Spare change can make the difference in the lives of children.
That’s the message from the Montana Retail and Restaurant Associations as they joined Governor Steve Bullock to launch a new program called “Round It Up Montana.”
It allows customers at participating restaurants and retailers to round up their bill to the nearest dollar. The proceeds go to charity.
The first 15 participating restaurants are all owned by Glacier Restaurant Group: Mackenzie River Pizza Company, Ciao Mambo, Latitude 48, and Craggy Ranger Bar and Grill.
Glacier’s Ryan Fuller says the company strongly supports the receiving charities: “No Kid Hungry” and “ProStart.”
"These are two causes I personally believe in. Causes that help tackle the challenge of childhood hunger as well as expand educational opportunities across the state," Fuller said. "Glacier Restaurant group feels so strongly about these causes that we are willing to ask our guests to join us by giving a small contribution. And we believe these small contributions combined will dramatically impact the lives of Montana kids and students."
“No Kid Hungry” gives children get a free breakfast at school. “ProStart” teaches juniors and seniors the restaurant business in 18 Montana high schools.
Governor Bullock hopes more businesses will join as partners in this program.
"It’s so exciting that we’re launching this program. And its so great that the Glacier Group as a restaurant has stepped up and said that, but there’s both tremendous need and tremendous opportunity for restaurants all across our state to join in Round It Up Montana."
Other retailers are also preparing to join. Representatives of the Montana Tire Dealers Association say they plan to come on-line by early summer.
The donation platform is based on the national “Round It Up America” program that has donated over $2.5 million to over 80 charities across the country.
Albertsons locations have their own “Making Change Program” with proceeds going to “No Kid Hungry.”
