Tourney comes up big for Bigfork Fire

By ALEX STRICKLAND — Bigfork Eagle

The first ever Friends of the Bigfork Fire Department “Niner-niner” golf tournament on Sept. 14 raised almost $70,000 for the Bigfork Fire Department.

“It was very successful,” Fire Chief Chuck Harris said. “Everyone had so much fun we’re thinking we can do it again next year.”

The fund-raiser is part of the department’s current effort to raise enough money for a new ladder truck and a firefighter training building. The department recently received a $5,000 grant from Western States Insurance and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to get the effort started. That grant went toward improved communications equipment for the department.

The “Niner-Niner” fund-raiser included a nine-hole golf tournament followed by a burgers, brats and band event. Harris said they turned people away from entering the tournament because the nine-hole capacity filled up so quickly.

“Next year we hope to get all 18 holes,” Harris said.

Friends of Bigfork Fire head Joyce Mitchell said the group’s goal is $120,000 for the firefighter training facility.

“We are indebted to the community for their generosity and will continue to accept their donations throughout the year to meet our goal,” she said.

Mitchell said $10,000 came from a single, generous donor.

“We were extremely pleased,” Chuck Gough, treasurer for the group, said.

The department has also set up an honorary membership program to help raise money and allows anyone to become a member of the Fire Department. There are four different levels of membership:

? Bronze - $250 to $499 includes a BVFD hat and shirt, tote bag, framed certificate, BVFD magnet and recognition on the department's Web site.

? Silver - $500 to $999 includes the Bronze member plus a framed firefighter photograph and a formal thanks at a BVFD meeting.

? Gold - $1,000 to $1,999 includes the Silver member plus an official firefighter plaque with shield and listing on the department's Web site for one year.

? Platinum - $2,000 and up includes the Gold member plus an official firefighter helmet with shield.

Anyone interested in honorary membership may call Amy Rojo at 212-4039.

All other donations are still being accepted and can be send to Friends of the Bigfork Fire Department at P.O. Box 2333, Bigfork, MT 59911.

“Checks are still coming in,” Gough said. “I’m checking that mailbox every day.”