Rodeo dinner raises funds for new grandstand

The East Helena Valley Rodeo Association (EHVRA) brought together cowboys, cowgirls and community supporters last month for a benefit dinner that raised more than $3,500, which will go toward the purchase of a new grandstand.

The Nov. 17 event at Eagles 4040 drew around 80 guests, some traveling from Helena, Augusta and Boulder to support the cause. The dinner of 12-ounce sirloins, baked potatoes, and salad sold out, and Eagles 4040 donated half the proceeds from its $20-per-plate event to EHVRA.

“It was a great night,” said Katie Bakke, EHVRA president since 2016. “A lot of the rodeo committee was there, and people came from all over. Everybody was engaged, everybody wanted to be there, and everybody wants East Helena to prosper.”