Sioux Empire United Way

Please check back often for more featured volunteers. If you would like to nominate a Sioux Empire United Way volunteer to be featured on this page, email Brandi or call 336-2095.

Name: Todd Sundleaf
Company: Premier Bankcard
Volunteer Role: Employee Gifts Team Co-Chair
# Years UW Volunteer: 20

How did you get involved with SEUW?
20 years ago, I was asked to help with a couple of company campaign rally events.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?
I have been fortunate to volunteer in a variety of roles over the years. It is amazing to me to see how many volunteers are involved in the campaign and how the United Way staff is able to keep it all very organized and efficient. I have been able to attend several agency tours and it really allows you to get a close up view of how the United Way really impacts some of the needs of our community. I admire the compassion, determination and teamwork that exists with the United Way staff and all of the volunteers every year.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
My great grandmother came to the United States from Denmark. I always enjoyed listening to her talk about her life stories. She taught me to treat people like you would like to be treated at a young age. She was someone I truly admired and I learned a lot from her.

What does Live United mean to you?
Live United to me is a group of people working together to achieve a common goal. I believe this to be true in many ways such as family, at work, in athletics, and in our community. Everyone has a role and relies on their teammates to get a positive result. If they each do their role to the best of their ability, the outcome will be successful.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?
My wife is Jane, who has also been a United Way volunteer for many years at Citibank. I have two children Jessica (16), and Bret (13), who have also volunteered with United Way events in the past. I enjoy sports (especially golf), cheering on the Twins & Vikings, family vacations, attending my children’s activities/events, and music.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other SEUW supporters?

We truly live in a unique and caring community. Year after year, the Sioux Empire United Way ranks among the leaders in both contributed dollars and the number of people volunteering for United Ways across the entire United States. I am proud to be a part of the effort and all that it does for our community.

Name: Eric Lundin
Company: Home Federal Bank
Volunteer Role: Employee Gifts Team Co-Chair
# Years UW Volunteer: 13 or 14

How did you get involved with SEUW?
Originally started out with the pledge audit at the United Way.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?
Seeing the difference we make in people’s lives and our community.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
I believe I have had many, but one that I will never forget was a college professor that took 5 minutes after class one day to help me. Because of the time she spent, it has made me a better person, employee, husband, and ultimately parent.

How do you Live United?
I try to Live United by not only through financial gifts, but through volunteering for other non-profit boards. My hope is to teach my children that we need to be active participants in the community where we live and help it achieve even greater things. I believe this is why the Sioux Empire is different!

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you’d like to share?
Wife (Micki) and two children (Jack, 8 and Abby, 2). I thoroughly enjoy golf, snow skiing, and being a parent.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other SEUW supporters?
The United Way is a real “gem” within our community and without it I am certain we would not have the successful and caring community that we now enjoy.

Name: JoJean Callison

Company: Sioux Falls School District (I'm the assistant principal at Axtell Park Middle School.)
Volunteer Role: Coordinator of the United Way campaign for the school district
# Years UW Volunteer: this is #3 (Shared the first year; soloed the last two.)

How did you get involved with United Way?
Like many other volunteer opportunities, someone asked me if I'd consider chairing the campaign.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?

Meeting new people is always fun for me. I have also appreciated what I’ve learned about how many District employees give back to the community through the United Way. They make a difference for kids and families in their schools and District departments; it’s gratifying to see the impact they have with their monetary contributions, too.

What does Live United mean to you?
We share this planet and this community. When we reach out to others by volunteering or through our financial support, we strengthen the bonds that hold us together. We're alike in so many more ways than we're different.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

My dad was my mentor in many ways. He taught me the importance of living a life in service to others, and as a lifelong educator, he modeled the joy of teaching, particularly middle school kids. I think about him and miss him every day.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you would like to share?
My husband and I spent a week in Vietnam in November, with 300 other volunteers, building homes for people who have been living on boats. It was an amazing experience. I don't have any more construction ability than I did before we left, but I am more adept with chopsticks!

Name: Patrick Steele
Company: Wells Fargo Financial Cards
Volunteer Role: Chair of Diversity Community Impact Team and WFF Employee Campaign
# Years UW Volunteer: 6

How did you get involved with SEUW?
I was asked by my employer to be a part of the community impact division.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?

I've volunteered in a couple of different ways with the SEUW. I've helped with the general business campaign as well as our internal WFF employee campaign, but it's been my involvement with the Community Impact division that I've enjoyed the most. We've got a group of strong volunteers with varied backgrounds that enable us to make what I feel are the best decisions on how we invest in the community.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

I've had a couple of mentors in my professional roles that have helped me progress in my career, but the person that has had the greatest impact on my life is my wife, Jamie. She has such a big heart and her love and encouragement have been my greatest inspiration.

