Minot Hot Tots Spotlight Six Hidden Hometown Heroes

Celebrating the Spirit of the Magic City: How the Winners make Minot Magical

Minot, ND – The Minot Hot Tots, in partnership with Ryan Family Dealerships, are delighted to unveil the final six winners of the inaugural Hidden Hometown Heroes program. This initiative shines a spotlight on those in the Minot community who perform remarkable acts of kindness and dedication, often behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition.

Today, the Hot Tots honor six unsung heroes whose efforts have significantly bettered the lives of many in Minot, the Magic City. These individuals embody the true spirit of community, working selflessly to make a positive impact without seeking the limelight. 

“Our Hidden Hometown Heroes program was designed to recognize the extraordinary, yet often unnoticed, contributions of these wonderful individuals,” stated Monica Hocking, General Manager of the Minot Hot Tots. “Their daily acts of kindness and dedication are what truly make Minot the Magic City. We are proud to use our platform to highlight the importance of social values and community care.”

Kathleen Gaddie, President and CEO of Ryan Family Dealerships, emphasized, “These heroes are the pillars of our community. Their stories are a testament to the profound impact that caring individuals can have. By celebrating them, we hope to inspire more acts of kindness and community support across Minot.”

The Hot Tots and Ryan Family Dealerships will recognize each individual at their respective Hot Tots game this season. Each recognition will tell the Hidden Hometown Heroes story, and will serve as a call to action for all of Minot to come together in support and celebration of our local heroes. 

Six Hometown Heroes Winners:

• Melissa Maasjo – Melissa Maasjo is the founder and operator of Matthew 25 Project. Matthew 25 Project is a warehouse full of donated goods that are offered for free to those who are in need. The organization is entirely run by Melissa and a group of volunteers. Melissa and her husband were foster parents, which was what helped her see the amount of need that some people face for everyday items that others often take for granted. With that in mind, she started the Matthew 25 Project in Minot to help close the gap, and provide items that are essential for the betterment of the people of Minot. The goal of the project is to help provide those small physical needs so that it can free up people’s minds to focus on more important things, and hopefully give them that extra boost they need to help them get back on their feet.

• Alexis Hute – Alexis Hute is a special education teacher for Minot Public Schools. She is constantly advocating for her students and making sure they receive the necessary resources to learn and thrive. Not only that, but she takes the time to really teach, not just her students, but all students she comes in contact with. Most recently during the 2024 prom week, she took the time to educate students on safe driving practices and the potential consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel. Alexis goes above and beyond for her students and helps promote positive changes for current and future generations.

• Kevin Burckhard–Kevin Burckhard is the type of person that makes everyone that comes to Minot feel welcomed. He is always the first to volunteer to help anyone out, support a new venture in the community, and to say that he loves the community of Minot. If you’re at an event in Minot, odds are you will see Kevin there as well, either volunteering, dressing up as Santa, or just enjoying and promoting all that Minot has to offer. Kevin is also the un-designated welcome wagon for those new to Minot, and will share his recommendations to his favorite spots in town, or he’ll just take them there himself. Kevin and his wife Paula have had their hands full raising 6 amazing kids, 3 of which they adopted from countries around the world, 4 of which have Down Syndrome. Kevin and Paula are advocates for being kind to everyone they meet and are constantly working to make our communities more fun, more kind, and more accepting of everyone.

• Sanders Shumway– Sanders Shumway exemplifies the qualities of a Hidden Hometown Hero through his selfless dedication to serving as a Youth Pastor. He works tirelessly to provide a safe and supportive space for youth to explore their faith, seek guidance, and build meaningful connections. Sanders also works in the community to help address social issues, promote inclusivity, and advocate for the well-being of young people. He does so by organizing community events and leading service projects, but also by going out and talking to people who might just need someone to listen to them. His passion for uplifting and empowering the youth in the Minot community is something that inspires those around him to do the same, and genuinely shows his passion for helping and caring for those around him.

• Ron Garcia – Ron Garcia has been a huge advocate for retired military members in the Minot community, and is always aspiring to help them in any way he can. He was instrumental in the development of the Disabled American Veterans, and is an active member who is always looking for more ways to help out those who need it. Ron came to Minot in the 70s while he was an active-duty service member. Since he’s been in Minot he’s made it his mission to help and do good wherever he goes. He’s a volunteer for the Lord’s Cupboard, the Committee Chairman for scholarships in the community provided by the DAV, a volunteer at Flag Day, and has helped create a monthly luncheon for veterans at Sommerset Assisted Living. His latest passion project is creating a Wall of Honor for veterans at Somerset. Staff at Somerset and his nominators describe him as  selfless and someone who brings a smile to everyone who comes in contact with. 

• Ali Auch: Ali Auch is the creator and operator of Full STEAM Ahead. Full STEAM Ahead has been around since 2017 and has helped open up opportunities for kids to explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Through the work of Full STEAM Ahead programs like Make A Scene Kid’s Theater, Minot Robotics, Minot 3-6 Year old Tee Ball, Minot Youth Kickball League, and Kid’s Clay have all been created to show kids all of the things they are capable of doing and creating. She helps create a world of possibilities for kid’s to let their minds, bodies, and imaginations wander. On top of creating all of these programs, she’s also raising two amazing daughters and is a Nurse Practitioner at Trinity Hospital.

The winners of the Hometown Heroes program will be honored at a Hot Tots game with on-field celebrations, Hot Tots jerseys, autographed bats, and the opportunity to throw the first pitch. Their stories will also be featured in upcoming Hot Tots media campaigns.

For more details on the Hidden Hometown Heroes program and to vote, please visit hottotsbaseball.com