Bullock's inaugural balls raise $315K

HELENA (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock's Inaugural Ball Committee raised a total of $315,000 for two events in February.

The committee raised $275,275 from donations and $40,124 in ticket sales to the Feb. 9 inaugural ball.

Lee Newspapers of Montana reports nearly 3,000 people attended.

Admission was free for the separate Children's Ball, but parents were asked to donate a nonperishable food item at the door.

The effort collected more than 900 pounds of food for the Montana Food Network.

According to a recently released report, Phillips 66 of Bartlesville, Okla., donated $25,000 — the largest single contribution. The company has an oil refinery in Billings.

Expenses for the Inaugural Ball and the Children's Ball came to $262,932.

The remaining $52,000 will be donated to Montana charities.