The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork raised more than $85,000 during its annual auction last week, according to Executive Director Sterling Bax.

It was the 47th auction held for the foundation, which collaborates with hundreds of local businesses for the event.  

Around 300 people packed into the Garden Bar for a “madhouse of fun and support,” Bax said, bidding on items that ranged from experiences, like private dinners with Bigfork chefs, to jewelry from local artisans. 

Since Bigfork is unincorporated, the nonprofit has taken on efforts that municipalities normally would, like the maintenance of parks, streetlights, sidewalks and the stormwater drainage system.   

Bax said the funds raised at the annual fall auction go toward funding operation costs for the foundation’s ongoing projects. 

“We're just so proud, because that's all money that comes directly from the local community, and it goes directly back into the local community. Everything we do is a local, Bigfork project,” she said.  

Other auction items included private performances from local musicians like Halladay Quist and Tommy Edwards, as well as special wine collections, paintings, freshly baked huckleberry pie, a surfboard and a variety of themed gift baskets, like one with a smores kit and six-pack of local beer, according to Bax. 

The nonprofit recently announced its campaign to preserve the property where Lake Baked and the River View Bar is located, also known as River View place. The property include the building, the accompanying green space and parking lot. The goal is to raise $1.5 million by February 2027, Bax said.  

The group has raised 85% of the funds needed to purchase the property, with just $250,000 left in the campaign.  

Even though a few local donors have helped them reach massive goals, Bax said the last stretch of a capital campaign can be critical. 

“It's the last green space downtown, and our goal is to keep that property for the community of Bigfork and keep it to be this beautiful little green riverside spot that's meant to be for community gatherings,” Bax said.  

She said the group held a concert in August to raise funds for the purchase and plan to hold another next summer. There will also be some small events throughout the winter.  

“That final stretch can sometimes be the hardest. But we're confident that the community will come together and fill the gap and just make sure we're taking care of our favorite place,” Bax said. 

This article has been updated to correct the fundraising goal for the River View place property. 

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].