FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2009
Contact: Mac Minard, Executive Director
406 449-3578 (office)
406.439-2059 (cell)
moga@mt.net
HONORED VETERANS AND TERMINALLY ILL RECEIVEING THERAPUTIC BENEFITS FROM Big Hearts under the Big Sky program
HELEN, MT: In 2009, the Big Hearts Under the Big Sky program gave 8 fully outfitted and guided trips to individuals who provided extraordinary military service to our country and to others who face the challenges of life-threatening illness. By partnering with Montana’s outfitters these individuals along with their families were able to participate in a dream fulfilling experience otherwise unavailable to them.
The benefits of this type of opportunity extend far beyond the hunt or catch; spirits are healed, capabilities and confidence expand, a sense of purpose is rediscovered, and families are restored. Healing properties abound in the Montana outdoors and that is what Big Hearts provides access to. The intangibles of the program are the hardest to measure, but the anecdotal evidence is clear:
“My son does not appear to be lost anymore; he has gotten back a more positive outlook on life,” said the father of a young man with terminal cancer as he reflected on their Big Hearts elk hunt.
Following his hunt, war veteran Neil Frustaglio, who lost both his legs above the knee while stationed in Iraq related his experience, I “had a great time. . . (and) I learned from the ‘old guys,’ I was pretty aware of what it was possible to do (as an amputee); but any little assurance helps.”
This past Thanksgiving, a 15 year old, born with cerebral palsy and unable to walk without the aid of a walker, had the opportunity to get his first dear and exchange stories with other hunters, “being in the lodge, interacting with (other) experienced hunters … I never got to interact like that before.”
A wounded Afghanistan veteran after spending two full years recovering from wounds received in battle said the following about Big Hearts, “the experience I had in Montana validated not only my service and sacrifice but that of my family. They (MOGA Outfitters) represent the fabric of American culture that is worth fighting for.”
(See case studies for additional stories and examples)
How it works
Big Hearts Under the Big Sky is the “giving back” extension of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA). Big Hearts primary objective is coordinate fully outfitted and guided trips to meet the dreams and needs of carefully screened, qualified participants.
With a retail value of approximately $3,900., a fully outfitted and guided trip is generally more than a single family operated business can routinely provide. To ensure a steady supply of high-quality trips Big Hearts raises funds to offset the outfitter expense. Each participating outfitter donates to the effort, but Big Hearts offsets the hard costs. This ensures those who qualify can participate, and the Outfitters can, as they have for years, contribute and share their experience.
“As members of the outfitting industry we have a responsibility to share our connection to the natural world with others. The satisfaction we gain by helping those who do not have the means and/or the skill to enjoy the natural world as we know it is incredibly rewarding. It is all part of passing on the hunting and outdoor heritage.” Donna McDonald, MOGA’s current President.
MOGA partners with several long established organizations to ensure the integrity of the Big Hearts program. These partners include Honored American Veterans Afield, Hunt of a Lifetime, Casting for Recovery, and Catch a Dream. Each partner serves as a clearing house for identifying qualified persons who desire an outfitted trip of a lifetime. Big Hearts then works to match their needs with the right outfitters and guides to fulfill their dreams.
How to help:
Learn More: Attend the MOGA Fund Raising Banquet and Auction, January 8, Billings, MT. Marty Brunson, of the nationally renowned Catch a Dream foundation will present the key note address. A limited number of corporate tables are still available
Contribute: Big Hearts seeks tax deductable contributions ranging from sponsorships to endowments to donations. Contributions can be made directly at: http://www.bigheartsmt.org/ .
Contact Big Hearts or MOGA directly: For more information, please see the web sites at http://www.bigheartsmt.org/ or http://montanaoutfitters.org, or call Mac Minard, Executive Director, at 406-449-3578
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