Ophir School Council renamed Big Sky PTO
By Emily Wolfe Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
BIG SKY – A dedicated group of parents and teachers is hard at work bringing peace, love and pie to the community, all in the name of supporting opportunities for Big Sky kids.
The Big Sky Parent Teacher Organization, formally the Ophir School Council, changed its name this year to reflect that the group represents the entire K-12 Big Sky School District, according to PTO President and Development Director Jennifer O’Connor.
A number of programs in the district rely on PTO funds, among them downhill skiing; the library; guest visits from authors, artists and musicians; Expedition Yellowstone; the eighth grade Washington D.C. trip; sports; prom; and graduation.
The PTO’s largest annual fundraiser, the Pie Auction, is coming up March 22 at Bucks T-4 Lodge, and is themed Peace, Love, and Pie.
“The primary goal of Pie Auction is to fund the amazing programs that make our school extraordinary, but it is also a wonderful showcase of all of the spectacular local businesses that support our school and our community and make Big Sky such a wonderful place to live and visit,” O’Connor wrote in an email about the event.
A free event now in its 34th year, this fun evening includes silent and live auctions for fresh baked pies to spa packages, activities, food and wine, electronics, business services, flights and travel, health services, photography sessions and artwork.
Students are currently selling raffle tickets, which will also be available for the first hour of the event. There will be a drawing during the auction, and the winner does not need to be present to win.
“Our schools are a touchstone for our entire community, and we can’t be as successful as we want to be without the help of the entire community,” O’Connor continued. “We work hard to make sure that we have things at Pie Auction for any budget so that everyone can get involved and have fun.”
What: The Pie Auction
When: Saturday March 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Buck’s T-4
How: Buy raffle tickets through Ophir and LPHS students, or at the auction.
Why: For the kids!
Plus: Don’t forget to dress up for this year’s 60’s theme: Peace, Love, and Pie.