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2024 Live Auction Sneak Peek!

Get a glimpse of a few of the great live auction items featured at our upcoming Banquet & Auction. Stay tuned...more to come!

Interested in proxy bidding or have questions about these items? Please call our office at 406-549-0755 or email Sophie at sophie@fvlt.org.

A tremendous thanks to all the generous businesses and donors for making these auction items possible.

Summer Canoe Trip on the Missouri River: Paddle the Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri and uncover layers of history. Most notably, the cross-continental journey of Lewis & Clark. Stephen Ambrose’s book, Undaunted Courage, has inspired many to paddle this section of the Missouri River also known as The White Cliffs. You’ll camp where they camped, see what they saw and learn about their trip from our experienced guides. For any river traveler, this trip offers a very accessible route of discovery: geology, wildlife, Native American culture, early explorers and the pioneers that followed. This trip is for two, meals and beverages are included. Dates: June 18-20, July 1-3, Aug 12-14. Thank you, Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures. Value: $1,730.

Guided Gravel Ride: This 40-mile, fully guided cycling adventure will take you and 11 of your closest riding buddies from Missoula to Seeley Lake along Shaun Radley’s super-secret, extra-sweet dirt stash route! Your crew will have amazing local guides and be supported by two fully stocked aid stations. Includes pre-ride coffee and treats from Black Coffee and Grist, a post-ride meal catered by Casa Caro, and a shuttle back to Missoula. Free rental bikes available if needed. Thank you, MTCX and Casa Caro. Value $3,750.

Ranch at Rock Creek Getaway: Experience Montana in style. This two-night, all-inclusive stay at the Ranch at Rock Creek is just the getaway you have been looking for. Stay in one of the Granite Lodge Rooms or a Classic Canvas Cabin and enjoy fresh gourmet meals, artisan cocktails and exceptional service. This package includes two guided day activities per person, such as fly fishing, horseback riding or mountain biking, just to name a few. This package is for two people. Dates are subject to availability and blackout dates, must be used by May 2025. Thank you, Ranch at Rock Creek. Value: $7,626.

Escape to Paradise - Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental: Casa Puesta del Sol is a six-bedroom, five-bathroom Mexican hacienda located in Nayarit, Mexico, just 25 minutes from PuertoVallarta's airport. Designed by architect Juan Monguia, it sits in the Costa Banderas gated community. The home boasts lush tropical gardens on a full-acre homesite. With its elevation of about 50 feet above sea level, Casa Puesta del Sol enjoys refreshing sea breezes and stunning views of Bahia Banderas to Cabo Corrientes and the Marriettas Islands. Guests can enjoy both city lights in Puerto Vallarta and a secluded white sand beach just steps away. Whale watching is a highlight from November to March, with local village panga trips available. Full-time staff, Ramon and Olga, provide housekeeping and prepare two meals daily for guests with your purchase of groceries. Ramon, a skilled chef and bartender, can create culinary delights. Whether guests seek Vallarta nightlife, beach activities, or relaxation, Casa Puesta del Sol offers the perfect setting, amenities, and staff to fulfill vacation dreams. This package is for up to sixteen guests (including children willing to sleep on air mattresses). Blackout dates are the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Must be used before May 1st 2025 subject to availability. Does not include airfare or gratuity for caretakers. Thank you, Welborn Family. Value: $4,500.

Commissioned Family Portraits by Courtney Blazon: Let Courtney Blazon capture your family and their favorite things in her iconic, signature style. Courtney will create a piece for each family member that highlights their personalities and passions, pets can be included too! This item includes 4 individual commissioned portrait pieces to begin in November and be completed by December 1st, 2023. Portraits can be done in-person or from a photograph. Thank you, Courtney Blazon. Value: $600.

Private Cycling Vacation with The Cycling House: Get ready for a vacation unlike any other – a private, week-long bike trip with the Cycling House in Tucson, Arizona. A private trip means the complete takeover of The Cycling House for you, your friends and family. Enjoy a custom road, gravel, or mountain biking itinerary, indulge in curated chef-prepared meals, have the full support of awesome TCH guides and – ultimately – soak up a trip for the ages with the ones you care about the most. Biking isn’t your thing? Do not fear, guides are prepared with a variety of other activities to keep you busy during your week stay which could include birding, hiking, nature walks, Tucson food tour, star gazing…. This package is for up to 12 guests and includes all lodging, meals, and guide services. Valid September - December 2024, or January 2025. Subject to availability. Does not include airfare or gratuity for The Cycling House staff. Thank you, The Cycling House. Value: up to $39,500.

SOAR Inflatable Canoe (14ft Canyon):  Ready to get out on the water? Trail Head River Sports Recently Acquired the SOAR brand of inflatable canoes. SOAR Inflatable Canoes are one of the finest, most versatile and sought-after water crafts in the world. With 5 models to choose from, SOAR has a boat for every user and every application. What makes them special is that they can be paddled with a canoe or kayak paddle, rowed with oars, and optionally propelled by motor or sail. For a paddler with a bit of skill, you will find that a SOAR canoe loaded to full capacity can be easily maneuvered through technical whitewater. SOAR’s unique hull design allows a paddler to sit up on a seat or kneeling with their butt against the seat, so paddlers are no longer sitting on the floor in cold water with their legs out in front. See better and paddle better. The SOAR boats are the craft of choice when a raft is too much and a pack raft is not enough. SOAR boats are the very best choice for remote trips in places like Alaska, and remote places around the world. Thank you, Trail Head River Sports. Value: $2,595.

