Uplifting Our Communities, One Wish at a Time

Every day, people in our communities face challenges that often go unnoticed. At Choice Bank, we believe that compassion and connection can make a meaningful difference, and that belief inspired the creation of the Wishing Well program.

Rooted in our #PeopleFirst philosophy, the Wishing Well is a way for us to respond to real needs with real support. Whether it’s helping a local camp prepare for summer, honoring cultural heritage, or supporting a family through crisis, each wish granted is a reflection of the strength and resilience of our communities.

Here are three recent wishes that show just how powerful a simple act of kindness can be.

Elks Camp Grassick: A Better Night’s Sleep for Campers

Elks Camp Grassick is a summer camp serving children and adults with disabilities in Dawson, ND. In addition to recreational activities, the camp offers exceptional services, including speech and occupational therapy. It fosters an environment where individuals can practice problem-solving, conflict resolution, and forming positive peer friendships.

However, many of the camp’s pillows were in poor condition, leaving them scrambling to find replacements before the next session began.

We know how important a good night’s sleep is to make the most out of the day, so the Wishing Well gave the camp 72 high-quality pillows, just in time for their busiest sessions. We hope these pillows not only improve comfort but also help protect campers’ health by making sanitation easier between sessions.

“Something as simple as pillows really does make a difference for our campers and staff,” said Jenny Hunt, Camp Director. “These will make cleaning pillows between sessions or in case of illness so much easier and keep our campers healthier and happier, which is always our goal!”

Supporting a Volunteer Firefighter’s Recovery

On April 12, Jaiden Bauer, a volunteer firefighter and rancher from McClusky, ND, was severely injured while battling a massive prairie fire in Sheridan County. His recovery would require six weeks in the hospital and eight weeks indoors at home, away from dust, dirt, and sunlight, a difficult ask for someone who lives and works on a farm.

The Wishing Well provided funds for an air conditioning unit, helping Jaiden create a safe and comfortable environment for healing. We hope this small but vital support allowed him to focus on recovery while his community rallied around his family.

50th Hmong American Artist Celebration: Honoring a Cultural Legacy

This year marks 50 years since the Hmong people arrived in the United States, and to honor that milestone, OYO Entertainment hosted a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Hmong American artists in Saint Paul, MN. The event showcased five decades of music, memory, and cultural evolution, including performances by beloved Hmong boy bands from the 1980s and 1990s.

With over 2,000 attendees from across the country and beyond, the celebration was a powerful tribute to the creativity and resilience of the Hmong community. Choice Bank’s Wishing Well helped cover costs for artist travel and venue space, ensuring the event could go forward as planned.

“It was a beautiful evening celebrating, honoring, and seeing performances from the last five decades,” said Pang Mee Xiong, Event Organizer. “We had about 2,000 people who attended, and they came from all over the world.”

This wish wasn’t just about funding; it was about recognizing and uplifting a vibrant community and its contributions to American culture.

The Choice Bank Wishing Well is accepting wishes! Ready to cast yours? Visit choicewishingwell.com and let us know who you would like to help out in your community.