Pay It Forward Stories 2025 - Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation

2025 Pay It Forward campaign donates $100,000 in grants The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation awarded $100,000 in grant funding to employee-recommended charities in the 17th annual Pay It Forward program. Employees from Envirocon, Modern Machinery, Montana Resources, and Washington Corporations participated by nominating organizations that are investing in people and improving the quality of their lives. Launched in 2009, the program benefits not only the recipient non-profit organizations, but encourages volunteerism and giving among employees.

Liberty Place, Inc.

Submitted by Jill Dove – Montana Resources

This program helps individuals with life skills after a traumatic brain injury. It helps them enhance and maintain their freedom. With a person-centered approach, Liberty Place creates an environment that prioritizes dignity, self-sufficiency, and quality of life.

Erin’s Hope Project

Submitted by Denim Hellyer – Montana Resources

Erin’s Hope does trips for Montana kids with life threatening illnesses and their families at no cost to them to help make memories and spend time together!

World Museum of Mining

Submitted by Jonathan Hoover – Montana Resources

The world museum of mining is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of mining and mining’s role in the local and world community. The museum is a key voice to educate generations on the importance of the minerals industry and to generate interest in pursuing an education and career in the minerals industry.

Colt Anderson Skills Camp (Dream Big Foundation)

Submitted by Buck Sullivan – Montana Resources

The Colt Anderson Dream Big Foundation is dedicated to creating positive change for children by providing resources, innovative opportunities, and experiences that will empower them to find their passion to dream big and succeed. They believe that every child deserves a chance to play. And that with a choice to play and get involved in activities comes good choices and healthier lifestyles. The foundation also believes that organized activities also encourage positive social change through learning skills such as conflict resolution, leadership, and equity. This is why The Dream Big Foundation provides scholarships for families who lack the resources to pay for youth activities. My wife works in the Butte School District. We have seen firsthand the financial struggles for families of children of all ages within the school district. The Dream Big Foundation helps provide resources and opportunities to many children in Butte whose families have financial limitations. This charity is founded by my cousins, Colt and Keelie Anderson, and I have been a supporter since its inauguration.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte-Silver Bow

Submitted by William Daly – Montana Resources

I believe that the Butte area needs programs like this because of the high rate of drug and alcohol problems. Growing up, I had strong mentors in my life that helped shape me and kept me focused and on the right track. This program provides this for kids with a community-based program and school based program.

Ramsay Partners in Education

Submitted by Janae Wright – Montana Resources

Ramsay Partners in Education is a volunteer, parent-run organization that works closely with Ramsay School to provide educational and fun activities for the entire school. They help teachers purchase materials and equipment for their classrooms, keep the staff refrigerator stocked with drinks, sponsor the RAMS Store, an End of Year activity for the school, and field trips, among other projects and events.

City and County of Butte-Silver Bow (Shop with a Cop program)

Submitted by Mike McGivern, Pete Steilman – Montana Resources

Pete Steilman: This organization is important to me because it offers an opportunity to bridge gaps in understanding, encouraging respect and cooperation between law enforcement and youth. By engaging with officers in a constructive and educational manner, young individuals can develop a better appreciation for the role of law enforcement in society. The program’s impact can lead to stronger, safer communities through increased dialogue, mentorship, and positive interactions.
Mike McGivern: Supporting under privileged kids. Fostering relationships between young people and law enforcement can change perspectives. Law enforcement is demonized by so many young people and society and anyway to help break that cycle will help with a safer community.

Butte Emergency Food Bank (Backpack Program)

Submitted by Jeremy Fleege – Montana Resources

I am recommending the Butte Emergency Food Bank’s Backpack Program. It provides meal kits to elementary students in need on a weekly basis. Food insecurity is a problem for some, and this program helps those in need, and does so in a discrete manner. In some cases, the backpacks provides nutritional sustenance for the children when they are away from school.