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll): Gather seven of your closest and head down to the red door: Brasserie Porte Rouge. The team at Brasserie Porte Rouge are elated to bring a taste of France to the banks of the Clark Fork River and look forward to sharing the best of the old world with dinner and wine for eight. Bottled beer, full bottles of wine, and gratuity are not included. This dinner is for eight people and must be used by Dec. 31st, 2024. Thank you, Brasserie Porte Rouge. Value: $800.

The Decemberists VIP Viewing Experience: Ready to kick off your summer concert season? Take in the sights and sounds along the banks of the Blackfoot River at The Decemberists show on Friday, July 26th with the best seats in the house! This concert experience includes tickets for 20 people to enjoy the show from a private viewing area, plus VIP parking and a priority entrance into the venue, appetizer and cocktail service (drinks available for purchase), and access to the restricted pit in front of the stage. Thank you, Logjam Presents and the KettleHouse Amphitheatre. Value:$2,500.

Big Sky, Montana Ski Weekend: Relax in comfort during a two-night stay at a Spanish Peaks condo in Big Sky. This three-bedroom condo is in the Meadow Village complex. Once you're settled, take off on a day of skiing with friends with four lift tickets to Big Sky Resort. After a great day on the slopes, relax in your condo’s hot tub or unwind near the fireplace while enjoying the view of Lone Mountain. Dates subject to availability and blackout dates and must be used by April 2025. Thank you, Dick Anderson Construction. Value: $2,000.

Rooster Ridge Pheasant Hunt: You couldn’t ask for a better setting for a day of pheasant hunting. You and up to three friends will have a day to remember at the Grass Valley Farms, just south of the Missoula International Airport. This stunning property is surrounded by 1,000 acres that practically call the pheasants in. Winner can choose to have this hunt be guided. Dates subject to availability and must be used between September 1st, 2024 and March 31st, 2025. Thank you, Grass Valley Farms. Value: $350.

Grizzly Hackle Guided Fishing Trip: Prepare to reel in the big one on this one-day guided float trip. You pick the river—the iconic Blackfoot, graceful Clark Fork or scenic Bitterroot—and Grizzly Hackle will do the rest. This trip for two includes lunch, transportation, and a professional guide. What better way to spend a perfect Montana summer day? Thank you, Grizzly Hackle. Value: $675.

Belize Oceanfront Villa Getaway, escape the ordinary! Experience a tropical one-week stay at a breathtaking 3-bedroom oceanside villa in Belize. This exclusive villa promises an unforgettable retreat. White sand beaches, emerald colors of the Caribbean Sea, and the Mayan jungle create an oasis for relaxation or adventure. With an additional fee, you’ll have the opportunity to have a charter captain take you and your guests Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon fishing or for a memorable snorkeling excursion. The villa sleeps 3 couples, or a total of 10 people (with kids sleeping on comfortable pullout couches). Blackout dates are Christmas and New Year’s. Must be used by May 31st, 2025, subject to availability and does not include airfare. Thank you, Anonymous Donor. Value: $15,000.

Sprinklers Done Right: Healthy Missoula lawns, gardens, and plants rely on a dependable irrigation system. This spring, let Sprinkler Maniac install a “set it and forget it” sprinkler system that's done right the first time. Your sprinkler system will be built with the highest quality materials and with the expertise of an experienced crew. Sprinkler Maniac brings the same level of honest, meticulous, and thorough work to every site. This is a 40-sprinkler head installation, which waters a typical Missoula yard (6,000-10,000-foot lot). For the Missoula area only, needs to be installed in June 2025. Thank you, Sprinkler Maniac. Value: $6,000.

Conservation Beef: Take home the tastiest grass-fed beef this side of the Continental Divide. Born and raised at the Rimel Ranch in the South Hills overlooking Missoula on land protected with a Five Valleys conservation easement, these steers get supplemented with grain from the KettleHouse Brewery, providing an excellent finish! Cold Smoke Beef! This half-of-beef will be butchered and wrapped by theMCPS School Farm and yields between 200-300 lbs of the best steaks, roasts, ribs, and burger you’ve ever tried. MCPS School Farm is the largest pork producer in Missoula County where students have the opportunity to raise livestock, operate a greenhouse, and forage crops. Beef will be ready by summer 2024. Thank you,Karen and John Rimel, MCPS School Farm, and Tom Andres. Value: $2,000.

