Yaak WINGS Benefit raises more than $47k

After cutting back on fundraising efforts last year owing to pandemic restrictions, the organizers of the Yaak WINGS Benefit held one of its most successful annual charity drives last weekend.

Gwen Allen, co-owner of the Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile, said the group raised over $47,000 during the May 15 event. Donations were still trickling in as of May 18, putting the final figure well above the $37,000 amount the group raised in 2019.

Yaak WINGS Benefit organizers raised just $4,450 last year after scaling back the event to a raffle due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the group revamped its operation offering auctions, raffles and a $10 dinner.

Heading into the fundraiser, Allen said the group was uncertain about what to expect. The pandemic was still hitting businesses and families hard when organizers began planning the event. Ultimately, Allen said everything — from the weather to the donors — came together to make the drive a success.

“We’re all just in awe and speechless,” she said.

The event was well attended by locals from Libby, Troy and Bonners Ferry. Over 120 people came for the dinner.

Looking ahead to next year, the group is hoping to hold at least part of their event outside again regardless of the state of the coronavirus pandemic. Allen said that gathering all the attendees together inside the tavern was cramped under any circumstances.

Yaak WINGS Benefit, along with Yaak WINGS Walkers, raises money for Lincoln County patients and their families aimed at ameliorating costs not covered by insurance.