By Emily Stifler Explorebigsky.com Managing Editor
BIG SKY – The Big Sky Community Food Bank on Nov. 29 got a boost in the form of $100,000.
During the food bank’s open house, Big Sky residents Dr. George and Kymberly Rapier donated the money to the new facility, which has been distributing food twice a week since opening in early November.
More than 200 guests attended the event, which food bank co-founder Anne Marie Mistretta called “a true show of community support.”
“It was awesome,” said Mistretta, appreciative and to the point.
The donation will help the food bank pay for rent and purchase food through the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.
The facility distributed nearly 40 Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys, and has also had shoppers at its Tuesday and Friday distributions. More than 50 volunteers have already been involved, including 10 students from Ophir and Lone Peak High School.
Since the mid-October, 800 pounds of food have been donated to the food bank, and a total of $150,000.
Once organizers finish remodeling the space, which is in the Big Horn Center below the Bugaboo, distribution will move inside. Until then, food distribution will be out of a refrigerated truck Tuesdays (3 – 7 p.m.) and Fridays (11 am. – 3 p.m.). Donations can be dropped at food bank during those hours, or at Lone Peak Brewery.
