By Andi Bourne
Pathfinder 

Community Foundation Continues to Soar

 

August 31, 2017

Andi Bourne, Pathfinder

Attendees came in their traveling gear and enjoyed pre-flight cocktails, in-flight meal, first class auction and were given the opportunity to upgrade a Challenge Donation at the "Passport to Adventure" Seeley Lake Community Foundation Fundraising Banquet.

SEELEY LAKE – Fifteen years ago, supporters of the Seeley Lake Community Foundation took their seats at Lindey's Prime Steak House and buckled their safety belts for the first annual fundraising event. Lindey's was packed Sunday evening, Aug. 27 as many more joined the journey at the "Passport to Adventure" fundraising banquet.

"Despite what is going on outside, I want you to know that this is the healthiest night in the whole entire community," said Foundation President Carla Schade. "[In the words of John Holmes] There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. That is what we try to do and you all do."

The eight-week Change Your Pace Challenge raised $81,230.59 to benefit area nonprofit and service organizations. The Foundation raised $30,000 in matching funds to support fundraising efforts.

Checks were presented at the banquet to the 17 different groups. Camp Utmost raised more than $10,000 with the Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Seeley-Swan Medical Center Foundation both surpassing $9,000.

"It really makes me so proud," said Schade. "This is what you have raised the community to today and let's do some more."

Andi Bourne, Pathfinder

Sparrow's Vine Executive Director Tera Wold accepts a check for $3,719.50 that was raised during the Change Your Pace Challenge.

The evening's activities followed a flight schedule. Following take-off with the Change Your Pace Challenge, the "in-flight" meal was served including Lindey's special sirloin with all the sides and a cheesecake dessert.

The fundraising continued with the First Class Auction. Several items were auctioned off including Pam Rose's famous Huckleberry Pie, trips to Belize and British Columbia, and adventures in Butte, on the Blackfoot River and a Whitefish Winter Wonderland.

"Considering the fire, smoke and last minute changes, it was thrilling to see so many attend our 15th Annual Fundraising Banquet to support the Seeley Lake Community Foundation and celebrate the efforts of the other 17 organizations that participated in the Change Your Pace Challenge," wrote Schade in an email. "Thank you to all our donors that have helped to make our community a healthier, safer and better place to live."

 

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