Facebook-f Instagram
Search
Close this search box.
Donate
View Our 2023 Impact Report

News

News Release – HRDC’s Annual Fundraiser Extended to January 31 to Boost Proceeds Available to Help  Those Struggling to Make Ends Meet

HRDC logo. Logo contains a branch leaf. Text reads, HRDC Building a Better Community

January 19, 2023

Contact:
Penny Johnson, Marketing Manager, 303-828-8481; pjohnson@thehrdc.org

Bozeman – The UnGala, HRDC’s yearly December fundraiser, has been extended to the end of January. One hundred percent of the money raised is used to support the area’s greatest needs including emergency shelter, affordable housing support, food insecurity, programming for seniors, energy assistance, and more.

Kristin Hamburg, HRDC’s Development Director, conceived of this virtual event several years ago to allow community members to participate at their convenience. “Rather than HRDC spending money each year to host a costly fundraising gala, we invite the community to learn more about our programs from the leisure of their own homes. No fancy dinners to attend, no need to get dressed up. HRDC’s website serves as the backdrop for this event where folks can visit to learn more about all the ways we are working to build a better community and to ensure no one gets left behind,” Hamburg said.

The continued housing crisis in Bozeman and the surrounding towns in Southwest Montana coupled with the added financial pressure households are facing due to inflation translates into an increase in the number of people seeking support from HRDC. On a typical day, HRDC assists 10-15 households with housing, hosts 90 people per night at its shelter, provides energy assistance support to 10 households, and provides food to 50+ people at its food bank.

Hamburg explained, “Our ability to help people in need is made possible through the generosity of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors. Those who need help can get it, and those who are able to give help are encouraged to donate during these final days of our UnGala fundraiser if they haven’t already done so.”

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. Donors, volunteers, and community members can find out what we have in common at https://thehrdc.org/.

Get Assistance
Donate Now
Volunteer
Careers
Newsletters
Contact
FAQs
Newsletter Sign Up
    Please note, when you sign up for one of our newsletters, you may also receive periodic emails from us containing special messages which are time sensitive and not suited for monthly communication.
Brooke Poole

Public Sector

Since 2015, Brooke has been working with Allergan Aesthetics, Body Contouring. In 2018, Brooke began her role as Senior Manager of Training. Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University in 2011.

Brooke began her role on our Board in 2019. However, she feels it’s more fitting to say that she gets to serve on our Board. For Brooke, an evening at our Fork & Spoon was her first glance into our organization’s powerful work. As Brooke states, joining the Board has only expanded her appreciation for the caliber of people leading our mission and the impact of our vast ecosystem of services. While metrics alone are impressive, Brooke likes to visualize each number as an individual example of support – an extension of a helping hand, a moment of relief – given to one of our neighbors. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate in shaping HRDC’s future.

Although Brooke spends most of her volunteer time with HRDC, she was fortunate enough to build with Habitat for Humanity over the course of the summer in 2020. Her favorite place to spend time is anywhere under the Big Sky, although Hyalite may be her favorite place on Earth.

Ron Brey

Public Sector

Ron served as Bozeman’s Assistant City Manager from 1990 to 2008. After retiring, Ron joined our Board in 2011. Ron received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana in 1977, and his Masters in Science in Rural, Town, and Regional Planning from the University of Montana in 1987.

During his time with the City of Bozeman, Ron saw the important role that HRDC has played in our community. Ron has seen that HRDC provides necessary social services to assure that all Bozeman residents could obtain housing, food, training, employment and the other necessities of life. He also came to understand that HRDC was always able to respond immediately as new community needs arose. Ron believes that the dedication, hard work, and compassion of HRDC’s staff make it a real honor to serve on the Board.

Ron also serves on the Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee for the City of Bozeman, and as a volunteer with the Red Cross. One of Ron’s favorite activities is walking his beloved dog every day, enjoying many of Bozeman’s trails and parks, like Burke Park, Bozeman Creek, and the Hyalite and Mount Ellis areas. Ron and his wife Claire enjoy spending their days with family, friends, and time outdoors.