Hope Springs in Glasgow

The Valley County Project HOPE (Helping Others Pay Expenses) hosted their first annual barbecue at the Valley Event Center on July 4 to not only celebrate the holiday but to also allow the community to come together for a good cause. According to HOPE committee member Rod Karst, well over 100 people were served a hamburger with choice of fixings, chips, baked beans, potato salad, a brownie, watermelon and a choice of water or pop. "We are really happy with how the event went," stated Karst. "It was very successful and we learned a lot on what changes can be made for next year."

In addition to a great meal, which attendees provided a free-will offering for, attendees had the ability to bid on items donated to the event with the assistance of auctioneer Brian Austin and were treated to over an hour's worth of local entertainment. The evening capped off with the annual firework display over the fairgrounds. As of press time, the total amount raised during the event had not been calculated however "everyone had a great time," stated Karst.

The purpose of the community barbecue was to raise funds in order to provide financial assistance to Valley County people who need help due to medical costs. According to Karst, Project HOPE is just getting off the ground, and are relatively close to getting their bylaws approved. Once the bylaws have been approved, the group will move to apply for 501c3 status.

The organizing committee for the Northeast Montana Relay for Life has been the force behind Valley County Project HOPE due to the American Cancer Society making changes in their operations. The changes that were made affected Valley County residents who were not getting the assistance necessary in lodging and gas assistance for cancer patients needing to travel for appointments. According to the organizing committee, the overall philosophy of the American Cancer Society has changed, so they decided to branch off and make more of a local impact.

Project HOPE will still make a small donation to the American Cancer Society each year to assist in cancer research, however the majority of the money will be staying in Valley County. Instead of only focusing on cancer patients who need assistance, the committee of Project HOPE decided to broaden their services and include all those who need help with medical costs. Once the committee reaches 501c3 status, anyone in Valley County can apply for assistance.

In addition to getting bylaws approved and obtaining 501c3 status, up next for HOPE is a fundraising event hosted by the Glasgow High School cross country students. The runners will be serving breakfast during the Gov Cup this weekend, July 12 and 13. Students will be at the Marina starting at 3:30 a.m., and will start serving breakfast at 5 a.m until 8 a.m. "The students have been hosting this event for many years and have donated proceeds to Relay for Life. Since we have restructured, they have decided to donate to Project HOPE instead," stated Karst. Breakfast will consist of eggs to order, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee.

Another upcoming fundraising event for Project HOPE is Festival of Trees which will occur on Nov. 22 with the prime rib dinner followed by the viewing of trees on Nov. 23 at the Elks.

Due to the transition phase, Two Rivers is currently holding any funds raised until Project HOPE obtains their 501c3 status. If anyone would like to donate funds to the cause, checks can be made out to Two Rivers Growth, memo: HOPE, PO Box 764, Glasgow, MT 59230.