Spouses Club gearing up for annual mercantile auction

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Malmstrom Spouses Club is hosting the 20th Annual Mercantile Auction at the Grizzly Bend Club Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. 

This event is the only annual fundraiser for the MSC and it is held to raise money for educational scholarships and to provide grants to local organizations the MSC supports each year. 

"This year's theme is 'Giving Under the Stars'," said Tracy Makela, MSC member and Mercantile Auction chairperson. "We will even have Jennifer Hepner, 2008 Miss Montana, there to help with the auction." 

"Most of the proceeds from the auction go to military family members in the form of scholarships," Ms. Makela said. "When the scholarships are awarded, they are sent straight to the school for school related expenses. Ms. Hepner was actually a past recipient of a scholarship from the MSC." 

More than 250 companies and individuals in Great Falls and the surrounding areas contribute to the auction. Gift-filled baskets are also donated to the auction by the wing, groups and squadrons. Following the initial auction, a dessert auction is held, featuring 20 homemade desserts. 

"We have several wonderful items such as jewelry, weekend getaways, books, spa and salon packages, hunting and car stuff for men, and gift certificates," Ms. Makela said. "Some of the most popular items are the family passes to the Children's Museum and Gibson Art Museum, as well as the group and squadron baskets." 

For reservations, e-mail malmstromspousesclub08@yahoo.com. For any questions about the event, call Ms. Makela at 952-4210.