Pay it Forward Stories 2023

I gave the card to the STEM college at my Alma Mater (Radford University). The funds will go to help students pay for field supplies for the annual field trip to the artic circle to measure sea ice thickness using geophysical methodologies learned during the school year.

I chose to give my Pay It Forward Giving Card to the Sawyer Ott Memorial Foundation. The foundation was created in remembrance of Sawyer Ott who passed way in a tragic accident in Reed Point at two years old. His family has formed the Sawyer Ott Memorial Foundation to create a park and playground for the community and children of Reed Point in his honor.

I was lucky enough to be selected as a recipient of a Pay It Forward card this year and I chose to give the Pay It Forward card to my son's 2nd grade teacher. This young lady is a first-year teacher at Butte Central Elementary School. As most people know, teachers do not start out making a tremendous amount of money. Also, teachers are required to provide a significant amount of the supplies for their classrooms. At the start of the school year, we as well as the other parents were asked by my son's teacher to help purchase some of the supplies that the classroom would require for the year. I believe most of the students' families did help out but as the year progressed, supplies started to run thin, and this 2nd grade teacher was required to buy the supplies herself. As a recent college graduate and a first year teacher, this put a significant financial burden on her. It is for these reasons that I decided that this wonderful young teacher would be a great choice to receive this gift. A huge Thank You goes to the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for allowing me to help out this young teacher and her classroom!

I used my card to make several people feel good. I would pay for random people's groceries just out of the blue. Also if I was getting gas and someone pulled up I would explain the Pay it Forward program and tell them to fill it up on me! Was great to see people’s reactions and gratitude!! Definitely made a lot of people's day a lot brighter!

I decided to pay if forward to a young Montanan named Brandon McCaffree, who back in January unexpectedly had complete heart failure on a vacation, and was lucky enough to receive a transplant a few weeks later. Although I do not know Brandon personally, his situation was brought to my attention through a friend and knew the Pay It Forward would greatly benefit him and his family with the uphill battle they have to come.

I have had this card for a couple of months now, researching what might be the best organization, that is important to me, that I could donate it to.

Because I, my brother, father and stepdad were all in the Navy and my son is currently in the Airforce, veteran’s programs have always been something I care about. I have donated in the past to Wounded Warriors and think that is a wonderful organization. However, I am very hesitant to give money to a large organization like that because I cannot see firsthand, the good it actually does. So, I looked at some alternative causes that might benefit from a donation, specifically cancer foundations because my son was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) a couple of years ago. Again, one of those large organizations.

Thinking about this over the last couple of months, knowing I need to give this card away, I struggled with making a decision. Each time I came up with an option, I quickly moved on because I wanted to see the effect. Maybe that won’t be so important in the future, but for this year I was determined to make that happen.

This last Friday I was driving home. Like usual, traffic was a nightmare. So, I decided to take a back street – through a parking lot when I happened across a guy repairing his truck. It was parked in a lot, located at the side of the building and as I drove past, I couldn’t help but feel thankful that I was not in that position. The truck has a topper on it and it seems most of his belongings were in the back of it. As I passed, an urge to talk to this guy came over me. I backed up, rolled my window down and asked him if I could talk to him for a few minutes. With a puzzled look, he agreed. I parked my truck and walked over to where he was. I started the conversation off introducing myself, though I did not catch his name I could tell he was wondering why the heck I wanted to talk to him. I asked him what he was doing, and he said he need to repair his truck. He had a tie rod in his hand and was trying to put used parts back in his truck. He told me the front end needed to be replaced. I asked him if he was working, he told me that he used to pour concrete but had to give that up because of a bladder condition he has. He said that he now washes dishes at a local restaurant. I asked him if he was homeless, he responded by saying “not really, I am kind of in between right now.” To me that meant he was in fact homeless. I told him that I had another question and that I did not want him to be offended. Do you do drugs, I asked? He told me no! That he had kicked that about three years ago along with alcohol and that he will never go back.

I then told him that I wanted to help him out. I explained that the company I worked for allowed us the opportunity to pay it forward. That I had a credit card with $500 on it that I wanted to give to him. As I reached out and handed it to him, his eyes looked around. I know he was thinking this guy is absolutely nuts. I told him “this $500 is to purchase parts for his truck or whatever he needs with just one condition, no drugs”. He told me, “I kicked that a long time ago.” I also handed him my card and told him if for some reason he had a problem, that he could call me. With that, the awkwardness set in, as tears welled up in his eyes, I told him he didn’t need to say anything. I told him to have a great day and walked back to my truck.

