Another fundraiser for the books

OSBURN — Friendly challenges, floral designs, one expensive shave and a spirit of giving were just a few of the fun things that happened during the 2021 Silver Valley Community Christmas Fund fundraising event.

Co-sponsored by Dave Smith GMC and the Shoshone News-Press, the event is an annual extravaganza of giving, as the generous folks of Shoshone County dig deep into their pockets during the holiday season in order to provide meals for their neighbors in need.

This year, SNP Publisher Keri Alexander and her crew set a goal of $20,000, which has become an unofficial benchmark since the SNP took over hosting responsibilities in 2018.

County editor Josh McDonald and staff reporter Chelsea Newby ran the show for much of the event as the SNP’s on-air personalities, guiding guests through interviews and lighthearted discussions.

Guests like the incomparable Juli Zook, floral genius Sarah Murphy, Darrell Lemieux with Meals on Wheels, and several others all participated in on-air interviews which can be found on the Shoshone News-Press’s Facebook page.

“It was great to be a part of such a happy event,” Newby said of her first time participating in the event. “You could see how everyone who came in to give their donations didn’t second guess what they were doing and were grateful to be able to give to such a worthy cause.”

The funds raised go into an account run by Shoshone County Clerk Tamie Lewis-Eberhard, who uses the money to cover the costs of local families in-need to buy holiday meal supplies from local grocery stores.

After that money is allocated to the stores, the rest of the funds go to benefit the Silver Valley Meals on Wheels Program — which has been operating in a funding crisis for the better part of the past few years.

As of Monday, $15,887 of the $20,885 pledged has been collected including big time donations from businesses Dave Smith, DG&S, HMH Engineering, McGillivray Environmental, Zanetti Bros and the over $1,300 that was raised to have McDonald’s beard shaved on Facebook Live.

“This year’s Silver Valley Community Christmas Fund drive was another huge success,” Eberhard said. “I continue to be in awe of the generosity of our friends, fellow citizens and business partners in the Silver Valley. You all make Christmas truly special for so many.

"When our neighbors are in need, we come together to make their lives a little easier. I’m very thankful for the Shoshone News Press for hosting the event Wednesday. A special thank you for those of you that stopped in to share in the excitement on Facebook, share your stories and provide generous donations to the cause. It takes a community working together to accomplish great things, and Shoshone County does just that.”

For those who wish to donate, Eberhard says funds will continue to be collected toward this year’s total through New Year’s Eve.

Donations can be mailed to 700 Bank Street, Suite 120, Wallace, Idaho, 83873, and checks can be made out to the Dave Smith Christmas Fund.

“We have received donations from so many this year, those that have contributed year after year and some first time donors as well,” Eberhard said. “Thank you one and all. I’m wishing you and your families a very Merry and Bright Christmas.”