AbbyBank Foundation Donates to Colby Rural Arts Museum for Brat Barn Following Tornado Destruction

When a tornado struck Colby on May 15, 2025, it didn’t just cause physical damage, it wiped out a cherished summer tradition. The Colby Rural Arts Museum’s brat fry trailer, a key fundraiser and community staple, was completely destroyed.

Karla and Hillary with AbbyBank posing with two members of Colby Rural Arts Museum holding a large check showing the special request donation from the AbbyBank Foundation for a new brat barn for the museum and community

Published

07/10/2025

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Written by

AbbyBank

Helping to Rebuild a Colby Tradition

Recognizing the urgency, the AbbyBank Foundation held a special off-cycle review—outside of its usual schedule—and approved a grant to help fund a new permanent “Brat Barn” at Smith Bros Meats, where the original trailer was destroyed.

“The new Brat Barn isn’t just for the museum—it’s something the whole community can use,” said Hillary Strebe, Executive Assistant at AbbyBank. “It’s built to last and will give a lot of local groups the opportunity to hold their own brat fries. We’re just really happy to help make that happen.”

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