Governor Gianforte Contributes Salary to Nonprofit Empowering Young Montanans

ANACONDA, Mont. – Continuing his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today donated a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Youth Empowerment Services (YES!), a nonprofit serving young Montanans in Deer Lodge County.

“Children hold the key to Montana’s future,” Governor Gianforte said. “Thanks to YES!, young Montanans in Anaconda are empowered to reach their full potential, and I’m proud to support them as they help these future leaders learn and grow.”

Gov. Gianforte presents a quarter of his governor’s salary to YES! in Anaconda

Through after school programs, YES! offers children a safe, constructive, and positive environment to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. 

YES! empowers young Montanans with skills in personal accountability and responsibility, as well as the social, academic, and career skills needed to thrive in the workforce upon graduation.

“We would like to thank Governor Gianforte for his generous donation and including us in his 12 Days of Giving Campaign!,” Katie Bjornen, executive director of YES! said. "We at YES! are incredibly grateful for his support and look forward to using the donation to help us continue to provide a safe place for children to grow, develop relationships, and gain skills that will benefit them their entire lives.”

In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his governor’s salary to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state. 

Running through mid-December, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

-On the 1^st Day of Giving, the governor visited the Butte Rescue Mission and served lunch to Montanans struggling with food insecurity.

-On the 2^nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the second annual canned food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

-On the 3^rd Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Montana veterans through the Veterans Navigation Network.

-On the 4^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.

-On the 5^th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

-On the 6^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) in Anaconda.