Butte Rescue Mission

Anonymous submission – Montana Resources

The Butte Rescue Mission partners with Southwest Montana to feed, clothe, shelter, and restore hope to those in need through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

AWARE

Submitted by Jody D’Arcy – Montana Resources

AWARE’s mission is to help people live independent lives. My wife acts as a front-line worker in school-based settings in several towns including Missoula, Corvallis, Hamilton, Bonner, Ramsay, Butte, and Anaconda, with children and their families that have special needs and require daily interventions.

Butte Family YMCA

Submitted by David White – Montana Resources

The Butte Family YMCA is a very valuable non-profit organization in our community. They have provided a wonderful summer camp and after-school program for kids and they keep them very active. Our kids have spent time with this organization and the staff is amazing!

Cultivating Connections Montana

Submitted by John D’Antuono – Envirocon

Cultivating Connections is based in Hamilton, MT, where I live. My wife and I have supported this organization’s fundraising efforts since 2018 and I have worked on this farm with my family where we learned many valuable lessons. They teach the next generation how to grow and prepare food and what good food is really all about. Their programs include farm internships, workshops, special abilities camp, kinder gardens, salad for seniors, and more. They make a big impact in young people’s lives that will last a lifetime, giving them life-long skills and a different perspective while giving back to the community.

Missoula Aging Services

Submitted by Patti Boylan, Kathi Muchmore, Paul Richter – Envirocon

Paul Richter: Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity, and health of older adults and those who care for them. We have contributed to MAS in the past and I have talked to several people there who were very genuine and sincere. They help an age group that can really use help in several different areas.
Patti Boylan: Missoula Aging Services (“Meals on Wheels”) helped my parents stay in their own home for as long as possible by providing nutritious meals and other support services. I am grateful to them and have donated my Pay It Forward funds to them in the past, in memory of my parents.
Kathi Muchmore: Meals on Wheels provides homebound older adults who are unable to shop or cook for themselves a healthy meal, which empowers them to live safely and independently in their own homes. It also could be the most interaction they get with a friendly face, a smile, and a safety check. This program helped my mother-in-law when she was in her 90s to still be living alone and peace of mind for us that she would be getting at least one hot meal a day.

SOAR365 (Richmond, VA)

Submitted by Tripp Winfree – Envirocon

SOAR365, based in Richmond, VA, empowers individuals with disabilities and their families, providing essential programs designed to foster independence, personal growth, and meaningful employment. This organization holds special importance to me because it operates directly within my community, positively impacting individuals and families whom I care deeply about. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of SOAR365’s programs and services reinforces my appreciation for organizations dedicated to inclusion and opportunity.

Watson Children’s Shelter

Submitted by Jared Maynard – Envirocon

I’ve had the privilege of helping run the annual KYSSMAS for Kids auction the past four years. 100% of the proceeds go to local schools and organizations that support underprivileged children. For the past three years, Watson’s has been an incredible partner, providing administrative support that allows us to run the live auction online. As a 501(c)(3), they also ensure every donation goes directly to the individuals in need. Their generosity and commitment to this cause has been unwavering, and they’ve never asked for anything in return. I believe the Watson Children’s Shelter would be a fantastic recipient of the Pay It Forward program. Their work extends beyond the children they service, making a meaningful impact on countless individuals throughout the Missoula community.

Sustainable Connections

Submitted by Jayson Barretto – Envirocon

My family lives in a beautiful but extremely expensive area not far from the former Alcoa aluminum plant demolition and remediation project that Envirocon has been working on. We see how difficult it is for many families to live and thrive here. Many just do not have healthy food options available and/or are forced to live in unsafe, unsustainable housing or on the street. I feel this is unfair and oftentimes starts with one unfortunate event and spirals from there. I strive to help soften the blow by volunteering, but a Pay It Forward donation would positively impact this community, too.

Montana FFA – Missoula Chapter

Submitted by Steven Schmidt – Washington Corporations

FFA (Future Farmers of America) makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through agricultural education. My daughter was an FFA member while a student at Big Sky High School, and benefitted enormously from the program, giving her skills and self-confidence to excel in all areas of her overall education. My wife and I have donated time and materials to support the organization, including volunteering at their “Taco In A Bag” food trailer at the Missoula County Fair every year.

