Forests of finery

Tue., Nov. 21, 2006

By Cindy Hval dchval@juno.com

Decorating on a grand scale is in season at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane and the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene.

Christmas Tree Elegance

In Spokane, the annual Christmas Tree Elegance at the Davenport Hotel is the holiday season-starter many families look forward to all year.

One dozen beautifully decorated trees, each with a package of gifts and deluxe accessories, will be on display from Friday to Dec. 2. Each tree will be worth almost $5,000.

Admission is free. Raffle tickets will available for $1 throughout the event.

Christmas Tree Elegance, produced by the Spokane Symphony Associates, is a major fundraiser for the Spokane Symphony.

Annie Matlow, director of marketing for the symphony, says, “Christmas Tree Elegance provides the single largest contribution to our support. It’s critically important to us.”

Teas, dances and fashion shows round out this glittering holiday gala. Last year 20,000 volunteer hours resulted in $157,000 being raised for the symphony.

Char Wyatt, marketing chair for the Symphony Associates, believes the event is popular because it’s so accessible.

Guests may linger over cocoa in the lobby or browse among the trees in the mezzanine.

“Several families have told us this is their yearly family outing,” Wyatt said.

Festival of Trees

In Coeur d’ Alene, the annual Festival of Trees begins Friday and continues through Monday. This year’s theme is “A Northwest Christmas.”

Thirty-four beautifully decorated trees will be on display at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Corporate and individual donors work together to decorate the trees. This year the Family Raffle Tree is “Lone Star Bear Christmas” and features the Lone Star book series and two bears with certificates of authenticity.

Other themed trees include “Home on the Ranch,” with two nights at Red Horse Mountain Guest Ranch, and “The Magic of Santa’s Workshop,” featuring power tools for the Santa in your life.

In addition to the trees, the festival includes a fashion show, a senior social and a children’s workshop. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Kootenai Medical Center Foundation.

Last year the event raised $359,00 for the expansion of KMC’s North Idaho Cancer Center pharmacy. This year’s funds are earmarked to expand cancer services in the region.

Admission is $2 at the door.

Diane Murray, special events coordinator for the foundation, says, “It’s incredible to see over 1,000 people working together for this event. Each year the community interest and involvement are just tremendous.”

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