(Columbia Falls, MT) The Glacier National Park Conservancy is hosting its signature fundraising event on August, 2, at Green Valley Ranch in Coram. The Backpacker’s Ball is the once a year gala to raise substantial funds to invest in Glacier National Park.
The Conservancy is proud to announce a tremendous amount of community business support for this year’s key philanthropic celebration. “Businesses are committed to investing in Glacier’s future,” said Glacier National Park Conservancy President and CEO Mark Preiss. “We could not do this without such overwhelming support, and we are being approached by businesses throughout Flathead Valley and nationally who want to be involved.”
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and the Glacier National Park Conservancy Board of Directors have each stepped forward with $10,000 event sponsorships. Other community sponsors include Glacier National Park Lodges, Kootenai Resource Corporation, Glacier Bank, the Daily Inter Lake, Sportsman & Ski Haus, Sokaapiiwa Foundation, and West Glacier Mercantile. Hundreds of others are participating in a meaningful way.
Last year, the Backpacker’s Ball raised $100,000 to benefit Glacier National Park. This year, the goal is $120,000, which the Conservancy believes is possible if business and private sponsors continue to come forward with such enthusiasm.
The live and silent auction offers many unique adventure packages. Delta has donated a pair of tickets to anywhere in the world except Hawaii. Patrick Henry Creative Charters has donated a once in a lifetime private train trip for 10 people, running from Chicago to Whitefish. The train features a private sleeping car, luxury dining car, a chef and a bartender. Spotted Bear Ranch is offering a two-day pack trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness followed by a three-day fly fishing float trip.
Glacier National Park relies on Backpacker’s Ball to raise nearly 10% of its annual philanthropic donations. From field trips for school children to park restoration, Backpacker’s Ball and other Glacier Conservancy fundraising efforts will position Glacier to receive continued support for current and future generations. For more information, please visit www.backpackersball.com.
Glacier National Park Conservancy is the official philanthropic and outreach partner of Glacier National Park, and invests in preservation, education and research to transform the Glacier experience. In 2014, GNPC is supporting 20 projects in Glacier National Park including Glacier Youth Corps, the Apgar Visitor Center rehabilitation, the Many Glacier Bridal Path, and Native America Speaks.
Contact: Lauren Alley
lauren@gnpconservancy.org
Telephone: 406-892-3250
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