Bemidji High to host baked potato fundraiser before Lumberjacks game

Bemidji High School will serve a baked potato bar from 4:15 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, in the BHS commons, 2900 Division St. W., ahead of the Lumberjacks boys basketball game vs. Moorhead. Plates are $10 and include all the fixings, and proceeds will support the BHS Facilities Improvement Project, a fund within the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

The event blends community night out with local fundraising at an affordable price point. For families planning an evening at the game, the potato bar offers a low-cost dinner option that keeps dollars local while funneling support into school infrastructure. Facility improvements can range from safer entrances and better lighting to accessible restrooms and classroom upgrades that affect student learning and staff working conditions.

Public health considerations matter when food is served to crowds. Organizers and volunteers should follow safe food-handling practices, provide clear allergy information, and be mindful of temperature control during service. Community members with food allergies or special diets should plan ahead and check for ingredient details before serving themselves. If turnout is high, consider seating and circulation to reduce crowding near serving tables and the commons entrance.

The fundraiser also touches on equity and access. A $10 meal is relatively affordable, but community leaders and school officials often weigh how fundraising events impact families with limited means. Facilities improvements funded through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation can help address inequities by upgrading spaces that benefit students from all backgrounds, including those who rely on school facilities for after-school programs, shelter from harsh winter weather, and accessible amenities.

Local businesses, families, and fans attending the Moorhead game have a chance to support those upgrades while enjoying a simple community meal. For volunteers and organizers, this kind of event is a visible way to involve students, staff, and supporters in tangible school improvements — a shared investment in the campus where many Beltrami County kids spend their days.

The takeaway? Bring $10 and come early to grab a hot plate, especially if you plan to watch the Lumberjacks tip off. Supporting school facilities is about more than aesthetics; it's about safe, equitable spaces for learning and community activity — and a baked potato can be a delicious, down-to-earth way to help make that happen. Our two cents? Eat well, support local kids, and check ingredient info if you have allergies.