Sustainability and Community Impact

The 2024 Women's Expo took place on May 10 and 11 during Mother's Day weekend and Women's Health Month. The event raised over $3,500, which was donated to the Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter. 80% of all ticket sales went to support the shelter's mission of providing crisis shelter and support services for victims of intimate partner violence. Additionally, a pop-up thrift shop was set up, where thousands of clothing items were sold for $2 each, and 100% of the proceeds were donated to the shelter.

The two-day event was held in our convention center and featured over 50 vendors, interactive demonstrations, a small petting zoo, a panel of women in business and Miss Minnesota 2022 as our keynote speaker.

The first annual Babes Burnout Car Show kicked off with a bang on July 15, 2023. More than 3,200 people gathered at The Sanford Center's parking lot to view over 130 cars from Minnesota, North Dakota, Canada, and beyond. 

The Babes Burnout Car Show is a free community event that includes various vendors, food trucks, a kid zone, live music, a beer tent, a cornhole tournament, an award ceremony, a dyno, and a burnout pit. There was something for everyone at the Babes Burnout Car Show and we are thrilled for its return on July 12 and 13, 2024! 

In 2023 and 2024, The Sanford Center donated to several organizations, including Colors of Cancer, Sherlin Volunteer Fire Department, Miller Benefit, Voyagers Area Council, and the Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter. We also introduced signature drinks at the Bemidji State Men's hockey games, and a portion of the sales proceeds were donated to a local organization. During the past season, we donated $400 to Great River Rescue, $350 to North Country First Responders, $400 to United Way of Bemidji Area, $500 to the Minnesota Make-A-Wish Chapter, and $250 to Bemidji Community Food Shelf.

We are committed to giving back to our community by supporting various charitable causes, events, and organizations that align with our mission. If you are seeking a donation from us, please complete the form below.

Donation Request Form: Donation Request Form - The Sanford Center.pdf

We enjoy being active in the community. In December 2023, during the month of giving, our staff raised donations of new hats and mittens for our local Boys & Girls Club and volunteered at the Community Table. Throughout 2024, our team aims to participate in at least one volunteer event per month. We are all very excited to engage with other community members and give back.