Governor’s Office Announces Season Of Giving For Threshold Of Life Memorial

This holiday season, the Governor’s Office of Community Service presents the opportunity for all Montanans and those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation to support the Threshold of Life Memorial. The Threshold of Life Memorial honors the significance of organ, eye and tissue donation, educates visitors and encourages everyone to register as a donor.

This memorial will be installed on the Montana State Capitol grounds along an existing walking path. While the design and location were approved by the 2023 state Legislature, there are no public funds to build it. With Helena Area Community Foundation as the fiscal sponsor, individuals, businesses, and corporations are invited to unite to reach the $500,000 goal.

“The Threshold of Life Memorial is an investment that will benefit Montanans today, and for generations to come. Organ, eye, and tissue donation impacts every corner of Montana. Living donors often give lifesaving gifts to those they love, and those who give in their passing save lives of people they have never met. It’s a dynamic and deeply personal experience for all involved,” shared Sarah R. Sadowski, Director.

Support from individuals, businesses and associations is essential to making the memorial a reality. By donating to the Threshold of Life Memorial Fund this season, you can join others in creating an accessible and contemplative space for individuals, families and friends whose loved ones gave the ultimate gift of life, and those who are waiting. Donations of all sizes given with joy will make this memorial a reality. Threshold of Life Memorial holds significant artistic meaning on the role and importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. The approved design honors the journey of the loss, celebrates the gift given, and the life gained – while being a beacon of hope for those who are waiting. Montana-based architect Ken VanDeWalle is uniquely qualified with precisely the type of design, construction, and implementation experience necessary for creating this memorial.

In Montana, there are more than 198 individuals waiting for a life saving organ and with an 86 percent donor registry rate, completing the outdoor memorial for Montana’s organ, eye, and tissue donors is the right thing to do. Together we can make it happen.

Visit serve.mt.gov/commission- initiatives/Organ-Donation- and-Memorial for more information about the Memorial, to donate, share a Story of Life by telling how organ, eye, and tissue donation has touched your life, and to let us know you heard the Public Service Announcements now playing across the state!