While part of their program went virtual last year, Fargo-based BIO Girls never lost sight of their mission – to improve self-esteem in adolescent girls through empowerment of self and service to others. That means this year’s group of young women, who are learning about their power to positively impact others, will be out in the community in a special way on Pay It Forward Day in April. And Bell Bank will be right there with them!

''Like many businesses, the nonprofit BIO Girls chose to adapt to pandemic restrictions in 2020 – rather than cancelling one of their biggest fundraisers. This year, Bell Bank is proud partner with BIO Girls as the presenting sponsor of the second annual Find Your Kind 5K Fun Run “virtual race,” starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 15.

In past years, those who register have been encouraged to perform some act of kindness leading up to the event. This year, Bell Bank and BIO Girls to encourage the community to do something kind for someone else on Pay It Forward Day on Wednesday, April 28. Tag @gobellbanks and @BIOGirlsInc on Facebook if you choose to share – and use the hashtags #findyourkind5k and #kindnesswins.
 
“With Bell’s Pay It Forward program at the core of who we are as a company, we are thrilled to support BIO Girls as they teach girls as young as 7 years old the impact of philanthropy,” says Julie Peterson Klein, EVP/chief culture officer at Bell.

Developing their own curriculum with help of industry experts – including doctors, counselors, teachers and professors – BIO Girls’ 12-week program covers many lessons not traditionally taught in the classroom, including body image, mental health, self-esteem, EQ, finding their voice and philanthropy.

''“We feel so humbled to have our communities rally around us to support this event. This race has never been about the finish line – rather the lessons learned along the way. Being kind is just one way to finish first in life,” says Missy Heilman, BIO Girls founder and executive director.

Race registration is open for those interested. Find more information at biogirls.org/findyourkind5kundefined.