Beltrami Electric Cooperative Champions Co-op Families Nationally, Raising Over $8,200 for Children of Fallen Electric Cooperative Employees
Bemidji, Minn. — Behind every lit home and running business is a team of electric cooperative employees working hard to keep the lights on with profound dedication. When tragedy strikes a cooperative family, that same spirit powers a network of support across the country—a mission Beltrami Electric Cooperative (BEC) is proud to champion from northern Minnesota.
Recognizing the vital safety net provided by the Cooperative Family Fund—an independent organization dedicated to supporting children of fallen electric cooperative employees—BEC stepped up to mobilize support for the cause. Beltrami Electric Cooperative created and hosted the inaugural Cooperative Family Fund Virtual 5K Walk/Run from September 20–26, 2026, raising over $8,200 to help advance the fund’s essential mission for electric co-op families nationwide.
BEC’s fundraising initiative generated a sweeping nationwide response, uniting 143 participants across 13 states—including 31 partner cooperatives whose teams joined in solidarity to run, walk, and move for the cause.
“Every day, our employees put safety first so they can return home to their families, but our commitment to the cooperative family extends beyond our own service territory,” said Jared Echternach, President and CEO at Beltrami Electric Cooperative. “The Cooperative Family Fund does incredible, necessary work for families during their hardest moments. We launched this fundraising event to stand behind their mission and ensure electric co-op employees everywhere know their families are supported. We are deeply grateful to everyone across the country who joined us in supporting this vital cause.”
Guided by cooperative principles and a shared dedication to safety and community care, Beltrami Electric Cooperative plans to make the Virtual 5K an annual flagship event, with preparations already underway for 2027 to continue driving support for the fund.
About the Cooperative Family Fund
The purpose of the Cooperative Family Fund is to provide support for children of electric cooperative employees when they experience the loss of a parent while actively employed at a cooperative. Visit the website to learn more: https://www.cooperativefamilyfund.com/