Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) has partnered with Park State Bank (PSB) to bring a new bean bag tournament to the Iron Range in support of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s United for Veterans program.
Bean Bags for the Brave will take place March 20th at the Hibbing Memorial Building and will have room for 64 teams of two to compete for cash prizes. Ultimately, the winning team will take home the Bean Bags for the Brave Champion title and trophy.
“We are looking forward to an exciting day of rousing competition with great food and multiple chances to win prizes,” said UWNEMN Resource Development and Events Director Elizabeth Kelly. “But it’s tough to say what we are most excited about – the event itself or the fact that these companies have united to organize it on our behalf.”
AP launched its annual charity bean bag tournament in Duluth in 2021 and partnered with Park State Bank this year to bring an additional event to the Iron Range.
“Expanding the tournament to the Iron Range reflects our commitment to building relationships in the communities we live and work in,” said AP Project Executive Patrick Sims. “The Iron Range has a strong sense of identity and togetherness, and we saw an opportunity to not only host a fun event but also foster a meaningful connection and create a positive impact for the Iron Range community.”
Shared values of supporting communities and giving back made partnering on this event a perfect fit for PSB, according to Chief Marketing Officer Marci Knight. Together, PSB and AP selected UWNEMN’s United for Veterans as the event beneficiary.
“Veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we believe it’s our duty to give back to them,” Knight said. “United for Veterans provides critical support to those who have served offering resources like housing, job assistance, and mental health support.
By selecting United for Veterans, we aim to shine a light on the challenges veterans face and support and organizations that is dedicated to improving their lives.”
Sponsor sign-ups, team registrations, and lunch-only tickets can be secured online at www.unitedwaynemn.org/bean-bags. A range of sponsorships are available, including sponsoring the bean bags for the tournament; board sponsors receive custom logo boards.
Event organizers say they hope to not only replicate the Duluth event on the Iron Range but to beat its fundraising record. However, both AP and PSB say true success is not in dollars raised alone.
“It’s about seeing the community come together to support a shared cause, raise awareness for the beneficiary and empower them to continue their incredible work,” Knight said. “If we leave feeling inspired and connected – and if we make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans – then this event will be successful.”
Sims echoed this sentiment and added his gratitude for PSB’s partnership – and to all working together on this event “to strengthen the communities where we live and work.”
“At AP, we strive to go beyond brick and mortar,” he said. “Our mission is about building trust, communities, and people, and events like these allow us to do just that.”