SW MT Flood Relief Fund Update, Oct. 2022

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2022


SW MT Flood Relief Fund grants more than $1.5 million, launches Phase II

Livingston, MT – On June 13th, 2022, communities in Park County and other areas of Southwest Montana experienced historic flooding along the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. In
response, Park County Community Foundation (PCCF) and Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) launched the SW MT Flood Relief Fund- Serving Park County to provide people who were impacted by the flooding with assistance for critical needs.

Thanks to the generous support of 1,700+ donors from all 50 states and many countries around the world, more than $2.7 million has been raised to date.

Phase I of the SW MT Flood Relief Fund distributed more than $1.5 million to more than 300 individuals, businesses, and nonprofits across Park County who were directly impacted by the flood with critical needs around property damage, evacuation costs, food replacement, water, medicine, clean-up, loss of income, and other urgent needs.

“The outpouring of support for the people of Park County from around the world in the face of this disaster speaks to the power this place has had on people for generations,” said Gavin Clark, Executive Director, Park County Community Foundation. “Our scenic views and natural amenities bring folks here to visit, but it is the people who live here that have inspired such incredible generosity”

In August, the SW MT Flood Relief Fund received a huge boost through the efforts of local resident and musician John Mayer. In partnership with Pine Creek Lodge, online music streaming service Nugs.net, and many others, John Mayer and his team produced ‘Rise for the River’- a series of three concerts featuring Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, and comedian Dave Chappelle. Thanks to their dedication, effort, and love for Park County, more than $1.2 million was raised to help Park County residents and stimulate Park County’s economy by welcoming thousands of visitors eager to support the effort.

"Park County is a special place and it was an honor to bring support and some celebration to it", said John Mayer. "To play these songs while staring out at the mountains that have always brought such peace, in front of my friends and neighbors, will be a memory I take with me wherever I go for the rest of time. Thank you to everyone for making it such a joy and a success," continued Mayer.

The Old Saloon, in Paradise Valley, hosted Ryan Bingham and Ian Munsik for two nights of music in support of the SW MT Flood Relief Fund, raising close to $250,000 and helping to pack Park County’s restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels. These are just two examples out of the hundreds of

instances of people doing what they can do to support the people of Park County in the face of this historic flooding.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our neighbors in Park County. We have a long way to go and even though we may never fully recover, this community is resilient. I’ve never seen a community come together to support each other in such a compassionate way,” said Kimberly Hall, CEO and President of Greater Gallatin United Way. “As we enter Winter months, our team at Greater Gallatin United Way and the Park County Community Foundation will continue to be alongside the people of Park County during every step of this recovery.”

Many people in Park County are still rebuilding. Many more were impacted by the loss of tourism traffic over the Summer due to the closure of the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Some residents are still in need of food security, long-term housing, utility assistance, and other basic need support.

Starting in October 2022, the SW MT Flood Relief Fund has transitioned to a second phase of funding to address the unique needs of each community in Park County following the flood.

SW MT Flood Relief Fund Phase II Priority Areas:

  • Economic Relief to North Yellowstone Communities- The SW MT Flood Relief Fund has partnered with the Yellowstone Community Fund to provide critical funding to help the communities surrounding Gardiner, Cooke City, Silver Gate, and Mammoth, WY. For more information and to apply visit: www.yellowstonecommunityfund.org/ or call (406) 587-2194.

  • Nonprofit Relief and Resiliency Grants- Local nonprofits will continue to play a role in the long-term relief and resiliency of our community for years to come. Nonprofits serving those impacted by the flood are encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply, visit: https://find.pccf-montana.org/Flood22

  • Severe Flood Damage- Many in Park County experienced physical damage to their home, business, or nonprofit from rising water. Case managers are working with previous applicants to identify increased needs. Currently, the fund is not accepting new applications for flood damage.

 

 

 

The SW MT Flood Relief Fund is co-managed by Greater Gallatin United Way and Park County Community Foundation, with support from the Yellowstone Community Fund. Allocation decisions are made by the SW MT Flood Relief Fund Donation Steering Group via recommendations from trained case managers.

SW MT Flood Relief Fund Donation Steering Group:

  • -  Seabring Davis, Livingston/Paradise Valley

  • -  Jim Halfpenny, Gardiner

  • -  Samantha Pierce, Livingston

  • -  Donna Rowland, Cooke City

  • -  Victoria Schilling, Shields Valley

  • -  Tom Shellenberg, Livingston

  • -  Tim Stevens, Livingston

  • -  Gavin Clark, Park County Community Foundation

  • -  George Haddenhorst, Greater Gallatin United Way

  • -  Megan Castle, Greater Gallatin United Way

For questions about the SW MT Flood Relief Fund: visit: pccf-montana.org, greatergallatinuntitedway.org, or yellowstonecommunityfund.org. Call 406-587-2194. Email disaster@greatergallatinuntitedway.org

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Greater Gallatin United Way’s mission is to mobilize the caring power of our communities. We empower donors, volunteers, businesses, governments, nonprofits, and community groups to invest in neighbors and improve quality of life for everyone in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher and Park Counties. Working together, we identify the community’s most critical needs and implement collaborative, innovative solutions. Learn more at www.greatergallatiunitedway.org.

About Park County Community Foundation

The Park County Community Foundation (PCCF) is a trusted, dynamic, and distinctive philanthropic leader that fosters collaborative community action to shape a healthy, caring community. Founded by local leaders in 2005, PCCF seeks to connect caring people and resources with the most pressing community needs and opportunities. We believe many of Park County’s challenges can be solved through mutual understanding, better cooperation, and a robust culture of philanthropy. Learn more at: https://www.pccf-montana.org/