By Roger Porter
July 10 was a hot one with the temperature hovering around 90 degrees. And, Helena, Montana's capital city, was no exception with residents sweltering and searching for some relief from the heat.
However, for those locals or visitors gathered for the annual Tri-County Licensed Beverage Association charity dinner held at Jorgensons in Helena, the temperature seemed just right, especially when chased with a cold libation.
This affair began with a cocktail hour where guests mingled or just relaxed, happy to be in the air-conditioned comfort of Jorgenson' banquet room. This year's dinner featured a nice crowd with many out-of-towners led by a large contingent from Great Falls.
Conspicuous by his absence was Tri-County President Dax Cetraro who, for reasons unknown, chose his honeymoon over attending this annual affair. However, he was ably represented by association vice president Greg Straw.
A goodly number of the Tri-County gang pitched in and helped out throughout the evening with Secretary/Treasurer Yvonne Johnson handling the monetary awards, Steve Morris and Orville Johnson conducting the drawings.
Barb Morris, lacking the requisite visor, nevertheless dealt a mean hand of poker, while managing the registrations were Paige Evans and Montana Tavern Association Executive Director Diana Koon. Last but never least was "Dapper" Dennis White who emceed the evening's program.
No sooner had the cocktail hour wound down when the call for dinner was heard and guests took their seats. All too often the hot weather saps one' energy and it takes a little nourishment to bring the guests back up to their gracious, garrulous selves.
And the hosts had just the solution with a great dinner which featured giant tossed ranch house salad, Laura' famous beans, country corn, prime rib, and chile cheese cornbread with chokecherry butter. Dessert was luscious fresh strawberry shortcake, a seasonal favorite.
The evening's program proceeded with the noting of the various state association officers in attendance including Ralph Ferraro, MTA board chairman; Jupe Compton, MTA president; Yvonne Johnson, MTA secretary/treasurer; Mary Jane Heisler, MTA budget chairman; and national directors Darrell Keck and Harry Klock.
A special guest for the evening was Rose Bullock, former owner of the Silver Saddle in Basin and a long time supporter of the local organization, in addition to being a past recipient of the MTA' prestigious Durkee Award.
Throughout the evening many cash prizes were awarded, the largest being $500 won by Barb Grubbs.
Another big one was a 52-inch TV won by Sharyn Klock and donated by Town Pump. Numerous other guests left the affair $50 richer.
This year marked the first year a $500 check was presented to the winner of a drawing from amongst the monthly winners of the association's Designated Driver Program. The winner of this year's drawing was Jonathan Pacassi who drove from Whitefish for the presentation.
The final event of the evening was the Calcutta raffle which for many is the highlight of these affairs. Eleven seats were filled by a random drawing and then followed by an elimination that trimmed the contestants down to three who would take home the big money.
The first eight eliminated each took home $200, which served to more than cover the evening's expense.
The ninth person eliminated represented Gusto Distributing and left his seat $400 richer. Down to the final two, the tension mounted.
The 10th elimination ball was drawn and an $800 check lined the pocket of Darwin Simac as he left the head table. (Incidentally, Darwin gained his winning seat by an earlier victory at the poker table.) Finally, there was no doubt as to who was the evening's champ as attorney Chris Gallus accepted a check for $2,000.
With the evening's program concluded, the crowd adjourned to do whatever struck their fancy for the remainder of the evening. Fortunately, by the time they left the temperature had moderated somewhat.
Editor's note: Many thanks to Diana Koon and John Hayes for their help in gathering the information for this story and providing photography. Unfortunately, both of the Montana Tavern Times ace reporters were down for the count with injuries on the day of the dinner.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, August, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.