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When you need them, they are there – so it only makes sense to support them and assist the vital group anyway possible. A Search & Rescue fundraiser is set for Friday, Jan. 19 in the banquet hall at the Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek. The fundraiser marks the third of its kind, organized by a Search & Rescue member who was trying to find creative ways to keep money in the rescuers’ coffer.

“Sanders County Search & Rescue only receives about $14,000 from the mill levy – when you subtract $5,000 for insurance, $3,000 for workman’s compensation, and the regular bills keeping the lights on there isn’t a whole lot left to work with,” said Jerry Johnson, who works his day job as a deputy with the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office. When duty calls to search for and rescue a lost, stranded or wounded person in the county, he and the others from the non-profit Search & Rescue team draw upon training and depend on working equipment to save those lives.

Johnson had the idea to call the owner of Thunderstruck Films, a film company dedicated to filming the extreme sport of snowmobiling. The riders of Thunderstruck hail from Montana, Washington, Idaho and Canada. Footage is collected throughout the year of death defying jumps, holes, tracks and, sometimes, close calls with avalanches. Each year the footage is compiled, set to music and released in movie premieres around the region. “When I called Thunderstruck owner Jim Phelan with my idea, he was very supportive,” shared Johnson, “the premieres have been very well attended, with around 150 people in attendance our first year.”

Doors at the Lakeside will open for the event around 5:30 p.m., with drinks, mingling and live auction items being put up for bid. Snowmobile gear, winter gear and an electric trolling motor will be auctioned, among other things. Raffles and drawings will keep things interesting until the unveiling of the showing of the Thunderstruck Film of 2017.

“They do a great job packing the action in those clips,” said Johnson. “The music, presentation, and skill make for an impressive film experience.”

At the close of the movie, organizers will finish awarding the winners of auctions and raffles and getting square with the many donations that will be given to Sanders County Search & Rescue.

“Then we’ll have some music,” Johnson exclaimed. Lakeside has done their part to support the non-profit by hiring Fire Creek Band to entertain the guests and keep the night hopping.

“You can expect fun music with these guys,” said Lakeside co-owner Jake Rosker, “but they always throw in surprises and tunes you can’t help but tap your foot or get up and dance.” Fire Creek Band will play until the Lakeside pulls the curtain on the stage.

Admission to the event is $10 per person. Some Thunderstruck athletes will be present, and refreshments will be available. Another premiere will take place at Casey’s in Whitefish the following evening.

For more information on how to support Sanders County Search & Rescue, call Jerry Johnson at 396-4867.