GIFTS program disburses $25,000 in '05
Pub Date: 4/1/2006
The Gaming Industry Friends To Society (G.I.F.T.S.) charity released It's 2005 list of contributions at the end of January. Last year the organization donated just over $25,000 to worthy local causes, entities and individuals.
The 501(c)(3) non-profit is comprised of nearly 70 taverns and restaurants with gaming machines in Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley and Livingston areas.
Members contributions to the program are based on the number of gaming machines a licensed establishment has: five and under contribute $260 annually'; more than five machines will contribute $520.
The Emily Dickenson school received $4,500 for playground equipment and two individuals received $2,500 each to help cover medical expenses. The local food bank received $2,247 to help with Thanksgiving Day turkeys for the needy, while a cancer sufferer received $2,000.
Five grants of $1,000 were given to the Belgrade and Bozeman Worthy Student Funds, Clothes For Kids, and for travel and medical expenses of private citizens.
Altogether, 48 grants were made totalling $25,250. This brings the G.I.F.T.S. total giving over a five-year span to almost the quarter million dollar mark.
And as program director Jeff Flatness of Rocky Mountain Gaming notes, that is just a small fraction of the total donations and contributions made by the Bozeman/Livingston area licensed businesses.
One recipient in dire straights had her lot rent paid for three months. Seventeen other individuals received help with medical expenses and emergency travel costs. Youth sports programs, including Special Olympics, also were awarded grants.
The Center for Cancer Support received funding for five scholarships, the Bozeman Senior Sober party got funding as did the Whitehall Food Pantry, the Center for Youth Dynamics, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Bike Ride, Montana Kids In Need, Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., Relay for Life, Shoes for Kids and many more.
Flatness said any program that serves youth and families will be given serious consideration by G.I.F.T.S.' board of directors.
Businesses participating in the Gaming Industry Friends To Society include: The Bay, Bozeman'; Bear Claw, McAllister'; Black Bear, Big Sky'; Bowl, Bozeman'; Legion Club 30, Belgrade and Cannery, Bozeman.
Cat's Paw, Bozeman'; Claim Jumper, Ennis'; Country Lanes, Bozeman'; Crystal Bar, Bozeman'; Dante's Inferno, Big Sky'; Eagles #326, Bozeman'; Pony Bar, Pony'; Colonel Black's, Bozeman'; Filling Station, Bozeman and Firehouse, Belgrade.
Friendly Tavern, Belgrade'; Gateway Market, Gallatin Gateway'; Grizzly Lounge, West Yellowstone'; Gusher Pizza, West Yellowstone'; Haufbrau, Bozeman'; Half Moon Saloon, Big Sky'; Hideaway Lounge, Bozeman'; Hub Bar, Belgrade'; M.R. Hummers, Big Sky and Iron Horse Saloon, West Yellowstone.
Jackpot, Belgrade'; Jackpot West, Bozeman'; Jackpot East, Bozeman'; Jackpot North, Bozeman'; Korner Klub, Bozeman'; Land of Magic, Logan'; Legion Club, Bozeman'; Lucky Cuss, Belgrade'; Lucky Dog Saloon, Bozeman and Lucky Lil's, Three Forks, Belgrade, Big Timber, Bozeman, Livingston and Townsend.
Magic Diamond, Bozeman and Livingston'; Milkies Pizza, Big Sky'; Molly Brown, Bozeman'; Norris Bar, Norris'; Pourhouse, Bozeman'; Sir Scott's Oasis, Manhattan'; Rocking R, Bozeman'; Rocky Mountain Gaming, Bozeman'; Stagecoach, West Yellowstone and Sante Fe Red's, Bozeman.
Silver Dollar, Ennis'; Square Deal, West Yellowstone'; Spectator's, Bozeman'; Stacy's Bar, Gallatin Gateway'; Strozzi's Bar, West Yellowstone'; Teaser's, Three Forks'; Totem Casino Bar, West Yellowstone'; Town Club, Three Forks and Two Bit Saloon, Whitehall.