Ball to raise money for new center

Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre is hosting the ball to benefit the new Fine Arts Center.

The center opened Sept. 15, in the space formerly occupied by the Flathead Industries Thrift Store.

The goal of the center is to provide opportunities for students to take arts lessons and classes without having to travel to Kalispell. The LEAP After-School Program is now also being operated out of the building. Students from Swan River School and Bigfork schools are already taking advantage of the after-school programs offered at the center.

Cathy Gaiser, who heads the LEAP After-School Program, knew that grants to help fund the new space were coming in slow and wanted to show people that the community supports these programs.

"I've had children in theatre forever," Gaiser said. "I wanted to show people who write grants and the community that it's supported."

Gaiser joined up with supporters and came up with the idea of holding the ball as a fundraiser to help cover costs for the center and the BPCT as a whole, as rent has increased for use of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. BPCT programs are available free for children.

"I encourage people to attend and raise money for the children's theatre," Gaiser said. "It's a really good way for families who have had kids in theatre to give back."

A kids' party for those 3 and older will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new BPCT Fine Arts Center behind the Bigfork Fire Hall, with a buffet dinner, crafts, games, entertainment and movie.

The adult party will last from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with entertainment, a silent auction, appetizers and drinks at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Members of the BPCT will perform show tunes in costume as part of Saturday's entertainment.

Gaiser and other organizers have used their creative juices to come up with auction items that did not require significant donations from local businesses. Items include ballroom dance lessons for six couples on stage with champagne, birthday parties hosted by costumed theatre kids, and tickets to the BPCT's January performance of "Hansel & Greatal" with backstage passes and pictures with the actors.

Tickets for the ball are $45 per family or $20 per person and are available at Electric Avenue Gifts, RE/MAX, and Crossroads Church, or at the door.

Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite fairy tale characters.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Gaiser at 837-5327.