By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
On Tuesday, July 1, the Big Sky Community Organization will host its 17th annual Parks, Trails and Recreation Gala, focusing this year on BSCO’s “re-rooting” into its programs after a couple years focused on fundraising.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at BASE, and will include “festive” cocktail hour and appetizers, followed by a family-style dinner, storytelling and a live auction. Tickets are available online, but few remain.
Between the recent voter-approved Community Park Bond, other community grants and private philanthropy, the nonprofit’s All Out for Parks and Trails capital campaign is nearly complete, according to Liv Grubaugh, director of development and communications for BSCO. With successful funding for park infrastructure, BSCO is shifting its focus to highlighting its various community programs beyond just parks and trails.
“The focus of the gala is programs and trails this year, so kind of rooting back into the mission,” Grubaugh told EBS in a phone call. She added that some longtime local voices will tell reminiscent stories at the gala dinner. “We feel like BSCO has come a long way over the past 27 years… there’s a lot of stories and narratives that haven’t really been told.”
At the event, a live auction will raise money for programs like Hike Big Sky, adult recreation leagues and indoor programs at BASE. In addition, proceeds will support trail development efforts in partnership with the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association. BSCO will spread the word about its programs and series of free summer events.
BSCO also launched a silent auction online on June 24. For those looking to support BSCO outside of the Parks and Trail Gala, Grubaugh suggested looking into monthly donations, annual business sponsorships and adopt-a-trail programs.