This is the exact thing I was looking for. This made a difference in his life. I really appreciate the opportunity the Foundation gives us to pay it forward.

I chose my nephew, who has been dealing with major medical issues as the recipient of my giving card and felt I would share a little of what he has been through. Thanks

The Journey
My nephew was lying in bed reading a book and falling asleep on the evening of December 20, 2010. He woke and asked his wife, “what”? At that moment, he had his first big seizure. There was much panic at that time with his parents running over as fast as they could to see what that phone call they had just gotten meant. After getting to the hospital in Philipsburg the doctor confirmed that he had a seizure. The doctor said he may never have another one, that he may have a brain tumor, may have epilepsy or lots of other guesses.
There was a hurried trip in a blizzard, of course, they made it safely to the ER at St. Patrick’s Hospital. He had just purchased his Grampa’s cattle operation on a 6-year payout, the month before. He had worked on the ranch with his grandfather since he was 12 years old, then all summers in high school and college. After graduating college with a math degree, he was in a happy place with a new wife, 2 step-kids and now the ranch to run.
There was a long wait in the emergency room. When the doctor finally came in, there was bad news as he stated, “this is not good”, he had a very large tumor in his brain.
The next day a neurologist at the Providence Center confirmed the bad news and scheduled surgery for a few days later. They cancelled that surgery. A dear friend and doctor got them on the way to Seattle to see a surgeon there. They were able to wait until after Christmas and had surgery in Seattle on the 3rd of January 2011. The news was good if you have a brain tumor. The surgeon could only get half of the tumor out, but it was a slow grower and had been growing for some years. There had been no symptoms leading up to the initial seizure, so they had no clue that he had any underlying condition. He started seizure medicine and had MRI’s every six months. There was Chemotherapy for a year.
He kept right on ranching. MRI’s every six months and waiting for results. All this time having “partial onset seizures”. He had to take enormous amounts of seizure medicines to control these seizures and was studied several times for the seizures. At times, he would have so many seizures a day he could not count them all. Through all this he and his wife were blessed with two daughters. So, there was also joy and happiness during these years. He did not complain but his seizures were getting worse.
In the fall of 2018, he went to Seattle and had proton therapy. This was a new treatment, and he were very fortunate to be able to receive it. During this time in Seattle his wife would bring the kids and they would go to baseball games, swim in the lake, and walk a lot, keeping busy during their stay. The proton therapy helped the seizures tremendously. This was a great relief, and he was able to go on with his cattle ranching.
For a few years he traveled to Fred Hutchins Cancer Center in Utah, where he had excellent care. There was more chemotherapy, this time using infusions instead of pills. They ultimately advised him to see a doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas for surgery.
He saw the doctor in Houston every few months, finally found time to have surgery on June 9th, 2022, being a good time for a break in the ranching. This surgery helped his seizures. He came home as soon as possible after this surgery because he needed to start haying. This did not work out well, it was just too soon, and he was not himself. By August 2022 the doctors told him he had a new spot and needed to have surgery right away again. He was not happy but did have surgery again on October 8, 2022. This surgery lasted 13 hours and the doctors used a rather new technique with a combination of laser and surgery at the same time. He was the 5th one to have this procedure. He tolerated this surgery well, but always wanting to come home, a day or so after, they had to convince him to stay just a bit longer. Going on a flight home from Houston after just 4 days of brain surgery was scary, but he was determined, reluctantly the doctor gave his permission. The first week of December 2022 he and his wife traveled back to Houston to have radiation treatments. These treatments would last through Christmas. Most of his immediate family traveled to Houston for Christmas and were very blessed to stay with friends that welcomed all for the holidays. That was a Christmas to remember.
They got home the 11th of January and were welcomed home by their four kids and the rest of the family that were anxiously waiting. After much convincing, he agreed to give up his ranching endeavor and finally applied for Social Security Disability in the Fall of 2022 at which time he had to say goodbye to his beloved cows. This was a sad day; he drove his tractor across the field with those cows faithfully following him perfectly into the corrals where they were loaded up into two semi-trucks and driven away. Heartbreaking, after 12 years of the ranching on his own now history, he had to sell off his ranching operation and equipment to pay medical bills, but gives the family the gift of more time spent at home. Lots of joyous times to be remembered, family helping with branding, shots, calving, haying, and working together, so very much to be thankful for through those years.
Since returning he has had two MRI’s, the first one was baseline because his brain had changed so much after 13 hours surgery. The second one in early April, but the doctors in Houston were not happy with the quality. On May 18, he had his follow up MRI in Houston and the doctors were generally pleased, it showed a major reduction in the tumor size, only one small spot that they are concerned about. They are working on some additional treatment they hope will help even more
He has been staying busy helping his ranching friends and neighbors with calving, branding and other needs, but taking the time to be home with his little girls. We are now watching him live his new life, one day at a time. We are hoping and praying for a perfect and final cure.

