And just like that, our fourth annual Week of Hope was recently held at Flathead Lake Lodge. An event that got its start to honor our 75th anniversary in 2020, Week of Hope is now a ranch tradition that we look forward to every year. As you can imagine, this is an event that takes many hands to bring to life, from monetary donors to sponsors and vendors to staff and volunteers. We could not bring a Week of Hope to life each year and give the gift of hope to critically ill children and their families without the incredible people who help make it possible.
To learn more about Week of Hope, you can read our recaps from 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Here’s a peek at some of the folks who helped with Week of Hope (and to those who also gave monetary donations, please know that your help, donations and support are much appreciated):
Glacier Raft Company: Hosted a scenic float trip for 50.
American Vision Photography: Paul Andes took portraits and did photo shoots for each family, as well as candid photos throughout the week.
Dan Linn, Rideback: Due to Dan’s generosity, each year we have a Week of Hope video that captures the memories, family bonding and adventures throughout the week. This video is a treasured keepsake for everyone involved!
Outback Trading and M&F Western Products: Donated cowboy hats for all the kids.
Logan Health Children’s: Provided nurses and wheelchair-accessible van.
Eva Gates: Donated huckleberry jam.
In addition, our own TJ (who is our dishwasher at the lodge) has been keeping and recycling cans all season. He donated the money he raised to Week of Hope.
And while we could tell you all of the reasons this week is so special to us and to the families who attend Week of Hope, we though we’d share a few quote from the families themselves.
“You don’t know how much this touched our family; my son forgot he had cancer for 5 days”
“Thank you for all the memories and for being an agent of grace to all of us.”
“From Sept 11-Sept 16, Dave and I and the kids got to experience the most incredible time together, thanks to HopeKids and Flathead Lake Lodge. We celebrated Andre, spent time just being us and away from everything we handle in our day-to-days (appointments, therapies, etc..) and we’re introduced to and formed bonds with 15 families just like ours from the across the country. Friendships were formed; new adventures and experiences were had, and memories to last a lifetime. This vacation out to Montana was the most incredible experience and we are so forever grateful to have been given this.”
“My son has not talked or played with anyone for over a year until Garrett sat down next to him at breakfast camp.”
“We had been trying to get our child on a horse for years, he was not a fan, but Cotton won his heart, and we will be forever grateful for this week. I will never forget the feeling of having support.”
For more from the week, see the photo album here. From us to you, thanks for being part of the Flathead Lake Lodge family.
With sincere gratitude and a humble heart,
-Chase