Marie Willson, a district director for Fathom in Central Montana, is passionate about making a difference in her community, especially when it comes to youths in the Great Falls area.

Recently, Willson put that caring philosophy to work by participating in an annual fundraiser for the Stand-Up for Students program sponsored by the Great Falls Association of REALTORS®. The program has been helping Great Falls students since 2014.

“This event means we can give back to an organization that directly impacts youth,” Willson said. “It is so important to me because I don’t want to just exist in this community. I want to make a difference.”

The Island Style Barbecue, which took place in October at the Black Eagle Community Center, raised $9,000 to help students in the Great Falls public schools and the Alliance for Youth program. The evening included music, a live auction, a cornhole tournament, and a 50/50 raffle. 

About 1,200 children will benefit from the efforts of Willson and her colleagues.

The money will purchase items that children need to succeed in school, such as backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and medical check-ups.

The barbecue is just one of the ways Great Falls agents assist local youth. The group also sponsors a toiletries drive for students.