Anaconda Community Foundation

Submitted by Trent Hansen – Washington Corporations

Since 2007, the Anaconda Community Foundation has focused on philanthropy and building a stronger Anaconda. The organization collaborates with donors, charitable groups, and business partners to build a permanent financial legacy for Anaconda. It relies upon generosity to develop and maintain a thriving Anaconda. It’s work has developed a local farmer’s market, supported local teachers, and contributed in countless other ways to community cultural, social, and educational development.

Montana Congress of Parents Teachers Students – Bonner School PTA

Submitted by Karra Scudder – Washington Corporations

The Bonner School PTA has taken the brave step to replace the school playground. Much of the playground is old (from 1985), broken, and not wheelchair friendly. The school playground is the main playground for the Bonner community, so the reach is much greater than the children attending the school during school days. The plans for the new playground include modern structures, rubber groundcover, and play equipment for children of all abilities. The new playground will be a massive asset to the Bonner and East Missoula communities.

Emma’s House

Submitted by David Howard – Washington Corporations

Emma’s House is dedicated to providing services to children, from forensic interviews to mental health services, for children who experience trauma from abuse and neglect. Having been the spouse of someone who was abused throughout her youth, abuse and neglect are two things that our family takes seriously. Mitigating the effects that the childhood trauma had on my spouse was an ongoing battle for the first few years of our marriage. Having a charity like this in our hometown may have positively impacted my spouse, me, and our family if we had it. That is why I recommend Emma’s House as the recipient of the Foundation’s Pay It Forward program.

Union Gospel Mission of Missoula dba Hope Rescue Mission

Submitted by Dave Park – Washington Corporations

Few elements of supporting the human condition are more fundamental than shelter. Missoula has a very challenging housing situation, with prices out of reach of many hardworking residents. While I might not be fully aligned with the religious aspect of the Hope Rescue Mission, I think their TSOS Pallet shelter program is a vital bridge to provide a safe, secure shelter for folks doing the right things to secure stable housing.

Montana Congress of Parents Teachers Students – Hawthorne Elementary PTA

Submitted by Chad Finnegan – Washington Corporations

Hawthorne Elementary is an amazing school with amazing teachers that host a very diverse student base. They have been trying to raise funds for a long time to improve their playground, which is the most important thing to every elementary kid.

Youth Homes Inc.

Submitted by Haley Nelson – Washington Corporations

Youth Homes is a non-profit organization that cares for children who are facing abuse, neglect, emotional trauma and substance abuse problems. Through their emergency shelters, therapeutic group homes, foster care and adoption programs and counseling services, they provide a safe refuge for kids while they begin the process of healing. The team at Youth Homes show the kids compassion and teach them how to build healthy relationships. Every year, the Missoula Marathon partners with Youth Homes for their annual fundraising event. I’ve previously done multiple Run4Kids teams, and this year I’ve donated to my sister-in-law’s Run4Kids team. During the marathon, the Youth Homes kids cheer on all of the runners, and especially the runners that are fundraising to support their futures. This organization does incredibly important work.

Run Wild Missoula

Submitted by Brenda Shimek – Washington Corporations

Run Wild Missoula (RWM) is more than just a running club in Missoula. I’ve been a member for many years. Their mission of promoting and supporting a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, disabilities and backgrounds aligns perfectly with the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation’s focus on Health and Human Services. They organize races which are open to the entire community, host training sessions, all while encouraging walkers, runners and everyone in between to get out and get fit. Many race registrations partner with other non-profit organizations in the area. RWM helps raise money to provide scholarships for shoes to local HS Cross Country athletes (which is near and dear to my heart as my son was a XC runner), gives money for Cancer Support, All Nations, the Food Bank, Trail Maintenance and so much more. Supporting RWM means you are supporting many causes. Every race that RWM hosts needs volunteers. The Missoula Marathon alone requires hundreds of volunteers. I’ve learned so many things by volunteering with this organization. Most of my personal volunteer hours belong to RWM. My two boys also enjoy volunteering with me and enjoy the feeling of being part of the community that gives back. They love cheering on runners during races and also take pride while volunteering with them to do trail maintenance on trails that we enjoy using.

