Article published Feb 22, 2008

Citizens for Clean Energy fundraiser features ethnic food, live music and auction

By JENI DODD

Tribune Staff Writer

Dine on fine international cuisine, enjoy violin music and bid on some awesome auction items as the Citizens for Clean Energy host a shebang of a fundraiser from 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at First United Methodist Church, 610 2nd Ave. N.

Entrees from Japan, Morocco, Thailand and Greece are featured. The first course is salad or sushi, donated by Sedgie's.

Mary Papoulis, violinist with the Great Falls Symphony and Cascade Quartet, provides the dinner music.

The silent auction items include a Thai massage from Studio Montage, jewelry from Planet Earth, a spa detox foot bath from Dr. Jacque Arnold, Peak initiation fee waivers, pottery by Jan Robitaille, artwork by Jacque Monheim, stained glass by Linda Say, jewelry by Hillary Lewin and a yard sculpture by Bud Settera.

Eric Bergman serves as auctioneer for the live auction. Bidders can win a bottle of 1990 Chateau LeTour worth about $1,500, donated by Cheryl Reichert and Charles Bocock, a weekend at the Pine Butte Guest Ranch, a Brighten Up Shop framed print, a 1.13-carat Montana sapphire donated by Jerry Taylor, a one-hour airplane sightseeing ride from J.C. Kantoriwicz or a Charlie Russell 40-inch-28-inch limited edition print signed by several former Montana governors.

Citizens for Clean Energy is a Great Falls-based nonprofit organization that networks citizens with the objective of convincing decision-makers that adequate, clean, efficient and cost-effective energy for the community and state can be obtained without destroying health, lifestyle and environment.

The group's Web site states there are alternatives that are superior to the currently proposed coal-fired plants.

According to Web master Jerry Taylor, the group's active membership stands in the thousands, with members within and outside of Montana.

"We have thousand of active members; people who write letters to congressmen and help in similiar ways," Taylor said.

Jayme Watson said the funds raised help "provide a voice she feels isn't being heard."

"It's the only way we can be heard," Watson said. "We will use the money for litigation, expert research and recruiting people."

Watson likened the group to democratic process in action.

"Our organization is a perfect example of what the democratic process is all about," Watson said. "I am really proud to be involved in a group that represents people with these concerns."

Tickets cost $20 and are available at Planet Earth and Bighorn Wilderness. Call the Citizens for Clean Energy office at 453-0725 for more information.