STOKE FUN’RAISER A HUGE SUCCESS!
Author: Amanda Domino
STOKE FUN’RAISER A HUGE SUCCESS!
Amanda Domino
Our third annual STOKE FUN’RAISER A HUGE SUCCESS!
Submitted by Amanda Domino
On February 14, 2024, Valentine’s Day, the STOKE youth empowerment organization had its third annual Valentine’s Day Fun’Raiser and Dinner. With an incredible group of about 35 people, STOKE raised over $10,000. That included all the generous in-kind donations and through the silent auction. Remember, all STOKE programs are free for the children!
With a HUGE HEART, Jeff Langlinais ran events. The live auction included selling two lovely quilts as well as a magnificent Watercolor donated by our local artist Lynn Cain. The live auction was followed by the masterful gaming at Dropster which rewarded the lucky winners with a ski trip to Showdown Ski Area along with a $100 gift certificate to Jesse’s BBQ in WSS., a float trip down the Missouri, a Lone Mountain cooler full of Rauser pork, a relaxing retreat at Fairmont Hot Springs, and a night at Chico Hot Springs
A special thank you to all who participated and helped STOKE provide a night of supporting our local children. Patrick Plantenburg and Mary Mistik, as well as Tammy Hahn for all of their continued support, Liz Wishman for helping throughout the evening, and once again Carla Amundson blessed us all with her piano serenades and the singing of love songs.
This year STOKE youth members and their projects were highlighted. Some of our new First Lego League participants, Kathyrn Six, Skylar Sellay, Karter Schmaus, Jaden Flynn, Zoey and First Tech Challenge student, Max Sellay, displayed their projects including the First Lego League winning State Competition’s “Innovative Robot”. Later in the evening, the First Lego League Group performed their research-based Sleep Study skit, which won the Regional Competition, Best Innovative Project award. This project illuminated the importance for their Middle School peers to get enough sleep. Members include Logan Barkhurst, Nykia Mondragon, Destiny Grandy-selling beautiful earrings and bracelets she created in the STOKE Sewing Sisters program, and Zoey Osborne- for presenting her STOKE’s pottery creations. Christian also presented a small pitcher created in pottery class and a call-in from Kayden Greene- who provided a testimonial on how STOKE has provided him the incentive to move forward with his artistic skills in pottery and metallurgy. ! If you see these youths, give them a high-five for their efforts! Our amazing community’s support will continue to help us provide programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), sewing, cooking, pottery, and outdoor activities. STOKE is still looking for a donor for a Hidden Hollow Horseback Riding trip for six STOKE children. The event includes introductory training about horseback riding and a two-hour horseback ride at Hidden Hollow Ranch. The total cost is $475. If you would like to earmark a donation toward the Hidden Hollow STOKE trip, please contact Amanda Domino at 406-459-7379.
Thank you once again to this amazing community for “Getting Positively STOKED”!
