Irish Music, Irish Dishes Fuel St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser
Author: mt43news staff reporter
MT43 News Staff Reporter
The luck of the Irish was with those who ventured out on a cold and stormy night to enjoy music, food and dancing at the annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser for Broadwater Community Theater (BCT) Saturday.
Emcee Pat Plantenberg, aka Elfrado, motivated the willing crowd to bid on trips, art, quilts and theater tickets. BCT President LaRinda Spencer commented, “Pat is a consummate comedian. He keeps people laughing and engaged.”
Rachael Alexander of Down Home Catering provided a Guinness braised beef dinner and Helena Handbasket Bluegrass Band provided excellent Irish ballads and dance music. Vivian Boaz provided dessert of brownies and green mint ice cream. The crowd was served by STOKES students.
Funds raised from the annual dinner sponsor, Missoula Children’s Theater at Townsend Schools. They also underwrite music and theater camp scholarships and children’s summer theater productions. The group brings the Queen City Swing band of Helena to the Lodge several times a year. The band will provide dance music on May 2nd. Dance lessons are planned as well. The group is working on a special production for the Montana 250 celebration on July 4 of this year.
Formerly known as the Ryland KM Foote Memorial Fund, Broadwater Community Theater has been introducing Broadwater County young people and those who are young-at-heart to the fine arts since 1996. People interested in theater and music are encouraged to attend the group’s regular meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at the Lodge. For more information, please contact LaRinda at (406)465-4016.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Helena Handbasket band members pause for a photo at the St. Patrick's Day fundraiser. From left Jim and Terry Gundersen, Candace and David Payne.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 2 Caption: Townsend Schools music teacher, retired, Carla Amundson tickles the ivories with tunes during the band's break.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 3 Caption: Board members Candice O'Hara and Pat Plantenberg croon to "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 4 Caption: Dwight Thompson, fourth from left, give his wife Julie and friends Leona and Ken Nelson some line of blarney at the dinner Saturday.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
