By Maria Wyllie Explorebigsky.com Associate Editor
BIG SKY – Last year, the Big Sky Community Corp.’s sold-out Parks and Trails Gala raised a net profit of more than $100,000. The second annual event is set for Saturday, July 27, at the community park.
Because the organization has many programs, each with different supporters, the Gala is an opportunity for community members to come together under one roof, said BSCC Executive Director Jessie Wiese.
Founded in 1998, the BSCC’s goal is to provide excellent recreational opportunities in the community, primarily accomplished via parks and trails.
“But BSCC does so much more than that,” Wiese said, pointing out the kids summer camp program for first through 12th grade students and the Historic Crail Ranch museum.
Proceeds from the Gala go toward parks and trails projects, such as building out eight miles of recently obtained trail easements around the community, improving landscaping in the community park, and constructing park pavilions, concessions and restrooms.
The night will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails beneath a large, canvas tent. At 7 p.m., guests will sit down for a dinner catered by the Corral, followed by a silent and live auction. Dancing and live music by Big Sky’s own country-western band Bottom of the Barrel is from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Wiese was thrilled about the auction items, which include a trip with Kingfisher Heliskiing in British Columbia; a dinner in Rainbow Ranch’s private wine cellar; and a three-night vacation package at the Inn and Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe, N.M.
BSCC board members expect this year’s event to sell out quickly and, although a specific fundraising goal hasn’t been set, they hope to surpass last year’s impressive total.
“It’s a validation of what BSCC is doing for the community,” said BSCC board member Steve Johnson. “When you see that kind of crowd in our fundraising efforts, it shows that they really value the BSCC.”
Sponsoring this year’s event are the Yellowstone Community Foundation, The Outlaw Partners, Highline Partners, NorthWestern Energy, Hammond Property Management, Rotary International, On Site Management, Inc., Bozeman Audi, Big Sky Western Bank and Republic Services of Montana.
To purchase tickets, on sale now, or sponsor the Gala, visit bsccmt.org or call the BSCC office at (406) 993-2112.
