By Gabrielle Gasser
Explore Big Sky Editorial Intern
BIG SKY – A summer fun walk/run to raise money for local student scholarships is gaining momentum. The 3K run is part of the Friends of Big Sky and Lone Peak High School scholarship initiative to raise funds that can help send students graduating from LPHS go to college. The run is set for July 20, starting and ending at the Community Park pavilion on the Crail Ranch Trail from 4-8.
Jerry and Anne Marie Mistretta board members on Friends of Big Sky Education are recruiting participants by circulating emails around the community and asking businesses to fund individual scholarships. Currently three businesses have been recruited to the cause: Big Sky Sothebys, First Security Bank and Big Sky Western Bank. Additionally, the Mistrettas have funded a scholarship in the name of their late son, called the Gregory Mistretta Scholarship.
This is a good start, Jerry said, but the Mistrettas, along with other FOBSE board members, have set a lofty goal of raising $20,000 this year for the scholarship fund and encourage more people to get involved.
“This [the scholarship initiative] is extremely important for both the high school and the Big Sky community.”, says Jerry, “For LPHS students it demonstrates that the community expects all students to further their education beyond high school. For the community it gives everyone the opportunity to help every graduate with post-secondary education.”
Participants are expected to solicit pledges from friends and family in support of their participation. Registered participants get a T-shirt. All participants that raise $300 in pledges will be treated to a barbecue dinner at the Community Park pavilion. Those interested in donating to the cause can make a donation online or through a check.
The scholarship initiative will have a website soon, hosted at fobsedonate.org. Contact Jerry Mistretta at (406)-579-3457 or jerrymist3@gmail.com with questions.
