Locals ‘Cowboy Up’ to support hospital foundation

The 21st Annual Wine and Microbrew Tasting and Auction proved to be a boot-stomping good time as local residents turned out to country attire to support the event, presented by East Adams County Healthcare Foundation.

With the majority of attendees dressing to the “Cowboy Up” theme, the evening provided entertainment and a festive environment for all to enjoy.

Prior to the start of the auction, the Friend of East Adams County Healthcare Foundation Award was announced with Jullie Cain being the recipient. Members of the audience than had an opportunity to participate in a spirited game of “Heads or Tails” with the winner Karen Clinesmith receiving a cash prize for her victory.

The Ritzville Volunteer Ambulance Association president, Phil Bowman, presented the East Adams County Healthcare Foundation with a Certificate of Appreciation. EACH Foundation president Kim Yerbich accepted the award on behalf of the foundation, which was awarded for outstanding performance and lasting contribution to the district EMT projects.

Tucker Cool traveled from Walla Walla to serve as the auctioneer for the evening and kept the evening upbeat with humor and enthusiasm. The silent auction, live auction and a variety of donations given throughout the evening totaled around $16,500 gross proceeds for the EACH Foundation.

The live auction alone earned over $6,500 for the EACH Foundation. The highest selling auction item of the evening was a dinner at the Corral Restaurant in Warden, which sold for $600.

The McGregor Company’s donation of custom spraying for 80 acres sold for $450, as did a full size quilt made by Gretchen Snyder.

The evening began with a traditional barbecue meal prepared by Mike Telecky, while being paired with a wide variety of wines and beers available from Rocky Coulee Brewery and Southern Wine and Spirits.

During the meal, Jake Harder provided entertainment with old-fashioned cowboy poetry. After the poetry, Jim Preston took the stage to recognize and thank emergency medical responders who attended the auction.

All proceeds from Saturday’s event benefit the Foundation to purchase new clinic exam room furniture, support the annual Health Fair and support the Ronald W. Baumann Scholarship Fund. This year’s scholarship recipients are Brooke Pichette and Haley Oestreich.