"The Pine Ridge Reservation was established during the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty and encompasses a territory of approximately 2 million acres of the Northern Great Plains in southwest South Dakota. With a population of over 30,000, the Reservation exists today as one of the poorest places in the United States and lags far behind other parts of the United States in virtually all standards of human well-being. The historical legacy of forcefully alienating people from their allotted lands has contributed to the unequal land-use patterns on Pine Ridge today, where 20 people control nearly 46% of the land base. It has also had a significant economic impact for tribal members. According to the USDA 2007 Census of Agriculture for American Indian Reservations, the market value of agriculture commodities produced on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 2007 totaled $54,541,000. Yet, les than 1/3 ($17,835,000) of that income went to Native American producers." Village Earth.
~~We as a nation are experiencing personal difficulties and struggles in this ever tightening economy. Your concern for those even less fortunate is truly appreciated. Thank you so much for joining the effort to lend a helping hand to our Native American neighbors of the USA!~~
The Gathering Thunder Foundation is staffed entirely of volunteers and any administrative costs are absorbed by the board of directors. Therefore every penny donated is used to directly benefit the communities in which we serve.
VOLUNTEER:
Supporters and members have raised money and collected donated items through fund raisering activities such as:
- Bake Sales
- Garage Sales
- Pennies for Pine Ridge Collection Banks
- 5K Walks
- Craft Sales
- Healing Services
Annual 5K Walk for the Babies
Special thank you to GTF Volunteer Coordinator, Teresa Tibbe, who thought up and coordinated a series of 5K Walk for the Babies events, and to the Gathering Thunder board of directors, advisory circle, members & supporters who participated.
Proceeds from the walks will go to build the Gather Our Children Home, (ages 0-12) emergency safe shelter on Pine Ridge.
Proceeds from the walks will go to build the Gather Our Children Home, (ages 0-12) emergency safe shelter on Pine Ridge.
Citgo Fueling Good Program:
When it comes to good, everyone wins. The 2011 Citgo Fueling Good program allows you to VOTE for your favorite charity. The winners may receive up to $5,000 in fuel gift cards. This program is for the humble neighbor who inspires more neighbors to lend a hand, turning ordinary citizens into an extraordinary community of good. How better to reward them, than to give away $120,000 in gas prizes. This is the 2011 Fueling Good Program, where 24 charities will win gas throughout the year. Will one of them be your favorite? Many thanks for all who voted for the Gathering Thunder Foundation - the opportunity to vote for your favorite charity will come again in September.