Special Olympics Montana Honors Bill McGladdery
McGladdery received the Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award after about 17 years of work with the organization.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
Special Olympics Montana presented Bill McGladdery with its Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award. The honor recognizes his work with the organization, including expanding the Chevy truck raffle and securing reduced hotel rates for staff, volunteers and athletes.
Why it matters
The Chevy truck raffle's growth from about 8,500 tickets in 2006 to nearly 52,000 in 2025 has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization's programs across Montana. Recognition of longtime volunteers highlights the role of individual supporters in sustaining statewide athletic programs.
Chevy truck raffle ticket sales grew from about 8,500 in 2006 to nearly 52,000 in 2025, and the raffle has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Montana. The source does not give a year-by-year breakdown of revenue.
The players
Special Olympics Montana
The Montana chapter of Special Olympics, a global organization providing year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Bill McGladdery
A longtime Special Olympics Montana supporter who works at Town Pump and was recognized for about 17 years of service to the organization.
The details
McGladdery, who works at Town Pump, is credited with helping expand the Chevy truck raffle and securing reduced hotel rates for Special Olympics staff, volunteers and athletes. The award was presented ahead of the Special Olympics Montana state basketball tournament in Butte.
Timeline
2006: Chevy truck raffle ticket sales were about 8,500.
2025: Chevy truck raffle ticket sales reached nearly 52,000.
Thursday: Special Olympics Montana state basketball tournament opens in Butte with a 6:15 p.m. ceremony.
Philanthropy Context
Special Olympics Montana operates as a state chapter of Special Olympics International, relying on volunteer fundraising such as its Chevy truck raffle to support local athletes. Recognition of longtime volunteers like McGladdery reflects how that chapter model depends on sustained individual service.
Montana residents who buy Chevy truck raffle tickets directly support Special Olympics Montana's athlete programs and events. The state basketball tournament in Butte, opening Thursday, offers a chance to watch athletes compete.
The takeaway
Longtime volunteers often carry the operational weight of statewide nonprofits, and their contributions, such as expanding fundraising and negotiating discounts, can have lasting effects. Readers who want to support similar programs can consider volunteering or buying raffle tickets through local chapters.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how nonprofit volunteers and fundraisers shape community programs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Missoulian.
