Executive Director Patrick Petermann and members of his staff from the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes were invited by Bell Bank to attend the North Dakota premiere of the film “Preschool,” starring and directed by actor Josh Duhamel.
The special event was held at the historic Fargo Theatre and drew a crowd of nearly 800 people.
During the evening, the Boys & Girls Club was presented with a $5,000 check from Bell Bank’s Pay It Forward Program. Additional funds were raised through a special beer promotion at Drekker Brewery, tied to the event.
Josh Duhamel also spent time on stage speaking with Petermann and his staff and committed to visiting the Detroit Lakes club for a tour in the coming months.
The partnership between the Boys & Girls Club and Bell Bank began in 2017. Bell Bank helped support a transportation grant for a bus and trailer through a Super Bowl-related initiative, and the relationship has continued to grow. Bank leaders remain actively involved, regularly supporting and visiting the Detroit Lakes club.
Petermann says events like this highlight the value of long-term partnerships rather than one-time donations. He adds that support is especially important right now, as the organization continues its mission to enable all young people – especially those who need it most – to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
The Boys and GIrls Club is located at 150 Richwood Road in Detroit Lakes.
Story By Karen Downing