The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork will meet on Wednesday night for their first in person auction since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Executive Director Paul Mutascio said the event is the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser of the year, typically bringing in around $40,000- $50,000 for the organization.

The CFBB works to support all kinds of different community efforts— from their years-long stormwater drainage system project in downtown Bigfork to their continual maintenance of Sliter Memorial Park. They’ve pledged to donate $10,000 annually for five years to the Bigfork Library Project and were heavily involved with the creation of a much-needed parking lot in downtown. From projects big and small, Mutascio said the organization gives out around $100,000 every year— sometimes more. He said due to the pandemic, they scaled back spending a bit due to the uncertainty but were able to continue to raise necessary funds for projects despite not having their biggest annual fundraiser.

“People were obviously being very generous knowing our situation. Because as a 501(c)(3) we live and die by donations, so we kept going and we were pretty successful in what we had accomplished,” Mutascio said. “But throughout all that, we've been able to continue keeping Bigfork a beautiful spot to live,”

There will be 150 silent auction items, which Mutascio said were donated by local businesses. Those auction items include different kinds of local art, jewelry, gift certificates to local restaurants and stays at local vacation rentals— among many other items. After the auction, there will also be an opportunity to make an open donation. Free food and free wine and beer will be provided.

The 20th annual auction for the CFBB will be held at the Garden Bar in downtown Bigfork and starts at 5 p.m. Free food and free beer and wine will be provided.