Fundraiser for early childhood education embraces new season, new venue
EBS STAFF
After hosting its annual fundraising ball in February or March for the past three years at Montage Big Sky, Morningstar Learning Center announced it would host Black Tie Trivia in June at Riverhouse BBQ and Events.
Black Tie Trivia will be hosted June 19, starting at 6 p.m. with tickets available online. The change from winter to near-summer aims to offer guests a “fresh seasonal setting for one of Big Sky’s most anticipated night’s out,” according to a press release from MLC, and the new venue allows for use of Riverhouse’s outdoor event tent beside the Gallatin River.
Funds support MLC’s mission of providing excellent and affordable early childhood education to serve and strengthen the greater Big Sky community, particularly through need-based tuition assistance for families, increased teacher pay and affordable housing support for teachers.
“The need for high-quality, affordable child care in our community is necessary to support families staying in Big Sky,” Mariel Butan, MLC executive director, stated in the release. “Black Tie Trivia is more than a fun night out. It directly impacts our ability to maintain the quality of care our families and their employers rely on, while helping ensure Big Sky remains a place where working families can live and thrive.”
The team-based trivia event includes food and drinks, and a silent and live auction with prizes including early Lone Peak Tram access with Big Sky Ski Patrol, a ride-along with the Big Sky Fire Department, and a hot air balloon ride over Big Sky.
MLC development committee chair Steph Kissell thanked MLC’s business sponsors and said the trivia event brings the community together to support “the workforce behind the workforce.”
The event is “black tie inspired, not required,” with the theme serving as a nod to its “elevated feel” rather than a dress code, the release stated.
“Dress up or dress down—just don’t miss it,” stated Kim Vitou, MLC development coordinator. “The goal is to create a fun, engaging night out that still feels welcoming, relaxed, and full of community spirit.”
