Hot Springs plans benefit

Reeling from the shock of bids at least 25 percent higher than expected for their new medical clinic, the residents of Hot Springs have regrouped, cut back the building plans and planned a benefit auction and picnic on Saturday, Aug. 18, to collect more money.

Through gathering scrap metal and jewelry, holding benefits and soliciting private donations, the mostly elderly and low income people of Hot Springs raised several hundred thousand dollars over a year to match a $450,000 grant to replace their dilapidated medical clinic.

When bids exceeded the estimated building cost, they were devastated but have not given up.

Sharon Flesch, coordinator of the fund-raising committee, hopes people in the Flathead will attend the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Deanna Peters Ranch  at 59 Marsh Road.

“It’s right next to town,” Flesch said. “We’ll have a lot of signs out.”

The local grange hall has pitched in to help with the lunch. For $8, visitors may chow down on hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and other salads, cookies and drinks.

Flesch describes the auction as “pay as you go” which means an informal affair without numbers. She asks people to bring contributions by on Friday or with them to the auction on Saturday.

Musicians are invited to bring along their instruments and jam with the scheduled performers.

For more information, call (406) 741-3752 or (406) 741-2566.