Medora Volunteer Program

Volunteering in Medora

Spirit of Work Lodge
At the urging of Jean Neshiem, 44 volunteers came to Medora in 1998 to work at the Information Center and serve as hosts for the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and the Medora Musical. Our Volunteer Program was born, and now we have nearly 800 applicants for more than 400 volunteer positions in Medora each summer. In 2008, we completed and opened the Spirit of Work Lodge, a $1.4 million housing facility for our volunteers.

Much of the funding for the Spirit of Work Lodge has come from the volunteers themselves and a few board members and supporters who believe strongly in our volunteer program. Each of the rooms has been named for donors who have made gifts at the $10,000 level, however naming opportunities remain for larger gifts.

As of November 2009, thanks to an overwhelming response from our supporters, we are very close to completing funding for this project. A campaign is currently underway called the "Mortgage Burners" which is moving toward the $200,000 needed to receive a challenge match of $100,000 from one of our lead donors. Donations of all sizes are being accepted to pay for this wonderful facility, a "home away from home." 

Medora Volunteer Endowment Program
Due to its continued success and growth, we have established the Permanent Volunteer Endowment Fund to ensure a viable future for this program. Our endowment consists of gifts of cash and property, estate gifts, and planned gifts such as charitable annuities and charitable trusts. With a goal of $1,500,000, all contributions will remain in perpetuity, with only the earnings used to support our volunteer program. Significant state and federal tax breaks are available for planned gifts to this endowment. For example, husbands and wives qualify for a 40 per cent North Dakota Income Tax Credit, up to $20,000 per year, for planned gifts to the Permanent Volunteers Endowment. Considerable information is available from the TRMF Development team. Contact Denis or Randy @ (701)223-4800 for information or with your questions.