FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2017

(Helena, Mont.)—Students with the Capital High School Senior Welding 3 class designed and built three magnificent archways as a community project to be placed at the community garden at Ray Bjork School and the PEAK program. The students used the proceeds from the welding project to make a donation to the Big Hearts under the Big Sky (“BHUBS”) program.

The Class presented a $500 check to Mac Minard, Executive Director of the Big Hearts program to help advance the programs mission of providing high quality outdoor adventures with MOGA Member Outfitters, at NO COST to those who have provided extraordinary service to our country and those who face the challenge of a life-threatening illness.

“It was a win/win for everyone and I couldn’t be prouder of the work these young men have done,” said Jim Weber, the welding instructor at Capital High School. “They just did a tremendous job and the welding projects were a massive amount of work.”

In receiving the donation Mac Minard thanked the five young men; Sean Bouchard, Justin Baertch, Ry Ryeke, Wyatt LaPraim and Nick Kunz, and told them that the most valuable gift you can give is your time.

“We can always make more money or accumulate more material things,” noted Minard. “But giving the gift of your time on behalf of others is invaluable, extraordinary, and greatly appreciated.”

The Capital High Machining Welding and Woodworking classes have supported the Big Hearts program in many ways over the years. Just last fall they presented handmade hunting knives to two Purple Heart recipients being served under the Big Hearts program. Additionally, past classes and individuals have made custom fly rods, furniture, and unique welded art projects.

“This may be the best welding class I have ever had and I could not be prouder of them” said Jim Weber.

The Big Hearts under the Big Sky program, now in its tenth year of service, is Montana’s premier charity serving military service men and women, children who face a life-threatening illness and women who battle breast cancer. Since 2008, BHUBS program has served 49 families/groups totaling 321 people, involving 32 MOGA Outfitter businesses and accounting for $327,500 in donated Montana Outdoor adventures.

CONTACT
Mac Minard
406-449-3578 (office)
406-439-2059 (cell)
moga@mt.net

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