Fortune Bay’s Money Wars will raise funds for Mesabi Humane Society

by Brian K. Anderson | November 18, 2025

Fortune Bay Resort Casino employees kicked off an internal “Money Wars” challenge Monday, amongst all departments, with an end goal in sight that everyone can relate to—helping our furry friends live a better life.

“We chose this cause because times are tough for everyone right now, and unfortunately, animals often get overlooked, especially during the holiday season,” said Fortune Bay’s Executive Assistant and co-organizer, Will Hackett-Miller, of raising funds for the Mesabi Humane Society. “I’m excited to see how this goes! This is our chance to make a real difference while having fun together.”

Mason jars were lined up on HR Administrative Assistant Tammy Phillips’ desk, where departments were either adding coins to their jars or paper money into other departments’ jars. While the paper money is good for the Mesabi Humane Society, having another department drop a dollar bill or perhaps a $5 bill into their jar wouldn’t help that particular department’s chance of winning the friendly contest.

That’s because coins count as positive points for your team, while paper bills count as negative points for other teams. In other words, one department can sabotage another department by simply dropping a paper bill into their opponent’s jar. The hope, of course, is that employees will walk by and see a mason jar somewhat full of coins and drop a $5 bill into another department’s jar to lessen that department’s chance of winning.

“I am excited to see the friendly competition between the departments,” said Phillips. “I think this is going to be a great morale booster for the company, and a lot of the staff have already been at my desk talking about getting change out of their vehicles and which department they can sabotage.”

The contest will continue through December 1st, at which time, the jars will be tallied, and one lucky department can claim victory in the first-ever Fortune Bay Resort Casino’s Money Wars.

The staff at the Mesabi Humane Society, located in Virginia, is grateful for the support Fortune Bay employees are providing to their agency.

“With the weather changing, we see an influx of abandoned animals come into the shelter seeking warmth and food,” said Mesabi Humane Society Marketing Coordinator Carly Gobats-Siveny. “Also, during financial uncertainty, we see a lot of people have to relinquish their animals due to rising costs of food and veterinary care.”

Gobats-Siveny said the mission of Mesabi Humane Society is to promote humane treatment through sheltering, adoption, alteration, and community education.

“As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we rely on community donations and through our wishlists,” she added.

Which is precisely what Fortune Bay Resort Casino employees are doing through their Money Wars efforts.

“We wanted to create something fun that encourages friendly competition among employees while supporting a cause that truly matters,” said Hackett-Miller, who credited Phillips for coming up with the fundraising idea and has been impressed with how the contest has really taken off. “We will be using

the money to purchase items from the Mesabi Humane Society wishlists, which includes things such as blankets, cat and dog food, treats, and toys.”

If you would like to help Mesabi Humane Society, you can visit their website at https://mesabihumanesociety.org/

Gabots-Siveny said people can also donate via GiveMN (https://www.givemn.org/organization/Mesabi-Humane-Society), Venmo (@MesabiHumaneSociety-1), Amazon Wishlist, or Chewy Wishlist.

The Mesabi Humane Society staff would much appreciate any financial support.

“I want to thank every department for joining in on this event. Your participation means so much, and I know the animals will thank you too!” said Hackett-Miller, who will visit the shelter after the competition ends to give them the proceeds from the Money Wars. “I don’t have a specific total in mind, but I know every bit will help make a difference for these animals.”