Festival has grown to gala proportions

The love of family, the comfort of home and the thought of celebrating the holidays surrounded by laughter and happiness is something many take for granted. Furthermore, the words family and home can have many different meanings to many different people.

For abused and neglected children, the word family does not always bring a smile to their faces.

But for children in this area who are survivors of abuse, they have found a blessing in a place called Kinderhaven. It is there where they have discovered how it feels to be valued, loved and to be part of a family – learning that the word does not always mean a father, mother, sister and brother. It means people who care for you and love you.

Kinderhaven opened 12 years ago and is one of the only private group foster homes for abused and neglected children in the area. Hundreds of boys and girls over the years have called Kinderhaven home and are grateful to those who have helped them in a very dark time.

“Looking back I realize it (Kinderhaven) was exactly what I needed at that time in my life,” said 20-year-old former Kinderhaven resident Sara Cometto. “They (Kinderhaven staff and board members) helped me through and helped me shape who I am today.”

Cometto, who lived at Kinderhaven for approximately two years, attends college in Michigan and is working at a group home while studying criminal justice. “Everything’s come full circle,” she said.

But like any household, keeping a home like Kinderhaven running 24 hours a day, seven days a week is not an easy task. And not an inexpensive one either.

“In 2008 Kinderhaven cared for an average of nine children each and every month, with our numbers reaching 13 (children) at times,” said Phyllis Horvath, executive director for Kinderhaven.

Included in those numbers is a family of six children who have lived at the home for more than a year – a family who would have been split up into different foster homes if Kinderhaven did not exist.

To pay for the rising costs of taking care of a family, Kinderhaven puts on what has become its only fundraiser, the Festival of Trees. When the organization held its first Festival of Trees in 2000, it was held at Rokstad Ford Mercury with Christmas trees decorating the showroom floor. Organizers were elated to raise about $6,000 that first year. The Festival has since grown into one of the premier holiday events in Sandpoint, raising well over $100,000 annually and supplying all the funds necessary to keep the doors open year round.

Cometto will attend this year’s Festival and speak to those in attendance about the difference their support made in her life. She said that even now she relies upon those who helped her through a very difficult time.

“It is always comforting to know they are still a call away,” said Cometto, whose future plans include getting her master’s in social work.

This year’s gala will be held on Dec. 6. A 10,000-square-foot airplane hangar at Sandpoint airport will be transformed into a winter wonderland with the help of volunteers from Coldwater Creek’s photo studio.

“Ever since we helped Kinderhaven with some landscaping needs a few years ago, everyone in our department has grown very fond of Kinderhaven,” said Kari Saccomanno, senior director of the studio. “Kinderhaven is instrumental in helping so many kids in our community and the people associated with the organization are extremely passionate.”

But the event on Dec. 6 is not the only opportunity to enjoy the creations. Kinderhaven organizers open up the event, free of charge, on Dec. 4 and host Family Night from 4 to 7 p.m. Also on Dec. 5 there wil be a luncheon which will include an opportunity to bid on the full-size trees as well as five tabletop trees and some wreaths.

While the Festival of Trees has raised enough money in recent years to fully fund the annual budget, organizers are concerned that this year may be different. The economic struggles are reflected in the fact that sponsorship dollars are down from years past.

“Our sponsorships are at about half of what they were last year,” said Jacinda Bokowy, Kinderhaven board member.

But in spite of uncertain and trying times in the economy, those involved with the Festival say that they are confident the community will come together to celebrate the success of the home’s past, present and future.

“We celebrate the children; the healing of their wounded hearts; their chance to grow and thrive; their living without fear; their blossoming into anew, healthier way of being; and their growing belief in a new future,” said Horvath.

Tickets are $35 for the luncheon and $75 for the gala. To purchase tickets or to learn how you can make a donation, contact Jacinda Bokowy at 263-5280 or e-mail jbokowy@mac.com.