Gene Thayer's  story is one of rags to riches. Born in 1932, at the height of the Great Depression, he grew up in a coal miner’s shack east of Belt, in French Coulee. No running water with the only heat coming from a cookstove, trying to survive Montana winters. He's come a long way and estimates in his life he's helped raise $75 million for worthy Montana causes.

<p>Gene Thayer's&nbsp; story is one of rags to riches. Born in 1932, at the height of the Great Depression, he grew up in a coal miner&rsquo;s shack east of Belt, in French Coulee. No running water with the only heat coming from a cookstove, trying to survive Montana winters. He's come a long way and estimates in his life he's helped raise $75 million for worthy Montana causes.</p>

A podcast for fans of Big Sky Country.  Longtime MTN News anchor Tim McGonigal goes in-depth with interesting and amazing people who have a tie to the Treasure State. Who are they, what have they done and where are they now?  From authors to athletes, business leaders to policy makers, these are some of the extraordinary stories from people who make Montana the Last Best Place

<p>A podcast for fans of Big Sky Country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Longtime MTN News anchor Tim McGonigal goes in-depth with interesting and amazing people who have a tie to the Treasure State. Who are they, what have they done and where are they now?&nbsp;&nbsp;From authors to athletes, business leaders to policy makers, these are some of the extraordinary stories from people who make Montana the Last Best Place</p>