MONTANA BUSINESSES HELP 2023 MONTANA FOLK FESTIVAL MATCH DENNIS

AND PHYLLIS WASHINGTON FOUNDATION CHALLENGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2023

George Everett, Exec. Dir. Mike Halligan, Exec. Dir.

Mainstreet Uptown Butte Dennis and Phyllis
(406) 565-2249 Washington Foundation
(406) 523-1325

Montana businesses have stepped up to meet and exceed the challenge grant
made possible by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with
Montana Resources for the 2023 Montana Folk Festival, returning to Butte July 14,15
and 16.
"We are humbled by the strong support demonstrated by Montana businesses
who have helped us to reach our goal to match the generous support from the Dennis
and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Resources," said George Everett of
the Montana Folk Festival Executive Committee. "The festival could not continue
without the support of our sponsors, and we are amazed by how strongly businesses
continue to respond to help us match this challenge," Everett added.
This year the Foundation, in conjunction with Montana Resources, provided
invaluable momentum when they pledged $200,000 with a $100,000 grant and up to
$100,000 additional dollars in support of the Festival, provided that Montana businesses
help match the award with their contributions.
As of May 16, with the festival fast approaching, Montana business sponsors
who see the many economic benefits of the festival have responded to the matching
grant challenge to help sustain the event. Several businesses large and small have
contributed to ensure the success of the Montana Folk Festival in Montana after the
return of the event from the long interruption caused by the COVID pandemic that
shuttered the event in 2020 and 2021.
This year’s event is set in Butte for July 14, 15 and 16.
The Foundation’s challenge and the match of other Montana businesses helps
with the expenses of bringing some of the best traditional performers in the country to
perform at the festival. This year, the lineup includes Melody Angel, Red Baraat,
Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas, High Fidelity, Kiki Valera y Son Cubano,
Redd Volkaert and Chaksampa, A Tibetan opera and dance group, among several
others, 21 performers in all, that will converge in Butte, Montana to perform on six
stages throughout the festival weekend. To see the full lineup, visit
www.montanafolkfestival.com.
Montana business sponsors who have risen to the Foundation challenge and had
their sponsorships matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 include: Butte Broadcasting,
Campbell Investment Management, Clearwater Credit Union, Front Street Station, Mile
High Beverages, Montana Abstract & Title, Montana Honda Dealers (Leskovar Motors),
NorthWestern Energy, Patagonia Dillon Outlet, Piccadilly Museum, Pioneer Technical
Services, Steele's Furniture, Summit Beverage, The Montana Standard, Town Pump
Corporation, Union Pacific, and Zip Beverage.
"The generosity and continued support of Town Pump, a statewide corporation
with its headquarters and its roots in Butte, has put the icing on the cake. Town Pump's
match has ensured that we will meet and exceed the challenge this year," added
Everett.
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Resources have
been a major supporter of the Montana celebration of traditional music, dance, arts, and
cuisine from its inception as the National Folk Festival in 2008. “From the inception of
this project in 2008, we saw the amazing success of the festival and its potential to help
expand a wide array of cultural opportunities to not just Montanans but also the region
while at the same time helping to build a large repeat tourism base for Montana,” said
Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
“Before the pandemic the festival had grown into a much-anticipated annual summer
event for all of Montana, the Northwest and the nation and we are glad to see it
continue in 2023.”
“All of the 390 employees at Montana Resources have felt the loss caused by the
pandemic years and the absence of the festival was a big one. I look forward to having
it return again myself,” said Mike McGivern, Vice President of Montana Resources. “It
will be great seeing our employees enjoy this event and knowing that their hard work
helps to ensure its continued success,” McGivern added.
 On site sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses to showcase
their products and services to thousands of attendees at the festival. These benefits are
described at www.montanafolkfestival.com, or for more details about remaining
sponsorship opportunities, call 406-565-2249.
For more details about the many charitable works of The Dennis and Phyllis
Washington Foundation, visit www.dpwfoundation.org. For more information about
Montana Resources, visit www.montanaresources.com/.
For details about the Montana Folk Festival coming to Butte July 14-16, including
the performers and upcoming schedules of performances, visit
www.montanafolkfestival.com.

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About the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The
Washington Companies and the Washington family. The Foundation strives to better the human
condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality
of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal
contributions from the Washington family and annual contributions from The Washington
Companies. The Foundation website is located at http://www.dpwfoundation.org.