Governor Gianforte Thanks Montana’s Organ Donors

Encourages support for Threshold of Life Memorial during 12 Days of Giving

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - On the sixth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the opportunity for Montanans to support the Threshold of Life Memorial to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors, encourage education on organ donation, and to register as a donor.

"Through the Threshold of Life Memorial, we are giving hope to those awaiting lifesaving transplants while celebrating the lives of all individuals impacted by organ donation," Gov. Gianforte said. "May we all be reminded of those who gave the ultimate gift and be encouraged to support the memorial that will honor their life."

A model design of the Threshold of Life Memorial, courtesy of the Governor's Office of Community Service

In Montana, there are over 198 individuals waiting for a lifesaving organ and 86 percent of Montanans are registered as organ donors.

Fundraising for the memorial is organized by the Governor's Office of Community Service. The Threshold of Life Memorial will be installed on the Montana State Capitol grounds along an existing walking path. In 2023, the design and location were approved by the legislature, and the current fundraising goal is $500,000.

"The Threshold of Life Memorial is an investment that will benefit Montanans today, and for generations to come. Organ, eye, and tissue donation impacts every corner of Montana. Living donors often give lifesaving gifts to those they love, and those who give in their passing save lives of people they have never met. It's a dynamic and deeply personal experience for all involved," said Sarah Sadowski, Director of the Governor's Office of Community Service.

The completion of the memorial relies on support from individuals, businesses, and associations. Montanans interested in learning more about or donating to the Threshold of Life Memorial Fund can visit the ServeMontana page here . More information on the memorial can also be found on its Facebook page here .

In the month of December, the governor's fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for the Threshold of Life memorial to honor the contributions of all organ, eye, and tissue donors in Montana.

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