You sure make some good friends over 15 years.
Never was that truer than Saturday night at the SYRCL Wild and Scenic Film Festival. A celebration of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness’ 15th anniversary, it was a packed house with tickets selling out far quicker than expected. It’s all thanks to the supporters, sponsors, silent auction donors and volunteers who worked to make the night a success.
The night came together through support from its sponsors. Idaho Forest Group; Williams, Schiller and Styer; Pend Oreille Veterinary Service; Eichardt’s; Kochava; Trout Unlimited; Selkirk Press; Sandpoint Equine; Blue Creek Press; Keokee; Dr. Mark Cochran and Cricket Windsong; the Sandpoint Reader and All Seasons Garden and Floral all pitched in to ensure the community of Friends enjoyed an anniversary to remember. And it was. From the no-host bar by Eichardt’s to the appetizers sponsored by Eichardt’s and Willliams, Schiller and Styer, the night was primed for celebration.
It was the Friends themselves, the folks who support saving the wild Scotchmans, who brought the good cheer, though. Excitement carried the evening as attendees chatted, bid on the amazing auction items and bought raffle tickets from a couple stellar volunteers. The films shown brought chuckles and inspiration.
Through films like “Aiden’s Butterflies,” which follows 11-year-old Aiden’s efforts to preserve the monarch butterfly, we remember you’re never too young to make a difference. “Return from Desolation” finds Garrett Eaton reclaiming his life, sobriety and family from a traumatic past through healing on the Green River. And “Sky Migrations” shows the importance of ecosystems through the migration story of birds of prey.
It’s that kind of message that highlights the importance of stewardship in our own wild backyard. Remembering those important values is reason enough to celebrate 15 years. But the film festival was an amazing night in other ways, too. It’s a reminder that when many people have passion and commitment to a cause, they can achieve amazing things.
The FSPW staff and Board cannot thank the event’s sponsors, silent auction donors, volunteers and attendees enough. They brought enough energy and enthusiasm to last another 15 years.