My gift card was donated to the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana (BIAMT). Oftentimes, a person who experiences an accident, stroke, or other brain injury faces a lot of uncertainty. They struggle with transitioning back to work or school, participating in recreational activities, forming/maintaining friend and familial relationships, managing appointments, dealing with insurance and finances, as well as coping with ongoing fatigue, headaches, and depression. Every year BIAMT host a Big Sky Challenge Hike where helmets are given away to those in need. This donation, specifically, was used to purchase helmets for children who reside in Missoula as well as the surrounding communities and reservations. Priority is given to low income students and families.

My wife, son and myself donated our Pay It Forward to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Texas. Since November of 2020, the RMDH of Dallas has welcomed my family to stay at their facility while my son recieved medical treatment at Dallas Childrens Medical Center. Being able to stay there has greatly helped with my son Iver's medical costs. We are forever thankful to them and the Pay It Forward program.

I tried to give it to the suicide prevention, but the card would not let us so it went to providence health foundation. Thank you very much for the card it will help the foundation. Thanks again - the Miller family

I served in the US Air Force during the height of the cold war. I remember the cat and mouse games played between the USA and USSR. And the paranoia quite vividly. I have belonged to the American legion and have been a member for several years. They are very active in their communities and serve as a great resource for the American military veteran. They sponsor and support several charity groups around the United States. The American Legion’s top priority is to reduce veteran suicides by encouraging veterans, caregivers and others to "Be the One" to save the life of one veteran. Instead of focusing on the staggering number of veteran lives lost each day, it is time to focus on saving one at a time. That starts with destigmatizing mental health issues and making it OK for veterans to ask for help.
American Legion Charities are used to help The American Legion fulfill its mission to support veterans, military personnel, families and communities. American Legion Charities distributes funds where they are most needed to support programs and services of the organization. The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation provides vital support for military and veteran parents in unexpected financial crises and support for service officers in their tireless efforts to obtain care and due benefits and opportunities of disabled veterans and families. The American Legion can continue to provide much-needed assistance to disabled veterans, U.S. military families with children at home who are facing unexpected financial hardships, troops recovering from wounds and illnesses and the children of fallen troops and disabled veterans.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children across the nation.
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship helps ensure higher education is a possibility for children who lost a parent to death on active duty, or suffered a service-connected disability rated 50 percent or greater by VA, since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The National Emergency Fund provides direct, immediate cash grants for veterans in the aftermath of major catastrophes, such as tornadoes, floods, wildfires or hurricanes.
Military personnel and veterans recovering from wounds and illnesses at medical facilities and transition units receive comfort items, rehabilitation equipment and recreational opportunities through Operation Comfort Warriors.

These are just a few reasons why I chose the American Legion at this time. Also an anonymous donor pledged to double all donations until June 15th. So the $500 donation becomes a $1000! What better way to give.

Thanks Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for selecting me to participate in the Pay It Forward program this year. I am excited to contribute my $500 gift card to Families First Learning Lab in Missoula. I sincerely hope that this donation will contribute to the ongoing success and growth of this amazing program. A bit about the program.

“At a time when we are all experiencing the repercussions of this pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Philanthropy gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.

Families are all around us. Because of you and the gifts you provide, our team at Families First Learning Lab is working hard to continue to provide education, connection, and play opportunities in our community.

You are helping us learn new ways of “being together while we are apart.”
Your donation:
• Builds a hands-on Dramatic Play Exhibit with rotating themes and activities and helps us continue delivering Fairy Kits to our community
• Furnishes a Family Education Classroom & Provides Virtual Opportunities for Parent Education and Peer Connection
• Creates a Family Nook in the public library and Resource Page on our website that is continually being updated
• Furthers the growth and delivery of programs to families in need

This community space will welcome ALL FAMILIES and your gift will allow them to learn, play, and grow, together. “ – Families First Learning Lab

I would like to thank the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for the opportunity to participate in the Pay It Forward 2023 Campaign. For my charitable contribution, I chose to donate to my local high school booster club. Shadle Park High School Booster is a nonprofit organization that raises funds and gives everything back to the students of SPHS. As costs go up, SPHS groups and activities are asking the booster club for additional funds outside of their normal needs. The money raised by the booster club is used for a variety of things ranging from basketballs for the girls’ basketball team, musical instruments for the band, uniforms for the cheerleaders, bus transportation for long travel distances, lunch for student athletes that are out of town, registration fees for students that need extra financial help, props for the drama club, travel funds for debate and DECA to get to nationals, and t-shirts for special groups and clubs. This is just a small sampling of a list of things the money will impact. The donation is appreciated and will be used to help SPHS students in their needs. Thank you again.

