Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2020

By Andrea Nagel In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kootenai Health Foundation has decided to transform the 32 nd Festival of Trees into a virtual experience, which will take place Friday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Nov. 29. Kootenai Health Foundation President Julie Holt expressed her joy in bringing people in our community together to kick off the holiday season each year but also noted that safety comes first. “After careful deliberation, our Festival of Trees Task Force and our Foundation Board felt it is not responsible to bring hundreds of people together in the middle of our current public health situation,” she said. “The safety of our dedicated festival-goers, community partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff has always been and will remain our primary concern.” Staff and board members at the Foundation have been working hard to plan a festival that the community can participate in from the comfort of their own homes. They are transforming favorites from the traditional event and coming up with new and exciting activities. SeeYou NextYear “Joanne and I have attended the Festival of Trees from the very beginning and look forward to it every year. We especially enjoy seeing the beautifully decorated trees and identifying one or two to donate to children’s causes. Although we are disappointed that we will not be able to do all the usual activities in person this year, we are supportive of the Foundation’s decision to make the event as safe as possible. We plan to support the hospital this year as much as we always have—and encourage you to do the same. See you all at next year’s Gala!” —Ron McIntire, past participant and donor Home forthe Holidays Support your health care heroes and participate in the Festival of Trees from the comfort of your own home “This year, our 32 nd annual festival will look a little different, but we’re confident that Festival of Trees will continue to be a great kickoff to the holiday season for our community, as it has been for many years,” Julie said. Anewway toparticipate Instead of viewing the trees in person at the resort, community members will be able to see the trees on the Foundation’s website and social media channels. Photos and videos of the extravagant décor, gifts and raffle items will all be available. The general public will also be able to take part in raffles, donate to the Foundation and watch a special video message from Santa. “We want to maintain the traditions we can while also keeping the community and our supporters safe,” Julie said. Gala participants have several options this year, ranging from tickets to partake in the online Photo by Jerome Pollos, Jerome Pollos Photography 20