Auction raises more than $20,000

On behalf of the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Association, I would like to extend a big thank you to the Columbia Falls Community for your attendance and support at the WAEA auction, barbecue and golf fundraiser.

Once again, the Wildc/kat supporters have made our event a huge success. The weekend added to the endowment fund an additional $20,800 that will benefit our Columbia Falls High School athletes for many years to come. With this effort, our endowment principal will total more than $333,000.

As always, the principal will remain untouched, with the interest earned to be used to assist CFHS athletes and their families defray the cost of participating in the high school athletic programs. The goal of WAEA is to provide necessary funding to allow CFHS athletes to play without paying for the fees and essentials. As an example, WAEA has provided for several years with the help of the community a meal (champ chow) for each athlete in all sports during an out-of-town contest.

WAEA would like to thank everyone who participated in our ATV raffle. This raffle was held throughout the 2010-2011 school year and raised $3,200 that went directly into the endowment fund. Congratulations to Cathy Finberg, who had the lucky ticket.

WAEA is very fortunate to have a list of volunteers that we call on each year. This event would not happen without their continued support and commitment. They are all greatly appreciated. A special thank you goes to school superintendent Michael Nicosia, for the district assistance and support, and to John Thompson, for his continued hard work and dedication to the Wildc/kat Athletics throughout the year and for this event.

I am also so grateful to have such a great team on my side with the WAEA Board members - Kim Cheff, Sarah Dakin, Bruce Adams, Michelle Goodman, Gary Luce and Jim Thompson. Their commitment and passion for WAEA is obvious.

Thank you again Wildc/kat supporters. Your continued support and contributions will work for our athletes for many years to come.

Jana Fields is president of the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Association