Annual Benefit Gala

Foundation's 7th annual "Guardians of the River" Gala Banquet a Rousing Success

Cameron, MT -- It was an awesome evening on the banks of the Madison. The Foundation's 7th annual "Guardians of the River Gala Banquet, held June 26 at Buffalo Jump Pasture on the beautiful Sun Ranch, was sold out success.

Susan Reese of Dallas, TX presented the Foundation a check for almost $27,000, a grant from the Lou Reese Madison River Conservation Fund of the Dallas Foundation. Lou Reese passed away last year after being taken ill while fishing the Madison. Mrs. Reese spoke about her late husband's love for the Madison and his wish to help support the effort to preserve and protect the river.

The evening's special guest was keynote speaker Howell Raines, one of America's most distinguished journalists. Mr. Raines delighted the dinner audience with his southern charm and amusing reflections on Montana and fly fishing. The Pulitzer Prize winner and former executive editor of the New York Times generously donated copies of his best-selling Fly Fishing through the Midlife Crisis and autographed the books for the 150 appreciative attendees.

The 2009 Friend of the Madison Award was presented to Bob & Annie Graham of Elk Meadows Ranch in Cameron. The award was presented by 2008 recipients Craig and Jackie Mathews. Marina Smith, manager of Elk Meadows Ranch, accepted the award on behalf of the Grahams who were unable to attend the banquet. In presenting the award to the Grahams, Mathews cited their commitment to preserving and protecting the Madison, especially their generous support for the effort to purchase the historic Three Dollar Bridge fishing access site and keep it open to the public.

The evening included a live auction of an original painting, "Madison after the Storm," by noted Montana artist Ed Totten. The magnificent landscape sparked spirited bidding inspired by the talents of auctioneer Dave Marsh of Sheridan. Attendees also bid on a custom split cane bamboo fly rod donated by Sweetgrass Rods of Twin Bridges, the premier builders of bamboo rods. The celebrated Boo Boys of Sweetgrass donated the rod to the banquet auction.

The "One Day on the Madison" silent auction of six paintings all executed on the same day on the river concluded the evening. The auction, organized by Cori Koenig of the Hole in the Wall Gallery in Ennis has become a popular and much-anticipated feature of the annual banquet.

This year's gala was a tremendous success and a major source of support for the Foundation's work in the coming year. The Foundation extends its thanks to Roger Lang Jr. for again hosting the event on the Sun ranch, MRF director Sherri Shows for her countless hours organizing the evening, and to all the volunteers whose hard work made the banquet a tremendous success. We're already making plans for the 2010 gala set for June 25th. Mark the date on your calendar!