Fundraiser thanks

As I near the end of my fundraising endeavors for my upcoming trip this June to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Dallas, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the generous individuals, businesses and organizations that made contributions.

Thank you to The Nite Owl, Freedom Bank, Bill Dakin at Re/Max Mountain View, Roger Newman, Napa Auto Parts, Glacier Gateway and Ruder elementary schools staff, Tim Murphy at State Farm Insurance, Columbia Falls Dental Clinic, Nelson’s Hardware, Dawn Foust at Farmer’s Insurance, Dermatology Associates, Lyle Mitchell at State Farm Insurance, Plum Creek, Park Side Federal Credit Union, the local chapter of the P.E.O., and Troy Ypma at Columbia Falls Eyecare for their generous donations and encouraging words.

I would also like to thank the many individuals who made contributions to the fund via our Web account on gofundme.com. There are too many to possibly name in one short letter, a fact which stands as testament to the nature of our community.

In addition, I am so grateful for all the support and assistance I received at the fundraising dinner. Thank you to Pastor Pete and Tonja Erickson for the use of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church building and their incredible support in planning the event, and to the families and individuals who showed their support through attending, providing desserts, or helping with preparation. The event could not have been a success without their efforts.

Finally, a very special thank you to my coaches, Kim Gange, Tara Norick and Leslie DiMaio, for their endless support, and to my family for their tireless efforts and willingness to give of their time and talents.

Columbia Falls is truly a remarkable community, one in which students receive ample opportunity and support. I am grateful for the chance to represent our community, the Flathead Valley and the state of Montana in Dallas and know I would not be able to do so without the generosity of community members. I can never repay what has been given so generously — I can only offer my sincerest thanks and warmest regards.

Meredith Stolte

Columbia Falls