Montana Natural History Center

Anonymous submission – Washington Corporations

Montana Natural History Center connects people with nature. This year’s Pay It Forward grant will support Summer Camp scholarships.

Play Like Robert Foundation

Submitted by Aaron Boone – Washington Corporations

Last summer I attended a meeting organized by the Play Like Robert Foundation. I was touched by their passion and drive to make the communities in the Bitterroot a better place for everyone to live. Their ability to persevere through personal tragedy and turn it into something meaningful and good for everyone is amazing. They’re very driven and organized. Having witnessed a similar tragedy as a teenager, I was deeply moved by their message. I am giving my personal support to the Play Like Robert Foundation and I encourage others to take a look at the work they’re doing down in the Bitterroot.

Valley County Community Foundation

Submitted by Chase Fossum – Washington Corporations

A Pay It Forward grant would help fund projects in the Valley County area for the five common areas of life: arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education and natural resources, and conservation. These align with the mission of the DPW Foundation and would be very impactful to the community.

Childhood Cancer Coalition

Submitted by Victoria Robinette – Modern Machinery

Childhood Cancer Coalition is dedicated to a distinctive mission: providing comprehensive support to families navigating childhood cancer treatments and assisting them in rebuilding their lives after cancer. They bring together individuals who have personally experienced the challenges of childhood cancer, ensuring a deep understanding of the journey. This organization is dear to me because from the day my niece Marleigh was diagnosed with AML at 4 years old, they were there. They were there throughout her treatment (needle sticks and port placements, bone marrow transplants, many rounds of chemo), providing her with entertainment, laughs, hugs, snacks, and so much more. They were there after her passing, available as support for those grieving. I will always be grateful and supportive of this organization because I have seen them at work firsthand. Without them, the journey of childhood cancer would be that much harder.

Promise686 Montana

Submitted by Dori Jenkins – Modern Machinery

My daughter-in-law is a point of contact for this organization where many needs are met from our church family. I will not forget some struggles, without a crisis, with my own family, so any child welfare crisis tugs at my heartstrings. This ministry makes it easy to meet needs for others. They raise awareness around the needs of vulnerable children, help prevent children from going into foster care by supporting biological families in need, recruit and equip foster & adoptive families, and create Care Communities for those caring for at-risk kids.

Granite County Medical Foundation dba Philipsburg Skatepark Association

Submitted by Christopher Johnson – Modern Machinery

I grew up in Philipsburg and have recreation property there. I visit regularly with my grandchildren and think this would be a wonderful addition to the community. They are trying to help provide the youth in Granite County with a wholesome outdoor activity, as they currently have limited recreation options. The skatepark will be a free space for this rural community’s children to connect and grow through skateboarding, bicycling, and other wheeled park activities. And it will provide a lasting physical and social environment that strengthens the community, fosters camaraderie, and promotes physical and mental wellness for Granite County youth for generations to come.

Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days

Submitted by Amy Hewlett – Modern Machinery

The Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to hosting the annual Bohemia Mining Days festival in Cottage Grove, Oregon. They also engage in educational activities and participate in other local events to bring our rich local history to life. Personally, this event is important to me because this is the heritage of my hometown. Cottage Grove is rich in history and has held an annual festival called Bohemia Mining Days for the last 66 years. A few years ago, the festival was in danger of closing. My son, and some other members in our town, just could not let the festival die – so they rallied together and saved the festival last year! What normally takes a year to plan, they put together in 6 weeks. City officials praised those putting it together as the best yet and my son has since created the non-profit Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days. What began with great uncertainty has morphed into what it is today!

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Spokane

Submitted by Mitchell Chapin – Modern Machinery

The Shriners Children’s Hospital has brought miracles to children with disabilities. Their caring and companionate facility is amazing. My daughter went there to get her Scoliosis in her back fixed. They brought hope to my family when we were devastated. The Shriners never charged anything to heal our child. It is a terrific organization that will bring joy to any child and their family. I am forever grateful for this charity.

Lewis County Food Bank Coalition – Pe Ell Food Bank

Submitted by Mark Habersetzer – Modern Machinery

It helps feed people in the local community. The money helps pay for food.

