Nearly 200 invited guests from the Seeley, Swan and Blackfoot valleys attended a $50 per plate Crown of the Continent Celebration and fundraiser July 24, 2009 cosponsored by Alpine Artisans and the Swan Ecosystem Center.
 |
This second collaboration between AAI and SEC took place at the Mercer Ranch in the heart of the Swan Valley. The event, dubbed "Boots, Bandanas, and Beautiful Places," got under way with hors d'oeuvres as guests browsed the silent art auction items splendidly arranged by Chris Jewett and helpers. The steak pitchfork fondue was delicious to eat. Following dinner, Russ Abolt gave a presentation focused on the magic of the incomparable Crown of the Continent, followed by presentations by Jenny Rohrer, AAI President, and Anne Dahl, President of SEC.
For Swan Ecosystem Center, the event celebrated the amazing collaborative success in 2009 of the Montana Legacy Project, which is protecting about 66,000 acres of former Plum Creek Timber Co. land in the Swan Valley.
Swan Ecosystem Center's 2009-10 fundraising goal is to raise $100,000 to add to SEC's fund to acquire Section 3. This will complete the protection of Elk Creek, a vital bull trout stream in the Swan Valley, and provide opportunities for residents to enjoy a community forest and practice forest stewardship. SEC will need to provide about 25 percent of the purchase price, once the price is determined. The private dollars SEC raises will leverage funds provided by grants at a 1-3 ratio. When acquired, Section 3 will be added the Elk Creek Conservation Area, now co-owned by SEC and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
 |
Fred Burows, auctioneer, led a live art auction for bidding on 16 pieces of juried art created by members of Alpine Artisans' including the works of 1st place winner, Rich Morgan; 2nd place Shari Hirst, 3rd Linda Weaver and 4th Steve Ellis. The art was augmented by several locally-sponsored Crown-inspired experiences, including a plane ride over the Mission Mountains and Bob Marshall Wildernesses; dinner and a boat ride at Lindbergh Lake; a day with Tim Manley, Grizzly Bear Specialist; and a day in the Swan with the field experts at Northwest Connections.
The evening was capped off with very lively music by the popular Drum Brothers.
Sponsors, supporters and contributors included Rick Birdwell and Kathy Koors, First Valley Bank, Dr. Dana Harper, Jan Mielke, Gene and Patricia Tingle. Food, beverages and flowers were provided by Hungry Bear Steak House, Swan Valley Cafe, Hungry Horse Liquor Store, Mission Mountains Mercantile and Grace's Greenhouse.
Our thanks go out to the fifty plus volunteers and the joint working committee that organized and executed a very successful event. Committee members included Russ and Larrine Abolt, Bob and Ruth Korn, Merrily Dunham, Steve Ellis, Kathy Koors and Anne Dahl. |
