Letter: Contrary to rumors, Ducks Unlimited a benefit to Lincoln

Dear Community Residents,

It has come to my attention that a certain individual in town has been at it yet again, spreading rumors and badmouthing area businesses and charity events/organizations within our community. Now, while I normally just ignore things like this, keep my mouth shut, and move on, the verbal attack is feeling a little more personal and I feel it needs to be addressed. This particular attack is towards an organization and a community my dad felt very strongly about. He isn't here anymore to defend either, so I feel compelled to defend them on his behalf. I hope he approves.

You see, I've listened to this individual say things about local businesses, stating "they don't contribute enough to charity functions in this town." I'm not sure whose definition of "enough" we're talking about. Personally, I believe it should be up to our local businesses to determine that for themselves. Local businesses, in my experience here in Lincoln, have always gone above and beyond in their support of functions that occur in our little town. I'd like to say kudos and thank you to all of them!

Most recently, this individual has begun badmouthing actual charity functions in our community, specifically the upcoming Ducks Unlimited Banquet, stating that "it doesn't benefit our community in any way." I'd like to take a moment to set the record straight for this individual, because again, their definition of "benefitting the community" isn't necessarily the correct one, especially when they don't attend the event, support the event, volunteer to help, or know very much about the organization.

The first way this event benefits our community is by bringing a diverse group of local volunteers together to plan and execute the banquet. We have forest service employees, retirees, law enforcement, artists, tax preparers, teachers, and business owners on this committee. It encourages people to get together and learn from one another. Volunteers give their time, do an amazing job – and have a lot of fun in the process. Thank you to those who do – it's appreciated!

Second, there's the financial contribution this banquet brings to our community businesses. Businesses that receive advertising to promote the event in our local paper. Businesses that provide catering to the event, thus employing local residents. Businesses that provide lodging, food, and drinks after the event is over, as it draws people from all over our beautiful state of Montana. We're lucky to have people visit and luckier to have the local businesses to accommodate them!

Third, it benefits the youth in our community. From those who have received Ducks Unlimited Greenwing sponsorships from local businesses and community organizations to the students volunteering to help at the event receiving their needed community service hours, tips, and this year, a donation from the business catering the event, to their senior trip fund. They learn valuable lessons in working together and giving their time. They too, are very much appreciated!

Fourth, it benefits our local artists, and Lincoln has a number of very talented artists in its midst. Artists donate their work, either as a split or in total. This means they either make a portion of money from the sale of their items on the auction, or, donate the item, which in turn, may bring them additional sales. The time it takes these artists to create something so beautiful to help raise money for this organization is beyond measure and we are so lucky to have them all!

Last, but not least, this event, and the organization of Ducks Unlimited, benefits our hunting population of Lincoln and surrounding areas. Lincoln, in large, has a lot of hunters, both who live here and those who travel through. DU helps to conserve and preserve wildlife habitats, not just for waterfowl, but for all wildlife, and they put their money where their mouth is when it comes to conservation efforts, with eighty cents of every dollar going right back on the ground.

We all have things we believe in and are passionate about. How boring would it be if we were all the same? Just because my passion isn't the same as someone else's doesn't make it wrong. In a small town like ours, isn't it better to come together and promote one another instead of ripping one another and the things we believe in apart?

I realize this letter may never change the mind of the individual who feels the need to complain about so much in our community, but maybe it will give an understanding to those who hear the complaints and enable them to see for themselves, and while they're at it, politely tell this individual to mind their own business and to please be quiet.

Tammy Jordan

Lincoln, Mont.