Submitted Photo Operation Homebound supporters include: front row, from left to right: Jennifer Eckman, Col. Jimmy Schlabach, Chad Thompson, Kristi Rosselli-Sullivan, Col. Jesse Lamarand, Jason Zimmerman and Keli Rosselli-Sullivan; and back row, from left to right: Jaime Hauge, Marie Sanders, Kelly Johnson, Carla Dolan, Monica Schlabach, Nathalie Lamarand, Brekka Kramer, Cassidy Hjelmstad and Randy Burckhard.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC announces the Dec. 4 Operation Homebound fundraiser raised $31,235 to help Minot Air Force Base airmen travel home for the holidays.

According to MACEDC information, the communitywide effort, supported by local business owner Chad Thompson, marks one of the most successful Operation Homebound fundraisers to date. Throughout the one-day event, hundreds of community members came out to show their support by dining, donating, and spreading the word, demonstrating once again Minot’s deep commitment to the airmen who serve and protect our nation.

“Operation Homebound is special because it represents what Minot does best – taking care of those who take care of us,” Ryan Ackerman, MACEDC Board chair, said. “Our community showed up in a big way, and these dollars will directly help first-term airmen reunite with their families during the holiday season. The continued growth of Operation Homebound is a testament to what can be achieved when local businesses and community members come together for a meaningful cause.”

Additional donations for the program can be made by contacting MACEDC.