The 5 Items You Can't Miss in the Warrior Taste Fest Silent Auction

With only a few days until doors open for our biggest fundraiser of the year, we thought we’d get you in the spirit of Warrior Taste Fest early. The virtual silent auction is now open, which means you can bid on unique auction items where all the proceeds go toward supporting post-9/11 combat veterans. Here are some of the staff’s favorite auction items.

1. The Ultimate Montana Fly Fishing Getaway for Two

For this once-in-a-lifetime trip, you and a friend will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Simms’ Headquarters in Bozeman, MT. Walk next door to The River’s Edge Fly Shop, where you’ll both be outfitted head-to-toe in award-winning Simms gear. After an evening stay at the iconic Gallatin River Lodge, fuel with a delicious breakfast before a Deluxe Guided Trip for two from The River’s Edge in Bozeman. Meet your professional guide at 8 a.m. for a full-day float trip. Return around 5:30PM. to cap off your stay with a delicious dinner and another night at the Gallatin River Lodge, Bozeman’s best accommodations for world-class lodging with authentic Montana hospitality. 

Redeem by: August 12th, 2023. Blackout dates for fishing are Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.  Request 60 days notification of travel days to arrange for lodging and guiding.  (Starting bid: $2,500)

2. 2 VIP Tickets to Country Star Cody Johnson

Country superstar Cody Johnson is coming to the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on October 29 – and you and a friend can be his VIPs! Enjoy two VIP tickets for Cody Johnson’s upcoming tour, Human, including early entrance and dedicated special entrance, preferred viewing area with dedicated VIP bar, exclusive VIP CoJo branded Koozie, an exclusive CoJo Branded Lanyard/Laminate Pass, and a chance to meet Cody Johnson! Ten people will be randomly drawn from VIP ticket holders to participate in a Meet and Greet. After your fun-filled concert night, spend the night at the luxurious Element Hotel in downtown Bozeman and walk to redeem your $50 gift card to The Western Cafe, a Bozeman-local favorite for the better part of a century. (Starting bid: $500)

3. Tai Chi or Breathwork Class for 10

ReWilding is the process of reconnecting and revitalizing life by restoring and protecting the natural processes of body, mind, and spirit. Join 9 of your friends for your choice of a Modern Tai Chi or Breathwork course taught by professional Julie Ann Gandulla. These courses are researched and proven to provide stress relief, blood pressure reduction, improved sleep quality, improved balance, increased mental focus and awareness, and much more. What a memorable way to gather a group of friends or celebrate a milestone. (Current bid: $50)

4. A Hand-Crafted Fly Rod Made by a WQW Supporter

This one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted graphite fly rod (9 ft 5 wt 4 piece) in custom red, white, and blue, is a piece of Montana fly-fishing history. Its craftsman, Jack Kristovich, was born in Butte and moved to Ennis in 1979 and has been fishing the Madison River for well over 70 years. At 81, he no longer wades the river, but you can find him in his boat on Ennis Lake, fly fishing with one of his many hand-tied flies.   

Jack said it took him longer to make this rod than it used to because he is “old and has slowed down.”  It took him around 30 hours to handcraft the rod.  He was inspired to make a rod honoring our nation’s veterans, which he has named the ‘Freedom Rod’ because it frees you of all anxiety while casting into the peaceful river. One of his favorite sayings is, “It is impossible to worry and fish at the same time.”   

This package also includes a Lamson Liquid 5+ reel with Scientific Angler MPX 5 weight line. Store your rod in a patriotic sleeve lovingly sewn by Jack’s daughter and WQW volunteer, Tammy, and a Handcrafted Wooden Rod Case by Michael Baumgardner (made of curly maple & pomelle sapele – compatible for 4-piece 9 ft rod). (Current bid: $600)

5. Two Nights in Paradise for Two

Situated on over a mile of the Yellowstone River in the heart of Paradise Valley, enjoy a two-night stay at Sage Lodge with king accommodations. Treat yourself — this Montana resort includes a full-service luxury spa, the Fireside Room and The Grill restaurants, and spectacular views of Emigrant Peak. Additional services and meals are not included.    

Treat yourself to bottles of 15-year and 12-year Glenlivet single malt scotch whiskey. And when you’re ready to switch to your favorite canned beverage, keep them cool with a custom can holder set of four handcrafted, hand-stitched sleeves. Note: The leather sleeve is designed for a snug fit which will ease with use.  

Redeem by: October 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023. (Starting bid: $900)

To bid in the silent auction, simply create a profile and click on the item you’d like to bid on. You can select to place a one-time bid or auto bid (to increase your chances of winning). The auction closes 8/12 at 11:59 PM sharp. May the best bidder win!