Submitted Photo Many attended the 2025 Prairie Warrior Auction, an event held annually with proceeds going to benefit the men and women who serve at Minot Air Force Base.

Every year for many years an event has been held to support morale-boosting activities and squadron initiatives benefitting the men and women who serve at Minot Air Force Base.

Proceeds also go to Operation Homebound, a program to help first-term airmen travel home for the holidays.

In 2025, the Prairie Warrior Auction raised more than $110,000 directly supporting holiday travels for more than 100 airmen and enhancing quality of life programming at the base.

This year’s fundraiser, with live and silent auctions, is in its 39th year and will be held Thursday, April 23, in the Magic Place at the State Fair Center in Minot. It is open to the public, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the event starting at 5:30 p.m. Active-duty military enter for free.

“The Prairie Warrior Auction is one of our signature events — and one of our favorite evenings of the year,” Brekka Kramer, MACEDC president and CEO, said. “It strengthens the bond between Minot and Minot Air Force Base and creates meaningful connections between our business community, residents and the service members who call this place home.”

With ongoing global events, many airmen are facing added pressures, making community support more critical than ever, Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, MACEDC military liaison, said.

“Every donation to our live and silent auctions shows our service members and their families that Minot stands with them,” she said.

Tom Rafferty, chair of the MACEDC Military Affairs Committee and Member Services and communications manager for Verendrye Electric Cooperative, said, “This event is an opportunity for us to give back and ensure they feel supported, connected and appreciated by the community they call home.”

The Minot Area Chamber EDC is inviting community members and businesses to show their support for Minot AFB by contributing items to the auction. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, April 10. To make a donation contact the Minot Area Chamber EDC at 852-6000 or through its website.