Stoke Valentine Fun Raiser A Success Despite Bad Weather
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter
Stoke Valentine Fun Raiser a Success Despite Bad Weather
Nancy Marks
MT43 News Reporter
STOKE Valentine Fun Raiser organizers changed up the fifth annual event this year. Friday night at The Lodge, the student members of the organization were the program.
Science, Technology, Outdoors, Knowledge and Entrepreneurship (STOKE) is a Montana-based youth skills empowerment program run by volunteers who assist Broadwater County’s kids in activities such as robotics, pottery, culinary arts and forming their own businesses.
The program, open to kids ages preschool through senior high school, has served over 300 participants over the five years. It was formed as an opportunity to give the kids a place to go after school and weekends to participate in activities the school did not offer or could not afford to underwrite. Their brochure points out the non-profit’s objective is "to provide opportunities that will inspire and nurture the human spirit, one kid at a time.”
Friday night saw thirteen STOKE students help serve the meal and provide the program by either acting in a film they produced about their activities throughout the year or speaking about what they had learned over the year in the program.
Particularly outstanding is the STOKE robotics program led by ten-year veteran Spencer Sellay, new here from Southern California. His wife, Dr. Lisa Brown, leads the innovation portion of robotics program. The team has scored high marks at both regional and state competitions this year.
In an interview, Dr. Brown, who is a women’s doctor practicing in Southern California, said “My role is to guide the students to think scientifically, but to innovate as they build their project.”
According to Treasurer John Hahn the night was a successful one, raising $11,000 before expenses. A full house of friends and supporters donated to purchase silent auction items including overnight ski trips, a 25-pound package of beef and hand-thrown bowls made by the students.
Philanthropist Dolly McMaster who has donated her time and presence to raise funds in previous years, was particularly impressed with the students’ program. “Yes, I enjoyed the change in the event. This is so much better to see what an impact this organization has had on the kids,” she commented.
Organizers Jim and Amanda Domino, Tina Homann, John Hahn, as the driving force, have been very successful in attracting the students. More importantly, they have attracted some talented and energetic leaders to the program. Adam Six, Roger Flynn and Bobby McAuley accompanied a group to see business in real-time at Boeing Manufacturing in Helena.
Other programs this year were culinary arts, MAPS Media Institute which teaches students how to produce films, horseback riding, CPR and first Aid training, Fly Tying, and crafting, all led by talented and experienced coaches from the community.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: John Hahn, Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: Eight-year-old Zola Six, one of the featured speakers for the STOKE pottery program shown here with Simone Dominguez, left, and Tina Homann. They purchased Zola's bowls which she made for the live auction at the event.
Photo Credit: John Hahn
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Image 2 Caption: Two STOKE participants explain their sky program, held at Showdown Ski Hill near Monarch, Montana, in a video they made.
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