Locals Pack Fundraiser For Orozco Family

Story Credit: Northern Plains Independent

Well over 300 people attended a fundraiser in Froid Feb. 28 for the family of Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, who has been detained on a charge of illegal reentry since he surrendered to authorities Jan. 25. Fundraising efforts exceeded expectations as people poured into the tiny community from around the state and region.

Organizer Keith Nordlund told the Community News that most participants were local but added that the number of guests who stopped to sign in at the door far exceeded the municipal population.
“Our entire community was there and many people we didn’t know,” Nordlund said. “And everyone there was there to support the family. No left or right talk, just community helping our neighbors.”
There was a line around the corner leading to the entrance of the event, with standing room only inside during the live auction portion. “I think my favorite part of the evening was seeing the crowd and how full the community center was,” Nordlund said. “Seats were full, people were standing.”
Froid’s Mayor Sheri Crain said she couldn’t remember another local event to rival the turnout. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” Crain said during a follow up interview on March 1.

Along with a big turnout from locals, Democratic politicians from across the state showed up to support the Orozcos. In all, seven lawmakers from as far away as Billings and Helena attended, including Rep. Frank Smith and Sen. Jonathon Windy Boy, as well as the party’s executive director Emily Marburger. Asked about her motivations for attending, Sen. Cora Neumann from Bozeman said, “I wanted to represent the Democratic Party in Froid.” In a social media post after the event, Neumann said, “When something happens to one person in a town of 195, it happens to everyone. And Froid proved that Montanans show up for each other.”

For the most part, the politicians were swallowed up by the crowd. A sign at the door warned participants against turning the family fundraiser into a setting for political debates. A decision from organizers to limit beverages to nonalcoholic options also helped keep things polite.
Nordlund and other organizers were overwhelmed by the level of support. “I just opened five more envelopes with money for the family. Got one all the way from Illinois,” he said.

Nordlund said donations for the fundraiser came from all over the country, but stressed that local contributions were the most prominent, adding that even large sums offered from out-of-town supporters were quickly beaten by locals during live bidding. He said many donations came from area families and ranch operators with conflicted political views, who nonetheless wanted to support a local family during a difficult time.

Crain said high school boys set up chairs and helped staff the event, along with numerous area residents who donated their time and energy. Nordlund singled out Froid’s Kayla Luff Johnson for praise, saying that she has spearheaded letter writing efforts and attempts to contact Montana’s congressional delegation for help.

While the event was an unqualified success, the future remains uncertain for Orozco and his family,
“We will continue to stand by this family and help them as much as we can,” Nordlund said. “I encourage everyone to continue to reach out to our elected officials and encourage them to look into this case and help in anyway they can.”

Nordlund added that Orozco reached out to express his gratitude following the event. “Roberto just called me and wanted me to make sure to let everyone know how grateful he is for the support for his family.”

Nordlund said that anyone interested in contacting Orozco can write to him care of Cascade County Detention Center, 3800 ULM North Frontage Road, in Great Falls.