CFVH Foundation gala raises $4,500

It was a change from galas of the past for the Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) Foundation. Their usual venue at the Sanders County Fairground pavilion was still under renovation and repairs, and a change-up in entertainment was also sought.

Donors and supporters of the foundation were invited to the $35 per-person dinner and a show at Plains Alliance Church Annex Building, Saturday, April 7.

“I was searching the Internet for entertainment and reached out to a fairly big-name comedian,” explained CFVH Foundation Director Barry Fowler. “Surprisingly, he said he wasn’t busy and would love to provide our entertainment.”

Bob Smiley is known for his machine-gun speed, clean comedy and was thought to be a perfect fit for the event. “The change was nice, and I think he was very well received by those in attendance,” shared Fowler.

Staff from CFVH’s Clark Fork & Spoon food services prepared and served the evening’s meal, touting their expertise that is always above and beyond the stereotypes of hospital food. A silent auction was held featuring the donated artwork of Paradise artist Steve Everhart. About $400 was raised from a pie auction, facilitated by Fowler who noted it was “pretty good, since I’m no auctioneer.” He shared that one pie was purchased and donated back to be auctioned again. One pie went for $100.

The foundation raises funds to help support capital improvements at the hospital. Some foundation efforts provided things like new tables in the cafeteria that would accommodate wheelchairs and long-term patients, fetal heart monitors, pediatric training mannequins, and supplemental funding for the newer campus meeting spaces.

Fowler guessed that, over 12 years, about $400,000 had been raised. In the beginning, “unusual fortunate circumstances” allowed the foundation to help the hospital in a larger capacity. Since then the foundation has maintained a steady ability to help, “thanks to the dedicated support of the business community in the region,” said Fowler, noting that donors recognize the need and importance of having a rural hospital available.

The gala is just one of the foundation’s fundraising efforts, and tax-deductible donations are accepted year round. The annual golf tournament is scheduled during fair weekend and the CFVH Adventure Challenge Triathlon is held the third Sunday in September (this year Sept. 16) – last year’s challenge was cancelled due to wildfire smoke.

About $4,500 was raised at this year’s gala, which is close to average according to Fowler. Fowler noted the non-local entertainment was a bigger expense than usual.