Kidney Classic features softball for a cause

The Kidney Classic Co-Rec Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament held earlier this month at the Conrad Complex in Kalispell raised $3,905 for the local Dialysis Clinic Inc. Patient Fund.

The nonprofit fund is used for multiple expenses for the clinic’s patients and their families not covered by insurance. These expenses include lodging and travel for out-of-state transplants as well as emergency home repairs, utilities and other unforeseen expenditures.

Typically, patients dialyze three days a week and many have to travel long distances for treatment. The clinic’s goal is to assist patients in achieving optimal health and as normal a lifestyle as possible, according to clinic administrator Kevin Donahue.

Tournament director Lisa Chapman thanked all the businesses, including the Daily Inter Lake, who generously sponsored the event. She also thanked the umpires who donated a portion of their fees, Music on the Move Montana and Game Face Photography for making the tournament more fun and creating lasting memories for all those involved.

“I am very pleased and proud to announce what we raised during this tournament, and am absolutely in awe by how many people, who either played or observed, were touched by what we were trying to raise awareness and funding for!” Chapman wrote.

A total of 12 teams participated in the two-day round-robin tournament.

On behalf of the Gateway to Glacier Trail, Sarah Dakin wrote to thank  all who participated and sponsored the organization’s Pedal & Paddle for Paths fundraiser on June 20.

More than 70 people enjoyed a 12-mile afternoon ride from The Coop in Columbia Falls to Blankenship Bridge, Dakin reported.

There they were treated to Sweet Peaks ice cream before boarding Glacier Raft’s boats for a paddle back to Columbia Falls. All ages of riders enjoyed the adventure while raising money for Gateway to Glacier Trail, a planned separated bike/pedestrian trail from Columbia Falls to West Glacier and Glacier National Park.

According to the organization’s website, the first portion of the trail is the eight-mile segment from Coram to West Glacier to be built this fall or next summer.

The nonprofit also has successfully lobbied the Montana Department of Transportation to include a bike path from Hungry Horse through Bad Rock Canyon and across the South Fork of the Flathead River as part of its planned upgrade to the highway.

The group is now fundraising for the remaining three miles that will connect Columbia Falls to the planned Bad Rock Canyon path.

“Our sponsors stepped up to the plate to make the fundraiser a success,” Dakin wrote. “We are forever grateful to all these businesses for their continual support of our mission.

“Our volunteers who put the event together were, once again, outstanding. They made the event seamless. Thanks to all of you!”

The next big fundraising event will be Pints for Paths July 18 at Heaven’s Peak Lodge and Resort. Buy your tickets now at www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com.

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.