Avista's golf tournament to support TRACS

THOMPSON FALLS - Avista will hold a four-person scramble at the River’s Bend Golf Course in Thompson Falls, Saturday, Aug. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to be involved even if you are not a golfer.

 For those who do not want to pick up a club are welcome to participate in the silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter.

Those wanting to participate in the silent auction will again be able to call a special phone number during the event to place their bid. This phone-in feature expands the number of people in the community who can get involved with this fundraising event.

“We really want to give the entire community the opportunity to participate in this important event,” said Tournament Co-Chair Tim Swant of Avista. “Last year, we were pleased with the number of people who called in their bids so we decided to provide this phone in option to people again to allow folks to continue to place their bids during the actual golf tournament.”

Swant said the process was quick and easy. To be part of the excitement those who want to participate are able to phone in their bid on the day of the event by calling 540-3136 before the auction closes at 2 p.m. the day of the tournament.

This year, all the money raised will support the continued effort of TRACS to provide shelter and protection for companion animals as well as education and support to the community on overpopulation and responsible pet ownership.

“TRACS is honored and thrilled to have been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Avista’s annual Charity Golf Tournament.  TRACS is the only provider of animal sheltering services in Sanders County for the homeless, abused, and unwanted pets that abound,” Wanda Thorpe of TRACS said. “TRACS has brought in and sheltered, fed, trained, and provided medical services for over 3,000 homeless pets in their eight years of operation.  TRACS has also provided very important spay and neuter surgeries via grant funding to over 2,000 owned pets in Sanders County whose owners have been unable to financially do this on their own.”

TRACS is a “no kill” shelter operation and all homeless pets that are brought to TRACS have a home there until a good, suitable forever home can be found for them. TRACS has a 100 percent adoption rate, as no homeless pets go without the care and training they need to become good pets for individuals in the community and in other cities in the Northwest.  

TRACS is solely funded by kind donations, occasional grants, and adoption fees. Everyone is welcome to help TRACS with their important mission by being a part of this fun and exciting community event.

Room is still available for those who want to register to participate in the golf tournament. Avista is still accepting hole and pin prize sponsors, cash donations and silent auction items are still needed.  The current list of donated packages includes a golf package at StoneRidge, Spokane symphony tickets, and Silverwood Theme Park passes. Other auction items range from a variety of gift basket sets to aerial adventure tickets for Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Silent auction bidding commences at noon on Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 16. From August 7 - 15 bidders can view pictures of the silent auction items at the Thompson Falls Public Library, 911 Main St. Thompson Falls, Mt. or at the Rocky Mountain Bank, 108 East Railroad Ave. Plains, Mt. To place a bid or find out the current bid call 540-3136.

To offer support by donating prizes, or sponsoring the event, contact Tim Swant at 847-1282 or TRACS at 540-3136.

Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. The company provides energy services and electricity to 366,000 customers and natural gas to 326,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.5 million.  Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp.

For more information, please visit www.avistautilities.com.