A low hum of conversations could be heard as the smell of burgers filled the air at the Elks Club in Polson Monday evening.

Gathering for more than 25 years, the annual buffalo feed, organized by the Kiwanis Club of Polson, offers social time while those in attendance raise money for local children-centered organizations in the community.

“The Kiwanis mission is helping the community, one child at a time,” Barbara Monaco, District Governor for Montana and Idaho Kiwanis, International, said.

She went on to say that on average each year, between 275 -350 people attend the fundraiser, with the goal of raising at least “a few thousand” dollars.

For $10 a ticket, attendees get a fresh buffalo burger with all the fixings, salad, drinks and dessert.

One of the primary focuses of the event is to raise money for scholarships to be awarded to Polson High School Key Club members.

Monaco said that the scholarships will be announced at a later date.

The 34 Polson Kiwanis members pre-sold tickets to the dinner.

Monaco said that since Oct. 1, 2017, five new members have joined the organization, which meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at the KwaTaqNuk Casino and Resort in Polson.

In addition to the bi-weekly meetings, Monaco said that the group also tries to organize a social outing once a week to benefit a local organization as well.

To continue moving forward helping children in the community, Monaco said the organization is “always” looking for new members.

For more information on how to join Kiwanis, contact Monaco at or [email protected].

For more information on Kiwanis, visit www.mtkiwanis.org.