Corporate and private donations
to this worthy cause are
actively sought.
If you find it in your heart
to join the effort
please call:
406-442-3420
Karla (at) mtbeef_dot_org
or tjcasey (at) tjcasey_dot_net
or write:
Giving Back Foundation
% Montana Stockgrowers Assn.
420 North California St
Helena, Montana 59601
This is a nationwide effort to
help the ranchers and farmers
who have been affected by
the ravages of Mother Nature.
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TJ Casey - President
Don Siefert - Vice President
Karla Johnson - Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members:
Mike Wendlandt
Jim Lee
Bob Moore
Dwite Johnson
Donna Rustad
GIVING BACK FOUNDATION IN ACTION
The first year of life is filled with challenges and adjustments, and is
never a time of huge expectations. New babies can’t do much – new
organizations likewise struggle to find their feet and make progress.
The Giving Back Foundation (GBF), a Montana-based non-profit entity pledged
to help hurting ranchers and farmers nationwide, turned a year old last
December, and has been exemplary in growing up into the “good neighbor”
premise it was founded upon.
Co-founder and President of the GBF, T.J. Casey of Billings, Montana, says,
“As a cowboy and a horse trainer, I have been on or around ranches and
ranchers all my life. They have been the backbone of America by providing
our food, clothing, and other necessities, and it’s time to give something
back. They’ve faced drought, fire, flash floods, tornadoes, blizzards and
hail, and there is nothing more devastating to a rancher or farmer than to
suffer loss of fields, pasture, livestock, grain, fence or winter feed.”
Alleviating some of that loss is the mission of GBF, and in its first year
the fledgling organization found many opportunities to fulfill that mission.
The first money extended to hurting farmers and ranchers went to Colorado,
during the big winter blizzards early in 2007. All travel was paralyzed,
roads were drifted shut for days, and many cattle died for lack of both feed
and water. Even after the crisis, ag producers suffered great expense and
continued loss as they tried to dig out from under the snow.
Ranchers and farmers who have endured several years of drought, grass fires,
flooding in some areas, and other natural disasters find their savings
depleted and no money available when their kids graduate from high school
and want to go to college. Realizing this, the Giving Back Foundation
reached out to the states of Montana, Washington and Idaho with scholarship
money for freshmen coming from farms and ranches into the Ag Department and
planning to return to those farms and ranches after college. Under this
program, GBF scholarships were given to the University of Idaho, Washington
State University, and Montana State University.
In November of 2007 the Sweetgrass Creek region near Melville, Montana was
devastated by a fast-moving wildfire that swept across ranches, pastures,
hayfields and homesteads with a hungry vengeance, devouring everything in
its path. All lost barns, outbuildings, vehicles, fences, winter hay
supplies and more. On behalf of GBF, T.J. Casey presented a check to Chuck
Rein, president of the Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers at the 2007 Montana
Stockgrowers Annual Convention held in Billings last December.
Neighbor helping neighbor is the cowboy way. Evidence of that, incorporating
the appreciation of the region, are the GBF benefit concerts scheduled
during the fourth annual South Central Montana Cowboy & Ranch Heritage Week
in Livingston, Montana. Two shows, at 3 pm and 7 pm on April 6th at the Park
County Fairgrounds will feature, Montana Cowboy T.J. Casey, Henry Real Bird
and the Armentaro Brothers. Rounding out the star-studded cast of
entertainers will be Marvin Rainwater and Ray Benson, backed by members of
the venerable and ever popular group Asleep At The Wheel.
This is a great opportunity to have fun, be royally entertained, and lend
support to the Giving Back Foundation for more information call
406-222-1993. Tickets will be on sale at all Corral West stores in Billings,
Livingston and Bozeman and at Hanson Music and the Native American Trading
Post in Billings.
Another springtime opportunity for increasing the coffers of GBF will come
to Three Forks, Montana on April 26th, 2008. A benefit concert, with
donations at the door and all proceeds going to the GBF, will be held at the
Ruby Theatre.
This event is in conjunction with the Spring Roundup and Drive of Montana
Horses, Kail & Renee Mantle, and the performance will begin around 4 pm,
after the horses are trailed through downtown Three Forks. The concert will
include a variety of music, humor and poetry from several outstanding
artists – Jim Reader, T.J. Casey, Kail Mantle, Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns and
the ever-popular Ringling 5.
Last year the Montana Horses trail drive attracted some 16,000 spectators to
Three Forks, so this will be too good to miss. Mark your calendars now, and
go to
www.montanahorses.com for
more information on the drive.
