Gathering Thunder Foundation

2009–2026 | With Deepest Gratitude

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of Gathering Thunder Foundation—David Fix, Kelly Spencer, Tara Rietberg, Dellmarie Dullknife Bradfield, David Sterken, and myself, Denise King Francisco—I extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has walked alongside us throughout these many years.

As we bring this beautiful chapter of service to a close, I find myself reflecting upon the countless acts of generosity, compassion, kindness, and selfless service that have made the work of Gathering Thunder Foundation possible.

To our past and present Board of Directors, thank you for the time, wisdom, dedication, and unwavering commitment you have given to our mission. Your willingness to serve, often quietly and without recognition, helped create a foundation upon which so much good could be accomplished.

To our tireless volunteers, who gave so freely of their time, talents, resources, and hearts, please know that your contributions have meant more than words can adequately express. Whether you helped organize donations, gather supplies, coordinate assistance, or simply answered the call when a need arose, you became an essential part of something much greater than any one of us could have accomplished alone.

To our generous donors and supporters, whose kindness made it possible for us to reach Native American individuals, families, and communities throughout North America, thank you for believing in our mission. Every contribution, regardless of its size, represented an act of caring and a willingness to make life a little better for someone else.

Over these many years, Gathering Thunder Foundation has been an entirely volunteer organization, sustained not by paid staff or personal gain, but by the collective generosity of people who believed that extending a helping hand could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

And perhaps that is what I will remember most fondly.

Not simply the donations collected, the supplies delivered, or the assistance provided, but the beautiful human connections that were formed along the way. The friendships, the shared stories, the lessons learned, and the countless reminders that compassion knows no geographical boundaries.

Although Gathering Thunder Foundation is officially closing its doors in 2026, the kindness that brought us together does not end here. It continues through the lives we have touched, the friendships we have made, and the generosity that each of us carries forward into the world.

It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve alongside so many extraordinary individuals who shared a common desire to bring comfort, assistance, dignity, and hope to our Native American brothers and sisters.

As we close this chapter, my heart is filled not with sadness, but with profound gratitude for all that we have accomplished together.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for helping us make a difference. Thank you for believing in the importance of this work. And, most especially, thank you for the kindness and humanity you brought to it.

May the spirit of generosity that united us continue to ripple outward for generations to come.

With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,

Denise King Francisco
Founder, Gathering Thunder Foundation
2009–2026