Billings Police Department Donate Proceeds from Softball Game to Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools

On August 7th of this year, the Billings Police Department (BPD) took on the Billings Fire Department (BFD) in a friendly but competitive game of softball. Both departments selected non-profit beneficiaries to donate their proceeds; BFD selected the Muscular Dystrophy Association and BPD selected students of School District 2 by donating their proceeds to the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools.

“It was important to us to select a local non-profit organization so that the funds would make a major impact on our community,” explained Sergeant Nate West who heads Public Relations for BPD and spearheaded the game for the two departments. “We have a strong presence in our schools with our School Resource Officers and we see the need first hand. In selecting the Education Foundation, we know those dollars will support kids who need it most.”

The game invited attendees to donate to the causes of both departments both through direct cash donations and the purchase of t-shirts commemorating the inaugural game. The result? $2,320 to start the school year off strong with the Foundation.

“Two of our most in-demand programs are our Backpack Meals and Teen Pantry programs,” said Kelly McCandless, Executive Director of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools.

These two programs ensure kids have access to nutritious food on the weekends and during school breaks, providing shelf-stable, easy to prepare foods for kids of all ages. Teen Pantry is conducted in partnership with Tumbleweed in Billings and extends beyond foods to offer toiletries. The programs serve the most basic needs of kids in the Billings community.

“Support for these programs is critical,” noted McCandless. “They assist in keeping kids in school and are better able to focus when they know where their next meal will come from. We’re grateful to the BPD for selecting these programs and highlighting the importance of them.”

“The softball game was an excellent way for the BPD and BFD to raise awareness, support the community, and have a little fun in the process,” continued Sergeant West. “We look forward to building on this tradition for years to come.”

To learn more about the Backpack Meals and Teen Pantry programs, visit www.efbps.org. If you’d like to learn more about how to support these and other programs offered by the Foundation in School District 2, email Foundation@BillingsSchools.org or call 406.281.5149.