The sale of GBF’s initial fundraiser, a two-CD set featuring original
compositions and performances by 25 of the top cowboy musicians, poets and
singer/songwriters in today’s cowboy culture movement, continues, with all
proceeds going to GBF.
To buy CD’s or donate to the Giving Back Foundation, call (406) 442-3420 or
write Giving Back Foundation c/o Montana Stockgrowers Association, 420 North
California Street, Helena, Montana 59601. And be sure check out
www.ranchersandfarmers.org
to learn more about the Giving Back Foundation, a young organization that’s
fulfilling its mission in many wonderful ways.
**********************
Giving Back Foundation provides assistance in Michigan - 2008
Helena, Montana – The Giving Back Foundation, recently provided assistance to two Michigan sharecrop farmers to help them rebuild their homes after losing them to chimney fires.
T. J. Casey, president of the Giving Back Foundation, had recently met these families during a performance at the Michigan Horse Council Horse Expo in Lansing, MI. “These two families have given unselfishly of their time for years to assist children in 4-H and other agricultural activities, “ stated T. J. “and the Foundation wanted to make sure these fire disasters didn’t prevent these families from staying in the agriculture business.”
Funding for the Giving Back Foundation is generated from the sales of a 2-disc CD that includes tracks donated by western poets and musicians including T. J. Casey, R. W. Hampton, Rusty Feathers, Kail Mantle, Ken Overcast, Ringling 5, Open Range, Sisters of the Silver Sage and several other artists. The CD is available for $24.95 from www.ranchersandfarmers.org or by calling (406) 442-3420.
The Giving Back Foundation is a nationwide effort to assist ranchers and farmers who have been affected by the ravages of Mother Nature. You can help today by sending your tax-deductible contribution to GBF, 420 N California, Helena, MT 59601. Your gift will directly support keeping families in agriculture.
************
Giving Back Foundation Provides Assistance - 2007
Helena, Montana – The Giving Back Foundation, which was started by T.J. Casey, recently provided assistance to Melville area ranchers who were hit hard by a fast-moving wildfire last fall. Casey presented a check in the amount of $2,000 to Chuck Rein, president of the Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers at the 2007 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention held in Billings last December.
“Mother Nature makes no provisions for the blood, sweat and tears farmers and ranchers put into keeping an outfit together,” said Casey. “When nature’s devastation hits, it can wipe that operation out completely. That’s where the Giving Back Foundation can help. We don’t want anyone leaving agriculture due to a natural disaster.
The Giving Back Foundation has also contributed to several animal science college scholarship funds in Idaho, Washington and Montana to help students going into an ag-related field. Funding for the Giving Back Foundation is generated from the sales of a 2-disc CD that includes tracks donated by western poets and musicians including T. J. Casey, R. W. Hampton, Rusty Feathers, Kail Mantle, Ken Overcast, Ringling 5, Open Range, Sisters of the Silver Sage and several other artists. The CD is available for $24.95 from www.ranchersandfarmers.org or by calling (406) 442-3420.
The Giving Back Foundation is a nationwide effort to assist ranchers and farmers who have been affected by the ravages of Mother Nature. You can help today by sending your tax-deductible contribution to GBF, 420 N California, Helena, MT 59601. Your gift will directly support keeping families in agriculture.
***************
December 2006
NONPROFIT “GIVING BACK FOUNDATION” ASSISTS
HARD HIT RANCHERS AND FARMERS
The newly-formed Giving Back Foundation is bringing a flicker of hope to
devastated ranchers
and farmers across the West. Brainchild of local cowboy, horse trainer and performer T. J. Casey
and his wife Marcie, the nonprofit Foundation is based on one of the ancient principles and
unwritten rules of the agrarian lifestyle. Whether your interpretation is “help one another” or
“take care of your own”, it translates into a wonderful way to help hurting ag producers across
the US and Canada.
Sprung from cowboy roots and involved in the preservation and perpetuation of
cowboy heritage
through music and entertainment, the Casey’s were shocked and saddened by the mind-boggling
widespread devastation of blizzards, drought, and savage wildfires across North America this year.
“As a cowboy and a horse trainer, I have been on or around ranches and
ranchers all my life,”
T.J. says. “I’ve seen drought, fire, flash floods, tornadoes, blizzards and hail. There is nothing more
devastating to a rancher or farmer than to have a loss of fields, pasture, livestock, grain, fence or
winter feed.”
Determined to help, the Casey’s contacted ag producers across the west and
discovered the true
depth of need. As the bitter months of winter draw near, ranchers and farmers who’ve been helping
feed the world for decades are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, many clinging to their last
hopes of staying in business . . . others trying to face the inevitability of losing everything.
