G.I.F.T.S. giving approaches $300K
Pub Date: 2/9/2009
Gaming Industry Friends To Society (G.I.F.T.S.) is nearing the $300,000 mark for total charitable giving since the campaign's inception over a decade ago.
Information released January 12 indicated $24,125 was donated to worthy groups and individuals during 2008.
The organization is comprised of southwest Montana gaming operators who contribute a portion of their video gaming machine earnings to charity. It is coordinated by Rocky Mountain Gaming, Jeff Flatness and Sid Langehough.
The largest individual donations, $2,000 each, were given to Toys for Tots, a program that provides Christmas gift toys for needy kids; Thrive: Child Advancement Project, a school based mentoring program; and for travel expenses for the Living Waters Africa Mission.
Nine individuals and entities received donations of $1,000 including: two individuals who needed help with medical expenses, Worthy Student scholarships at Belgrade High School, new playground equipment for Whittier School, the cancer support group of the Wellness Community, building maintenance at Liberty Place, Habitat for Humanity for a Belgrade house project, a state tournament sponsorship for Bozeman Baseball and the Children's Safety Bureau for needy kids Christmas shopping.
Eight $500 donations were made and 18 donations of less than $500 were made. Three of those were for individuals' medical expenses, even funeral expenses. Some other recipients were: gift cards for needy kids, scholarships, Crimestoppers, Special Olympics, Rotary, VFW, after-prom parties, Fourth of July fireworks, reading programs, youth sports camps, food banks, 4-H and more.
Langehough said, "We are very appreciative of the support this program gets from gaming licensees. I have a drawer full of thank you cards and notes from grateful people and causes that we have supported and helped. We had another good year and look forward to seeing the program continue to thrive in 2009."
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.
The following southwest Montana businesses participate in the G.I.F.T.S. charitable program:
Bay Bar and Grill, Black Bear Bar and Grill, Boxer's-Club 30, Bozeman Bowl, Bear Claw Bar and Grill, Belgrade Lounge, Cannery Lounge, Cat's Paw, Claim Jumper Saloon, Coachman Saloon, Mint Bar (Whitehall), Crystal Bar, Eagle's Club #326, Friendly Tavern and the Filling Station.
Also: Gateway Market, Grizzly Lounge, Gusher Pizza, Half Moon Saloon, Haufbrau, Hideaway Lounge, Hub Bar, Iron Horse Saloon, Jackpot Casino East, Jackpot Casino West, Jackpot Casino North, Jackpot Casino Belgrade, Korner Klub, Legion Club (Bozeman), Lucky Cuss, Lucky Palms, M.R. Hummers, Milkie's Pizza, Mixer's and the Molly Brown.
Rustler's Roost, Old Chicago, Rocking R Bar, Santa Fe Red's, Scoop Bar, Stacy's/Old Faithful, Pourhouse, Sir Scott's Oasis, Spectator's Sports Bar, Sports Depot, Two Bit Saloon, Strozzi's Bar, Teaser's, Town Club, Colonel Black's and Rocky Mountain Gaming.
The Lucky Lil's casinos in Livingston, Belgrade, Bozeman, Big Timber, Whitehall and Three Forks participate, as do the Magic Diamonds in Belgrade, Livingston and Bozeman.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, February 2009, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W Granite, Suite 102, Butte MT. 59701