2013 Shrine Game raises record figure

BUTTE — The Board of Directors of the Montana East-West Shrine Game has approved the donation of $146,000 to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane, Wash.

The 67th annual Montana Shrine Game was played at Naranche Stadium in Butte on July 20, 2013. The West team beat the East 31-28.

“This is a new record donation to the hospital for the Montana East-West Shrine Game,” according to Board President R.J. Olson. “Since the game began rotating between Butte, Billings, and Great Falls five years ago, the Montana Shrine Game has donated more than $350,000 to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane, Wash.”

This year’s donation from the Montana Shrine Game is one of the largest in the nation to date.  

“We are extremely proud of the donation that will be sent to the Hospital this year,” said Ryan Jonart, Butte member of the Shrine Game Board.  “To be recognized as one of the top Shrine Games in the country is a huge accomplishment. This is a direct result of the support of our sponsors—they really stepped up and showed the support that Butte, the surrounding area, and the State of Montana is capable of. We’re excited to present this donation to the hospital.”

The Montana Shrine Game has a long history of distinguished players and coaches. It is one of the oldest high school all-star football games in the United States.

Every year since 1947, Montana high schools’ best players are selected to compete in this game to raise money and to help make the public aware of the expert care available at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane, Washington. In recent years, the Montana game has become one of the top Shrine Games in the nation for hospital donations.

 “On behalf of the Montana East-West Shrine Game and Shriners throughout Montana, we thank everyone in Montana for helping us make this game so successful,” said Board Member Phil Aguirre.  “And most importantly, for supporting the children at the Shriners Hospital in Spokane.”

Charlo’s Tra Ludeman and Will Davey, Riley Sampson and Eric Williamson of Polson all played in the 2013 Montana Shrine Game. Polson cheerleader Chelsea Chowning was also a Shrine Game participant.

- Courtesy Jeff Hartwick, Montana East-West Shrine Game