Talkeetna Bachelor Society announces $120,000 in Grants

Following another record-breaking year of fundraising, the Talkeetna Bachelor Society (TBS) has determined which organizations will receive grants following the 44th annual Talkeetna Bachelor Auction held on December 7.

The TBS auction is exactly what it says-an auction of brave Talkeetna bachelors to the highest bidder, with 100% of the proceeds raised going towards their mission of donating to and raising awareness for women and children in need in the Talkeetna community.

While the ‘purchase’ of a bachelor will gets the lucky winner a drink and a dance at the Bachelor Ball that immediately follows the auction, many of the bachelors have additional items, such as excursions or certificates up on the block with them to sweeten the deal.

This year, the auction raised approximately $100,000 through bids on bachelors. In addition, a generous match from a local family for donations outside of auction bids raised our fundraising total for the weekend to $120,000.

“I consider the auction to be the greatest show on earth. Not only because of the pure joy that people experience at the event but also the benefits to our rural community. Together we are providing a better and safer place to live for our community and our children,” said TBS President Todd Basilone, who has been a member of the Society for more than two decades.

Founded in 1980, the Talkeetna Bachelor Society is a collection of single men who want to create the best possible living conditions and opportunities for women and children and help raise awareness of domestic violence, find ways to prevent it, and in the worst-case scenario provide treatment to its victims. The non-profit organization whose main focus is to raise awareness for women and children in need, through donations, outreach and volunteerism.

As the Society’s funds available for granting increase, the board of directors and membership want to ensure that our mission of helping women, children, and families in need in the Northern Susitna Valley remains at the forefront of the organization’s giving.

As in previous years, the largest contribution is to the Talkeetna Bachelor Society Fund for Women and Children in Crisis, which is administered through the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation and the Alaska Community Foundation. This fund represents the Society’s ongoing commitment to our cause.

In addition to local grants aimed at feeding local children and families, the Talkeetna Bachelor Society is also providing grants to foster educational and development opportunities for local youth.

While nearly all of the Society’s grants will be given to local organizations, the board and membership elected to provide funds to Alaska Family Services and The Children’s Place. And even though these organizations are based in Wasilla, their work has a direct impact on those experiencing crises in the Northern Susitna Valley. Alaska Family Services, then known as the Valley Women’s Resource Center, was the first recipient of auction proceeds in 1989.

The Talkeetna Bachelor Society’s fundraising efforts continue throughout the year. To learn more information about the Talkeetna Bachelor Society, please visit www.talkeetnabachelors.com.