Big Hearts Under the Big Sky

06/17/2026

Pete Minard: Trip Ambassador
After 10 years (2015-2025) and serving 19 families, Pete Minard completed his final trip as a Big Hearts Ambassador this past October.

An ambassador is the liaison between the families and the hosting outfitters. Ambassadors take pictures and capture memories for the family, lead the celebration dinner, and help with anything needed throughout the trip. They serve a very important role in the Big Hearts mission and one Pete played perfectly. He has made a lasting impact on this organization and countless individuals from each trip.

Thank you Pete, for a decade of service and your unwavering dedication to the Big Hearts mission.

While Pete’s shoes can't be filled, we now have openings for ambassadors! If the ambassador role interests you, we’d love to hear from you. Visit https://bigheartsmt.org/volunteer/ to learn more.

06/16/2026

Trip Throwback:
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and Montana resident, Tim Gardipee.

He served in Somali 1993, Bosnia 1998-1999, Kosovo 2002, and Iraq in 2008-2009 where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

In June of 2005, he was involved in a catastrophic parachute accident while training at Fort Brag. The accident left him with significant injury to his neck, back, legs and arms.
Following the administration of a flu shot he suffered near complete paralysis from the vaccine getting into his spinal cord.

In October of 2023 Big Hearts was able to give him a chance to reconnect with his love for the outdoors again. A guided elk hunt trip to West Creek Lodge endorsed by Outfitter Wayne Wilcox of Montana Hunting Company guided by Cantu and others.

We are grateful to have connected with such an outstanding hero, and you Tim A. Gardipee will always be a part of the Big Hearts Family.

06/14/2026

Welcome Steve, Ella, and Ava! Starting off the first Big Hearts adventure of 2026 in the Bob Marshall with K Lazy 3 Outfitters in the Scapegoat Wilderness!

06/14/2026

Flag Day reminds us of the values that bring us together. Freedom, courage, service, and community.

The American flag is more than a symbol of our nation’s history; it reflects our ongoing responsibility to care for one another and work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Happy Flag Day from Big Hearts Under The Big Sky.

06/13/2026

Come see us at Clancy Days - Booth C-31!
Kids can fish for a prize!🎣

06/11/2026

Join us this Saturday! Bring the kids and stop by our booth for a fun fishing game 🎣

❤️Clancy Days is almost here, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎉

Start your morning with a delicious 4H Breakfast at the Clancy Volunteer Fire Station, then let the kids explore big trucks at Touch a Truck. Enjoy fresh coffee, homemade treats, and a classic rummage sale at the Methodist Church. At 9am, browse local vendors and pick up a map at https://marketcrafty.com/events/clancy-days-2026. Don’t miss the Friends of the Library’s book sale, hands-on crafts at the Jefferson County Museum, and a chance to add your story to Clancy Days history at the Community Center.

Catch the Car Show at 9:30am, live music on Main, and the Kids’ Carnival at 10am. Food Truck Row opens at 10am for lunch, and the big parade rolls out at 2:30pm sharp! Bring your friends, family, and community spirit—let’s make this Clancy Days unforgettable! 🚒🚗

06/11/2026

More than just quilts, these blankets are meaningful gifts filled with symbolism. They serve as a final gift on every trip, welcoming the recipients into the Big Hearts family and reminding them that they are supported by a caring community.

The quilts are handmade and generously donated by a dedicated group of women from all around Montana, including Cindy Coad, Sandy Mootry, Sue Jensen, Evelyn Alley, Marie Hamilton, and others. Each quilt takes countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship, care, and love.

We are so thankful for these ladies!

06/06/2026

Nominate your hero today!
Know a serviceman or servicewoman who has provided extraordinary service to our country or your community?
A child who has faced or is currently facing a life-threatening illness?
Honor these outstanding individuals and families by nominating them for a Big Hearts trip.

There are many deserving families across the United States and we need your help to recognize them!

To submit a nomination you can complete the form on our website https://bigheartsmt.org/make-a-nomination/ or email [email protected] to request a hard copy.

05/29/2026

Today we were proud to present a recognition plaque to Tyler Hanson of Capital Sports in Helena in appreciation for his extraordinary support of the Big Hearts Under the Big Sky Banquet auction! 🏆

Eight years. Let that sink in for a moment.

For eight consecutive years Tyler has hand built the legendary Montana Dream Rifle, with action and barrel donations from Defiance Machine and PROOF Research, one of the most anticipated auction items at the Big Hearts Banquet and a true testament to the craftsmanship and generosity that defines the best of Montana's outdoor community. Every year this rifle raises critical funds that go directly toward providing no-cost outdoor experiences for veterans, first responders, and children facing life threatening illness.

Tyler, what you have built over these eight years goes far beyond a rifle. You have built a legacy of giving that has changed lives and touched hearts across this state. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership, your craftsmanship, and your unwavering commitment to Big Hearts Under the Big Sky.

Here is to eight more years. 🤠🎯💚

05/29/2026

Today we had the incredible honor of presenting a recognition plaque to Jim Weber and the outstanding students of the Capital High School Machine and Welding Class in appreciation for their support of the Big Hearts Under the Big Sky Banquet auction! 🏆

There is something truly special about young Montanans stepping up to support a cause as meaningful as Big Hearts. These students put their skills, their time, and their hearts into creating auction items that directly benefit veterans, first responders, and children facing life threatening illness. That is not just craftsmanship. That is character.

Jim, thank you for leading a class that gives back to the community in such a tangible and meaningful way. And to every student who contributed, you made a difference. Montana is proud of you. 💚🎗️