CFBB gearing up for annual auction event

In a summer of anniversaries, the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork's 9th annual auction might not be the longest or the most impressive streak. But it might be the most useful.

The CFBB will host its main fund-raiser of the year on — appropriately — Sept. 9, 2009.

"In the last eight years we've raised more than $150,000 to support Bigfork," said CFBB board member Donna Lawson.

The yearly event helps fund the non-profit organization, which undertakes projects ranging from the construction of new sidewalks on Bridge Street to financing community service grants for students at Bigfork High School.

Originally started in the 1970s to help preserve the old Bigfork Summer Playhouse building, the Bigfork Development Company — as it was known until a few years ago — provides support for an enormous scope of community projects.

According to CFBB President Paul Mutascio, among the larger tasks the CFBB has taken on recently is becoming partial owners of the old Flathead Industries Thrift Store building. Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre Director Brach Thomson is planning to turn the building into a workshop for rehearsals, performing arts lessons and after-school tutoring, but until a grant comes through, needed some financial help.

Local resident Walter Kuhn purchased the building, and now the CFBB is putting money from the Ann Taylor trust toward helping Kuhn carry that financial burden until Thomson can pay it back.

"We wanted to make sure this option stays open," Mutascio said. "We feel this is a significant accomplishment for us."

As for the Sept. 9 auction, Lawson and Mutascio said it promises to be a good tie for the community and a way to support local projects.

The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Garden Bar with the live auction beginning at 7 p.m. and silent auctions running all evening with different ending times.

"Bo Carpenter will be back as our auctioneer and we'll have 15 to 20 live auction items," Lawson said. "And of course we'll have tons of silent auction items."

All of the items are donated to the organization, and range from artwork to trips, vacation home stays and services.

"We've got everything, including dirt," Lawson said, referring to donated fill.

"That's why locals like it so well," she said. "We have stuff from $5 on up."

Free beer and wine will be served, compliments of Flathead Beverage and George's Distributing, and there is no entrance fee to attend.

CFBB will also be taking applications for membership, "the cheapest membership in the Valley," according to board member Gretchen Gates.

To join the foundation, residents must fill out an application and purchase a share of the organization for $150. There are no annual dues or other fees associated with membership.

For more information about the CFBB or the auction, call the Bigfork Chamber at 837-5888.