Thanks to all who 'Gave Local'

Flathead Valley residents opened their hearts and pocketbooks to raise more than $70,000 during the inaugural Give Local Flathead campaign on Tuesday.

Though the 24-hour event fell short of the $100,000 goal, it was nevertheless a sizable amount of money to generate in just one day and a clear message that philanthropy is alive and well in the Flathead. All of the many donors deserve our heartfelt gratitude and thanks.

The Flathead Community Foundation organized the fundraiser along with Northwest Montana United Way as a convenient opportunity for people to donate to any of roughly 60 eligible nonprofits.

We have no doubt that next year’s Give Local Flathead campaign will build on the momentum generated during the first 24-hour giving blitz. It’s been said many times before, but bears repeating that Flathead folks are some of the most generous people around.

 More teen-age heroes! 

For the second time in less than a week, Kalispell high school students had a chance to prove their mettle and made all the difference by their quick thinking.

A couple of weeks ago, three Flathead High School students helped to save residents from a burning building in Kalispell.

Laker that same week, it was two Glacier High School freshmen who became heroes. Brady Peiffer and Nick Brester were unloading gear to spend the night in a cabin at Little Bitterroot Lake when they heard calls for help from several hundred yards out on the lake.

Two men in a canoe had gone in the water when they vessel capsized. Peiffer and Brester, both 15, jumped into action, recruiting a boater to haul them to the scene of the accident.

The two teens and the man in the boat were all needed to pull one of the men to safety, while the other was able to climb aboard under his own power.

The shaken men left the scene without leaving their names or waiting for authorities to arrive, but we want these young heroes to know that their thoughtful rescue did not go unappreciated. Thanks, Brady and Nick.