Fundraising night at VFW benefits Plains Cemetery
Chris Borntreger Sr. and Jr. both trying to keep up with the quick bidding from the crowd (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Chris Borntreger Jr. getting set to see who would win the favorite flavor contest between himself and his dad with their Butchers Nook cherry and blueberry pies they auctioned off on the night. Cherry won.
The highly saught after wild horse photo in frame raised nearly $300 for the cemetery just on it’s own. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Plains Chief of Police Shawn Emmett, left, with Glen Rummel pose for a photo with the plaque awarded to Rummel and his wife Darlene for their outstanding service to their community. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
It was a Friday night out to enjoy some homemade tacos with friends and support the annual Plains Cemetery Fundraiser.
The Plains VFW Post No. 3596 was full of buzz and laughter as locals converged at the hall ready to bid on some locally made items.
“We had about 80 people attend, so we are really happy with the turn out,” Ken Jones said.
Though figures are still getting finalized, Jones said the total will sit around $4,000 for the fundraiser, or about $12,000 short of their target number to complete the irrigation system for the cemetery grounds.
Plains local staple auctioneer Chris Borntreger Sr. got the crowd warmed up before he took off at a million miles an hour selling pies, buckles and one big “wild horse stampede” photo frame.
There were a few standout bidders on the night as a couple of hot items created an exciting atmosphere for those in attendance.
Hands down the hottest item of the night was a homemade cheesecake donated by Dog Hill Bistro that sold for more than a couple hundred dollars. It was sliced into decadent pieces, which were sold off before the crowd got back to the more social part of the night.
Glen Rummel was also presented with a plaque for his many years served on the committee for the Plains Cemetery. He was praised for his dedication to the upkeep and beautification of many residents’ final resting place.
His predecessor Plains Chief of Police Shawn Emmett presented the Rummels (wife Darlene included) with the plaque acknowledging over 40 years of great service to the local cemetery and small community.
“The most emotional part of the night for the committee was the thanks given to pivotal members of the community such as Glen and Darlene,” said Jones.