Rob Williamson, Larks’ New Chief Experience Officer | Northwoods League
Rob Williamson, Larks’ New Chief Experience Officer | Northwoods League
The Bismarck Larks have released their 2025 Community Impact Report, detailing the organization’s fundraising efforts and community initiatives over the past year. According to Rob Williamson, president of the Larks, “Our organization’s mission is to connect, celebrate, and contribute to our community. We have seen that powerful things happen when our friends and neighbors come together at the ballpark. We want them to know supporting the Larks means supporting the people around them.”
The report breaks down the Larks’ fundraising in 2025 as follows: $20,525 was raised through specialty jersey auctions; $21,988 came from silent auction donations and ticket fundraisers; $30,325 was generated by in-game sponsor give back programs; and $17,834 was collected via Split the Pot Raffle dollars, including matching donations. Additional contributions included $4,422 from Miracle Minute donations and $1,230, along with 150 backpacks filled with school supplies, donated to Carrie’s Kids from Knife River’s Backpack Give Back program.
In total, the Larks’ efforts supported 109 non-profit organizations this year. These included local youth sports groups, booster clubs, and statewide advocacy organizations.
The season began with a recognition of local partners for their investment in the ballpark. The Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District were acknowledged for a nearly $2.4 million investment in new artificial turf and other upgrades. These improvements provided athletes from college, high school, American Legion teams, and the Northwoods League with updated facilities.
Beyond their 36 home games, the Larks organized 13 free community events with various partners. Among these was the Jersey Food Drive powered by Farmers Union Insurance, where fans donated over 3,300 pounds of food to the Great Plains Food Bank in one day. Another event, Teddy’s Whistle Stop Party at the Bismarck Depot, was held in collaboration with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Medora Musical and offer a free show to families.
The Larks also used their games to honor local community members. Theme nights throughout the season recognized students, educators, first responders, host families, energy cooperative members, and others. Specific programs highlighted included BSC Student, Staff & Alumni Night; DUI All-Star Enforcers Night; Education Day Game (which admitted 1,206 kids and teachers for free); First Responders & USA Night; Host Family Appreciation Night; Karen Appreciation Night; Night of the Fans (celebrating the 500,000th fan); Teacher Appreciation Night; Touchstone Energy Member Appreciation Night; and UMary Night.
Other recognitions included honoring 36 families during games, highlighting six youth sports heroes among 28 nominees for the Hidden Hometown Heroes program, saluting 36 POW/MIA service members, recognizing 33 teachers in the Kids’ Choice Awards: Teacher of the Year program, spotlighting nine Kids of the Month, and awarding one Kid of the Year a scholarship.
The report emphasizes the Larks’ ongoing support for young athletes and their broader commitment to community engagement.
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