There’s a relatively new charity organization at work in Stevensville called the Stevi STARS Foundation. The new foundation is committed to supporting the developing talents of Stevensville youth through the arts and athletic programs.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and inspiring environment for the future adults of our community,” said Heidi Yaskus, one of the organizations’s founders. She said the effort leading to the establishment of the fund really goes back to the last school bond that was passed.
“It really didn’t have any money in it for the arts or for athletics and a lot of parents felt that a lot was lacking,” said Yaskus. She said at that point a group of parents decided to start fund raising to support the arts, recreation and sports at the school. There were some obvious things that were really needed at the time, like new bleachers at the football field and deteriorating tennis courts. The effort congealed into an official non-profit organization and the Stevi STARS Foundation was born. The acronym stands for Supporting The Arts, Recreation & Sports.
Right now the foundation’s goals include construction of a new football field, a new track, rehabilitation of the tennis courts, and a concession stand with restrooms at the athletic field.
“We want the place to be comfortable and usable by parents and grandparents so they will come and watch,” said Yaskus.
The foundation has been able to raise some funds by sponsoring the Stevi Jackets Blackout Run and hosting a recent Yard Sale. Yaskus said they were also thinking of a chili feed and possibly a Bingo Night. She said they were also looking for grants.
Yaskus said the board is fairly small and consists mostly of parents with children in school at Stevensville. She said a few teachers are also involved and the group gets informal advice from Stevensville School Superintendent Dr. Bob Moore. She said he was very supportive.
According to Yaskus, having healthy, active, and creative students at the school benefits the entire community and donations to the foundation are tax deductible. Donations can be sent to Stevi STARS, P.O. Box 556, Stevensville MT 59870.