Submitted Photo First International Bank & Trust employees gathered to present a check to Project BEE representatives to help keep the organization’s Winter Warming Center open. From left to right are Becky Bertsch, Project BEE; Karleen Houle, FIBT; Amanda Geinert, Project BEE and FIBT; Perry Olson, Denise Larson and Tonya Harden, all FIBT; Erica Riordan, Project BEE; Brock DesLauriers, Mandi Zavalney and Preston Phillips, all FIBT.

First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) donated $7,500 to Project BEE from the Minot Employee Fund, which is a fund that employees contribute to each month through voluntary payroll deductions.

The donation will be directed toward Project BEE’s goal of keeping its Winter Warming Center open until the end of April. The shelter provides a safe place for people and families experiencing homelessness to get out of the cold and shower, wash their clothes, have meals and rest at night.

Due to personnel and financial issues, Project BEE abruptly closed its doors on Dec. 20 before reopening in January. The organization’s board of directors has since introduced transparent fiscal policy and reduced its operations to a minimum to focus on keeping the Winter Warming Center open.

“Wintertime in Minot can be long and brutal,” said FIBT’s Minot President Brock DesLauriers. “We are grateful that organizations like Project BEE have made it a priority to offer a space for unhoused people to escape the elements in a safe and secure way. We also understand that Project BEE is depending on donations to achieve its goal of keeping the shelter open through April. We hope this donation from FIBT’s Minot-based employees will inspire others to support this cause as well.”

Before presenting the donation, FIBT employees were given a tour of the Winter Warming Center by Project BEE volunteer board member and FIBT Mortgage Loan Officer Amanda Geinert.

“These funds will go a long way toward our goal of staying open for people in need until April 30,” Geinert said. “Our staff, board members and volunteers are grateful to the FIBT employees in Minot who made this contribution possible.”