Memorial fundraiser pays off

Over $2,400 was raised last Saturday night, as nearly 300 Sanders County residents attended the fifth annual Shelton’s Memorial Fundraiser at the VFW hall in Plains.

“Everyone loved it,” McAllister said. “They thought it was the perfect time of year to do it.”

According to event organizer Tammy McAllister, the only problems were nearly running out of tables for the dessert auction items, and nearly running out of space for people.

This was the first year the event had deviated from its summer concert format, which had become a local favorite during its four year run. McAllister said that based on projections from past concert years, they had only planned on having around 200 people. Initial concerns about the facilities ability to handle the crowd, however, quickly became a memory as the evening progressed.

McAllister credits the turnout to the events scheduling change, claiming that “cabin fever” experienced by locals during the winter months made them eager to get of their homes for an evening of family run.

“It’s never been something that people haven’t enjoyed,” she said. “It’s just trying to find the right time to do it. I think this was definitely the right time.”

Attendees enjoyed their fill of good food and live music. Dinner included ribs, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, bread and dessert. Live music was peformed by local favorites including Darrin King, Lisa French, Amy Ross, Kim Beech and Shannon Browning. Headlining the event was Montana’s own Cold Hard Cash Show, a Johnny Cash cover band from Great Falls.

Even the bowling alley was open, offering yet another alternative to the evenings festivities.

Although the money raised was under McAllisters goal of 3500, she was pleased with the outcome of the event and plans to imitate this format during future fundraisers.

All proceeds of the event will go the Shelton King Memorial fund, which benefits local families during medical emergencies.