SSA’s inaugural Gala for Goals event raises $11,000
The Sandpoint Soccer Association is excited to announce that their recent event, Gala for Goals, raised $11,000 towards their $20,000 target for six new U10-U12 soccer goals set to be installed at the Field of Dreams Sports Complex in Ponderay.
Gala for Goals, which was held July 24 at the Homestead Barn in Dover, celebrated the SSA’s founding year of 1981 with trendy hairstyles, neon colors, and punk rock vibes from the ‘80s era.
The event started off with delicious treats from Red Barn Bakery and drinks from Barrel 33. The evening reached its peak with live music by RCA and the Radicals, an Indie Pop/Funk band from Coeur d’Alene, and mesmerizing performances by aerial skills artist Julie Istvan. The event concluded with a grand feast and more desserts from the Red Barn Bakery.
Local contributors generously donated items, gift cards, and dreams for the silent auction. Some lucky bidders won luxurious getaways to Schweitzer, Tuscany, and the Caribbean. As night fell, the coveted “$100 Golden Ticket” found its holder, promising adventures in distant lands. Although the winner remained a mystery in the gala's tale, the night ended with a sense of anticipation. The SSA said it was a memorable event, with whispers of future galas waiting their turn in the passage of time.
“With the gracious backing of local businesses and soccer families, more than 100 guests attended the gala,” Kylie Schaefer of the SSA said. “A special acknowledgment goes out to the Lett Family, the City of Dover, and all the supportive businesses that made the event possible at the historic Homestead Barn. It was a magical setting for the Sandpoint Soccer Association (SSA) and everyone present to enjoy.”
The following local business and families sponsored tables at the event: Litehouse, Elite Realty, Nees & Friends, Steidl Family, Bock-Tajan-Thoreson, Piehl, LeBaron & Friends, The Chubby Unicorn, Schaefer & Friends, Lakeside Restoration, Cabin View Winery (wine table sponsor).
The following local businesses contributed baskets for the silent auction: Schweitzer, Steidl Family, Wildflowers Spa, 7BIV Trinity Wellness Center, The Idaho Club, Sandpoint Cinemas, Private Dinner by Red Barn, Barrel 33 Sandpoint, 7B BoardShop, Papillon Beauty Boutique, 5th Element Hair Salon, Larson’s Department Store, Jason Duchow Photography, Powder Hound Pizza, MickDuff’s Brewing Company, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Verdant Plant Shop, Bonner County Bicycles, Brian Farber signed jersey, Local Yokel, Panhandle Ice Cream, Selle Valley Creamery, Cedar Street Hotel & Suites, HG Fundraising, and more.
The SSA wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated board members, volunteers, and contributors who made the event possible.
“Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of children who love playing soccer,” Schaefer of the SSA said.
If interested in donating to the SSA, visit https://www.sandpointsoccer.com/support-ssa
The Field of Dreams Sports Complex, located at 1 Oneida Drive, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. The first ever official games will be played at 6:30 that same night.