Countdown Begins for Annual Black Tie Blue Jeans Fundraiser

We're less than three weeks away from the fundraising event of the year, Black Tie & Blue Jeans (BTBJ). This year BTBJ asks you to Wear Your Boots, Get Back to Your Roots on Saturday, May 21, 2022, starting at 5:30 PM at the Copper K Barn. This historic building was constructed in the late 1800s by the Parrot Silver and Copper Mining Company so there will be plenty of room for all. As in past years, there will be prizes for best dressed so come decked out in whatever makes you the most comfortable!

This is the 18th anniversary of Black Tie & Blue Jeans according to the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, one of the two event coordinating organizations. Originally created by Bill Brown, the event has involved multiple agencies and organizations over the years including veteran's organizations, the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation.

Currently presented by the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation, this event will include dinner, prizes, auctions, games, and music for the evening. Attendees are invited to come dressed for the theme, or simply show up in their favorite party clothes. There will be a chance to win $1000 as well as costume prizes, and a few secret surprises hidden throughout the evening.

Different levels of sponsorships allow individuals, corporations, and local businesses all to participate in funding the event. Levels include Iron ($90), Bronze ($175), Copper ($275), Silver ($600), Gold ($1,600), or an Event Sponsorship for $3,000. Each level provides the donor with different amenities throughout the evening, including everything from drink tickets to Frontier Days Rodeo tickets.

According to the invitation flyer, this year, as in previous years, Black Tie & Blue Jeans will grant money to several local non-profits and the remaining proceeds will be divided between the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation on an 85%/15% basis, with the JVCF providing the fiscal sponsorship with their 501c3 status.

The Chamber of Commerce uses its portion of the funds to support local non-profit groups and to fund local events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Frontier Days, Frontier Days Rodeo, the Library's Summer Reading program, Fall Festival, and the Christmas Stroll, along with multiple other activities and events which invigorate the economy of the Whitehall Community.

The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation proceeds will be added to its Endowment Fund and to its administrative fund to support the current and future needs of the community. Proceeds from the JVCF Endowment fund have resulted in over $25,000 in grants returning to 44 non-profit volunteer organizations that support this community in the 20 years JVCF has existed.

Please contact the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce at 406-287-2260 or whitehallmtchamber@gmail.com for tickets!