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Live First Community Giving Winners

Selected from more than 130 applicants

First International Bank & Trust is proud to announce the winners of the Sixth Annual Live First Community Giving Campaign. A record-breaking 134 community organizations applied for this year’s program, which attracted more than 100,000 interactions on Social Media.

Due to the overwhelming response and overall quality of nominations, the decision was made to award two grand prize grants of $10,000, increasing the total dollar amount given away to $32,000.

Please join us in congratulating the following community groups selected as recipients for our 2020 Live First Community Grants!

$10,000 Grand Prize Award – Jessy’s Toy Box, Fargo, ND

Jessy's Toy Box is a non-profit that collects new toys, games blankets, and gift cards. With our monetary donations, we help provide children who are in the hospital or who are staying away from home activities, I-Pads, and other items to help make their stay a little easier. We are bringing smiles one toy at a time.

$10,000 Grand Prize Award – Ryan House, Phoenix, AZ

Ryan House embraces all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys. Our goal is to provide coordinated care and improve the quality of life for medically fragile children and their families in Arizona. Ryan House serves families of all cultures, income levels, and family sizes each year. All services at Ryan House are provided at no cost to families.

$2,000 Rising Star Award – Watford City Fire Department, Watford City, ND

WCFD is a volunteer fire department which serves not only the city of Watford but also rural surrounding areas. It is a huge part of the McKenzie County Rural Fire protection district, protecting and serving Watford City and rural communities.

$2,000 Rising Star Award – Haaland Estates Basic Care and Assisted Living, Rugby, ND

Haaland Estates provides basic care, memory care and assisted living for 43 individuals residing in our care facility. Haaland Estates is part of the Good Samaritan Hospital Association, which also include the Heart of America Medical Center, Heart of America Long-Term Care Center, Heart of America Johnson Clinics and the Rugby Ambulance Service.

$2,000 Rising Star Award –TruNorth Theatre, Bismarck, ND

TruNorth Theatre is a Non-Profit located in the Frances Leach High Prairie Arts and Science Complex. The mission of TruNorth Theatre is to offer a venue where the people of Bismarck / Mandan and the surrounding area may grow their talents in the crafts and enjoy theatrical productions which are reflections of the people, places, and cultural heritages of the upper Mid-West.

$1,000 Social Media Stars

• Addie’s Royal Cupcake Stand, Fargo, ND

• Minot Youth for Christ, Minot, ND

• Hairball Haven, Minot, ND


$500 Additional Awards

• Angel’s Wish, Watford City, ND

• Cancer Support Community, Phoenix, AZ

• Kidz Clubhouse Childcare, Elgin, ND

• Ben’s Helping Hand, Fargo, ND

• Haley’s Hope, West Fargo, ND

• Elk Camp Grassick, Bismarck, ND

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2020 Live First Community Grant Program! Whether you were an applicant, or participated in our social media awareness campaign, your interest is what makes this program a success, and keeps these vital programs running in our communities.