Nov. 28, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by MarketBeat.

Meaningful partnerships between businesses and nonprofits hold immense potential for fostering positive change. And when a company aligns its goals with a cause-driven organization, the impact can be transformative – not just for the entities involved but for the communities they serve.

One inspiring collaboration exists between MarketBeat, a financial media company based in Sioux Falls, and B-Squad Dog Rescue, an organization dedicated to transporting, healing, fostering and finding forever homes for at-risk dogs. It’s a collaboration that has proven that teamwork truly makes miracles happen. This didn’t just emerge from thin air – it began with a spirited initiative.

“Back in 2021, we were contacted by Remedy Brewing in regards to a fundraising collaboration of a locally sourced beer, MarketBrew,” said Mandi Haase, director of B-Squad.

MarketBeat eagerly joined this cause and set out to bring awareness and help raise funds by pledging a dollar from every can sold. This resulted in a total of $25,000 donated, divided equally between B-Squad Dog Rescue and Sioux Empire Pit Rescue.

“As a volunteer-based organization, our only income is adoption fees and private donations, so this campaign had a very large impact on the good we were able to do,” Haase said.

A group of MarketBeat employees at Remedy Brewing Co. with MarketBrew in hand.

But as Haase points out, it’s resources beyond financial contributions that make an impact.

“MarketBeat has not only provided financial support, I’ve seen how they offer their unique talents in other ways. For example, during the MarketBrew campaign, their team created a website and all marketing material, which made things incredibly easy to share and spread the word around our community.”

Bekah Van Mannen, MarketBeat web developer, found MarketBrew as one of her initial projects upon joining the company. This opportunity illustrates how employees like Van Maanen can be driven and engaged when given the chance to contribute to a meaningful cause through their workplace.

“As a self-proclaimed dog mom, dog rescues are close to my heart, and I really felt like I was part of the effort to raise money through MarketBeat,” Van Maanen said. “Since I started at MarketBeat, they’ve grown and improved how they involve their employees and their interests through their giving.”

The support from MarketBeat was not a one-and-done event approach.

“On top of the MarketBrew campaign, their employees have privately supported B-Squad further by volunteering on our rescue missions and even adopting,” Haase said.

Yes, even adopting.

Van Maanen adopted her Boston terrier, Bowser, from B-Squad in July after a meet-and-greet event at Schulte Subaru.

“Bowser was the last one waiting for a home, so I applied to adopt him,” she said.

As part of the adoption process, she was able to introduce him to her other dog at the foster family’s home to ensure it was a good fit.

“What stood out to me was the foster family’s dedication to B-Squad and early training efforts. Their commitment deepened my connection to the nonprofit and its mission as I saw the love and care they provide to dogs in need. Now, I can’t imagine a day without my ‘Baby Bowser,’  and I love bringing him to the MarketBeat office.”

Bekah Van Maanen and her B-Squad adopted dog, Bowser.

Because of her previous connection with B-Squad, Van Maanen was eager to jump on board when it came time to support the “Raise the Woof” rescue mission sponsored by MarketBeat in September.

“B-Squad was prompted to submit an application to MarketBeat’s philanthropy committee at the recommendation of a MarketBeat staff member who was moved by a situation shared on social media,” Van Maanen said.

“I was particularly thrilled to see their application because I had previously come across a heartfelt social media post from my dog’s former foster family. In the post, they expressed their dedication to the organization and the tireless volunteering efforts, and I knew that supporting them at that moment would have a profound impact on both their mission and the volunteers involved.”

It was a timely beacon of hope, according to Haase, because there is an incredible amount of work that goes into each of their B-Squad’s missions.

“Behind the scenes, there are so many small miracles that all have to happen for things to come together for a successful mission,” Haase said. “The three main things we need in order to complete a rescue mission are funds to cover the transport costs; funds to cover the initial vetting, food and supplies needed for each dog that is welcomed into our B-Squad foster program; and fosters to welcome the dogs to rescue.”

After B-Squad’s large rescue effort in August, over half of the dogs welcomed broke out with upper respiratory and parasitic infections. That quickly depleted what funds B-Squad had left for veterinary care.

“I didn’t think there was any way that we could recover in time to conduct a September mission,” Haase said. “I had conversations with our rescue partners and discussed the real possibility of canceling the mission. There was just no way we could raise the necessary funding and piece all the little miracles together to make it happen.”

With one day left in the month of August and within 24 hours of Haase pulling the plug on B-Squad’s September mission, she received word from the philanthropy committee at MarketBeat that the organization would receive a $5,000 contribution to fund a rescue mission.

“I can’t even begin to describe the relief and joy this news brought,” Haase said.

As part of the “Raise the Woof” transport, three vehicles traveled over 1,578 miles across four states to welcome 158 deserving dogs to the safety of rescue.

Several crates of dog rescues are prepared for transport.

MarketBeat even got the chance to name these dogs, many of which were named based on nods to the Sioux Falls community, including landmarks, popular hangout spots and more.

“Our team sat around the lunch table one afternoon and started coming up with a list of names for the dogs. For example, one litter of dogs rescued ended up with the names Brosia, Boki, Sanaa, Josiah and MacKenzie, just a few of the many great places to eat in downtown Sioux Falls,” said Laycee Kluin, MarketBeat digital marketing strategist. “It was a fun little addition to this rescue mission.”

A litter of boxer puppies from the “Raise the Woof” rescue.

Van Maanen and Andrew Peschong, MarketBeat technical support manager, were a few of the many volunteers who welcomed these dogs with open arms.

“It was great to see this rescue mission come together with the help of passionate volunteers and have the opportunity to set these dogs and their fosters up for success with the necessary supplies for a fresh start,” Peschong said.

Andrew Peschong prepares supplies for the intake of new rescues.

“The whole thing was a heartwarming experience, being able to witness a variety of dogs getting a second chance at life through B-Squad and their dedicated foster families,” Van Maanen added.

Andrew Peschong and Bekah Van Maanen comfort dogs during intake.

Haase is grateful for the community continuing to show up for the dogs in need.

“We can only do what we do with the support of our community, and we can’t thank MarketBeat enough for all that they do not only for B-Squad but for the rest of the Sioux Falls community as well,” Haase said. “They are making a large impact!”

It’s a mix of efforts and compassion that demonstrates the potential for positive change when businesses and nonprofits come together. As B-Squad continues its noble mission, support from community leaders like MarketBeat amplifies the impact, and together, they are able to make a difference – one wagging tail at a time.

For information on how you can support B-Squad, visit bsquaddogrescue.com.