Perham business owners to raise $1.5 million dollars for community

PERHAM, Minn. (Valley News Live) – A group of ambitious business owners from Perham are setting out on a bold mission: to raise over $1 million dollars in a transformative investment for their community.

They call themselves, ‘Catfish Larry & The Ladypants,’ and what started as four local business owners, turned into everlasting friendship.

Between stories, laughter, and a good time, they came up with their name.

“We thought, ‘hey that would be a cool band name, if we were actually Catfish Larry & The Ladypants’!” said Veronica Marpoe, one of the group members.

The group was asked by the City of Perham for help to raise $1.5 million dollars to build a facility in Arvig Park, a space for the entire community to enjoy.

Kellie Smith, another group member, said, “When we were first approached, we were like, ‘gosh, I don’t know… that seems crazy.’ Then we were thinking, well we have a band, and maybe this is our band’s purpose.”

“It’s called Operation Trail Head, and this place would basically have an outdoor ice rink, and would also foster all season sports. It would be a good place for the Perham Area Community Center to work out of, also. It connects with the Brave like Gabe trail, and it’s just really an opportunity to bring all kinds of sports together and have a place for our community and others to gather all season long,” explained Ashlea Clifton.

Their goal is to raise the $1.5 million by Spring of 2025.

“It might seem a little daunting, but we are very confident we will easily reach this through donors and fun activities,” Veronica added.

A project for the community, by the community, the group will kick off their fundraising at the Perham Oktoberfest, and are also currently accepting donations through their website.

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