Gov. Gianforte Contributes Salary to Denton Fire Relief Fund

• December 15 2021

HELENA, Mont. – To mark the 10^th day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Denton Fire Relief Fund which supports the community as it rebuilds from the West Wind Fire.

“In the wake of the West Wind Fire in Denton, Montanans have done what Montanans do best: neighbors have helped neighbors. We’ve seen an outpouring of generosity and support to Denton through grassroots volunteer efforts, hay drives, and fundraising auctions,” Gov. Gianforte. “I’m glad to play a small part in this greater movement to support the people of Denton and rebuild Denton.” 

The West Wind Fire was first reported on November 30, 2021, and high winds pushed the fire into Denton. The fire burned 10,644 acres and 49 structures, including 25 homes. The fire is 100% contained as of today.

Running through mid-December, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1^st Day of Giving, the governor established a One Warm Coat drive at the State Capitol to help ensure no Montanan goes cold this winter.
• On the 2^nd Day of Giving, the governor launched a canned food drive competition among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to consider giving to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
• On the 3^rd Day of Giving, the governor visited the Great Falls Rescue Mission to meet with and help distribute donated boots to shelter guests.
• On the 4^th Day of Giving, the governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the cabinet donated toys to the Helena area Toys for Tots.
• On the 5^th Day of Giving, public health leaders and the governor encouraged Montanans to help address the nationwide blood shortage and become a blood donor through the American Red Cross of Montana.
• On the 6^th Day of Giving, the governor volunteered at the Livingston Food Resource Center and contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the organization.
• On the 7^th Day of Giving, the first lady visited the Human Resource Development Council’s Warming Center to sort and organize donated items for residents and tour its Housing First Village.
• On the 8^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to donate new or gently used books to Hopa Mountain’s StoryMakers Holiday Children’s Book Drive.
• On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor and first lady decorated gingerbread houses with young Montanans at Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena.
• On the 10^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Denton Fire Relief Fund to support the community of Denton in the wake of the West Wind Fire.

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