By Finley Timon EDITORIAL INTERN
Gallatin River Task Force is marking a major milestone this summer: 25 years of protecting and restoring the Gallatin River.
To celebrate, the nonprofit is hosting its annual Hooked on the Gallatin Gala at The Riverhouse BBQ & Events in Big Sky on July 13. The evening will feature food, drinks, live music from North Fork Crossing and both silent and live auctions, all set right on the banks of the Gallatin.
“This year is a little bit more unique in that we are celebrating 25 years of the Gallatin River Task Force,” said Isabelle Vendramin, director of development. “Twenty-five years of protecting, restoring, and inspiring stewardship of the upper Gallatin River and our community water resources.”
She said the event has grown significantly over the years.
“It started quite a bit smaller, and then I think it eventually moved to Buck’s [T-4 Lodge] at some point, did the event there, and now it has turned into a yearly event,” Vendramin said. “We have branded it as Hooked on the Gallatin. It wasn’t always Hooked on the Gallatin, but it is our annual fundraiser and we do it at the Riverhouse every year, which is an awesome way to celebrate the incredible watershed that we’re on.”
Beyond the setting and the celebration, the gala highlights the strong community support behind the organization.
“Twenty-five years ago, the organization was founded on one simple idea; that if we work together, we can protect something truly priceless, which is the Gallatin River,” Vendramin said. “The community has truly had our backs for 25 years and supported us so much.”
Looking ahead, she said that support remains critical.
“The next 25 years will help define the future of the Gallatin River,” Vendramin said. “It needs a strong, resilient organization as well as community to protect it.”
She described the night as equal-parts celebration, and an opportunity to honor the community’s lasting impact while looking ahead to the river’s future. “We can’t do it without everyone’s support,” she added.
Funds raised at the gala will support the Task Force’s ongoing programs and long-term resilience.
“The funds from this event are going to help ensure that the Task Force remains resilient for years to come,” Vendramin said, “because of several challenges that both the organization and the river have faced over the years when it comes to climate change.”
