Pouring Pints to Pay It Forward

Just when we thought our collaboration with Drekker Brewing Company – and the Pay It Forward Porter from December 2019 – couldn’t be topped, Bell Bank corporate counsel Greg Hammes brewed up another great idea.

Soon the Pay It Forward Pilsner was born and quickly hit the canning line, just in time for Christmas.

“With Bell continuing to expand across the U.S. to serve our customers – even amid a pandemic – I knew I wanted to showcase each of our major markets in the can design, including the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast regions,” says Bell Bank marketing art director Adam Schroeder. “With its original release date in December 2020, we also wanted to celebrate the holiday season – and have a little fun to help brighten the year,” he adds.

But with a pandemic in full swing, Drekker Brewing Co. was forced to close the taproom – and the Pay It Forward Pilsner would have to wait for its time to shine (in the public eye).

When Drekker finally re-opened its taproom doors on January 18, 2021, the Pay It Forward Pilsner once again brought well-crafted flavor and a way to support the community.

“We’ve really appreciated being able to collaborate with Drekker on another great beer for a great cause!” Greg comments. “They’re awesome to work with, and it’s fun to put our own Bell touches on the design. We love that Drekker is willing to pay it forward with us in a unique way.”

Bell extended the season of giving well into the New Year to offer a way to Pay It Forward throughout February, while enjoying a tasty brew.

For every pint of the Pay It Forward Pilsner (and Porter!) sold in the taproom, both Drekker and Bell Bank committed to donate $1 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, a local residential treatment and educational center for children and their families.

“Just like the concept of paying it forward, collaborating with Bell allows us to create something with a bigger impact than we could have alone,” comments Drekker Brewing Company co-founder and president Mark Bjornstad. “Bell has been a transformative leader in the community with the Pay It Forward program. We are honored to be a part of it and become another ripple of giving as paying it forward spreads.”