Difficult economy doesn't stop gifts
The Gaming Industry Friends To Society (G.I.F.T.S.) charity program remains strong, even in a tougher economic environment, as the charity program donated nearly $22,000 to nearly 40 local entities and individuals last year.
G.I.F.T.S. is comprised of 62 taverns and casinos mostly serviced by Rocky Mountain Gaming in southwest Montana, primarily in the Bozeman/ Belgrade area but including Park, Gallatin and Madison Counties.
Each participating gaming business contributes a portion of its gaming earnings to a fund that is then disbursed to charitable programs, often targeting youth and needy individuals in the region.
“Overall we are very pleased with the continued participation of the majority of our gaming locations,” Rocky Mountain Gaming's Sid Langehough. “I thought perhaps it would be more difficult to collect, but not a sole has mentioned dropping out of the program.”
“To me, it says the location owners still have a good sense of community, even in hard times. I hope we will continue the program for many years to come.”
Since the program's inception 14 years ago, it has provided over $300,000 in charitable giving.
The top recipient in 2010 was the Toys for Tots program, which received $5,000.
Other four-figure awards were the Cancer Support Group, $1,200 for its Mending in the Mountains retreat; Gallatin Valley Food Bank, $1,200 for Thanksgiving meals; Belgrade High School, $1,000 for its Worth Student Scholarship; Bozeman Jaycees, $1,000 for its Christmas Wish program; and the group Thrive, $1,000 for its Child Advancement Program.
Other awards included $700 to Flo Novak for her medical expenses, $660 to Liberty Place for a TV and DVD, $500 for Eli Isaly for medical expenses, $500 to Harry Huntsinger for medical expenses, $500 to Harry Christensen for house fire expenses, $500 to Stacy Fitch for medical expenses, $500 to Junior Damjohnovich for medical expenses, $500 to the Foster Childrens Fund for its Christmas party, $500 to Beaver Creek Rendezvous for a hunting trip for wounded veterans, $500 to Myrna Jones for medical expenses, $500 to Esther Vance for medical expenses, $500 to Bertha Pierson for medical expenses, and $500 to Dawn Henry for medical expenses.
Numerous other beneficiaries received grants of $350, $300, $250, $200 and $100.