Screening Full Body MRI: Experience peace of mind with a Screening Full Body MRI at the Montana Imaging Center – home to the state's premier MRI technology and the friendliest staff around. As pioneers in the region, they are proud to offer the first screening MRI services in Montana and the Pacific Northwest, using the most advanced MRI equipment available. Offering both Screening MRI and Diagnostic MRI, Montana Imaging Center’s attentive staff creates a welcoming atmosphere ensuring a positive experience. Enjoy flexible appointment scheduling, including same-day and next-day availability. This item is for aScreening Full Body MRI appointment, with no provider referral required. The sooner you schedule your MRI, the sooner you'll have the answers to get back todo the things you love in our beautiful open spaces. The winner can upgrade to the Full Body Advantage package by covering the cost difference. Thank you, Dr.Tim McCue and Montana Imaging Center. Must be used before December 1st, 2025. Value: $1,799.

Philipsburg Weekend Getaway: Looking for the perfect winter getaway not far from home? Look no further! Head over to charming Philipsburg with five of your closest friends and hit the slopes at Discovery Ski Area. When you’ve had your fill of powder, head to your home base, a newly renovated yurt, just minutes away. Don't forget to swing by Philipsburg Coffee, TheSweet Palace, and Philipsburg Brewing Company to stock up on caffeine, sweet treats, and libations. This package is for six people and includes a two-night yurt stay (sleeps seven), six lift tickets, gift cards to a Philipsburg Coffee,The Sweet Palace, and Philipsburg Brewing Company. Scheduling is based on yurt availability and some blackout dates included. Thank you, Mary and Todd Frank,Discovery Ski Area, Philipsburg Coffee, The Sweet Palace, and Philipsburg Brewing Company. Value: $890.

Farm to Table Dinner at Strawberry Ridge Farm: You’ve never been to a garden party like this: take in stunning views of Missoula from the North Hills while indulging in a Farm to Table meal paired with wine from Worden’s Market and Deli. We aren’t sure which will be the best part – the food, the wine, the scenery, or enjoying all of it with seven of your closest friends. Don’t miss what is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Date needs to be coordinated with the hosts. Thank you, Rika and Rick Wishcamper and Worden’s Market and Deli. Value: Priceless!

Gallatin Valley by Jeff Walker: Jeff Walker captures the essence of Montana's natural beauty through his mastery of oil painting. While Jeff continues to create etchings, his love for oil painting shines through in this stunning piece generously donated by Mae Nan Ellingson from her private collection. Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of Montana as you enjoy this breathtaking work. Thank you, Mae Nan Ellingson. Value: $700.

Pickleball Starter Package and Private Lessons: Get ready to elevate your pickleball game with this exclusive package, for you and 11 friends. Learn all things pickleball during a private 1.5 hour lesson at the PEAK’s Pickleball Club with their pickleball pro, Michael DeGrazier and underground pickleball guru, Shaun Radley. Then practice what you’ve learned with a 1.5 hour playtime. Beverages and light snacks will be provided. This package is the ultimate experience, and features all-new gear for four people, including a professional-grade net and four pickleball memberships to the PEAK for the months ofJune, July, and August so you can continue to hone your skills as you embark on a journey to pickleball greatness! Lesson scheduling will be based on Shaun and the PEAK’s availability. Thank you, Shaun Radley and PEAK Health & Wellness. Value: $2,780.

Case of Wine in Honor of Sue and John Talbot: John Talbot’s steady leadership on the board helped guide Five Valleys through formative years and into an era where Five Valleys has become a valued community institution. For many years Sue and John donated a case of wine to our Banquet, and our board has decided to continue this tradition forward with a case of wines hand selected by Missoula Wine Merchants. For this year‘s auction, we have selected an amazing group of fantastically paired wines throughout the United States and Europe. The wines were selected from some of the most renowned and dynamic wine regions: Burgundy, Champagne, Rioja, California, theLoire, and Umbria. Two wines were selected from each area that represent some of the finest producers and varietals of each region. Some of the producers, such as Silver Oak and Chateau Montelena, are well known, while others such as Paolo Bea of Umbria, Italy, have impressive cult followings but such small production that the wines are usually sold out almost instantly. This curators case of top notch wine is ready to drink now but could easily be cellared to savor at a later date. Included in the case is a short write up of each wine. When you enjoy this wine, please think of Sue and John, and raise your glass to them both! Thank you, Five Valleys Board and Friends and Missoula Wine Merchants. Value: $925.

Conservation Dinner with Bravo!: Celebrated local chef, Ryan Boehme, will prepare a scrumptious dinner for you and five guests at the home of Jim Valeo. This package includes superb wine from Jim’s entire wine cellar. Wines will be selected by Ryan to compliment the Bravo! multi-course dinner. You and your guests can work up an appetite prior to dinner with a walk around the Valeo property in the beautiful Grass Valley. The Valeos placed a Five Valleys’ Conservation Easement on this land in 2007, guaranteeing it will remain undeveloped and an important contribution to the fabric of the Five Valleys’ landscape. Transportation is included. Must be used by April 2025, date subject to the chef and host’s mutual availability, the month of September is blacked out. Thank you, Jim Valeo, Ryan Boehme and Bravo! Catering. Value: $750

Questions about these items? Please call the office at 406-549-0755 or email Sophie at sophie@fvlt.org.

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