'Raising Dough for the Beier Auditorium'

UMW News Bureau

On Friday, Nov. 13 Great Harvest Bread Company and the University of Montana Western Foundation joined forces for the "Raising Dough for the Beier Auditorium" fundraiser, which netted $3,566.40 for the auditorium's restoration. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="171" caption="Montana Western Chancellor Richard Storey assists a customer with bags of baked goods at the "Raising Dough for the Beier Auditorium" event at the Great Harvest Franchising offices and bakery in Dillon, Mont."][/caption] Great Harvest Bread Company and the University of Montana Western Foundation joined forces for the "Raising Dough for the Beier Auditorium" fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 13. The event ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Harvest bakery located at 25 E. Glendale St. next to The Dilmart. The Bake Day netted $3,566.40 for the auditorium's renovation. Great Harvest sponsors four local Bake Day fundraiser events each year. Friday's Bake Day is a chance for the public to stock up on oven-fresh breads and treats to help raise money to replace worn out seating in Montana Western's Beier Auditorium. The fundraiser is part of a larger, existing project to restore the Beier Auditorium, which was built in 1951. As a result of the Foundation’s efforts, the auditorium’s lights, sound system, curtains and riggings have been restored to meet safety standards. Funds have also gone toward painting the interior of the auditorium and restoring theatrical props. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, pianist Frederic Chiu unveiled the university's restored 1952 Steinway Model B piano as part of the renovation project. Great Harvest will be baking Honey Whole Wheat, Dakota, Cranberry Orange and Cracked Pepper Parmesan breads. The featured batter bread is Pumpkin Chocolate Chip. The Bake Day cookies are White Chocolate Cranberry and Dillon. “For 58 years the Beier Auditorium has been a special gathering place for concerts, plays, and a multitude of community events,” said Great Harvest Marketing Director Kate Ord. “We’re excited to help raise funds used to preserve this landmark building." Montana Western Foundation Director Amberly Pahut shares Ord's enthusiasm. "We greatly appreciate Great Harvest’s investment to improving the Beier Auditorium through this fun community opportunity," Pahut said. "This is another important component of a successful fundraising campaign to bring the Auditorium back to its original grandeur." Applications for a Bake Day event may be obtained at Great Harvest until Nov. 30, 2009. To be considered for one of the four Bake Day events, applications must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2009. To learn more about the Montana Western Foundation and to find out how to contribute to the Beier Auditorium renovation, contact the Foundation office at (406) 683-7305 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .