Joined by 4-H youth members, volunteers, and staff, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Montana 4-H Foundation, a youth development program empowering young Montanans to lead for a lifetime. The governor’s contribution marks Day 10 of his 12 Days of Giving campaign.
“Through their decades of service, Montana 4-H has earned a proud reputation for raising the leaders of tomorrow and making our communities stronger,” Gianforte said. “I’m proud to support them as they empower Montana children to reach their full and enormous potential.”
Serving nearly 20,000 Montana kids in all 56 counties each year, Montana 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state.
“We’ve really learned the importance in the last two years of community and belonging, and 4-H has provided that for so many youth across the state for a very long time. The impact is phenomenal,” said Jane Wolery, executive director of the Montana 4-H Foundation.
4-H offers more than 200 different projects and experiences that actively engage youth in learning and developing the life skills needed to prepare for meaningful employment, make a positive impact as leaders in their communities, and become well-informed citizens who actively engage in their communities and the world.
The governor announced the contribution after meeting with 4-H youth members participating in three different workshops at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. The workshops included a pie-making workshop called “Easy as Pie,” a workshop to tie fleece blankets to donate to local shelters called “Tied Together,” and a goal setting workshop called “Good as Goal’d.”
In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his governor’s salary to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state. This marks the third salary donation during the governor’s 12 Days of Giving this year.
Running through Friday, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.
- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor visited the Butte Rescue Mission and served lunch to Montanans struggling with food insecurity.
- On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the second annual canned food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Montana veterans through the Veterans Navigation Network.
- On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.
- On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.
- On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) in Anaconda.
- On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to give back to our firefighting workforce through the Montana Firefighter Fund.
- On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Child Bridge.
- On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor promoted the work of Special Olympics Montana and encouraged Montanans to support their mission.
- On the 10th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Montana 4-H Foundation.
