Governor Gianforte Contributes Salary to Support Children in Helena Schools

• December 17 2024

HELENA, Mont. – On the final day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual salary to The Angel Fund, a non-profit organization providing Helena School District children in-need with clothing, shoes, school supplies, and scholarships.

“The Angel Fund is fulfilling a critical need in the Helena community and ensuring our students and their families have support so they can focus on learning,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am glad to donate a portion of my salary to support their mission and brighter futures for our kids.”

Gov. Gianforte donating a quarter of his salary to The Angel Fund in Helena

In 1989, the nonprofit began serving students at Helena Middle School and, in the nearly 35 years since its founding, it has expanded its support to nearly 1,000 students each year.

The Angel Fund was founded by Marcia Wall, a former school counselor at Helena Middle School, to supply Helena School District children with items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, and classroom materials. The organization also helps cover field trip fees and other related school items to families needing assistance. And through its scholarship program, it awards post-secondary scholarships to graduates at Capital High, Helena High, East Helena High, and to students in alternative learning environments.

With the help of over 40 volunteers, The Angel Fund has a presence in all 18 Helena schools to help process student and family applications and ensure children in need receive the support they need.

During a visit to Central Elementary School in Helena, the governor met with members of The Angel Fund board and presented a large check with the donation. In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his salary as governor to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state.

“Through the fund, we are able to help level the playing field for our students so that they can just be kids and go to school knowing that they don’t have the extra stress of trying to buy school supplies or clothes – just like all the other kids,” said executive director Janet Riis. “This donation means so much to our students. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our community and our donors.”

A former beneficiary of The Angel Fund and current board member, Domingo, added, “I actually was one of the recipients of The Angel Fund when I was a kid of a single mother with seven children, so my mom needed assistance. Knowing that I didn’t have to worry about school supplies, that I could just focus on being at school and with my friends without feeling like I was less-than – this gave me that opportunity.”

The Angel Fund relies on the generosity of Montanans to help children in the Helena School District. To learn more about the non-profit and how to donate, visit angelfundhelena.org.

Running through December 17, the governor’s fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the United Way of Missoula County.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor launched the fourth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montana law enforcement officers and their families through the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation.

• On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for active duty and veteran Special Operations members through the Talons Reach Foundation.

• On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for after-school arts education programs through Bigger Sky Kids.

• On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Sunrise Pregnancy Resources and Family Outreach in Sidney.

• On the 10th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness through Never Alone Recovery Support Services.

• On the 11th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montanans living with behavioral health challenges through Many Rivers Whole Health.

• On the 12th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to The Angel Fund in Helena.