Chamber auction goes big on fun, funds
Photo by CHANSE WATSON Auction goers arrive at French Gulch Farm and Garden in Kingston to support the Silver Valley Chamber’s annual fundraiser. This year’s theme, “Open Season” spurred many to break out their best animal costumes or hunting attire.
From left: Rusty Wood and Chris Sverdsten (collectively known as Sverwood) perform a mix of country and classic rock music at the event.
Chamber supporters peruse the different live auction items while staying warm next to the fire.
Chamber President Andy Waters tries his hand at the BB gun shooting range. Participants aimed at balloons and received a raffle ticket for every target hit. The grand prize was a Yeti brand cooler.
Last week the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual fall auction at French Gulch Farm and Garden.
The well-attended event is the chamber’s primary fundraiser and helps fund portions of several community events including Silver Hoops, the Christmas Lighting Festival, the Farmers Market and many others.
With such high-ticket items as a Cat Ski Trip in Whitefish, Mont., and a Jeep from Dave Smith Motors, there were plenty of options for people to spend their money.
“I think the event was a huge success,” organizer Sarah Murphy said. “We had a beautiful venue and Mother Nature smiled on us with some great weather. This was a terrific event.”
Those big ticket items and the silent auction items did not disappoint.
Coming in at way more than $10,000, the event raised enough funds to help manage the chamber’s many community ventures.
The “Open Season” theme for the event went over extremely well, as many guests dressed to impress during the costume contest.
“The costumes were great. There was so many terrific ones, it was hard to choose a winner,” Murphy said.
In the end, it was Monica Miller who took home the individual costume award, while the group award went to Mallory Phillips and her “Target Practice” group.
One of the most popular parts of the auction wasn’t even at the auction, but during the transportation for the event, as folks enjoyed trolley rides courtesy of Eddie Joe’s.
Overall the event was a rousing success according to the organizers and attendees, and the organizers would like to thank everyone who got involved in making the event so successful.
“The funds that come from this annual fundraiser allow us to put on other events throughout the year,” chamber board member Chanse Watson said. "On top of just having fun with us, we at the chamber want to thank everyone who showed up and supported the event.”