Perham Spuds for Love Potato Bar Feb. 12 to Raise Youth Funds

Perham residents gathered to support youth programming at a "Spuds for Love" baked potato bar hosted by Empowering Kids and the Boys & Girls Club of Perham. The event took place at the Boys & Girls Club, 221 Fox St., and ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 11. Organizers offered dine-in, to-go and delivery service for orders of 10 or more as part of the community fundraiser.

The event aimed to raise money for youth services run out of the Perham club, providing a direct local funding stream for after-school activities, mentorship and recreational programs. Fundraisers like this supplement the club's operating budget and help maintain staff-led programs that serve school-age children across Otter Tail County.

Practical details shaped participation. The midday window made the event accessible for families and workers on lunch breaks, while to-go and bulk delivery options allowed churches, workplaces and volunteer groups to support the fundraiser without dining on site. Empowering Kids and the Boys & Girls Club of Perham coordinated logistics at 221 Fox St., relying on volunteers and community donations of ingredients and time to keep costs down and maximize the amount returned to youth programming.

Local fundraising plays a measurable role in the economics of nonprofit youth providers. For many small community programs, a sequence of food-based fundraisers, membership drives and grant applications makes the difference between expanding services or trimming offerings. In Otter Tail County, where population and municipal tax bases are smaller than in larger metro areas, community-driven events remain a key mechanism for preserving extracurricular and enrichment options for children and teens.

The potato bar also had spillover benefits for Perham's microeconomy. Food fundraisers typically channel spending into local suppliers, volunteer stipends and venue maintenance, keeping dollars circulating within the community rather than flowing to outside vendors. For families, the event provided an affordable, community-focused meal option while supporting programs that can reduce childcare gaps and give students structured after-school time.

For residents who missed the event, the outcome matters beyond a single lunch: proceeds bolster the capacity of the Boys & Girls Club of Perham to run programs that affect school readiness, social development and recreational access. Watch for future fundraisers and volunteer opportunities from Empowering Kids and the Boys & Girls Club as they work to sustain and expand youth services in Perham and throughout Otter Tail County.