I donated to a local organization called Odyssey Youth Movement. Their mission is to promote equity for LGBTQ+ youth in the Inland Northwest through youth-driven programs and community education. Funds are used to purchase hygiene supplies or bus passes for youth, program supplies (including meals, safer sex supplies, clothing), youth focused support groups, communal meals during drop-ins, and more, to help LGBTQ+ youth and young adults with programs and resources to help them survive and thrive.

My donation was to get a shopping list from Watsons Children's shelter. I emailed the director and asked what they needed most urgently. Each year, over 100 kids — infant to age 14 — are brought to Watson Children’s Shelter. These children have been abused, neglected, abandoned or their family is in crisis. Most children are brought to the shelter by social workers or the police. The average stay is 60 days. This year they needed basic necessities. Pullups, bubblegum flavored toothpaste, sunscreen ect ect. I did the shopping and delivered it to a very grateful group of people. I can't think of a more deserving cause than kids in need. Thank you for the opportunity to help out.

I have decided to gift my pay it forward gift card to a local family who is experiencing unexpected financial hardship. This local family was excited to find out that they were expecting baby number two this spring, however the pregnancy had many unexpected complications that didn’t allow the mother to bring in an income as she needed to limit her mobility. This card allowed them to get necessary items such as groceries, diapers, wipes, and many more items to prepare for baby 2. Though there were many complications and doctor’s appointments baby boy has arrived and has been cleared as healthy by the pediatrician. The family would like to extend a big thank you for the financial bonus through this hard time.

I used the Money to make improvements at the High Altitude skating oval in Butte. Specifically made purchases to improve our bathrooms and an interior wall. The facility is used a lot by the public in the winter for skating and recreating.

I used my card to help defray the cost for dance classes for a 10 year old little girl. Costs for dancing plus travel for competitions have gone up like everything else so I gave my card to a large family to help their little dancer to continue to follow her dreams.

I donated the funds of my gift card to a local woman and her 1 yr old child whose home was destroyed during a domestic violence incident. Everything from walls, appliances, countertops, furniture, clothing, and baby toys were destroyed. The home is currently uninhabitable.

The giving card was given to Montana State University Bozeman, College of Nursing. A fellow nursing student split up the giving card 5 ways. Then the student surprised her cohort with a fun game and raffle. The 5 students were chosen at random and were given 100$ each to go towards school and clinical supplies! The students had a great time participating in this raffle, and the winners were very appreciative. The 5 winners are now able to put money towards scrubs, books, stethoscopes, and much more! Thank you Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.

I was honored to be able to use the Pay it Forward card in support of Garden City Ballet. Garden City Ballet has been preserving the local holiday tradition of Missoula's Nutcracker for many, many years. The inspiration, education, sense of community and belief in value of the arts that GCB provides to its young dancers is unsurpassed. My young daughter has been fortunate to greatly benefit from the lessons learned and friendships through her dance experience. I am very thankful to be able to "pay it forward" to this wonderful organization. Thank you!

I gave my card to Stitch in Peace, I am including their thank you note.

I used the $500 award to give to Genesis House, in Stevensville, MT. This is a residential home for women who suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues. The home has been there for almost fifty years with most of its support coming from the community and private contributions. Some of its funding came from the Department of Public Human Health Services, however, in October of 2022, the Director of Genesis House was notified that they no longer fit the criteria of eligibility for feeding their residents. So the award I gave them was a 'Godsend', to say the least. Hopefully, I can find ways to raise other monies to help them with food and necessities.
Sincerely, Melanie Mellgren-Sidmore

The card was used to help a Laurel based travel volleyball team of 8 16-17yr old girls with their fundraising efforts to compete in a National Volleyball tournament in Phoenix, AZ; they earned a bid to enter and attend, but they need to raise all their travel expenses. The funds will go towards their food expenses during the 5 day event.

I'd like to start this giving story out by thanking the Foundation for this great program. Living in a smaller Montana community, it's a great gifting program to families and businesses around Carbon County. I decided to divide the $500 to three different entities. I bought a $100 Best Buy gift card for a church that needed a new router. I bought a $100 Scheel's card for the volunteer fire department's annual fundraiser. The last $300.00 I bought a Visa gift card for a struggling family in Joliet, MT where I live. Thanks again for this great program. Jill