BISMARCK, ND – Today, the Governor’s Heritage Foundation announced the Inaugural Ball of North Dakota’s 34th Governor, Kelly Armstrong. The event will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 7:00-10:30 PM CT at the Bismarck Event Center.   As North Dakota swings into a new era of leadership, the event will aim to return to Governor-Elect Armstrong’s roots as an American Legion baseball coach featuring special nods to America’s favorite pastime. This celebratory gathering will honor North Dakota’s new leadership with a night of hors d’oeuvres, distinguished company, live music from Dickinson-based band Breaking Eight, and nods to our shared love for the game. 

“We welcome all North Dakotans to come together to celebrate our great state stepping into a new era of leadership with Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Michelle Strinden at the helm,” said Gretchen Stenehjem, Vice Chair of the Governor’s Heritage Foundation. “We are proud to partner with two great statewide organizations, the North Dakota FFA Foundation and the Great Plains Food Bank, to make a meaningful impact during this celebration. We encourage all attendees to bring non-perishable items or a donation to ensure we hit a home run to serve these organizations, who are changing the lives of North Dakotans daily.” 

In the spirit of North Dakota’s strong sense of community, the Inaugural Ball will focus on giving back. A portion of all donations from this event will directly benefit two remarkable organizations making a statewide impact across North Dakota: the North Dakota FFA Foundation and the Great Plains Food Bank.  

Attendees can support the Great Plains Food Bank by bringing non-perishable food items to the event. A donation station will be available at check-in for the event. A list of the most needed items can be found on the event’s website. 

“The Great Plains Food Bank is honored to be a part of the Governor’s inauguration. As the only food bank in the state of North Dakota, we distributed over 12 million meals to more than 145,000 of our neighbors who needed food assistance last year,” said Melissa Sobolik, CEO of Great Plains Food Bank. “We are incredibly grateful to Governor-Elect Armstrong and Lt. Governor-Elect Strinden for shining a light on the issue and encouraging everyone to take action as we work together to end hunger in North Dakota.”  

“The North Dakota FFA Foundation is thrilled and deeply grateful to be recognized at the Governor’s Inaugural Ball. Agriculture is the backbone of North Dakota, shaping industries from food production to technology to manufacturing, and more,” said Laiken Demorrett, Executive Director for North Dakota FFA Foundation. “The North Dakota FFA Foundation ensures a strong future for our state by supporting agricultural education and providing hands-on learning and leadership development opportunities to nearly 7,700 FFA members across the state. Thanks to the generosity of Governor-Elect Armstrong and Lt. Governor-Elect Strinden, the North Dakota FFA Foundation can expand our efforts to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture.”  Event attire is considered black tie optional, with attendees encouraged to add a touch of ballpark flair – such as a favorite team pin or a nod to North Dakota baseball.   The event is free to the public, but attendees must RSVP to attend the event. You can RSVP now for the event at armstronginauguralball.com or learn more at armstronginauguralball.com.  Devon Energy, a leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in the Williston Basin, is the event’s presenting sponsor.

About the Governor’s Heritage Foundation  
The Governor’s Heritage Foundation is formed for public charitable purposes. The mission of the organization is to create awareness and advocacy – and to raise funds for statewide charitable efforts that improve the everyday lives of North Dakotans.