They put the fun in fundraiser
The Big Arm community and its neighbors reached out with big hearts and open wallets for the Big Arm Fire Department's "Monstrous Fundraiser" June 25 at the fire hall.
From donated treasures for the auction to dozens of delicious baked goods and hearty hamburgers barbecued by the firefighters, and all of the people who transported all of the items, those who contributed flexed plenty of fundraising muscle.
"The entire event was a riveting testimonial about how serious our community is about keeping our Big Arm Fire Hall open, equipped and staffed with our brave volunteer firefighters and we are truly grateful to everyone," write Alison Meslin, Jan Phillips and Kristen Osborn, founding members of the Big Arm Association.
The association was formed in December when the Fire Department was faced with an overwhelming shortage of funds and volunteer firefighters, says Meslin, the wife of a Big Arm volunteer firefighter.
Since then, the association has raised enough money to set the wheels in motion for renovating the fire hall and enlisting 10 new volunteer firefighters who currently are training.
The building is on Salish-Kootenai tribal property, and the tribe and the association have negotiated successfully a 25-year renewable lease for the lot as well as the adjacent lot. Forthcoming projects also include installing a septic system and hooking up to a waterline.
The BAA sends a "big thank-you to all of their wonderful neighbors who volunteered wherever needed; and to all of the people who attended and supported our fundraising effort. They are the reason it was so successful."
More than 60 community volunteers helped with the event and during the day wore T-shirts with the association's new logo - a rising Flathead Monster with the words "Monstrous Motivation Big Arm Association."
Along with the firefighters' hamburger fry, the silent and live auctions and bake sale brought in gross receipts of nearly $13,700. Besides the renovation expenses, that money will be put toward purchasing necessary equipment for the Big Arm firefighters.
Meslin believes the event was a huge success, not just because of the money collected, but also because the entire village came together. "We worked really hard, got to know each other and had lots of fun."
A fine and festive Fourth of July was enjoyed by the North Valley residents thanks to their neighbor Eddie DeBartolo.
Julie Stevens wrote to publicly thank DeBartolo for the magnificent fireworks display he hosts every year on his Whitefish ranch.
"Eddie, you have no idea how much joy and pleasure you provide for so many people! As one of many Flathead Valley-ans who enjoy the amazing show every year, I'd like to thank you for generously filling our sky with a patriotic celebration of fireworks," she wrote.
The All-American message also took an international turn when multiple gigantic pyrotechnic peace signs blazed their paths across the night sky.
"You are a hero for giving our children this joy, and us 'big kids' are just as thrilled to see the skies alight with explosions of colors and lights. Thanks for being a hero by celebrating the birth of our country and for sharing your fireworks with us small-town folk who really feel spoiled to see the show! Eddie, you rock!"