By Emily Stifler Explorebigsky.com Managing Editor
BIG SKY – For the first time ever, the Big Sky Community Corp. is holding its annual fundraiser in the Community Park. This is a benchmark for the nonprofit organization, which has been fundraising, building and maintaining parks and trails for 14 years.
At the Parks and Trails Gala on July 21, the BSCC will host a silent auction and a live band in one tent, and a dinner and live auction in another. Proceeds from this fundraising event will directly benefit new parks and trails projects in the area.
“It’s a big deal that we’re moving it to the park,” said BSCC executive director Jessie Neal. “It creates a great experience for the people attending, and also an opportunity to showcase the park and the hard work the BSCC and their generous donors put forth in the last 10 years.”
The event, which starts at 6 p.m., will also feature appetizers, a cocktail hour, dinner catered by the Corral, and live music and dancing from nine-piece R&B and Soul band Blue Jack.
“We’ve really stepped it up with auctions items,” Neal said. “This is a whole new category of event.”
Past fundraisers have made possible the new softball and multi-use fields, miles of trail, as well as the success and establishment of recreation programs and children’s camps.
Bozeman’s Stronghold Fabrication will have a new artificial climbing structure framed by the time of the Gala. Dreamland Skateparks will have started work July 16. The Oregon-based company has done many of the skateparks in Montana and the west coast, and is one of the best in the country, Neal said.
The Community Park has been hopping this summer, Neal said, with its 110-car parking lot nearly full on many evenings. “It’s not just softball. It’s disc golf, the [old] skate ramp, and multiple nights of soccer, lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee.”
Sponsors of the BSCC Gala are Outlaw Partners, STOA Management, Lone Peak Brewery, Lohss Construction, Bozeman Audi, Nordic Hot Tub, Big Sky Conoco and On Site Management.
For tickets, information, sponsorship opportunities, and to donate items to the auction, contact Jessie Neal (406) 993-2112 or jessie@bsccmt.org
Featured auction items
Classic car tour and gourmet dinner
You and up to nine friends will be welcomed at with cocktails and canapés at Tom Gerrard’s home on Aug. 8. Enjoy
a private tour of Gerrard’s classic 1950s and 1960s American convertibles, one of the top privately owned collections in the country. Following the tour, enjoy fine wine and a gourmet dinner prepared by a private chef.
Big pearls for the Big Sky girl
A Bolo styled lariat with two jumbo baroque teardrop Tahitian Pearls on leather. 18kt gold caps and 18kt gold slide with diamonds. Handmade by jewelry designer Shelly Bermont.
Golf with the pros
Three-night stay and Golf at Pronghorn Golf Resort in Bend, Ore.
A 1988 issue of Golf magazine signed by Jack Nichlaus and framed signed photo.
Baldface Lodge cat skiing
Two seats on a four-day, all-inclusive cat skiing trip at Baldface Lodge, British Columbia. Trip is Jan. 14 – 17 and is with the Outlaw crew.
Seven night stay at Villa Paradiso, Bali
A once in a lifetime opportunity! This exquisite three-bedroom private home is located near the beach, on the tranquil eastern coast of Bali, and has views of the ocean and the nearby lush river valley and mountains. There is also a separate fully self-contained cottage by the pool. Villa Paradiso also has a private 40-foot pool, a shallow pool for children, a day spa and a restaurant.
Also included: round trip transportation from the airport, breakfasts, massages, one dinner, diving or snorkeling excursion, housekeeping.
Casa San Marco, Italy
This restored, four-bedroom home is located in Cortona, a 3,000-year-old Etruscan hill town. Situated in Tuscany between Florence and Rome, Cortona is on the main rail line and also the main Autostrada between Rome and Florence.
Occupying the top two floors of a former 16th century palazzo, Casa San Marco overlooks the stunning church of San Francesco and the valley below. It’s just up the hill from Cortona’s main Piazza Repubblica, where people congregate to talk, shop and eat.
The house will sleep 8 – 10 people, and the main floor has a large living room with an adjoining library that opens out onto a terrace where one can watch the sunset with a glass of local wine.
The kitchen has been remodeled and has a large dining area.
