NeighborWorks Week 2024: Celebrating Greatness in Great Falls

Each year during the first full week of June, NeighborWorks organizations across the country come together to celebrate "NeighborWorks Week." This is a time used to host events that engage the community, showcase the work that has been done, and recognize the partnerships that have made it possible.

The week kicked off with walking Mural Tours in our downtown. The first tour was lead by Kellie Pierce, the Executive Director of the Downtown Great Falls Association. Kellie is instrumental is the continuation of ArtsFest Montana, the event that brings the artists to Great Falls. Participants met at NeighborWorks Great Falls for breakfast, then took to the streets to view some of the incredible murals.

 The second tour was lead by Carol Bronson, retired Director of Resource Development at NeighborWorks Great Falls and active downtown supporter. Carol was key in starting ArtsFest and created a great downtown tradition. Similar to the first tour, the group met at NeighborWorks for a brief informational presentation then began the tour, learning about the various artists and how the murals came to Great Falls. Lunch was served back at NeighborWorks' after.

The week concluded with the annual Most Improved Awards. These awards recognize the individuals and businesses who took the time, effort, and funding to make Great Falls a better place. Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who celebrated NeighborWorks Week with us! The winners are:

Lender of the Year: Mike Banks

Realtor of the Year: Ambyr Rain Showers

Volunteer of the Year: Colleen Okes and Declan Okes

HBE Partner of the Year: Scott Feurt

Business Partner of the Year: First Interstate Bank

Best New Building: Touro College

Most Improved Rental: Amy and Tom Figarelle

Most Improved Residential: Gilbert Reyes

Most Improved Commercial: The Gibson Hotel