Important fundraiser coming for CFBB

The Community Foundation For A Better Bigfork has its 14th auction Sept. 4 at the Garden Bar in Bigfork.  

Festivities start at 5 p.m. There will be

silent and live auction items including gift certificates, art, and vacations.

The Community Foundation For A Better Bigfork is a nonprofit, volunteer organization started in the early 1970s by several dedicated Bigfork residents. Its efforts are focused on preserving the beauty and uniqueness of Bigfork while promoting social, artistic and educational interests for the common good of the community. All proceeds raised from the auction go toward supporting the foundation’s efforts.  

Paul Mutascio, the foundation’s president, said the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork has been busy overseeing many improvements to the Bigfork community and in supporting the town’s numerous civic organizations. “Come and see what we have accomplished in the last year, and what we hope to undertake in the future” Mutascio said. “And, of course, bring your checkbooks.”  

All of the foundation’s funding for community projects comes from the annual auction, one-time membership dues and private donations. “It has been a very busy year for us,” Donna Lawson, the foundation’s vice president, said. “We have so many activities and projects going on and planned. We cannot accomplish them without the community’s support.”

The foundation’s projects range from building sidewalks and railings, installing bike racks, pet waste stations, building a clock tower for the Art and Cultural Center and this year replacing its roof, community service grants and special donations to groups serving the community.

The Community Service Grants Program was continued with the Bigfork School District. This program is intended to encourage students to become active in the community by undertaking service projects serving Bigfork.

Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork also provided financial support to several groups including the North Shore Nordic Club, the school district’s Needy Kids Fund, and the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.  

“There are so many things we do for the community. It makes me proud to be a board member,” Jerry Bygren said.  

The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork pays insurance for the Bigfork Elves, repainted downtown parking spaces, snow plowed downtown sidewalks, and paid for downtown street sweeping during the summer months.

The auction and fundraiser is Sept. 4 at the Garden Bar at 5 p.m.