News

2025 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.

Chef's Dinner: The most exclusive dinner reservation in town will be at your table! Enjoy a five-star private dinner party for eight guests prepared and served in your home by Charity O'Connor. Charity will craft a personalized menu with three to five courses that fits your occasion. This special dinner will be fully prepared and staffed with Charity as chef, server, and clean up. Your guests will also enjoy expert wine pairings for each course. What a fun way to treat a group of friends without having to step foot in the kitchen! Dates, location, and menu decided between Charity and the winner of the dinner. Thank you, Charity O'Connor. Value: $1,000.

Escape to Paradise - Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental: Casa Puesta del Sol is a six-bedroom, five-bathroom hacienda located in Nayarit, Mexico, just 25 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport. 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 boat 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, will create culinary delights. Whether guests seek Puerto Vallarta nightlife, beach activities, orrelaxation, Casa Puesta del Sol offers the perfect setting and amenities to fulfill your vacation dreams. This package is for up to six nights and sixteen guests (including children). Blackout dates are the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Must be used before May 1st, 2026, subject to availability. Does not include airfare or gratuity for caretaker. Thank you, Welborn Family. Value: $4,500.

E Bar L Ranch - Morning Ride with Juanita Vero: September morning ride and lunch for two with Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Veroat the storied E Bar L Ranch in Greenough, MT. Spend the morning riding through mountain forests, across sagebrush prairie, native grasslands, and fording the Blackfoot or Clearwater Rivers. Lunch will be served in the Main Lodge. This 8am-1pm day is best suited for people who have riding experience (posting trot, seated lope). Available dates are Saturday September 6th, 13th or 20th, 2025. Thank you, E Bar L Ranch. Value: $800.

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 at 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 2026. Thank you, Dick Anderson Construction. Value: $2,500.

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: $750.

Elevate Your Health and Stay Active with Ascend Sports Medicine: Invest in your long-term health with a 1-year Tier 1: Essential Membership from Ascend Sports Medicine, led by Dr. Rob Amrine. Designed for individuals who prioritize staying healthy and active, a membership at Ascend offers unlimited access, for no additional cost, to personalized primary care, sick visits, and sports medicine expertise—helping you keep doing what you love: hiking, biking, and exploring Montana’s open spaces. With 24/7 access by text, phone, and telemedicine, you’ll have direct support from Dr. Amrine whenever and wherever you need it. Plus, enjoy discounted specialty services like bike fit analysis and metabolic testing to optimize your health and performance. Additional perks include discounted imaging and lab coordination and $50 visit access for family and friends while visiting. Elevate Performance. Empower Recovery. Thank you, Ascend Sports Medicine. Value: $1,500.

Run the Rut & Big Sky Getaway: Push your limits in one of the most epic mountain races in the country with two registrations to The Rut Mountain Runs in Big Sky, Montana! Choose your challenge—whether it’s the VK, 11K, 21K, 28K, 50K —and experience the breathtaking terrain of Lone Peak. After conquering the course, relax in a two-bedroom condo at the base of the mountain for two nights, comfortably sleeping 4-5 guests. This package promises an unforgettable mountain adventure for any runner. Race weekend dates are September 12th -14th. Ready to take on The Rut? Thank you, Jessica and Brandt Welborn and Mike Foote. Value: $950.

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 May, June, or July of 2025. Thank you, Sprinkler Maniac. Value: $6,500.

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 pull out couches). Blackout dates are Christmas and New Year’s. Must be used by May 31st, 2026, subject to availability and does not include airfare. Thank you, Anonymous Donor. Value: $15,000.

Bon Appétit!: Gather seven of your closest friends for an unforgettable evening at Brasserie Porte Rouge. The team is thrilled to bring a taste of France to your table, offering a delightful dinner and wine, expertly prepared by their James Beard-nominated chef, Walker Hunter, for a group of eight. Please note, bottled beer, full bottles of wine, and gratuity are not included. This dinner must be used by December 31st, 2025. Thank you, Brasserie Porte Rouge. Value: $500.

Frey Duck Hunt: You couldn’t ask for a better setting for a day of duck hunting. You and one friend will have a day to remember on the Frey family’s land at the end of Grant Creek in the Grass Valley. This stunning property has a slough that practically calls the ducks in. Thank you, A’Lisa Scott and Dale Frey. Value: $500

"Darkness Illuminated" by Artist, Sue Bell: "This piece was inspired after witnessing a storm in the Ruby River Valley. The juxtaposition of light and dark was both striking and compelling. The idea was to paint an abstract expression of what I both saw and felt on the landscape as the image refused to leave my mind and mandated a manifestation on canvas." This stunning piece is acrylic on canvas and is 36” wide by 48” tall. Thank you, Sue Bell. Value: $3,500

Ultimate Brawl of the Wild Experience: Be part of Montana’s biggest football rivalry with five premium Stadium Club tickets on the 50-yard line at Washington-Grizzly Stadium for the legendary Brawl of the Wild on November 22nd! Watch the Montana Grizzlies take on the Montana State Bobcats as they battle for bragging rights and the coveted Great Divide Trophy. At the game, order your first round of beverages with drink tickets provided by UM. In addition, you will take home a football signed by the Griz team and Griz merchandise. This will be an unforgettable experience for any fan. Must be 21 years of age per Stadium Club rules and will be accompanied by Five Valleys Philanthropy Director, Ramey Kodadek. Thank you, Ron Clausen and the University of Montana. Value: $1,680.

