POST FALLS, Idaho — The community is coming together on December 7 to raise money for 14-year-old Claire Baugh who sustained extensive injuries from a head-on collision four weeks ago.
Claire enjoys playing volleyball and listening to music. 
Claire (left) with her best friend Sophie. 
Claire with her mother Deanna during the construction of their home last year. 
Claire (right) with Sophie on the first day of the 2024-25 school year. 
The Baugh family live in Cocolalla where Joseph pastors a community church.
On Wednesday, October 23, Claire and her mother Deanna were struck by a 78-year-old Coeur d’Alene woman when she crossed over the center median on Highway 95 in Athol. Both Deanna and the elderly female driver were transported by ambulance to local trauma centers, while Claire was transported by Life Flight to Harbor View in Seattle, Washington, with life threatening injuries.
Family and friends say Claire’s life was spared by the grace of God. However, the trauma to her body has left the young lady with life-altering paralysis. At this time, Claire is surrounded by her mother, father, and three sisters as she begins rehabilitation at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she is expected to remain for two to three months. Deanna spent over two weeks recovering from broken bones and surgery in local healthcare facilities before being released.
Claire is now settled in Seattle Children’s Hospital for rehab. She is responding very well to all the people who are helping her recover and get stronger. Thank you for all the love and prayers!
Southside Community Church, November 16 Facebook update
Joseph Baugh, who has been in Seattle with his daughter since the accident, is the pastor of Southside Community Church in Cocolalla. The Baugh family maintains a humble home in Cocolalla which is now in need of renovations to accommodate wheelchair access.
The Courage for Claire Benefit Auction will be hosted by Greater Good at Post Falls Auto Auction on McGuire Road in Post Falls. Finley Post Falls has graciously donated funds to cover the costs of the smoked sirloin dinner by Ekness Catering.
“All funds will benefit the Baugh family’s long-term medical needs,” stated Alisa Lewis, event organizer and family friend. “There will be silent and live auction items available — lots of baskets that would make great Christmas gifts.”
Claire enjoys listening to music and playing volleyball. She is so fond of lavender that her classmates at a local private school have been wearing lavender colored ‘What Would Jesus Do’ wristbands in her honor. “The school and church families have been very supportive,” shared Lewis.
Come join us for an inspiring event filled with stories of courage and strength. Let’s gather to show our support in helping Claire through this journey she has ahead of her.
Alisa Lewis, Courage for Claire Benefit Auction
Tickets are $50 per individual or $650 for a table of eight and can be purchased via the Courage for Claire Eventbrite link. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with silent auction from 6-7:00 p.m. followed by the live auction.
Auction items include:
- 24Kw whole home Generac generator with installation.
- Original art by local artist Brooke Baggett, Mosaic Healing Arts
- Full car wrap by Maximum Exposure Premium Wraps.
- Private 3-course dinner for 10 at Taking Root Flower Farm.
- 10-panel solar install
- 3 tickets to the Gonzaga vs. Portland game.
- Stainless steel Napoleon BBQ grill.
The Baugh family has remained off social media, focusing on recovery and support for one another. Community members interested in donating services to help the Baugh family adjust to caring for Claire and providing ongoing support and encouragement should contact Jason Jerman at Southside Community Church.