The LifeGuard Group

Submitted by April LaRocque – Modern Machinery

The Lifeguard Group’s Mission is to RESPOND, RESCUE, RESTORE, and REVIVE in the fight against Human Trafficking. This is an amazing organization who is giving hope back to those that are victims of human trafficking. They are an organization that serves ALL people and will find resources to help find and free those who are victims. A couple years ago they opened Crooked Tree Ranch in the Bitterroot where survivors can find peace and heal to start their journey of recovery. They also have the Lifeline Project where they EMPOWER, EQUIP and ENABLE youth and community members to take action and speak up. This organization is important to me as I personally know the leaders of this group and know how much work and heart they put into The Lifeguard Group. They work tirelessly and live by their mission each and every day!

Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery

Submitted by Ray Nyman – Modern Machinery

Vanessa Behan’s vision is to provide immediate refuge for children and support to strengthen families. This evolved from the tragic story of Vanessa Kay Behan, a Spokane girl who died from child abuse injuries at the age of two. Following her death, a group of local businesspeople established the organization so that parents would have a safe place to bring their children in the face of crises. They provide 24-hour childcare when needed, parent education, crisis counseling for parents, and referrals. Vanessa Behan helps parents who are having difficulty providing safe shelter and care for their children. They may be dealing with issues as complex as substance abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. Or, they may just be exhausted and worn out from the demands of parenting.

Big Sky Bravery Foundation

Submitted by Randy Kleinhans – Modern Machinery

Big Sky Bravery’s mission is post-deployment support for Active-Duty Special Operations Forces (SOF). Founded in 2015 this non-profit organization utilizes the backdrop of S.W. Montana to help recipients decompress through weeklong programs (Task Forces). Big Sky Bravery offers these recipients the ability to uncouple from the world and recharge their batteries and has even saved some recipients’ lives. It has been an honor to be a volunteer for Big Sky Bravery since 2023. In July 2025, I will participate in my 3rd Summer Task Force. Having an already deep appreciation for our US Military, each Task Force has given me more than what I feel that I have given it. My commitment to being a volunteer is taking a week off from work and my family so I can volunteer 100% of my time and focus on these recipients. This commitment is measured in time obviously, but also the commitment is measured in emotions. We start out a Task Force week as complete strangers and leave as brothers. These men have impacted me so very much.

Ronald McDonald House of Western Montana

Submitted by Dave Slack – Modern Machinery

Ronald McDonald House of Western Montana is that “home-away-from -home” for families so that they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost.

Boys and Girls Club of Ada County – Kuna Club

Submitted by Breanna Nielson – Modern Machinery

The Boys & Girls Club of Ada County provides a safe, supportive environment where children and teens can access essential resources, mentorship, and programs that foster academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. Their work ensures that all youth, regardless of background, have opportunities to reach their full potential. This organization is important to me because it makes a meaningful impact on the lives of local children by providing them with stability, guidance, and opportunities they might not otherwise have. By supporting the Boys & Girls Club, we help create brighter futures for the next generation, empowering them with the tools and confidence to succeed.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Submitted by Dianne Barnes – Modern Machinery

St. Jude treats children with cancer, blood disorders and life-threatening diseases. St. Jude will never turn away a child based on race, religion, or the family’s ability to pay.

North Clackamas Education Foundation

Submitted by Chad Walker – Modern Machinery

This organization is important to my family, because they help kids that need it. I have 2 girls, ages 10 and 13. We see that not all families are financially able to have what is considered common for most. Families can go there and get clothes, bathroom items, and they have a food pantry. We have donated our clothes here. Kids can get backpacks and school supplies before school starts. These programs are for students in the North Clackamas school district.

City Foods Food Pantry

Submitted by Ben Ralls – Modern Machinery

City Foods is a volunteer-based organization that shows the love of Jesus to those in need. Sometimes people just need a helping hand while going through tough times and City Foods does this with a smile on their faces. They allow people in need to come in twice a month to get necessities they need for healthy living and basic survival. In 2023, they gave out over 209 thousand pounds of food items to people in our community. They give people the tools and help in tough times to elevate them and their families.

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