No localized situation, this specter haunts ag producers from the Canadian
prairies to the Texas
panhandle, from Kansas to California, from New Mexico to Montana.
“The rancher and farmer have been the backbone of America for years, and it’s
time we give
something back,” Casey insists. “Every man, woman and child here is dependent on the farmer and
rancher for food, clothing and other necessities of life. We appreciate their hard work and what they
provide for us, so we should let them know.”
Turning to friends in the Western entertainment field, the Casey’s were
overwhelmed by the empathy,
concern and willingness to help exhibited by fellow artists. Why not use cowboy music and poetry as a
fundraising vehicle? Their embryonic project idea has grown into two truly enjoyable ways to lend
a helping hand to those who’ve lost the most. First, there’s the Giving Back Concert and Appreciation
Auction, coming to Holiday Inn Grand Montana, Trade Center in Billings on December 13th,
starting at 7 pm.
Held in conjunction with the Annual Convention of the Montana Stockgrower’s
Association (one
of the Foundation’s strongest supporters) and emceed by Lonnie Bell, the concert will feature Ringling 5,
Ken Overcast, Kail Mantle, Rusty Feathers, Open Range and T.J. Casey. Rarely is such an outstanding
cast of traditional cowboy musicians, vocalists and entertainers assembled for a single performance.
Enhancing the premiere concert will be a huge silent auction, offering
literally everything for the
Western enthusiast; the perfect place to complete your Christmas shopping. For all this, tickets are
a mere $10!
“We hope you’ll mark your calendars now and plan on being there,” Casey urges.
“Money raised by
the nonprofit Giving Back Foundation will be distributed across the west to agricultural producers
now in danger of losing everything.”
The second facet of the Giving Back Foundation’s project is a two-set compact
disc to be released for
sale in December -- hopefully the evening of the concert. These fabulous recordings will feature 25
selections by western singer/songwriters, musicians and cowboy poets who have unhesitatingly
donated their art, time and effort to the Foundation. Northwest Farm Credit Services has also
stepped up to generously sponsor the creation of the CD, enabling all proceeds to go
directly to farmers and ranchers in need.
Participating artists hail from across North America, and include Eli Barsi &
Doris Daley, T.J. Casey,
Donnie Blanz, Bill Clark & Salt Creek, Jeff Gore, Geff Dawson, R.W. Hampton, Rusty Feathers, Kail
Mantle, Terry Henderson, Dan Miller, Open Range, Ken Overcast, Sam Noble, Palo Duro, Mike
Puhallo, Jim Reader, Delbert Shields, Ringling 5, Jay Snider, Sisters of the Silver Sage, Rhonda Sedgwick
Stearns, R. J. Vandygriff, Margaret Wilhelm and Barry Ward. The CD set will be available through
the Montana Stockgrowers Association, selling for $24.95.
Additional support for the Foundation is currently coming from the Montana
Stockgrowers Association,
Northern Ag Network, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Cow Camp Communications, APEX Advisory
Services, A to Z Media, Martin Guitar and Billings Education Academy.
Corporate and private donations to this worthy cause are actively sought. If
you find it in your heart
to join the effort, go to www.ranchersandfarmers.org, call (406) 442-3420 or write Giving Back
Foundation c/o Montana Stockgrowers Association, 420 North California Street, Helena, Montana 59601.
“Join the fun,” urges T.J. Casey. “Attend this concert, buy a CD and let the
farmers and ranchers know
that we are here for them as they have been for us.”
***********************************************************
Response for the Appreciation
Auction has been overwhelming - 2007
Billings, MT -- “Response for the Appreciation Auction has been
overwhelming,” T.J. Casey, founder and president of the nonprofit Giving
Back Foundation, announced today. “We have a beautiful double-bred Sun Frost
two-year-old gelding, breeding fees to two fantastic Quarter Horse stallions
and an equally outstanding Paint stallion, lots of world class original
artwork of varied mediums, Western apparel, cowboy equipment, books, CD’s,
prime grade beef, certificates for horseshoeing or massage therapy – well,
you name it, I think we’ve got it.”
The Giving Back Foundation, based on the unchanging, unwritten cowboy code
of neighbor helping neighbor, is dedicated to America’s ag producers who
insure our very survival through supplying everything we eat and wear, plus
a lot of essential pharmaceuticals and other by-products. Many of these
staff-of-life producers are facing the loss of their homes, lifestyle and
livelihood as a result of blizzards, droughts, wildfires and other natural
disasters during 2006.
The Appreciation Auction, originally planned as a simple Silent Auction, has
mushroomed wildly to include a live auction for some items. It all happens
at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings on December 13th, in
conjunction with the 122nd Annual Convention of the Montana Stockgrowers
Association. Festivities begin at 7 pm, and an awesome Giving Back Concert,
featuring a half dozen of the West’s finest cowboy performers and
entertainers, will top off the evening.
Internationally known professional horse trainer, clinician and author Curt
Pate of Helena, Montana, will hold the gavel for the live auction. You may
have heard Pate’s name mentioned as technical advisor for the Robert Redford
movie “The Horse Whisperer”, but he’s far more than that. He’s been teaching
practical horsemanship through clinics and books for a decade, and is a true
advocate of cowboy tradition.
Pate is so enthusiastic about the mission of the Giving Back Foundation that
he’s donated a three-day stay at his own ranch for a training clinic of the
purchaser’s choice.
In Curt’s words, “Come and visit, and I’ll teach you to train horses, dogs,
kids, just whatever you want.”
Another auction item certain to get the bidder’s adrenaline up is a square
foot tile on the Montana ProRodeo Hall & Wall of Fame (www.montanaprorodeo.org)
at Metra Park Arena. The tile will permanently display the winning bidder’s
brand, name and address in a prestigious area where spaces are limited and
coveted.
The website www.ranchersandfarmers.org will display a listing of all sale
items prior to the auction date.
Tickets for the event will be available at the door for $10 each. Due to
limited seating and the growing popularity of this event, it might be wise
to call the Montana Stockgrowers Association at (406) 442-3420 to have them
reserve your tickets. For tickets by mail, write Giving Back Foundation c/o
Montana Stockgrowers Association, 420 North California Street, Helena,
Montana 59601.
“I hope you’ll be there to help send a message of hope to these stalwart
ranchers and farmers,” T.J. Casey urges.
“Let’s step up and support them like they’ve always supported us.”
***************************************************************************
JANUARY - 2007
Sent money to Colorado to help the ranchers and farmers in need after the blizzards.
APRIL - 2007
COWBOY POETRY IMPACTS STUDENTS POSITIVELY
Billings, Montana -- April is National Poetry Month, and April 15 – 21 marks
the sixth annual Cowboy Poetry Week. That recognition was implemented
through a unanimous resolution passed in the United States Senate in April
2003, and is reaffirmed each year through gubernatorial proclamations and
special activities across the West and beyond.
This year, at the urging of Montana cowboy poets represented by D. W.
Groethe of Bainville, Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana joins governors
of many other states in officially saluting Cowboy Poetry Week, noting the
importance of “public awareness to this form of art and its value to the
people of Montana.”
“I am pleased to recognize Cowboy Poetry Week in the state of Montana,”
Schweitzer said. “Cowboy poetry has a rich history in Montana and has been
an active part of schools and communities in Montana.”
One such school is the Billings Educational Academy, a community-oriented
holistic learning center focusing on the individual learning style of each
child, in an environment that encourages and supports each child’s unique
gifts.
Acclaimed cowboy poet, songwriter, musician, vocalist and entertainer T.J.
Casey of Billings was impressed by the Academy’s mission to nurture
creativity, love of learning, personal growth and intellectual integrity,
and develop life long learners. T.J. is dedicated to working with young
people, and eagerly gives of his time and talents to introduce students at
BEA and other schools in several states to cowboy poetry.
Mrs. Margo Haak, fulltime instructor and Administrator at the Academy says,
“The kids LOVE T.J. and his poems and music! He is always the first one they
ask for when the school year begins. Two of our students have had their
poetry on T.J.’s website,
www.tjcasey.net. That was awesome for them!”
In Casey’s mind, introducing students to cowboy poetry is seriously
important. “I believe in our roots and heritage,” he says. “We all need to
stand up and protect the traditions and legacies we've inherited, and I've
got a story to tell. I want to be an image for kids to look up to, and
hopefully instill in them this same love of country and customs I know and
respect. Without our heritage, our children lose focus. Without our
children's focus, we lose our world.”
So believing, T.J. aims to utilize the natural talent and imaginations of
kids through teaching them to use cowboy poetry as a vehicle of expression.
He further understands that this process gives them confidence to believe in
themselves and their abilities.
Through their association with T.J., and the window he opened for them into
the lives, beliefs and values of cowboys, the students and teachers of
Billings Educational Academy became excited about and involved in the Giving
Back Foundation (GBF), a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to
assisting ranchers and farmers hard hit by natural disasters.
T. J. and his wife Marcie were instrumental bringing the GBF to life at
Billings, Montana last winter.
“Every man, woman and child in America is dependent on the farmer and
rancher for food, clothing and other necessities of life,” Casey said. “The
rancher and farmer have been the backbone of America for years and it’s time
we give something back . . . we appreciate their hard work and what they
provide for us, so we should let them know.”
