Bash at the Bay will raise money for youth programs

 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County will host its spring fundraiser, Bash at the Bay, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at The Rack Shack on Flathead Lake in Somers.

Bash at the Bay is a reverse raffle where it’s not the first ticket drawn that wins the grand prize but the last. This year’s winner will walk away with a one-week RCI vacation, $1,000 in airfare vouchers and $1,000 cash.

Tickets are available for $200 and admit two people to the event, which includes dinner, a silent auction and an opportunity to win the vacation getaway as well as other cash prizes. A limited number of tickets are available.

“While our attendees certainly have a great time at this event, what’s most important is that the funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorships and the silent auction help Big Brothers Big Sisters reach youth facing adversity with our life-transforming mentoring programs that change their lives for the better, forever.” said Tim Sievers, the nonprofit’s executive director.

“The youth of our community need our program more than ever before.  With a successful event, we’ll be able to reach even more youth and help them improve their self-confidence and academic performance and better prepare them for a life filled with success.”  

Research conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America found that adults mentored as children through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely than peers with similar backgrounds but who were not involved in the program to have a four-year college degree and incomes of $75,000 or more.

Program alumni perceive themselves to have achieved a higher level of success than their peers who were not involved in the program, are more likely than nonalumni to be engaged in their community when it comes to volunteering and holding leadership roles in organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and they also report strong relationships with their spouses, children and friends.

“In the 35 years Big Brothers Big Sisters has served Flathead County we’ve been able to reach more than 1,400 youth with our program,” Sievers said. “We couldn’t do this without our community partners — the individuals and businesses who invest in Big Brothers Big Sisters and our community, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support.”   

 To purchase a ticket for Bash at the Bay, call 752-0092.