Bigfork Soccer Club scores big with benefit concert fundraiser

When musician Tommy Edwards’ oldest daughter started playing soccer this year, he asked Shannon Garner, a Bigfork Soccer Club (BSC) volunteer, “What can I do to help?” That simple question set off a chain reaction that has led to one of the club’s biggest fundraising efforts yet: the Score Big for BSC benefit concert and silent auction, set for March 29 at the Jewel Basin Event Center.

The event, headlined by Man & The Box, featuring Edwards himself, along with musicians Joe Martinez from The Voice, Nick Spear, and Rylee Mix, will raise money to support Bigfork soccer players through scholarships, equipment, and field rentals.

The doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. 

A Community-Driven Effort

BSC has been serving young athletes since 2006 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers. With a mix of recreational and competitive programs, the club relies heavily on community support.

“We’re a nonprofit organization, and pretty much everything we do is community-driven,” said Garner, who has been working alongside Mya Bessette and Edwards to organize the event.

The need for fundraising became apparent last fall, leading to a series of efforts, including bake sales and raffles.

“We started with a bake sale in the fall,” Garner explained. “Our fall teams helped hold bake sales, and we used that money to buy raffle tickets. Now, we’re continuing to build on that, leading up to the concert on March 29.”

The fundraiser’s ultimate goal?

“To support the kids,” Garner said.

A Family-Friendly Evening of Music and Giving

The Jewel Basin Event Center has generously donated the space for the event, which promises an evening full of entertainment, food, and community connection.

“Tommy and Man and the Box will be our headliners, and we’ll have a silent auction, four food trucks, and a cash bar,” Garner said. “It’s a super family-friendly event with indoor and outdoor spaces, so kids will have room to run around.”

For those wanting a premium experience, VIP tables will be available for purchase, offering seating close to the stage.

“It’s really meant to be for the whole community, not just soccer families,” she added. “Players and families will be speaking, and anyone wanting to learn more about what we do is welcome.”

Silent Auction and Raffles: A Community Effort

The silent auction will feature a variety of locally donated items, from spa experiences to weekend getaways at Base Camp, as well as restaurant gift cards and other community-centric prizes.

“We’ve had a lot of generous donations,” Garner said. “It’s great to see the community come together like this.”

In addition to the silent auction, a raffle will be held with prizes more nationally-focused to appeal to a wider audience. Winners of both the raffle and auction do not need to be present to claim their prizes.

Months in the Making

The planning for Score Big for BSC began last summer, with the first meetings taking place in August. A bake sale followed in November, and by January, the Club was aggressively selling tickets and securing sponsorships. 

The funds raised through this event will be instrumental in allowing BSC to host One. Soccer Schools in the summer of 2025, bringing world-class coaching to the young athletes of Bigfork.

“For us to be able to host summer camp and run both programs, we need the community’s support,” Garner said. “We want to make sure soccer is accessible to all kids in the community.”

For those looking to support the cause but unable to attend, donations can be made online, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Bigfork Soccer Club. For more info, go to https://www.facebook.com/bigforksoccer.