111th Kalispell Chamber Banquet and Auction nets big results for Kidsports and "Here and Now" Initiatives

Banquet raises $100,000 to expand community facility

KALISPELL, Mont. (Nov. 19, 2015)–Community members served up a generous contribution to the Kidsports fundraising campaign at the 111th Kalispell Chamber Banquet and Auction. The Kalispell Chamber announced that $100,000 was raised for Kidsports at the auction, which was held Thursday, November 12.

"The Kidsports complex is a special mix of community and economic development with strong community support," said Joe Unterreiner, president of the Kalispell Chamber. "Kidsports brings $7.6M in economic benefit to the Flathead through soccer, baseball, and softball tournaments. Between that and strong valley wide youth participation in activities at the complex, our businessmen and women recognized this as a worthwhile project. We could not be more pleased to help raise $100,000 to complete the project."

The funds raised are the latest in support efforts led by the Kalispell Chamber to move forward the expansion of Kidsports. Funds will go toward supporting the current plan to expand offerings of cross country pathways, additional mixed use fields, access and play equipment for children with special needs, and better infrastructure for users of the park. The proceeds raised during Thursday’s banquet represent a significant portion of the $1 million dollars in private funding required to complete the project.

Justin Sliter, Treasurer of Kidsports said, "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Kidsports at the Kalispell Chamber’s Annual Banquet. Kidsports is a resource for our children as well as an economic driver for our community. The $100,000 raised is a great kick start to our campaign to fund the completion of the facility. We hope to break ground in the spring of 2016."

In addition to the tremendous support shown for the Kidsports facility, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce also raised $16,450 for its "Here and Now" Initiatives.

"Altogether, attendees made an outstanding showing for the community and children of Kalispell and for the ongoing programs and recognitions of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce," continued Unterreiner. "The Kalispell Chamber would like to thank the business community for all of the support received. We look forward to the continuing growth and enrichment of the Kalispell area."

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

Since 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a leading voice in strengthening our community and the business climate, with the goal of making Kalispell and the Flathead Valley an ideal location to live and work. The Chamber consists of 700 businesses and organizations, which employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana.