The Trans-Montana Charity Ride is an annual winter charity ride going across Montana raising awareness and money for NAMI Montana. The effort specifically supports NAMI Montana’s work with veterans and youth. The TMR is sponsored by the Montana Snowmobile Association and works closely with various local clubs along the route.
NAMI Montana played a critical role in the creation and passage of the Commander John Scott Hannon Act in 2020 which has been widely described as the most significant legislation on suicide prevention in over a decade. We also have been able to participate in the Veterans Administration’s National Research Advisory Councils and the Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery Commission. These are significant efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families. The Trans-Montana Charity Ride is essential for us to be able to advocate that consistently and powerfully for veterans.
NAMI Montana has utilized Trans-Montana’s youth funding to drive our collaboration with Montana State University and the State of Montana to expand the presence of the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM). This amazing research-based program to help youth better understand mental health, care for their peers, and deal with difficult emotional situation. The program has grown from 3-30 schools in the past four years with over 9,000 students participating. While the money raised in the Trans-Montana Ride has always been valuable in building and sustaining YAM in Montana. It was especially critical this year when the pandemic interrupted schools ability to use this program because it relies on in-person training and class dynamics.
The Trans-Montana funding is essential to ensure that YAM is available for a wide rollout in the 2021-2022 school year when the students across Montana are expected to be back in person and ready to receive this potentially lifesaving program.
The Trans-Montana Ride has been affected by COVID-19 like everything else, but their team of volunteers is going to push forward with this year’s event.
They have cancelled the banquet in Kalispell. Trans-Montana has set up an online Raffle and Auction to allow people to donate from the comfort of their home. Here are the links to participate online Raffle and Auction (bidding begins on January 29th at noon).
You can also donate by becoming a sponsor at this link. Sponsorship limit start at $30.
The ride itself will still go on with a few changes. It will start in Kalispell and then move to West Yellowstone. Snowmobilers can sign up for the full ride or sign up to participate for just a day or two. Find out more at the sign-up link.
Thank you for considering supporting this amazing event, its riders, and volunteers.
Sincerely,
Matt Kuntz
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
