospel Mission,” Taylor said.
These types of purchases help so many in need in the community. All the proceeds from both the trees and the auction contribute to the hospital and assist them in giving back to the community.
“This year, our community’s needs have increased in many areas, including Mental Health, Mother and Baby, Cancer Support Services and many more,” Taylor said. “We are hoping to make an impact this year.”
Taylor does the planning and project management for the Kootenai Health Foundation.
She does all the main behind-the-scenes work, such as organizing volunteers, getting the trees and auction items, ordering candy canes for Santa, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
It is events such as The Festival of Lights that make the holiday season special, and it is a great way to feel festive while also giving back to the community.
The Festival of Lights is the perfect way to experience the typical Christmas season and embrace one of the true purposes of the joyous holiday by helping out others.
