Funding the best in the "Last Best Place"

SEELEY LAKE – Every corner of the Seeley Lake Community Foundation annual banquet was decorated to represent different aspects of Seeley Lake – the beauty, recreation, wildlife and nature that makes Seeley Lake "the BEST in the Last Best Place."

Nearly 120 attendees filled the tent at the Homestead Cabin Aug. 14 to support the Foundation's efforts like so many whom have gone before and paved the way.

"The idea is it is a foundation. The Seeley Lake Community Foundation will be here long after everybody in this room are gone, serving the needs of Seeley Lake," Williams said. "That is why you are here. You are the reason we are successful."

After more than 22 years serving the community of Seeley Lake and raising more than $1 million, the Foundation continues to raise funds to support other non-profits, scholarships and other projects in the community through the dinner, silent and live auctions, 50/50 and the final fundraising challenge.

"I'll tell you the rules for all that are new," Williams said. "Give us your checkbook and we'll fill it in for you." The audience erupted in laughter.

Executive Director Claire Muller explained the banquet provides general operating support for everything that happens at the Community Foundation throughout the year. This is different than the Change Your Pace Challenge which is specifically designed to raise money for non-profits in the community.

"This yearly event is super important not only to bring people together to have a chance to celebrate Seeley Lake but it is also our biggest fundraiser of the year for the Community Foundation," Muller said. "Flexibility is key for a non-profit and this event provides flexibility for us throughout the rest of the year."

Muller added they were so grateful to all the businesses that donated auction items and showed their support. There were 31 silent auction packages that all were bid well over the listed retail value.

The live auction included 13 different packages from vacations, to dinners to artwork. The famous huckleberry pie, donated by Kelly's Pies, kicked off the live auction led by auctioneers Bruce Wold and his son Jason. It sold for $5,000 the first time and then was resold for $850.

"We are working hard to serve this community and working hard to honor this community," Muller said. "I'm so impressed by everyone who made this happen. What a great team. It is an incredible event."

An attendee added, "The generosity and love in this room is just incredible."