A fun conversation with LIFTT’s RideWell Transportation Coordinator and Event Planner extraordinaire, Tina Carter, about Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys
LIFTT’s RideWell Transportation Coordinator, Tina Carter, has been the driving force behind organizing the “Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys” Event, which will take place on August 1.
LIFTT Connection: Tina, thank you for joining us! First things first, for those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, tell us a little about yourself.
Tina Carter: Thank you! My name is Tina Carter, and I’m the Transportation Coordinator at Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT). Every day, I have the privilege of helping connect people with transportation that keeps them independent and engaged in their communities. One of my favorite parts of my job is bringing people together, so organizing community events like this fundraiser is something I truly enjoy. Seeing neighbors, businesses, volunteers, and families all come together for a great cause is incredibly rewarding.
LIFTT Connection: You’ve been busy planning an exciting event called Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys. What can people expect?
Tina: Oh, it’s going to be so much fun! We wanted to create an evening that’s more than just a fundraiser; we wanted it to be an experience. Guests will enjoy a wonderful dinner, browse an exciting silent auction, cheer during a lively live auction, and spend the evening with friends while supporting LIFTT’s RideWell Transportation Program. It’s truly an evening where generosity, entertainment, and community come together. The event is designed as a dinner and auction fundraiser featuring a catered meal, live and silent auctions, and community engagement activities.
LIFTT Connection: The name Hidden Treasures sounds intriguing. Tell us about those treasures!
Tina: That’s one of my favorite parts! We’ve been gathering some amazing auction items. You’ll discover unique treasures from our upLIFTT Thrift Store, beautiful jewelry, wonderful donations from local businesses, and so many unexpected surprises. You never know what special item you’ll fall in love with. Every table will have something exciting to explore! The concept behind the event is that everyone can find something special, whether it’s a unique keepsake or something extraordinary.
LIFTT Connection: We also heard there are some incredible travel experiences up for grabs!
Tina: Yes! That’s where the Grand Journeys part comes in! Along with our hidden treasures, we’re featuring adventure and travel packages that could take you on your next unforgettable getaway. Imagine enjoying an amazing vacation while knowing your winning bid is helping someone in our community maintain their independence. That’s a wonderful feeling.
LIFTT Connection: Now let’s talk about food. Nobody wants to miss a great meal!
Tina: Absolutely! A great event deserves great food. We’re excited that Black Sheep Market will be catering the evening, and guests can look forward to a delicious meal that will make the night even more memorable. Great food always brings people together, and that’s exactly what this event is all about: sharing good food, good conversations, and good company.
LIFTT Connection: It sounds like people are coming for much more than just an auction.
Tina: Exactly! This is really about community. I love seeing people reconnect with old friends, meet new neighbors, laugh together, and enjoy an evening where everyone is united for a meaningful cause. Whether someone comes hoping to win an auction item, enjoy dinner, or simply support LIFTT, they’ll leave knowing they were part of something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Interviewer: Where does the money raised actually go?
Tina: Every dollar helps support LIFTT’s RideWell Transportation Program, which provides transportation services that help older adults and people with disabilities stay connected to medical appointments, grocery stores, work, and their communities. Our goal is to raise meaningful funds while strengthening community support for this important program.
LIFTT Connection: Finally, what would you like to say to everyone reading this?
Tina: I’d love to invite everyone to join us! Come enjoy an evening filled with hidden treasures, exciting travel adventures, delicious food, laughter, and wonderful people. Whether you’re bidding on a one-of-a-kind auction item, dreaming about your next getaway, or simply spending time with friends, you’ll be helping LIFTT continue its mission of opening pathways to independence. We can’t wait to welcome you. I promise it’ll be an evening to remember!
Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys: An Evening of Opportunity for LIFTT
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
📍 Location: Columbia Club (Knights of Columbus) at 2216 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT
🍽 Featuring:
- A delicious dinner catered by Blacksheep Market,
- Exciting live and silent auctions,
- Unique Collectibles,
- Adventure and Travel Packages,
- An evening of fun, friendship, and community!
💙 Benefiting: LIFTT’s RideWell Transportation Program, which supports mobility and independence for older adults and people with disabilities.
For more information: visit liftt.org or contact Tina Carter at (406) 939-4569 or tinac@liftt.org.
To purchase tickets: https://tickets.mtstandard.com/events/hidden-treasures-grand-journeys-fundraising-dinner-8-1-2026-233116
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilites and aging indivduals with programs, services, resources and advocacy that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org
Our Vision: Empowering aging individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.
Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.
