Bell Pay It Forward Givers

Brooks Bollinger, SVP/Twin Cities wealth management

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recipients

Andrew Weber and family

The Need

Life changed for the Weber family when a fire broke out in their home. Andrew Weber was in Pierre, South Dakota, when he received a call telling him that his children were in the hospital and his wife, Katie, and their young son, Gabe, were being flown to Hennepin County Medical Center.

Andrew’s 12-year-old son, Bransten, had awakened that morning to foggy conditions and got the girls outside. When he saw black smoke coming from the windows and heard his mother yelling, he went back inside. Katie was holding Gabe, so Bransten took him and carried him downstairs.

Gabe suffered from smoke inhalation after being inside the home too long. Katie sustained burns over 75% of her body and later died from her injuries.

Andrew was left to raise four young children without their mother. The family also faced mortgage payments and repairs to their fixer-upper home. Don Liimatainen, president and CEO of Minneapolis non-profit organization Best Christmas Ever, recalled that Andrew seemed overwhelmed and nearly hopeless when they first met.

The Impact

Best Christmas Ever wanted to provide support that would make a lasting difference for the Weber family. The organization sent Andrew and his children to Disney World for seven days. While they were away, volunteers completed extensive renovations to their home.

When the family returned, they found more than repairs. Photos of the family filled the home, giving the children reminders of their connection and the memories they shared. Liimatainen recalled 3-year-old Gabe running from room to room and excitedly pointing out his picture.

Brooks Bollinger, Bell Bank’s SVP/Twin Cities wealth management, saw an opportunity to give the children greater confidence in their futures. Pay It Forward funds helped start the effort, and others from outside Bell joined in. Together, they raised $20,000, allowing the group to place $5,000 into an account for each of Andrew’s four children.

Brooks said Bransten’s reaction showed what the support could mean beyond its financial value. Looking into the 12-year-old’s eyes during the check presentation, Brooks could see that the way Bransten viewed his future had changed.

For Andrew, the renovated home and support from others have helped his family move forward one day at a time. Although they cannot erase what happened, he said they can hold on to their memories of Katie and create new ones together.

“You got to keep on living for her, right?” Bransten said.

Don said the project demonstrated that generosity inspires generosity. Brooks agreed, saying the family’s love, gratitude and perseverance have inspired him and given him energy.

Through the Pay It Forward program, Bell gives employees money each year to donate to people in need and causes they care about.