By Melissa Huus, Sales Representative, EXIT Realty Missoula, Montana
I specifically wanted to pick a charity that focuses on our local community and providing a safe space for after school and summer. Growing up, my parents didn’t have the resources available that Boys and Girls Club provides, and I see the benefits of giving the mentorship, guidance and positive outlets for school age kids, filling a hole that working parents have a need to fill. Growing up in a single parent household, I also understand how financially difficult it can be to not only find the resources but afford them. Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County’s mission to provide a positive, safe, fulfilling space for our community of children is also focused on making that affordable through scholarship opportunities raised annually at the Blue Door Banquet.
The Blue Door Banquet is an annual fundraising event organized by the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County. It took place at the University of Montana and the banquet served as a platform to gather support for the Club’s initiatives and the families it serves.
Themed around the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss, attendees were encouraged to embrace the spirit of childlike wonder, drawing inspiration from iconic Seussian characters like the Cat in the Hat and the Lorax. The evening offered a three-course culinary experience, culminating in an artistically crafted dessert. In addition to the dining experience, the event featured both silent and live auctions, showcasing a range of rare items and memorable experiences available for bid, as well as a paddle call towards the end of the evening.
The funds raised through this event play a critical role in supporting the Club’s scholarship fund. These resources are dedicated to ensuring that all children in need of our services can access them without financial hindrance. The demand for services continues to grow, underscoring the significance of events like the Blue Door Banquet.
By channeling funds into the scholarship program, we aim to ensure that all children, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, have access to the enriching opportunities and support services offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County. Through events like the Blue Door Banquet, we strive to bridge the financial gap and create equal access to essential resources for our community’s youth. By offering matches during the paddle call, it allows us the opportunity to increase our scholarship fund and encourages the community to give as they know they are contributing to a much larger impact. Ultimately, this allows the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County to continue providing as much assistance to families as they need, to receive the care they deserve.
A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, EXIT offices and associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to EXIT’s head office to have those funds matched from the company’s pool of funds. Melissa worked the paddle call, hoping to raise $5,000 which EXIT’s head office was proud to match, however she far surpassed her goal and raised an astounding $21,875 for a total donation of $26,875 to Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County.
“On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the tremendous support provided by EXIT associates, particularly through the efforts of Melissa Huus. Your support has made a significant difference and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future,” said Bailey Bristol, Chief Advancement Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County.
