Party for Peace: Jeanette Rankin Peace Center Celebrates 20 Years

By Kerry McMannis, 9-14-06

Jeanette Rankin Peace Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this Sunday from 4-9 in Caras Park. The party is the center's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Peaces of the Past is the theme of the 19th annual peace party. Traditionally the Peace Party included a potluck style chili dinner and auction. Over the years the party has evolved into a catered event with live and silent auctions, a raffle and entertainment. Chili will be on the menu this Sunday in tribute to the early years of the celebration. The silent auction is one of the largest in Missoula, says Betsy Mulligan-Dague, executive director of the Peace Center. There are 181 items and counting to bid on this year.

The Lewis and Clark Kids will be performing the songs that earned them the Father Hogan Peace Award and Amy Martin will be leading a group song.

One big draw of the party is the live international dinner auction. Chefs from around Missoula, both private and professional place global dinners up for auction by the plate. French, Ethiopian, Spanish, Mediterranean and Indian are among the regional cuisines that have been represented in the past. The highest bidder wins the dinner and decides how many plates to purchase, then other people can add in.

To spice up the international theme guests are invited to come dressed in cultural costumes. Maybe avoid the Pacific Islander look as temperatures are expected to be in the low 50’s.
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