Fundraising for Indoor Event Center Continues
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With the new year, the Blaine County Fair Foundation (BCFF) shifted into full fundraiser mode for the 2019 Blaine County Fair and fairgrounds. The Foundation’s first annual Brewfest held on January 26 netted approximately $1500. More than 250 people attended the event organized under the leadership of Loren Skoyen and James DesRosier.
Ongoing fundraising continues for the Indoor Event Center with the opportunity to purchase a custom brick memorializing a loved one, family ranch, individual, or business. According to BCFF Secretary, Laura Kleinjan, the bricks can be engraved with a special message and be permanently displayed in the Indoor Event Center.
Memorial Bricks are available in two sizes: 4” x 8” or 8” x 8”. The smaller bricks can be personalized with up to three lines of text, 20 characters and/or spaces per line. To the larger bricks, two additional lines of 20-character text each can be added. Any symbol—whether a comma, period or dash—is considered a character, and spaces also figure into the character count. For an additional cost, individuals can add brands, logos, or custom clip art. They can even purchase a mini replica of their brick.
To purchase a brick, interested persons can contact Kleinjan by calling 406-390-2651 or by going online at www. 4everbricks.com/BCF. Kleinjan will personally work with individuals to develop a design. Memorial Brick order forms are also available at the Fair Office located on 300 Cleveland Road West in Chinook. For answers to any questions, people can email Blainecountyfairfoundation@gmailcom.
All money raised from the bricks will go directly to fund the building. “Completed last fall by Moxley Construction, the building pad was totally funded by a grant from the Montana Tourism Department,” Kleinjan stated.
“No county funds or taxpayer money is being used to construct the building. Every penny has been donated through fundraisers such as last year’s comedy show, this brick fundraiser, the Holiday Cash Lottery that Laine Jorgenson spearheads every year, and with grants and private donations,” Kleinjan added.
According to Kleinjan, donations have come from as far away as California. Various grants for LED lighting and overhead doors for the building have also been awarded. “We just need to raise enough money to hire a contractor between now and September to erect the actual building and get it usable. This project has been in the works for two years and will be a reminder for generations to come as to what a small community can do when we all come together for the common good of our town,” she said.
“Donations of any amount are tax deductible,” Kleinjan added. Anyone wishing to contribute to this project can make checks payable to Blaine County Fair Foundation (BCFF) and mail them to BCFF, PO Box 1207; Chinook, MT 59523.
When completed, the Indoor Event Center will be available for private event rental and public use and will generate money for the day to day operation and maintenance of the fairgrounds. With additional time, planning, and capital applied to the Indoor Event Center, the more likely it is that Blaine County will benefit from the project. Supporting the Memorial Brick Project is one way that the BCFF is attempting to attract more donors and more willing hands in order to eventually draw an economic payoff.
Kleinjan reported that the Fair Board has worked hard to produce a quality county fair every year for everyone’s enjoyment and to maintain the fairgrounds on a limited budget. “Our fair board members all volunteer and are totally ‘hands-on’ when it comes to fixing, improving, and creating an enjoyable environment to bring visitors to the Blaine County Fair, which in turn helps our local businesses and economy. They donate countless hours of their own time,” she stated.
In addition to the Memorial Brick Project, the Fair Foundation is also offering business exposure and year-round advertising to businesses who purchase an 8’ x 4’ weather-proof sponsor sign. On these signs, which are displayed on the Grandstands, Fair Office, and other high visible areas of the fairgrounds, a business can feature its name, logo, and contact information.
According to Fair Foundation personnel, people will see the business’ information during the Blaine County Fair as well as throughout the year when events such as rodeos, reunions, truck pulls, and drive-in movies are held at the fairgrounds. Such displays can potentially reach customers from Hill County to Phillips County.
The money raised by the sponsor signs, however, will not fund the Event Center but will support the Blaine County Fair, ensuring a safe carnival, as well as providing assorted free acts and other features that contribute to a quality fair.
