LOCAL ROUNDUP: Event looking for volunteer help

The Event at Rebecca Farm is seeking volunteers for the annual equestrian triathlon slated July 21 to 24 near Kalispell. Volunteers can choose from a list of positions to suit their particular interests and skills, including those that require specific horse experience. However, most volunteer opportunities do not require experience.

“The volunteers are the heartbeat of this event,” Event organizer Sarah Broussard said. “We’re grateful for every person who recognizes the positive impact The Event has on our community. This year, we hope to see many new faces and old friends volunteering for The Event at Rebecca Farm.”

Adults and teens 16 and older are encouraged to volunteer. Teens aged 13 to 15 are also welcome, but must have a parent or adult guardian on site. Children ages 10 to 12 may volunteer alongside a parent or legal guardian.

The Event at Rebecca Farm features 10 world-class courses ranging from novice to Olympic qualifier. Riders and their horses compete in the three main disciplines of eventing: dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

Rebecca Broussard died in 2010 after a battle with breast cancer. Parking donations accepted at The Event benefit Halt Cancer at X, created in Broussard’s memory, which provides financial support to locals residents receiving cancer treatments and for medical research.

For more information, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.

To find out about volunteering, visit www.rebeccafarm.org/volunteer or contact Sue Robison at 406-253-3424 or by email at [email protected].

Fun Day planned May 21 in Bigfork

Bigfork MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is hosting a Flathead Family Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Bigfork school and track. There will be races for children and adults from 10 to 11 a.m.

The day also features spoon and sack races, handmade arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, bounce house and bungee jumper, face painting, obstacle courses and a dunk tank. There will also be a basket raffle, root beer floats, bake sale and more. For more information, visit bigforkmops.com.

Speaker to talk about energy independence

Act! For America is sponsoring a presentation by Bill Whitsitt Titled “American Energy Independence: Factoids and Facts — Why the Difference is Important,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Outlaw Convention Center, 1701 U.S. 93 S. in Kalispell.

A resident of Bigfork, Whitsitt speaks and has taught widely following a career in public and private sectors, including positions in government, energy marketing, public affairs and broadcast. His presentation will focus on energy independence as a matter of national security.

There is no charge; donations are appreciated. RSVP to [email protected].

Peanut-butter drive goes all month

Whitefish Ford is collecting collect jars of peanut butter to support the summer demand for child-friendly foods at the North Valley Food Bank.

The peanut butter drive until May 31 is part of the Ford Focus on Child Hunger campaign.

To make a donation, bring jars of peanut butter to Whitefish Ford, 6331 U.S. 93 South in Whitefish, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Whitefish Ford also is working with Super 1 Foods, Safeway and Markus Foods. Shoppers at these Whitefish stores will have the opportunity to donate a jar of peanut butter while checking out.

Those unable to donate in person can also give online at www.fordfeedskids.org by clicking on the food bank of their choice to make cash donations.

This drive is part of a five-state campaign in the Pacific Northwest by Ford dealers, including Valley Ford in Evergreen, to support their community food banks and to make sure no child goes hungry this summer.

Last year’s drive collected more than 30,000 pounds of peanut butter.