Paying it Forward: MSUM students surprise Make-A-Wish® North Dakota
Danielle Rebel, Intern, Marketing & Communications
A surprise donation was made to Make-A-Wish® North Dakota at the MSUM School of Business’ Executive Mentorship Appreciation Dinner May 1.
The donation was part of the Pay It Forward Program from Bell State Bank & Trust, and was presented by MSUM students Morgan Ellis, accounting, and Bailey Beauclair, health services administration.
Ellis and Beauclair were part of the Executive Mentorship course offered through the School of Business. Students in the course are matched with a community executive and given opportunities to meet one-on-one with their mentor.
Ellis, a part-time employee at Bell State Bank and Trust, was given $500 to pay it forward through another individual to a community organization of their choosing. Ellis chose to give her funds to Beauclair, and the two agreed the funds should go to Make-A-Wish® North Dakota.
“I chose Bailey as a recipient for the pay it forward because I was touched by the stories of children in the Fargo-Moorhead area that Bailey has granted wishes for,” Ellis said. “I felt a sense of pride representing Bell State Bank and Trust, and pure happiness thinking how many lives this donation would affect. This act serves as an example of the importance of helping others and community involvement.”
Beauclair’s mentor, Billi Jo Zielinski, executive director of Make-A-Wish® North Dakota, was delighted with the unexpected gift presented at the close of the evening’s Mentor Appreciation Dinner.
“I have personally seen how this organization has brought strength, hope and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions,” Beauclair said. “The wish these children get gives them a new outlook on life and their future. I was excited to have the opportunity to help make more wishes come true.”
Pictured L to R: Bailey Beauclair, Billi Jo Zielinski, Morgan Ellis