Club gives $50,000 to Polson pool

 The Polson Rotary Club has given $50,000 to the Mission Valley Aquatics Center — and pledged another $50,000 in the future.

At a recent meeting, the club surprised Hugh Beaver by giving him $50,000 to show the club’s solid support of the pool project, which under construction.

Beaver, a Rotarian, has been a key driver in getting the pool project going.

New club President Ken Siler presented the check with Rob Turner, immediate past president, and Jim Oates, Rotary treasurer.  

The presentation came at a special board meeting to discuss making the largest single investment in the club’s history in Mission Valley Aquatics.  

The club already had committed its annual Chili Cook-off proceeds to the Aquatic Center. The discussion at the meeting focused on the importance of succeeding in this 40-year effort to build a pool in Polson.   

“It’s time to show Polson that this community can work together, collaborate and build something of lasting value,” several board members said.  

The club has set a stretch goal of giving $100,000 for the pool.

The money would come from a combination of the Chili Cook-off, individual Rotary member contributions and money from a recent bequest from the Hib Hanson estate.

Hanson, a longtime Rotarian, was a quiet and generous philanthropist in the community. The board members said they felt he would be pleased to know that part of his bequest was being invested in something the community can be proud of.

Polson Rotary urges others to catch the Mission Valley Aquatics wave and rally to push this project to completion.

“When the pool opens, we will feel a great sense of pride that Polson got it done by giving generously and working together,” said Siler.