Friends of Head Start (FOHS)
Friends of Head Start (FOHS) is the fundraising entity for the Head Start Program of Rocky Mountain Development Council, Inc. and is listed officially as Rocky Mountain Development Council, Inc., DBA Friends of Head Start. This is a volunteer committee comprised of community members and Rocky employees who are committed and dedicated to financially supporting Rocky Head Start and the children and families they serve. Every year, FOHS hosts an event called Extravaganza. This event consists of a silent and live auction, as well as a live band and entertainment. Funds raised through this event specifically support Rocky Head Start in a number of ways.
FOHS Mission
To educate our communities about the value of Rocky Head Start's comprehensive early childhood development program and to enhance the program's work with financial assistance.
Extravaganza
FOHS Extravaganza hosts live music, live and silent auctions, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres with special emphasis on sales of potted plants in vessels created and donated by local artists. Funds that Friends of Head Start earn through Extravaganza specifically support the local high-quality Rocky Head Start Program through:
- School to Home Projects – monthly during the school year a parent/child project is sent home that includes the supplies/materials to do the project, a book the project is based on, and parent education materials to help develop a child’s school readiness skills. We want to help children build a library of books!
- Bookshelf Builds – children and their dads/dad figures build a bookshelf together to hold books provided in School to Home Projects and at classroom and family events, etc.
- Classroom and Program Needs – funds from Extravaganza support purchasing and replacing much needed classroom and program materials. This past fall, Friends of Head Start donated funds to help purchase much needed space in the north Helena Valley for a classroom to meet the needs of valley families.
Purchase tickets for Friends of Head Start Extravaganza!
Friends of Head Start Extravaganza 2026
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The Friends of Head Start are excited to announce its 17th Annual Friends of Head Start Extravaganza, happening Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm, at Brothers Tapworks in Downtown Helena.
For 60 years, Rocky’s Head Start Program has empowered low-income children and families in the Tri-County area with high-quality, comprehensive early childhood development services. The Friends of Head Start Committee brings the community together through its annual Extravaganza, raising funds that directly support children and families.
Over the years, the Extravaganza has helped make possible:
· The purchase of the Valley Head Start building in 2017 fulfilled a long-time program goal.
· Monthly “School to Home” projects, giving families supplies for hands-on activities plus a new book to encourage reading at home.
· Annual “Bookshelf Build” events, ensuring every child has a special space for their growing library.
· A parent hardship fund to cover vital expenses like birth certificates, medication, or funeral costs.
· Classroom materials, program supplies, and the new “Dick Morgan” Trike-Way at Valley Head Start.
This year’s Extravaganza will feature silent and live auctions, live music, hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar, and a gorgeous selection of fall mums for sale. Tickets are $50 and available for presale at www.rmdc.net or upon check in. Please know that tickets are subject to sell out online!
Proceeds from the evening directly benefit Rocky’s Head Start Program, helping children and families learn, grow, and thrive.
For questions regarding the event, contact Friends of Head Start at friendsofheadstarthelena@gmail.com