When GBF decided to kick off their efforts with an Appreciation Concert and
Auction in Billings last December, the Billings Educational Academy was
among the first to volunteer help.
Learning of the need for the GBF and understanding its mission, then
assisting with the Concert and Auction, gave the students an even deeper
introduction to cowboy poetry and music; along with the historic Western
principle of helping one another.
Margo Haak believes that experience widened her student’s horizons by
raising their awareness of people and situations beyond their community. She
said it was “definitely a positive!” and continued, “It helped my students
to realize the extent of others’ misfortunes, and how important it is to
help.”
Helping is a concept BEA students are familiar with. Margo says, “A big part
of the student’s education here is learning to be good citizens and give of
themselves. We participate in the community through cooking and serving
meals at the Rescue Mission, adopting Foster Grandparents, and helping with
Eagle Mount, Angel Horses, Special Olympics and Adopt-A-Highway. The Giving
Back Concert was a wonderful experience because it was so different. I’m
sure my students didn’t realize the problems and plights of farmers and
ranchers – what an eye opener! We are so ready to be involved again.”
The BEA students said they were eager to be involved “to help people.” On
learning of ag producer’s losses through fire, drought and blizzard,
seven-year-old Jordan said, “I didn’t like to hear about it because they
have to pay for it . . . it made me glad it didn’t hit me but sad it hit
them.”
Eleven-year old Michaya was astounded to learn “how many businesses in
agriculture it affected.”
And ten-year-old Danielle wisely realized, “All the stuff we have in every
day farmer’s life is more important than a computer, because they do so much
to help.”
The students enjoyed being on stage, being videoed and helping the effort,
but were disappointed the concert did not last longer and the auction items
did not bring more money.
They would all enjoy another opportunity to hear cowboy poetry and songs on
stage, and they urge you to purchase the Giving Back Foundation CD set of
cowboy poetry and song to support the good work of that nonprofit group.
Cowboy Poetry Week is a perfect time to do that! More information on GBF and
how to get your own CD can be found at
www.ranchersandfarmers.org.
T.J. Casey continues to bring young people into the fold of those who
appreciate and enjoy – and hopefully write and perform – cowboy poetry. In
recent months he has taught at schools in North Dakota and Red Lodge,
Montana.
Students appreciate the time he shares with them. Danielle at BEA says, “I
feel really happy because he could be doing a million other things but he’s
not. His songs make me happy.”
Jordan comments, “I love it. It is nice having someone coming here who loves
the school and takes time and effort out of his heart for us.”
“I’m really happy he chooses this school because there’s like a hundred
other public schools he could go to . . . and I like that he lets us do
poetry,” Michaya says.
Tera, a teacher and parent at BEA says, “I haven’t had the pleasure of
seeing T.J. Casey at the school yet, but I am sure the next time he visits
it will be as wonderful as the concert.”
In addition to schools, libraries across the West benefit through Cowboy
Poetry Week. The Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry and the website
www.cowboypoetry.com has a mission to serve rural communities as it
works to preserve and promote cowboy poetry and Western heritage.
“As a part of our outreach program, Rural Library Project, libraries are
receiving the Cowboy Poetry Week poster and an invitation for a
complimentary copy of The BAR-D Roundup: Volume II (2007),” they say. “In
2007, libraries in the following states and provinces are receiving posters:
Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho,
Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North
Dakota, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Washington, and Wyoming.”
This year Cowboy Poetry Week happily coincides with National Library Week,
making the Rural Library Project especially timely. The Cowboy Poetry Week
poster given to participating libraries features a beautiful Tim Cox
painting of a cowboy moving cattle, titled “At His Own Pace”.
Tim Cox comments on this painting: "This depicts a ranch hand on the T-4
Ranch near Tucumcari, New Mexico. This is during fall works and we were
always taught that the fastest way to work cows is slow: at his own pace."
Cowboy Poetry Week posters are not sold. They are offered to libraries in
the Rural Library Project and to supporters of the Center for Western and
Cowboy Poetry, which sponsors CowboyPoetry.com, Cowboy Poetry Week, the
Rural Library project, and other great programs.
Read more about Tim Cox at his web site:
www.TimCox.com; and
about Cowboy Poetry Week and the Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry at
www.cowboypoetry.com.
Cowboy poets in most states are involved in programs at libraries and
schools this week. Watch your local media for times and places, or check out
http://www.cowboypoetry.com/week2007.htm.
*****************************************************************
Corporate and private donations to this worthy cause are actively sought.
If you find it in your heart to join the effort,
call (406) 442-3420
