Some flower power helps good cause

Daffodils have begun popping up across the valley lately, but last month the spring harbingers could be seen sprouting from blue glass vases at workplaces and any number of institutions.

Daffodil Days is the annual fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society that offers bouquets of daffodils in exchange for donations.

This year the event raised more than $7,200 in Whitefish alone for the fight against cancer.

That money provides funding for education to prevent and detect cancer early. The money also provides services for cancer patients, survivors and families, and at the national level, research and advocacy in the fight against the disease.

Lynnette Ludviksen, chairwoman for the drive in Whitefish, says that because Daffodil Days is volunteer-driven, 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to the cause.

Cate Sundeen, the society's Great West Division community development manager, says, "We have incredible volunteers throughout the Flathead. We just couldn't raise that kind of money for cancer research without them."

"I want to congratulate all 45 volunteers who helped make this year's Whitefish campaign a success," Ludviksen says. "Also all the individuals and businesses who bought daffodils. Your contributions are so greatly appreciated. Our fantastic success is a reflection of Whitefish's community spirit - a spirit we can all be proud of."

The Flathead Valley Alliance has been at work raising awareness and funding for the Flathead AIDS Council. Last month the alliance staged a talent show in support of the council's community work.

The event was organized by alliance board member Jeffrey Wager, who was also one of the main performers that evening. Nearly 100 people turned out for a diverse evening of entertainment from comedians to karaoke.

The show raised nearly $1,000 for the Flathead AIDS Council.

Wager writes, "That night the Flathead Valley did an amazing thing. It showed support for a vital organization."

Wager also thanks the WestCoast Outlaw Hotel, The Bulldog, emcee Leah Lindsay and all the performers who provided their talent: "You are all superstars!"

Flathead Valley Alliance has plans for a garden show on Aug. 27. Log on to www.flatheadvalleyalliance.org. for more information.

A letter arrived earlier this month from Hood River, Ore., touting the talent of the Flathead High School Concert Choir.

The local students performed a concert, "Following Lewis and Clark to the Sea,"at The Dalles High School in Oregon on March 30.

"It was a joy to be able to hear this outstanding choir," write Alan and Bette Lou Yenne. Alan is a Kalispell native and his sister who lives here had called them to tip them off about the concert.

"The camaraderie between the two choirs was clear, "says Bette Lou, who taught for 25 years in a nearby school district. "To see so many young people enjoying themselves and striving for such excellence made the occasion very, very special."

Special guest that evening was choir director Kevin Allen-Schmid's mother, who played piano on "Home on the Range."

"Congratulations to the choir and their director, Kevin Allen-Schmid and accompanist Shauneen Garner."