Seeley Lake Elementary Superintendent Josh Gibbs with a check from the AAI Giving Tree. Teachers can request the funds to purchase art supplies for their classroom.
SEELEY LAKE & Swan Valley – In its fourth year raising funds for art supplies for local schools, the Alpine Artisans, Inc. (AAI) Giving Tree raised $295 total for Seeley Lake schools and around $230 for Swan Valley School. The $295 will be split between Seeley Lake Elementary and the Seeley-Swan High School.
In the past three years, the AAI Giving Tree has raised more than $2,600 for both SLE and Swan Valley Elementary Schools.
"We will be exploring other avenues for timing to raise more money," said Organizer Kris Gullikson. "It is very generous for people to give this time of year but I know there are many, many choices to chose from."
Gullikson was grateful for the support from Owners of the Grizzly Claw Trading Company Susan and Dee Baker and Swan Valley Community Librarian Jenny Kauffman for putting the Giving Tree up and collecting the donations. Gullikson also thanked the Seeley Lake Bunko Ladies for their donations because $125 came from the Bunko pot. All the players put in $20 and whoever is the Bunko Queen for the night gets to choose which nonprofit receives it. Gullikson was the Bunko Queen in December and donated her winnings to the AAI Giving Tree, something she has done previously as well.
"I always give it to the kids," Gullikson said.
Gullikson said she feels it is time to look at other options. Gullikson, who is now the AAI President, would like to start a committee of adults with an interest in supporting arts in the schools. She looks forward to entering into a conversation about how to fundraise for art supplies and other art activities to promote arts in the area schools.
For more information or to join the committee email Gullikson at krisgullikson@gmail.com.
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