VIP Weekend at the Old Salt Festival: Experience the magic of Montana’s working lands in style with two VIP passes to the beloved Old Salt Festival, held June 20–22, 2025, on the historic Mannix Family Ranch in Helmville. This three-day celebration of land, food, and music features unforgettable performances, thought-provoking conversations, and delicious, ranch-sourced fare—all in one of the most iconic landscapes in the West. Your VIP access unlocks perks throughout the weekend: reserved parking, covered viewing areas, comfortable seating, gourmet food and snacks, complimentary beverages, backstage meet-and-greet opportunities, and more. To top it off, you'll enjoy glamping accommodations in a tent equipped with up to three cozy cots and bedding, so you can relax and recharge under the stars. This is your chance to enjoy the Old Salt Festival like never before. Thank you, Old Salt Festival. Value $2,980.

Naturalist Float Trip: Looking for a unique and unforgettable outdoor adventure? Look no further than this guided float down the Bitterroot River with MPG Ranch Manager and Lead Scientist, Phil Ramsey, Ph.D. As a scientist and passionate naturalist, Phil will provide a one-of-a-kind journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Bitterroot Valley. With binoculars and fly-fishing equipment provided, guests will have the opportunity to spot wildlife, discuss river ecology, and cast a fly. Along the way, enjoy a delicious lunch on the riverbank as you soak in the natural beauty and maybe take a dip in the cool waters. Lunch will be provided by Bonny-Bleu Ramsey of Engel & Völkers Western Frontier Real Estate Brokerage. This is your chance to experience the Bitterroot like never before! This package is for two people. Put-in and take-out dependent on water conditions, and dates subject to scheduling from July to September 2025. Thank you, Phil and Bonny-Bleu Ramsey. Value: Priceless!

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. This package is for six people and includes a two-night yurt stay (sleeps seven), six lift tickets, a gift card to Philipsburg Brewing Company, and sweets from The Sweet Palace. Scheduling is based on yurt availability and some blackout dates included. Thank you, Mary and Todd Frank, Discovery Ski Area, The Sweet Palace, and Philipsburg Brewing Company. Value: $775.

Youth Hunting Adventure: Create lasting memories with a young hunter on this exclusive two-day hunt on the Indreland family’s 1,700-acre ranch located just north of Missoula along LaValle Creek. The Indreland Ranch provides a key linkage for wildlife, especially elk, moving between the North Hills, Ninemile Divide, Jocko Valley, and beyond. The youth hunter (under 18) can harvest a bull elk, a white-tailed buck, and a turkey, and their chaperone can harvest a cow elk, a white-tailed buck, and a turkey.  This is the perfect chance to introduce a young hunter to the thrill of the outdoors while enjoying an unforgettable experience close to Missoula. Available dates: October 27th – November 23rd.  Thank you, Indreland Family. Value: $5,000.

Ranch at Rock Creek Getaway: Experience Montana in style. This two-night, all-inclusive stay at the Ranch at Rock Creek, the world's first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranch, 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 2026. Thank you, Ranch at Rock Creek. Value: $7,626.

San Francisco Getaway: Lodge at the Presidio and Giants Game: Experience the best of San Francisco with a two-night stay at the Lodge at the Presidio, a historic and beautifully restored boutique hotel with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Relax in a Deluxe King room, where your stay includes a daily complimentary European-style continental breakfast for two adults and up to two children (under the age of 15), as well as a wine and cheese reception each evening for two adults. To top it off, hop on the free Presidio GO shuttle and enjoy two tickets to a San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park, making this the perfect Bay Area escape. Booking dates are subject to availability, so be sure to plan your trip while the Giants are playing at home. The Giants last home game is September 28th. Not into baseball? No problem! The stay at the Lodge at the Presidio is available until December 15, 2025. Thank you, Terry Haney, Presidio Lodging and Lauren and Tim Descamps. Value: $1,485

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 beyond. For many years Sue and John donated a case of wine to our Banquet, and our Board is continuing this tradition with a case of wines hand selected by Missoula Wine Merchants. Full wine description and detailed write-up will be available at the Banquet or upon request. When you enjoy this wine, please raise a glass to Sue and John! Thank you, Five Valleys Board and Missoula Wine Merchants. Value: $775

Pedal + Feast: A Montana Gravel Ride with The Cycling House: Gather up to 12 friends for a fun-filled day of riding bikes, exploring Montana’s backroads, and enjoying an unforgettable farm-to-table meal—hosted by the crew at The Cycling House (TCH). TCH guides will lead your group on a custom gravel route in the stunning Swan Valley or Ovando area, tailored to your preferred pace and distance. Keep it mellow or go big—it's your day. Ride your own bike or take advantage of their fleet of brand-new Cervélo gravel bikes or Specialized E-bikes. They’ll take care of all the logistics—from a morning shuttle from Missoula, on-the-route support, and post-ride beverages. The day wraps up with a TCH chef-prepared, farm-to-table meal. Available May–September 2025. Date to be mutually agreed upon. Subject to availability. Thank you, The Cycling House. Value: Priceless!

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

YOUR BROWSER IS OUT OF DATE

Outdated browsers leave you vulnerable to security risks and may not correctly display modern websites such as this one.

It is highly recommended for your own security that you upgrade your browser immediately.

Show me how to upgrade my browser.Hide this message.