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Press Release
12.08.09 | The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Donates $128,000 to 57 Food Banks and Food Pantries Throughout Montana
For immediate release
Today, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation announced the distribution of $128,000 to 57 food banks and food pantries across Montana. According to Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, “Food banks and food pantries are on the front lines, helping those in desperate need of a nutritious meal. With the winter months and the continued economic crisis, we at the Foundation believe it is imperative to support the community organizations that are fighting so valiantly to serve an ever-growing population of Montanans in need.”
These Holiday grants provided by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation add to more than $50,000 in already-scheduled funds, given by the organization each year to major food banks, pantries, rescue missions and homeless shelters in the operating areas of the Washington Companies. Additionally, the Foundation continues a tradition of partnership with the Washington Companies employees during the Holiday Season to provide food and personal care item donations to local food agencies.
Recent statistics show that only 12 states in the country have a higher percentage of their population living in poverty than Montana. More than 130,000 Montanans, including 45,000 children, currently live at or below the federal poverty level. The increase in Montana child poverty ranks second in the nation. All of these numbers translate to dramatic increases in need. Food Banks and pantries across the state have seen an average of almost 150% increase in household visits to their agencies.
The Foundation’s Holiday giving program wraps up a year of prioritized giving by the Foundation to basic needs organizations in the state. Given the lack of economic relief seen by most Montanans, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation expects to continue its emphasis on basic needs grants into 2010.
About The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
The major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family, The Dennis and Phyllis Washington’s Foundation values mirror those of its Western heritage. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Since its inception, grants awarded or pledged by the Foundation and personal contributions of the Washington Family to charitable causes total more than $100 million.
Mike Halligan, Executive Director
Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
406-523-1325 office
