Grand Forks’ newest sports team is proud to announce a presenting sponsorship agreement with Farmers Union Insurance (FUI), marking a major milestone as the team prepares for the launch of its Northwoods League Softball franchise in 2026.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with John Bollinger and his team for years—and they are the real deal,” said Kevin Ressler, Chief Branding and Sales Officer at Farmers Union Insurance. “They put on affordable, out-of-the-box family entertainment and always do it in a way that connects families, businesses, and the community to celebrate and give back. We’re proud to support them in this next chapter and can’t wait to help show Grand Forks what their Fun Done Differently experience is all about.”
As part of the partnership, FUI will receive logo placement as the Presenting Sponsor on each season’s unique logo, naming rights to the official Team Name Contest, jersey patches on all home uniforms, in-game advertising during Northwoods League broadcasts, and title rights to one of the team’s premier promotions: the Team Jersey Giveaway.
But this isn’t your typical giveaway. Powered by the community, the event blends exclusive fan experiences with meaningful impact.
First launched in Bismarck in 2018, this unique spin on a giveaway promotion invites fans to line up as early as 8:00 AM on the designated day. The first 500 people who donate at least three canned goods receive an exclusive, limited-edition team jersey—unavailable anywhere else. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
In Bismarck and Minot, these collectible jerseys are typically claimed by noon, making the event one of the largest single-day food drives in support of the Great Plains Food Bank each year. The promotion’s success has been so impactful that Farmers Union Insurance has expanded it across multiple sports partnerships throughout the states they serve.
In 2025, despite heavy rain, Larks fans in Bismarck set a new record—donating over 3,300 pounds of food in a single morning. In 2024, the event collected 3,150 pounds, reinforcing its status as the largest single-day food drive in North Dakota. Since launching the initiative in 2018, more than 24,000 pounds of food have been donated.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” Ressler added. “You can’t always count on the weather in North Dakota, but you can count on North Dakotans showing up for each other. We’re proud to serve a community that tirelessly serves others.”
Alongside Larks players and staff, more than 20 Farmers Union Insurance agents volunteered at this year’s food drive, helping distribute jerseys and collect donations.
“It’s amazing when you can do something so fun for the fans—leveraging the power of our team brand and players—and at the same time give back to a great cause while showcasing a sponsor’s commitment to community,” said John Bollinger, team owner. “I just want to thank Farmers Union Insurance. They truly live their mission of being simply different. They’ve always believed in our vision that Fun Done Differently creates core memories, a stronger community, and lifelong fans. We can’t wait to bring that same energy to Grand Forks.”
The official team name, logo, and full schedule will be unveiled later this year. Fans can vote in the FUI Team Name Contest at grandforkssoftball.com.
About Farmers Union Insurance
With over 70 years of experience, Farmers Union Insurance meets the needs of North Dakotans through a statewide network of 114 agents across 70 locations, committed to being Simply Different.
About Northwoods League Softball
Northwoods League Softball is the nation’s first for-profit women’s summer collegiate softball league. The Grand Forks team will be one of the founding franchises in its 2026 inaugural season.
About the Great Plains Food Bank
The Great Plains Food Bank is North Dakota’s only food bank, supporting a partner network of 196 food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and feeding programs across the state and in Clay County, MN.
