LIFT is an emergency fund that originated with members of the Yellowstone Club to help working families and individuals who are struggling as a result of lay-offs, non-payments to small businesses, and the economic downturn. The Winter Warm-up event, held February 15th, was sponsored by Big Sky Town Center, Big Sky Western Bank and Country Market to raise community awareness and money for LIFT.

The event raised nearly $3,000 for LIFT through a raffle that featured prizes such as a day of skiing for four at the Yellowstone Club with Olympian Martin Bell, a round of golf for four at Spanish Peaks Resort, fat powder skis from Grizzly Outfitters, a willow branch mirror from Carole Sisson Designs, race posters signed by Tour de France champion Greg LeMond, and many other items and services graciously donated by local businesses. It was also an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy ice-skating on the Fire Pit Park ice rink, roast marshmallows around a giant bonfire, and watch outdoor ski movies on an inflatable screen.

Many members in the community pitched in to make the event a success. Boles Construction cooked up hot dogs and brats, Choppers sold refreshments, and Jacquie Parsons sold Silpada jewelry, donating the proceeds to LIFT.

Greg LeMond donated two fitness bikes for a silent auction that was hosted by Grizzly Outfitters. Bids were taken on the two bikes, valued at $1095 and $1995 respectively, through Saturday, February 21 at 5 p.m. Silent auction winners will also be treated to a training ride with Greg in Big Sky.

LIFT is administered through the Montana Community Foundation, a statewide philanthropic organization. LIFT provides one-time emergency grants to eligible families and individuals. Grants totaling $43,000 were awarded in early February to 26 applicants.

Applications for round two are being reviewed. The next deadline for applications is March 16. Information and online applications can be found at mtcf.org.

Winners of the Silent Auction:
(Fitness Bikes donated by Greg Lemond)
• Loren Bough, who is donating the bike to Ophir School’s new gym
• Alain Tiphaine
Winners also receive a training ride with Greg

A Few of the Raffle Winners:
• Sheri Simkins: Day of Skiing at the Yellowstone Club with Martin Bell
• Ryan Hamilton: A Pair of Day Passes to Lone Mountain Ranch
• Carlye Cook: $100 Savings Bond at Big Sky Western Bank
• Loren Bough: 2 tickets for this year’s headline act at the summer outdoor concert series from the Arts Council of Big Sky
• Alice Reeves: Willow Branch Mirror from Carol Sisson Designs
• Markus Kirchmayr: A round of golf for four on the Spanish Peaks Tom Weiskopf Signature Golf Course at The Club at Spanish Peaks