G.I.F.T.S. charitable fund raising tops $275,000
Pub Date: 3/1/2008
Gaming Industry Friends To Society (G.I.F.T.S.) recently surpassed the quarter-million dollar mark in collecting and distributing charitable cash contributions. As of late 2007, the 11-year-old program had collected over $275,000 and disbursed over $255,000. Operational expenses for the entire program have amounted to just $1,088.
The program, a registered non-profit corporation, was launched in 1997 at the instigation of Jeff Flatness, Sid Langehough and the employees of Rocky Mountain Gaming, then known as D&R Music. According to Langehough, the underlying G.I.F.T.S. philosophy was and is: "A little bit from everyone can make a big difference to someone."
G.I.F.T.S. collects $5, $10 or $20 per week from over 60 licensed businesses in the Gallatin area including the communities of Bozeman, Belgrade, Ennis, Big Sky, Whitehall, Gallatin Gateway, Three Forks, Manhattan, Livingston and West Yellowstone. Only individuals, organizations and projects from communities with contributing members are eligible for contributions.
A committee comprised of representatives of seven contributing businesses receives and reviews requests for funding quarterly. Schools, sports programs, boys and girls clubs, community projects, fund-raisers and individuals with medical expenses or other hardships benefit from the G.I.F.T.S. program.
Current committee members are Flatness, Langehough, Bob Fletcher from the Cannery Lounge, Kathy Bushnell from Jackpot Casinos, Roxie Walker from Sante Fe Red's, Bob Mackley, and Allison Norris from the Molly Brown.
Recently another $25,775 was given away, including $2,500 to Thrive, a child advancement program and $2,200 to the Gallatin Gateway School to assist students in making a trip to Washington D.C.
Grants of $2,000 were made to the Center for Cancer Support, the Gallatin Foundation to aid in bringing the traveling Vietnam War memorial to the area, and Bozeman High Needy Students for Christmas money.
Receiving $1,000 awards were Belgrade Worthy Students for scholarships, an individual with funeral expenses, Liberty Place for recreational equipment, Children's Safety Bureau for a needy children's shopping spree, the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, a fund for children who had lost their father and to an individual to help with medical expenses.
Another 23 causes and individuals received grants ranging from $785 to $200.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, March, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.