Sapphire Ball celebrates 45 years at Hospice of North Idaho Feb. 7

Hospice of North Idaho marked its 45th anniversary with the Sapphire Ball, the organization’s 41st Annual Wine Taste and Auction, held Feb. 7 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The fundraiser brought together wine tastings, a live auction, a silent auction and a high-value raffle to support hospice care across Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah and South Bonner counties.

The evening’s program emphasized hospitality and fundraising. Promotional listings described the event as featuring “Fine Wine,” “Gourmet Appetizers,” “Lavish Décor” and “Formal Attire,” with on-site “Games and Prizes – Live Auction – Silent Auction.” Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty was acknowledged as the event’s presenting or Sapphire sponsor.

Organizers opened the silent bidding in advance of the ball. “SILENT AUCTION – OPEN NOW!” materials advised, and one announcement stated, “AUCTION BIDDING OPEN UNTIL 02/07 at 8:30 PM!” Bidders were instructed: “HOW TO BID: Click the link below. At the top right corner, select Sign In. Log in or create a login. Add your card on file in order to bid.” Event listings used Pacific Standard Time for the evening schedule, with the ball beginning at 5:00 PM and a posted end time of 10:00 PM.

A headline raffle drew attention from the community with limited availability. Promotional copy noted “Only 500 tickets are available (you do not need to be present to win).” Some materials framed the prize as a trip to London with round-trip airfare and five-star accommodations; other descriptions called it a customizable travel package. A local notice listed a raffle entry price of $50 and described the prize value as $4,995. Those variations in wording and price points appeared across pre-event listings and differed in promotional copy.

Ticketing and promotional details varied across listings prior to the event. One listing showed a ticket price of $125 and an early-bird code offering $10 off; other listings promoted a different early-bird code with a $15 discount. Hotel room blocks for guests were advertised at estimated rates of $135 - $195 before tax at The Coeur d’Alene Resort; reservations were available by calling (208) 209-5031.

Beyond the evening’s festivities, proceeds from the Sapphire Ball support Hospice of North Idaho’s nonprofit mission of patient and family care across the region. For local residents, the event underlines ongoing community investment in end-of-life and palliative services in the panhandle and provides tangible fundraising opportunities through auctions and the raffle. Organizers encourage anyone seeking results from the event or details about future opportunities to check the hospice’s event page or contact the organization directly for confirmed totals and next steps.