Arlee events raise MMIP awareness and funds
Winners of the ninth/10th grade division at the 3 on 3 tournament basketball tournament in Arlee. From left: Kris Racine, Davonne Curley, Rhain Gonzalez and Ted Coffman. (Courtesy photo)
Rappers Vincent Bird-Webster and Shadow Devereaux wanted to do something to help raise awareness among the Arlee community about the tragic issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People. They connected with Ellie Bundy, who serves on both the CSKT MMIP Workgroup and the state task force. She suggested they could raise funds for the CSKT MMIP fund to support local victim services.
They were up for the challenge, bringing the community of Arlee together for a good time, too.
They held a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Arlee Powwow grounds Saturday, signing up 50 teams of all age groups from fifth grade up, including adults. Fans poured out in support.
The tourney was followed with an evening concert that included Bird-Webster and Devereaux as well as many other artists. More than 100 people attended.
Besides all the fun the community had getting together, they netted $1,200 to be donated to the MMIP fund.
“It was a lot of work, but it was definitely worth it,” Bird-Webster said.