One of the great things about small-town living, most folks agree, is the generosity and hospitality that is often in abundance.

That was demonstrated by the large turnout of Plains High School students, staff and parents, along with many other members of the community who gathered Saturday evening for a fundraiser to support girls fast pitch softball.

In addition to a banquet style dinner, funds were raised by folks bidding on a wide variety of donated items.

With the beginning of the season just weeks away and opening practice sessions beginning March 14, softball coaches and players are working to get the tools and equipment in place for the 2022 season.

“We don’t get funding from the school,” said coach softball coach Kati Mitchell. “Fundraisers like this and the generosity of the community are what we rely on to get the gear and equipment we need.”

That includes, Mitchell said, bats, balls, uniforms and other softball related gear. The funds are also used to pay for the bus to take players to the games and to contribute to pay for the umpires throughout the season.

Plains opens the 2022 season in Polson at the Polson Tourney, then return home for a March 29 meeting with Sanders County rival Thompson Falls. Plains and T-Falls are the only schools in Sanders and Mineral counties that have softball programs.

“We are hoping to raise between $6,000 and $8,000 tonight,” Mitchell said. “Last year with all the co-vid concerns things were off, but we are counting on the auction to help us out this year.”

Mitchell later reported a successful event that passed the hoped for goals.

“The total for the auction includes ticket sales and bids,” she said. “And it looks like we raised around $13,000”.

Mitchell said the largest bid on the evening was $300 for a custom made fire pit that was created by the Plains High metals class.

Other items up for bid included several different pieces of artwork, including a sketch of actor John Wayne, outdoor power tools and a wide variety of baked goodies.

As they prepare for the season, this year’s team took time to serve up the dinner. Approximately 20 girls have signed up to play Trotter softball so far this year.