Golden oldies and new items part of winetasting/ auction

May 2, the day of the Odessa Heathcare Foundation's Annual Wine Tasting & Auction, is quickly approaching. Members of the Foundation are grateful for and impressed by the generosity of donors and with the diversity of donations.

In addition to the two cheesecakes, two smoked turkeys and three quilts reported in last week's article are items which will be presented for bid during the Live Auction.

We plan to begin with a special collection of Hospital Guild/Auxiliary cookbooks. An extremely important organization ever since the Hospital began, the Auxiliary recently disbanded. The Foundation has agreed to take over the scholarships for students going into health-related careers and the Auxiliary has given the Foundation their entire inventory of current cookbooks. Sales will be used to help fund the scholarships along with the proceeds from this live auction item. This item is dedicated to the Hospital Auxiliary and to Margaret Iltz, former long-term Hospital District Board member, whose daughter, Sharon Fink, donated two of the most popular cookbooks to this collection in memory of her mother.

Performing arts

Four tickets to the Broadway play, "Wicked," to be held May 25 at the INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane and a gift certificate for dining at the Olive Garden restaurant. This item is a gift from Odessa Drug (Ted Bruya told us this was his favorite musical).

Adventure

1. Full-day Beamers Jet Boat Tour and two-night stay for two at the Quality Inn Clarkston. Gift from Carpenter, McGuire and DeWulf, Medication Review, Beamers, and Quality Inn.

2. Full-day Snake River Adventures Tour for four at Lewiston, Idaho. Gift from USKH and Snake River Adventures.

Water fun

1. Fun-in-the-Sun Beach Party, including snacks, summer drinks, boating and a full dinner on the beach. Gift from Leffel, Otis and Warwick. [NEW THIS YEAR]

2. Houseboat Weekend in June on Lake Roosevelt (returns after a year's absence). Gift from Steven and Linda Powell, INHS and Dakota Columbia.

3. Seasons boat slip on C dock at Keller Ferry. Gift from Dakota Columbia.

Summer fun

1. Backyard barbecue for 8, August 23 or 24. Gift from Neil/Lecia Fink and Clark/Charlene Kagele.

2. Weekend at Strohmaier Cabin on Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt for 8. Gift from John/Kathy Strohmaier.

3. Weekend at Lake Pend Oreille condo for 6 (two of this item offered). Gift from Mike Harshberger RPh.

4. Camping package. Everything needed for camping: tent for 4, camp chairs, sleeping bags, air mattress, propane campstove, cooler and more. Gift from OMHC nursing staff.

Getaways

1. Northern Quest Getaway. One-night stay at Northern Quest Casino Resort for two and tickets to concert of your choice held at Northern Quest. Gift from Northern Quest Casino.

2. Ladies Getaway for four at the Davenport. One-night stay at Davenport Hotel in Spokane, dining at PF Chang's, movie at AMC theater, pedicures at Carnegie Nails. Gift from Grange Supply Co. of Odessa/Harrington.

3. Leavenworth destination. Two-night stay at Icicle Inn for four, with gift card for sleigh ride or other seasonal activity. Gift from Nancy Floether and Icicle Inn. [NEW THIS YEAR]

4. The Coeur d'Alene Holiday Light Show. One-night stay in Premier room at the Resort, dining credit at resort restaurants, and cruise for two adults (children free). Gift from Odessa Union Warehouse and Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Sports

1. Salmon Fishing Trip for two. July to August between Wanapum Dam and Brewster, or September to early October between Wanapum and Richland. Includes transportation from Odessa, boat and all fishing gear, lots of food. Gift from Mark Worley.

2. Duck and Goose Hunting. Half-day, guided bird hunt for two, followed by meal at nearby restaurant. Gift from Dr. Craig Olson.

3. Tickets for 6 to Spokane Shock game July 12, overnight stay at Holiday Inn Express and Suites on Argonne (Spokane), and gift card for Good Tymes. Gift from Kissler Family Foundation, Landon Lobe and Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

4. Cabela's fishing gear package. Includes tackle box, personal floatation device, fish finder, spinning reel/aluminum pole, trolling motor and more. Gift from Barbara Schlimmer.

New and different features

1. Official Russell Wilson full-size replica helmet, autographed by Russell Wilson with certificate of authenticity. Has Seahawk logo and Pro Football Super Bowl XLVIII Champions with name of teams and score of game. Individually numbered and with tamper-evident RW hologram. Gift from Bill and Carol Bell.

2. Case-IH Gun Safe. Weighs 520 pounds and holds 25 guns. Gift from OTC.

3. Choose-a-Purse. Two Coach purses filled with gift cards, cash, other goodies, one with $350 value added, one with $250. Highest bidder gets choice of purse, but no peeking before making choice. Next highest bidder may choose to take other purse (of course, not knowing what's inside.) Gift from Nancy Floether/Apryl Wraspir.

The last item, though certainly not the least, is seating for eight at the VIP table at the 2015 Wine Tasting and Auction. This item includes special VIP entrance, reserved table with linens, 4 bottles of wine and first position in the buffet line. Gift from the Odessa Health Care Foundation.

Please come and join us May 2. We may sneak in another item or two, just for fun.