Agency reports a Big

success

By CAROL MARINO

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County is happy to report a very successful Select Dinner and Auction on March 4, raising $43,000 for its programs.

The event drew 300 guests for a big show of support, particularly heartening to the organization because this year's theme was "Pep Rally."

Thanks to the community who turned out and all the area artists who donated such wonderful items for the auction, the agency will be able to screen, match and support 50 matches between children and volunteers in the next year.

As Executive Director Jori Bullemer says, "That's a lot of happy children!"

The agency has served the children of Flathead County for the past 28 years. Its mission is to build caring relationships among children, volunteers and families, and enrich not only their own lives but the entire community.

The best sources for new Big Brothers and Big Sisters typically are friends, acquaintances and families. If you're a "Big," spread the word by sharing your experiences with people you know who might be interested in becoming mentors. Talk to fellow club and organization members, people who you work with, play with, and who are members of your church.

The business community also supports Big Brothers and Sisters by providing discounts, tickets and other opportunities for matches to attend community events together.

For several years the Glacier Symphony and Chorale has donated 20 tickets for agency members to their Sunday concerts, including the 3 p.m. concert tomorrow at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Carrie Wilson, match support specialist, says the community has been awesome in its generosity. Many businesses also offer two-for-one deals. From restaurants to recreation, and from movies and museums to martial arts, ample opportunities exist to spend some quality time with a little brother or sister right here in the Flathead.

Call BBBS at 752-0092 for more information.

Now that the fearsome yetis have once again been successfully driven back to the high valleys beyond Big Mountain this year's Whitefish Winter Carnival is just a fond memory for the Flathead.

The merrymakers celebrated on a grand scale this year with a month of activities and antics, Mardi Gras-style. The Carnival Committee thanks the countless businesses and individuals who gave their support to make the Winter Carnival possible this year and every year for the past 47 years.

With popular special events such as the Penguin Plunge and the skijoring competition, community members always rally together by jumping in with both feet.

By the time the parade marches down Central Avenue and the torchlight parade winds down Big Mountain, thousands have had a chance to be part of one of the great Whitefish traditions.

The committee closes the book on Winter Carnival 2006 with one final thought: "Think more snow for 2007!"