The Tasting raises funds, awareness for MLR
An event Thursday night at Flathead
Lake Lodge gave attendees the opportunity to sample locally
produced foods and beverages while learning about an organization
that works to preserve Montana land.
“The Tasting,” as it was titled, was
put on by The Montana Land Reliance, which is the largest land
trust in the state and has been in existence since 1978.
Approximately 250 guests enjoyed local
fares that ranged from breads, jams and meats to beer, wine and
liquor.
“I think it was a great success,” said
Jenny Cloutier, an outreach coordinator for MLR in its western
office in Bigfork. “A lot of the purveyors got the message out
about what they are doing to a much larger audience, and everyone
had a lot of fun. I really think that it served its purpose for
what I set it up for, which was for people to learn more about The
Montana Land Reliance and about all of these businesses that
locally produce foods and spirits.”
Cloutier said that it is too early for
the organization to report on how much money was raised at the
event, but she did say that “thousands of dollars were raised.”
In addition to the entrance fee of $25
in advance or $30 at the door, patrons also helped MLR raise money
by purchasing raffle tickets and bidding on items in the silent
auction, which included 22 pies that were donated by various
sources.
“The pie auction was very successful.
People loved it,” Cloutier said. “It was awesome of all of those
business and individuals to donate all those pies.”
While the event was not meant to raise
funds for a specific venture by MLR, Cloutier said that right now
the group is focusing on raising money for its land protection.
That fund helps land owners who are unable to cover the cost of
putting a conservation easement on their land, and also helps with
annual costs of monitoring existing land easements.
For more information on the MLR call
837-2178 or visit www.mtlandreliance.org.