Coquille Tribe release – NORTH BEND – The Coquille Indian Tribe proudly joined forces once again with the Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Club, and others, to spread fun and funds at a crucial time of year. The Tribe-owned Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park again played host to the Rotary Club’s Festival of Trees Holiday Tree Showcase and Benefit Auction. The event benefits numerous local organizations, including the Kids’ HOPE Center, Gift of Literacy, and the Coos Rotary Foundation. Holiday trees, and associated gifts, are also donated to families in need for the holidays. Organizers say this year’s Festival of Trees raised over $42,000 for Rotary projects. The Coquille Tribe sponsored and decorated two trees that were put up to auction and purchased four trees for Tribal families in need at the auction. The Mill also purchased two trees and three other donors purchased trees and asked them to be donated to families in need, making a total of nine holiday trees that were ultimately delivered to Tribal families. “It is great to be able to assist our members, of course,” Tribal Chair Brenda Meade said. “But what makes this such an awesome event for us to be a part of is that it helps both our Tribal members and our neighbors in the community. This is the Potlach spirit at work.” Coquille Tribal Council member Jackie Chambers said she has now seen the beauty of this giving event from both sides. “I was a recipient of a donated tree, about 12 years ago, now I get to help bid on and give the trees away. This is a truly wonderful program and I’m proud that the Tribe is a big part of it.” Rotary members are also very appreciative of the Tribe’s contribution to the Festival of Trees event. Co-Coordinators of the event, Heidi Proett and Amy Baily, sent the following quote on behalf of the club: “The Tribe has been such a great partner and supporter of the event for many years. The monies raised go right back into our community through grant requests with the Rotary Coos Foundation and enriches lives of all of us in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston.” The Dec. 6, 2023, auction event included 29 trees and wreaths sponsored by local businesses, with 250 people coming together to celebrate and raise funds for the community.
