Annual CFBB auction raises more than $26,500

Budgets may be tight this fall, but that didn’t stop the residents of Bigfork from coming out and supporting one of their favorite organizations in a big way last Wednesday night.

More than $26,500 was raised at the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork’s 11th annual auction, which was held at the Garden Bar.

According to CFBB president Paul Mutascio, the amount raised was on par with what the group typically brings in with the fundraiser.

“Considering the economy and everything we were happy,” Mutascio said.

The largest grossing year was 2007, when approximately $30,000 was raised. Since then the total has lingered around $26,000 each year.

“As always, we were very, very appreciative of how the community gave,” Mutascio said. “We are thankful to both the businesses and community members who donated for the silent and live auctions, and also the community members who opened up their pocket books and donated to us by making purchases at the auctions.”

The auction is the CFBB’s only fundraising event, though the group does receive donations from individuals and groups throughout the year.

The organization takes on a variety of projects throughout the year to improve Bigfork as well as maintain it. Larger projects on the group’s wish list for this year include the second phase of the railing project on Grand Drive, the possibility of installing a surveillance system downtown and perhaps improving the bathrooms at Sliter Park.

That is in addition to the routine tasks that include street sweeping, snow removal and upkeep at the Bigfork Art & History Museum and the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre building. Additionally, the CFBB provides grants to other groups in need.

“It was just a wonderful event in terms of people showing their support for the community,” Mutascio said. “I just really want to let the community know that we are thankful for their support. We feel like we’re meeting their needs or they wouldn’t be contributing.”