House gifted for WSA funds
<p><strong>Alvin Amundson delivers a speech to WSA’s Oktoberfest on Saturday night shortly after they announced his intention to aid WSA in their fundraising efforts to build a new sports complex in Plains by donating his house and all the proceeds upon sale of it.</strong></p> <div><strong><br /></strong></div>
PLAINS - Wildhorse Sports Association was full to the brim of surprises and good brews Saturday night at their Oktoberfest-themed fundraiser at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion.
The Plains-based non-profit organization, which seeks to build a new sports complex at the old Plains airport for youth sports such as baseball, soccer and little guy football, was on a mission to raise funds Saturday night by way of auction items, selling tickets, and offering guests a good time with tasty brews and German-style food.
“We really have to thank all of you for showing up,” treasurer Erika Swanson Lawyer announced to guests on Saturday.
The organization has been hard at work for 12 months, and has experienced success in raising funds for the sports complex such as receiving grants from PPL Montana and Avista Corp. as well as private donations. However, the biggest surprise for them was the gift of a home.
The WSA board shared the surprise with guests Saturday night, after keeping the secret under wraps for a full six weeks. Much-adored and well-known local Plainsman Alvin Amundson gifted the deed to his house to WSA, and upon the sale of the house, all the proceeds will go directly to WSA funds for the new sports complex.
“I told the board in memory of my wife and myself, I would like to give to the organization my house,” Amundson said. “This week, the deed will be transferred to the association and they are going to sell the house and with the proceeds, it will all go to the association.”
The house, which is located on W. Stanton St. in Plains, has only ever had one owner of 40-plus years: Mr. Amundson himself.
“The reason why I gave it, was because I arrived here 73 years ago and this is my community, and being in business for 40 years here, I owe it to the community, I want to give back to the community, and that’s what’s happened,” Amundson said.
Amundson had approached WSA about his desire to gift a significant contribution shortly after he moved to Missoula to reside in an active senior living center.
Currently, WSA is in Phase I of III in its quest for the new sports complex. Phase I consists of upgrading the site facilities, construct locker rooms, concessions stand, one Babe Ruth field and one Little League field.
“This is something for the community of Plains, and for our children for generations to come,” board member Randy Garrison said. “We are committed, and it’s going to happen.”