GIFTS donations exceed $280,000
Pub Date: 4/1/2007
Gaming Industry Friends To Society (G.I.F.T.S.), a southwest Montana charitable organization, just finished its 10th year of raising money for area individuals and organizations in need.
So far the organization has raised over $280,000 and added just short of $30,000 from 33 gaming licensee donors to that total in 2006.
Groups that received funding in excess of four figures were: Fairgrounds ice rink - $7,500'; Toys For Tots - $4,000'; Child Advancement Project - $2,500 and Target Stores Christmas Shopping For Kids - $2,000.
Also receiving $1,000 were Cat Cab For Free Rides, Belgrade Worth Student program, Center For Cancer Support, Children's Safety Bureau and Youth Dynamics.
Other recipients were: Bozeman Rotary - $240'; Headwaters Crimestoppers - $490'; Montana Special Olympics - $250'; Montana Special Olympics President's Day Plunge - $200'; Montana Highway Patrol Association - $500'; Bozeman Baseball - $250'; Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. - $250 and Cystic Fibrosis - $250.
Make A Wish Paradise Valley Roping - $250'; American Cancer Society Relay For Life - $200'; Shriner's Hospitals/Gallatin Valley Desert Patrol - $500'; Deputy Sheriff's Assoc. - $200'; Family Promise of Gallatin County - $500'; Belgrade School PTA - $250'; Gallatin County Food Bank - $500'; Belgrade Volunteer Fire Fighters - $500 and Foster Children's Fund Christmas Party - $250.
In addition, six individuals received assistance for medical expenses: one for $750, three for $500 and two for $250.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, April, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.