An event Thursday night at Flathead

Lake Lodge gave attendees the opportunity to sample locally

produced foods and beverages while learning about an organization

that works to preserve Montana land.

“The Tasting,” as it was titled, was

put on by The Montana Land Reliance, which is the largest land

trust in the state and has been in existence since 1978.

Approximately 250 guests enjoyed local

fares that ranged from breads, jams and meats to beer, wine and

liquor.

“I think it was a great success,” said

Jenny Cloutier, an outreach coordinator for MLR in its western

office in Bigfork. “A lot of the purveyors got the message out

about what they are doing to a much larger audience, and everyone

had a lot of fun. I really think that it served its purpose for

what I set it up for, which was for people to learn more about The

Montana Land Reliance and about all of these businesses that

locally produce foods and spirits.”

Cloutier said that it is too early for

the organization to report on how much money was raised at the

event, but she did say that “thousands of dollars were raised.”

In addition to the entrance fee of $25

in advance or $30 at the door, patrons also helped MLR raise money

by purchasing raffle tickets and bidding on items in the silent

auction, which included 22 pies that were donated by various

sources.

“The pie auction was very successful.

People loved it,” Cloutier said. “It was awesome of all of those

business and individuals to donate all those pies.”

While the event was not meant to raise

funds for a specific venture by MLR, Cloutier said that right now

the group is focusing on raising money for its land protection.

That fund helps land owners who are unable to cover the cost of

putting a conservation easement on their land, and also helps with

annual costs of monitoring existing land easements.

For more information on the MLR call

837-2178 or visit www.mtlandreliance.org.