POST FALLS, Idaho — Families in Post Falls gathered on Saturday to capture their annual holiday photos with Santa, but these photos had a special meaning.
Local photographer Chris Elam hosted his annual holiday fundraiser, offering Santa photo sessions in exchange for donations.
That event is typically held at Cable Creek Farms, which is owned by Coeur d’Alene firefighter Dave Tysdal and his family.
Tysdal was shot in the Canfield Mountain ambush in June. He is currently rehabilitating from his injuries. Because of this, the farm was not available this year.
Elam decided to keep the fundraiser going. This year, all the proceeds are going to Tysdal and his family.
“David and that family is going through a transition of recovery right now,” Elam said. “When we told them that we would be donating all the funds to them, they were thrilled and humbled. Because David and that family, they give so much of their time to this community so to be recognized for their efforts, I think they were just gracious.”
Elam says the number of people who stopped by on Saturday tripled from previous years. The event successfully raised $2,000.
Along with donations, people who stopped by were able to write letters to the Tysdal family.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
