All locations will be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.

Souris Valley Animal Shelter logo overlays image of happy dog with red bandana on neck

Wet Noses and Warm Hearts at Minot Animal Shelter

Every pet deserves to find a home where it will be loved. That’s why Gate City Bank team members have donated $30,000 and countless volunteer hours to help bring new life to a Minot animal shelter.

This unique partnership started in 2019, when local team members heard that Souris Valley Animal Shelter was seeking community partners to help out at its busy facility. Philanthropic giving and volunteerism are at the core of our culture, and team members are encouraged to give back to causes they’re passionate about.

As it turns out, the Minot team is most definitely passionate about pets – especially those helped by an organization that’s been providing much-needed care for furry little friends for 40 years, locally and throughout North Dakota.

$30,000
Donated by Gate City Bank
35,000
Animals Helped
Award
Corporate Sponsor of the Year

A Better Way of Life for Animals.

It didn’t take long for the Minot group to bond with the shelter and its tenants. Team members volunteered at the facility regularly and provided representation on the shelter’s board of directors. They even invited pets to some of their staff meetings at Gate City Bank.

“Souris Valley Animal Shelter became like family to us,” says Ellen Knutson, Retail Manager. “This place is near and dear to our hearts, and we wanted our partnership to grow.”

Grow it did, beginning with Giving Hearts Day 2020. Through our volunteer match program alone, team members raised $3,000 for the shelter. Additionally, the nonprofit was one of our official Giving Hearts Day recipients, receiving $5,000. That same year, we were named Corporate Sponsor of the Year during the shelter’s annual gala, to which we donated $1,000.

But we were just getting started. For Giving Hearts Day 2021, we donated nearly $12,000, plus another $1,000 toward the annual gala. Additionally, we’ve provided financial and logistical support for a number of other events for the shelter.

Minot Animal Shelter Renovation and Gate City Bank.

Gate City Bank team members and Souris Valley Animal Shelter partners hold big check

2021 was also the year that we helped with a much-needed renovation at Souris Valley Animal Shelter. We donated $5,000 toward the project, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in early October.

The updated shelter includes more space for animals to exercise, as well as a revamped office area and new medical rooms. During the construction process, staffers worked in temporary quarters and animals were entrusted to foster families throughout the area.

In addition to attending the ribbon-cutting, our local team celebrated the new facility by holding its March 2021 staff meeting there. Team members are excited to continue fostering their partnership with Souris Valley Animal Shelter for years to come.

“We’ve always adored Souris Valley Animal Shelter. They work hard to care for creatures in need of a second chance, and we support that cause.”
Mason Cool professional headshot
Mason Cool
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer, Shelter Board Member

Check Out Other Ways We’re Helping Our Communities:

Preventing Elder Abuse

Our beloved senior citizens have played a crucial role in making us who we are today. Learn more about how we’re offering them extra support, especially when it comes to preventing elder abuse in assisted living homes within our communities.

state delegates YWCA staff and team members hold a ribbon cutting for Grace Garden

Grace Garden

Learn more about how we partnered with YWCA Cass Clay on a supportive housing initiative that promotes an environment of safety, stability and community for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and poverty.

smiling children enjoy life after being positively impacted by HOPE, Inc and Gate City

HOPE, Inc.

Learn more about how we donated $10,000 so that an annual nonprofit fashion show (which has become incredibly popular in the local community) could continue virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

community members look on during a low-income housing grand opening in Fargo ND

Affordable Housing in Fargo-Moorhead

The Fargo-Moorhead area has experienced rapid population growth, which has led to increased housing demand and an affordable housing shortage for low-income families. Learn more about how we’ve partnered with the Cass Clay Community Land Trust to establish more affordable housing for those seeking their home sweet home.