Women and Giving Impact Tour at the Goss

Supporters of the record-setting 2023 Women & Giving campaign visited the Goss in early August to see first-hand the impact of their generosity.

During their visit, supporters heard from Local Vocals Children’s Choir Director, Miranda Boyer who shared about the growth in confidence and competence she witnessed in her Local Vocals performers over the past year of the choir. Women & Giving provided the funds to kick-start the choir in the fall of 2023.

Boyer also discussed her vision for expanding the program to include more participants and more public performances.

Children’s choir member Ellie Henderson shared the fun Mrs. Boyer brings to singing practice, including catchy commercial jingles and using instruments like kazoos. Local Vocals has not only helped Henderson with her singing but has also helped her become more comfortable in front of audiences.

Jamie Mack, Executive Director of the Goss elaborated on the Passport to the Arts program hosted at the Goss.  This program introduces area youth to the wide world of art. Children collect stamps on their passports through art explorations at the Goss. The Local Vocals, the Children’s Theater, Beads on One String, and various visual arts classes are included in the Passport to the Arts program. All are made available free of charge thanks to Foundation support.

Amanda Sowers, a recipient of a $3,000 Women & Giving scholarship, graciously shared her tumultuous journey with attendees. A survivor of horrific abuse, Amanda will soon graduate from Lake Area Technical College. While attending LATC, Amanda worked as a veterinary technician while raising her young family. Amanda also found time to write as an outlet for her grief and trauma and has published several books.

The day culminated with a performance of Robin Hood produced and directed by the Missoula Children’s Theater and starring over 50 local youth. A grant from the Foundation’s Youth Council supported the weeklong complimentary theater camp hosted by the Goss. Two performances were presented to the public at no cost. More than 200 community members attended each show in the Goss Opera House.

>>> More than 50 local youth participated in the week-long Missoula Children’s Theater Camp hosted at the Goss. The cast and crew performed Robin Hood for over 200 community members at two shows in early August.