Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders

Spotlights Impact Montana during his 12 Days of Giving campaign

• December 07 2023

HELENA, Mont. – Marking the 8th day of his third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged support for Impact Montana, which supports Montana service members, veterans, first responders, and their families.

This week, the governor met with Impact Montana leadership at Better Body Fitness in Helena, which partners with the nonprofit to employ veterans.

“With a mission to give back to those who have selflessly served our state and country, Impact Montana empowers our nation’s heroes and their families to thrive and lead lives of purpose,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As a small nonprofit, Impact Montana relies on community connections and private sector partners, like Better Body Fitness, to succeed. If you’re a job creator in Montana interested in hiring veterans and first responders, I encourage you to get connected with Impact Montana and see how you can help.”

Gov. Gianforte visiting Brian Cherry, a veteran served by Impact Montana

Through its thrive factor model, Impact Montana focuses on promoting the physical, career, family, social, financial, and spiritual health and wellness of service members, veterans, first responders, and their families.

This week, the governor met with Brian Cherry, a veteran and employee at Better Body Fitness who Impact Montana served.

“We have two employees. So, Impact doesn’t come from two people, Impact comes from our community that we are organically building,” said Impact Montana Executive Director Ryan Luchau. “That includes service partners, business partners, foundations, our participants, volunteers – we invite you to join us.”

For Montana businesses interested in becoming an Impact Montana business partner, visit impactmontana.org/contributors. Montanans interested in supporting Impact Montana may contribute on the nonprofit’s website.

Running through December 13, the governor’s third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Kalispell.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the third annual 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 contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hi-Line Home Programs in Sidney.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Eagle Mount as it empowers Montanans living with disabilities through outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities.

• On the 5th 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 6th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to The LifeGuard Group in Missoula.

• On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

• On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montana service members, veterans, first responders, and their families through Impact Montana.

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