Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet to be held June 26

COEUR d'ALENE — The Panhandle Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's 31st annual fundraising banquet is set for 5 p.m. June 26 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds' Jacklin Building.

The event begins with a social hour including games and drawings followed by dinner and a live auction. Merchandise and prizes include firearms, art and collectibles. The event also includes silent auctions.

“Money raised goes toward on-the-ground conservation and hunting access projects in Idaho while also assisting elk and elk country across the nation,” said Kyle Koski, chairman of the Panhandle Chapter, who works with about 30 other volunteers to host the annual event. “It’s a huge endeavor, but we have one of the best committees in the nation and we are very proud to host one of the top banquets in the nation, right here in Coeur d’Alene."

Tickets: events.rmef.org/shop/panhandle or contact Ben Shrempp at cdarmef@gmail.com or 208-641-9374.

The RMEF is a nonprofit conservation organization that raises money to benefit elk, other wildlife, habitat, and hunting heritage.

Since 1984, it has protected or enhanced more than 8.1 million acres of prime habitat — nearly all on public lands — for elk and other wildlife. RMEF has also opened or improved access to more than 1.3 million acres of land for public access to hunting, fishing and other recreation.