Remembrance tree added to hospice gala
Snowflake ornaments twinkle on the tree of life (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
A snowflake ornament placed on the remembrance tree for a loved one. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
All types ornaments were used to decorate the tree of life that will be displayed at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital this festive season (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The hall at the Paradise Centre was decorated eloquently for the event (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Clark Fork Valley Hospital put on another successful Tree of Life event for their hospice care at the Paradise Center last week.
Approximately 50 people converged at the Sanders County Arts Council headquarters to pay respect to those who have passed and support those who are currently receiving hospice care.
Hospital staff directly involved in hospice care were there to talk and mingle with residents for a night of enjoyment and fundraising.
Lisa Eberhardt, chief nursing officer at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, said that the support of locals within the county donating items for both the silent and live auction was fantastic.
“We have about 40 items for our silent auction tonight which is great. We also have a handmade quilt, custom wreath and the table center-pieces for our live auction tonight,” she said.
There was also a new addition to the annual gala; that of a remembrance tree. Guests could write the name of a loved one who had passed — whether they were apart of the CFVH hospice care or not — on a small piece of parchment attached to an ornament and hang on the laddered tree.
The ornaments will be displayed at the CFVH for the remainder of the festive season.
“We are expecting a good crowd tonight. Having changed locations because of the support we are getting for the event, I think we have found a great center to hold this at,” said Eberhardt.
The CFVH staff were looking forward to a fantastic night and hoping to raise funds from both auctions so they can continue their support to hospice patients and their families through the coming year.