The Ripple Effect, a fundraiser for Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness in Polson, drew nearly 200 supporters to the poolside Saturday night for games, drinks, appetizers and auctions.

According to the center’s executive director, Rayanne Crick, the event raised more than $20,000 to help keep the center afloat.

“We were incredibly pleased at the turn out and the fun atmosphere,” she wrote in an email Tuesday morning. “We have had nothing but compliments and encouragement from our membership and the community.”

Crick said more than 160 tickets were sold to the event, in addition to eight sponsored tables. The Floating Chip Shot contest made more than $1,000 as golfers (amateurs and experts alike) sought to lob a ball into the red canoe moored at the center of the pool. Gage Accounting claimed the grand prize – a private party/pool rental for up to 25 people.

The fundraiser arrived on the heels of a two-month pool renovation and facelift. Improvements included demolition and reconstruction of a new deck around the saltwater therapy pool and diving board and blocks, installation of a new water softener, resealing the roof, removing rust from metal struts that support the ceiling, and repairing the air circulation system.

The facility fully reopened last Monday, Oct. 5.

Hu Beaver, vice president of the board, was part of the grassroots effort to build the pool 13 years ago and has remained steadfast in his efforts to ensure its continued success.

When it first opened, he had high hopes that a grandson would become an Olympic class swimmer. That dream was curtailed when the youngster pursued other athletic endeavors. That didn’t deter Beaver, however, from his involvement with MVAF.  

“It's a commitment and I just stayed with it,” the local contractor said Saturday.

He regularly swims at the pool, although a recent shoulder replacement has slowed him down, and has remained engaged in ongoing maintenance issues, even wielding a jackhammer last week in preparation for Saturday’s event.

“The maintenance of the pool, it just never ends,” he said. “And we're battling it all the time.” That’s in part what spurred efforts to establish an endowment to help cover future expenses.

Lifeguard Molly Wilson was making sure no one took an unplanned plunge Saturday. A teacher in Ronan, Wilson said her 14-year-old daughter is on the Lake Monsters swim team.

“We've been trying to figure out what sport to get her into for a long time,” Wilson said. “We've tried other things, like volleyball and track. Last year we tried swimming, and she's great at it – I didn't even know she could swim a lap.”

That aura of outreach and community inclusion was on display Saturday, as people of all ages mingled. Kayla Perry, a Salish Kootenai College student who recently began working at the front desk, said she helped out with party preparations the day before and lent a hand Saturday as well. “It’s a blast,” she proclaimed.

Crick noted that key staff members and the board of directors “worked tirelessly to make this event a success … I am incredibly proud of my team here at Mission Valley Aquatics. Every detail that was envisioned came to life in a beautiful setting with great music, food, drinks and community connection.”

The result, she predicted, “will truly make a ripple in our community” by increasing accessibility to the facility and its programs, classes and the Lake Monsters swim team.

For more information on the center’s offerings, visit mvaquatics.org.

    Hellcat Maggie entertained at Mission Valley Aquatic Center's fundraiser in what lead singer David Lewing dubbed the first (and only) stop on this year's national tour. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Golfer takes a swing during The Ripple Effect, a fundraiser held Saturday at Mission Valley Aquatics in Polson. Participants chipped nine balls into the red canoe at the center of the pool, with Gage Accounting winning the grand prize of a free pool party. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)