Farm Rescue loading planter to help the Nord Farm (Photo: Madison Quinn, KFGO)
Farm Rescue’s Helping Hands Harvest Benefit will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Avalon Events Center in Fargo, North Dakota. The evening will bring together supporters for a celebration of generosity, community, and the mission of Farm Rescue.
The benefit dinner and auction will bring together agricultural supporters, business partners, volunteers, and community members to celebrate Farm Rescue’s mission of helping farm and ranch families overcome unexpected challenges. The evening will feature live entertainment, dinner, inspiring stories, fundraising games, live and silent auctions, and special recognitions honoring individuals whose contributions have helped shape the organization.
Among the evening’s featured speakers will be local student Jocelyn Birklid, whose family previously received assistance from Farm Rescue. Birklid will share her personal experience of what it was like when her family faced unexpected challenges and how Farm Rescue’s volunteers stepped in to lend a helping hand. Speaking from the perspective of a young person growing up in agriculture, she will offer a meaningful look at how the organization’s assistance impacts not only farm operations but also the families and future generations behind them.
Farm Rescue Founder and Board President Bill Gross will reflect on the vision that inspired the organization’s founding in 2005, its growth over the past 21 years, and his hopes for the future of Farm Rescue.
New Executive Director Shari Rogge-Fidler will share her vision for the organization’s next chapter, including goals for continued growth, stronger community connections, and expanding Farm Rescue’s reach to serve more agricultural families.
Honoring the People Behind the Mission
A special highlight of this year’s benefit will be the presentation of four awards recognizing the leadership, generosity, and dedication that have helped Farm Rescue grow into the organization it is today.
The awards include:
The Founder’s Award: A one-time honorary recognition commemorating the establishment of Farm Rescue Founder’s Day and celebrating the vision, leadership, and dedication behind the organization’s creation.
The Legacy Award: Honoring extraordinary generosity, enduring commitment, and lasting contributions to Farm Rescue’s mission.
The Pillar Award: Recognizing unwavering support and contributions to building and sustaining the organization’s success.
The Good Samaritan Award: Celebrating exceptional volunteer service and dedication to farm and ranch families.
Together, these recognitions will celebrate the individuals who have helped build, strengthen, and carry forward Farm Rescue’s mission of keeping family farms farming.
Live Auction Led by Max Steffes and Exciting Fundraising Activities
One of the evening’s highlights will be a live auction led by Max Steffes of Steffes Auctioneers, featuring unique items and experiences generously donated in support of Farm Rescue.
Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an exciting selection of live and silent auction items, including Montana Silversmiths jewelry, American Darling leather handbags, a signed University of North Dakota hockey jersey, a signed North Dakota State University Bison football jersey, Minnesota Twins collectibles, exclusive Busch Light and John Deere memorabilia and more!
Featured experiences include a California getaway, a Wyoming condo stay, Minnesota Frost hockey tickets, and Red Ants Pants Music Festival passes. Additional offerings include handcrafted items, outdoor entertaining essentials, and gift baskets from local businesses.
The evening will also feature interactive fundraising games, including a Wine and Whiskey Pull, Heads and Tails Game, and Golden Ticket Raffle, giving attendees additional opportunities to support Farm Rescue while competing for prizes. All fundraising games will be cash only, and guests are encouraged to bring cash to participate.
Those unable to attend can still support the event by participating in the online silent auction. Additional bidding information will be available through Farm Rescue’s event communications.
Online Silent Auction: https://
Farm Rescue is proud to recognize the generous businesses and organizations helping make Helping Hands Harvest possible.
2026 Event Sponsors: North Star Credit Union, Steffes Auctioneers, Riddle’s Jewelry, Old National Bank, RDO Equipment, Farmers Fuel Coffee, Cass County Electric, ND AgTech Engine
These partnerships demonstrate the strong community support behind Farm Rescue and its mission to provide free operational assistance to agricultural families when unexpected circumstances threaten their livelihoods. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event.
Helping Keep Family Farms Farming
Now serving farm and ranch families across 11 states, Farm Rescue provides free planting, haying, harvesting, livestock feeding, and commodity hauling assistance to families experiencing a major illness, injury, or natural disaster.
During its 2025-26 fiscal year, Farm Rescue assisted 99 farm and ranch families, supported operations across more than 45,000 acres, and benefited from more than 10,500 hours of volunteer service.
Proceeds from Helping Hands Harvest will support Farm Rescue’s ongoing efforts to provide essential assistance to agricultural families, helping them continue their operations.
Those unable to attend can still support the event by participating in the online silent auction. Additional bidding information will be available through Farm Rescue’s event communications. Online Silent Auction: https://
About Farm Rescue
Farm Rescue was founded in 2005 and has helped more than 1,300 families since its inception. The organization’s mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster by providing the necessary equipment and manpower to perform time-sensitive services. Through the generosity of volunteers, donors and business partners, Farm Rescue helps families continue their operations during times of crisis while giving them the opportunity to focus on recovery.
Farm Rescue news release
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