Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
Now in its 7th year, HRDC's annual UnGala, serves as both a critical fundraising tool for the agency and a virtual event from the comfort of donors' homes. One hundred percent of the money raised is used to support the area's greatest needs.
"Our supporters have told us time and again how appreciative they are of our efforts to ensure any money received during this fundraising effort goes directly to programming needs and not to covering the cost of a big event," said Kristin Hamburg, HRDC's Resource Development Director.
The event occurs each December and the need this year is especially significant given the number of community members who are struggling to make ends meet. HRDC relies on the generosity of the community to address a number of real, practical issues including the inability to keep food on the table in a consistent manner, and in many cases, a roof over heads.
Throughout 2023, HRDC experienced consistent, high demand to provide support to those experiencing homelessness and to those in need of help finding affordable housing while also distributing 1,667,276 pounds of food. The lives of over 12,000 people having been positively impacted by HRDC's various services during the past year alone.
On a typical day, HRDC assists 10-15 households with housing, hosts 85+ people per night at its shelters, provides energy assistance support to 10 households, and provides food to 50+ people.
Hamburg explained, "Our ability to help people in need is made possible through the generosity of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors. Those who need help can get it, and those who are able to give help are encouraged to donate during these final days of our UnGala fundraiser if they haven't already done so."
This year's UnGala fund-raising goal is $300,000. With fundraising flat across the nation, many who give are finding that due to the rise in cost of living, they are unable to give as much as they have in the past. Because of this, Hamburg spoke to the critical impact each donor makes, "Be it $10, $100, or $1,000, every single donation counts."
Donations can be made online by visiting https://thehrdc.org/donate/.
For those who prefer to give by check, HRDC's address is 32 S. Tracy Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.
As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montana.
