Wednesday, February 2, 2011

'One of our best yet'

Galena benefit raises more than $160K

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

From left, Sydna Jones Barker, Robin Paschall and Muffy Ritz, winner of the Nordic Ambassador Award, enjoyed a successful fundraising evening at the Sun Valley Limelight Room for the 15th annual Galena & the Trails Winter Benefit. Photo by Willy Cook

A playful and giving mood embraced the Sun Valley Inn Limelight Room on Saturday, Jan. 29, for the 15th annual Galena & the Trails Winter Benefit dinner and auction fundraiser. The sold-out benefit attracted attendees whose generosity helped to raise more than $160,000 to benefit the maintenance of Galena Lodge and trails.

"The Galena benefit was one of our best yet," said event chair Jenny Busdon. "While it was a financial success, it was also a success in the amount of fun we all had."

 The evening had a few firsts, including a fundraising event with Galena Lodge Manager and Chef Don Shepler. Shepler said he would shave or save his distinguished and recognizable beard depending on the amount donated. A last-minute $1,000 donation had Shepler shave his beard. Shepler's whiskers helped raise more than $3,000.

Another first for the benefit was for valley resident Muffy Ritz, who received the Nordic Ambassador Award for her accomplishments with the VAMPS program. Ritz was surprised and elated. Also a first and most likely a new addition to future Galena and the Trails benefits was the evening's entertainment with live music by the band All Night Diner, which was very well received by attendees.

Galena Lodge offers a home base for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking and other activities 23 miles north of Ketchum.

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com

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