Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward: A Life-Changing Tradition

2013 marks the sixth year that Bell State Bank & Trust's employees will give back to the community through a unique project: the opportunity to "Pay It Forward" to those in need. Since 2007, Pay It Forward has been a tradition, as each full-time employee receives $1,000 and each part-time employee $500 each year to help others. This year, with a new Pay It Forward: Community Connect component for our employees, our company has committed more than $1.5 million to the Pay It Forward program.

Pay It Forward has become a year-round tradition for our employees, as they carefully consider the many needs in our communities and in our world and choose how they want to use their Pay It Forward funds. To date, we have given away more than $3 million to people in need and to causes we care about.

On this website, you will find just a few of the many stories of giving from the past year. Together and individually, employees have given to schools and churches; they have designated giving to help school children and senior citizens; they have donated to organizations that help animals; they have assisted people here at home and around the globe. Employees have volunteered on building projects and wept with those grieving a loss. Many have connected with a single individual or family who inspires them to give.

It is our hope that in reading these stories, you may be moved to post a need, adopt a cause, donate to our Pay It Forward program, or choose your own Pay It Forward project. Last year, we involved the entire community in paying it forward in a unique way, giving away $10,000 through our "Fans' Choice Pay It Forward" program on Facebook and generating $5,500 for local United Ways through our first-ever "Tweet It Forward" challenge on Twitter. Watch for other ways to become involved with Pay It Forward in 2013!

We hope all of you share in the joy of helping where needs are greatest. Please join us this year in paying it forward, because even the smallest gift can be life-changing.

Michael Solberg, President
Bell State Bank & Trust