Ninepipes Museum halfway to $250,000 fundraising goal
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CHARLO — The Ninepipes Museum of Early America is getting closer to its goal of $250,000, thanks to fundraising efforts, donors and community support.
According to Laurel Cheff, who sits on the board with her husband Bud Cheff Jr., the nonprofit organization has approximately $130,00 in pledges and cash. This is a little more than halfway to the goal of $250,000 needed to buy the building the museum currently occupies.
The Cheffs founded the museum in 1996, and it contains an extensive collection that chronicles the history of Western Montana.
When the recession hit, it became difficult for the Cheffs to afford mortgage payments on Ninepipes Lodge, their adjacent business. Though the museum was a separate entity from the lodge, it was tied to the business because it leased the building and accompanying 3.5 acres from Ninepipes Lodge, LLC. The bank eventually foreclosed on the property.
However, a deal was made with the current owner, Stuart Morton, to buy the building for $250,000 instead of the original $450,000.
And since then, the museum board has been busy fundraising.
Last year, the board hoped to be awarded a $100,000 grant but did not receive it.
“That was a big disappointment,” Laurel said. “In the meantime you just keep on working.”
“Grants are hard to find,” said museum board member Rod Wamsley, adding that the non-profit organization is in need of a grant writer. “(But) people do what they can for us. Word gets around and we are pleased with the support.”
On Jan. 19, the museum will host the 12th annual Black Tie Dinner, a fundraiser that includes musical entertainment, an auction and a courtesy tour of the museum. Last year, the annual event was not held, but this year a total of 126 tickets were made available. Laurel added that the auction this year will not be as big as in years past, but will feature select quality items.
Laurel said the event usually brings in around $5,000, which would bring the museum that much closer to its target. “The support has been tremendous; the local community is very supportive,” Laurel shared.