What does Live United mean to you?

Living United means the collaborative efforts to make our community stronger. It's the social responsibility for each of us to help take care of our neighbors in need.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?

My wife and I have two great kids that are both wonderfully active. When we aren't working, volunteering, taking our kids to guitar, piano, gymnastics, soccer, or spending time with friends and family, we both train for short distance triathlons.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?

Thank you for all that you do! SEUW is a brilliantly run organization and we should all be proud of what we can accomplish.

Name: Lisa Schaal
Company: Wells Fargo Financial Cards
Volunteer Role: General Business Campaigner
# Years UW Volunteer: 1

How did you get involved with United Way?

A co-worker approached me earlier this year and asked me if I would be willing to be a volunteer the 2010 campaign. I was grateful for the opportunity and was anxious to volunteer for the United Way campaign. United Way agencies provide such wonderful services to the community.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?

These are challenging times and I enjoy knowing that volunteering is making a positive impact on peoples' lives right in our own community.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

My parents were my mentors and have been great role models throughout my life. They taught my siblings and me the importance of working hard to provide for our families and to give back to the community. Being active volunteers in the community and also giving financially, they have shown by example that it is important to share our gifts, our time and our talents.

What does Live United mean to you?

Live United means that each of us shares our gifts, our time and our talents to make our community a better place to live.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?

My husband and I have two children. I enjoy reading, when time allows, and spending time with my family.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?

I would encourage everyone to volunteer for the SEUW and a United Way Agency. By volunteering for a United Way agency, you will have an opportunity to see the impact that United Way has on the community and the need that is out there for these agencies and the SEUW.

Name: Beth Fisher
Company: Daktronics
Volunteer Role: ECM
# Years UW Volunteer: 2

How did you get involved with SEUW?

Shortly after I started working at Daktronics in 2008 I was asked to be on the planning committee and this year was asked to be the ECM.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is knowing that I am making a difference in someone's life, let alone thousands. Another favorite part is working with other employees to plan creative ways to get everyone involved so that they can share the experience!

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

My grandmother. She was truly the most generous, loving individual I have ever met. She showed me what it is to think of others, and she did so in a way that proved it was a part of her everyday life. If someone, anyone, needed help she gave it without having to be asked. It is my greatest wish to be able to truly live my life as she did.

What does Live United mean to you?

Living United means that no one is alone in our community. It is comforting to know that no matter what troubles face you, there is somewhere to turn with so many wonderful, caring people who will give their support. Supporting SEUW is an amazing way to give to so many causes and touch so many lives at once and that knowledge simply takes my breath away.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?

The best part of my day is going home and playing with my puppy. As silly as it sounds, it's a wonderful feeling coming home, no matter how hard my day was, and having this small, furry thing pounce on me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?

Thank you for what you do. Thank you for standing strong through the challenges that campaigns can bring and for encouraging others to support in any way possible. I know individuals that benefit from SEUW programs and I am incredibly grateful to you for your generosity and willingness to help a complete stranger turn their life around.

Name: Melanie Tatge
Company: Raven Industries
Volunteer Role: Employee Gifts Division D Chair
# Years UW Volunteer: 4 or 5

How did you get involved with United Way?

I originally became involved through my previous employer. When I came to Raven, I was excited to be able to continue volunteering for the United Way.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?
I love learning more about United Way each year in the volunteer roles that I have had. The whole experience has been rewarding knowing that each one of us has the ability to make a positive impact in our community.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
My great grandmother taught me many lessons in my life. She always gave from her heart and shared her time and talents volunteering in our small NW Iowa community.

What does Live United mean to you?

Live United means that each one of us does what we can - no matter how big or small, we can make a difference in our community.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?

I have two kids. I enjoy spending time at the lake in the summer or almost anything that you can do outside when the weather is nice.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?
Being a part of the United Way has been a fantastic experience and I encourage everyone to take time to volunteer. By volunteering, you can see what your time, talents and donations do to make a difference in the lives of others.

Name: Jason Schwabauer

Company: Qwest Communications

Volunteer Role: ECM

# Years UW Volunteer: 3

How did you get involved with United Way?

I was asked by my boss if I would like to help support Qwest's internal campaign. So the first year I was the Heart Club Coordinator, last year did both Employee Giving chair and Heart Club Coordinator, and this last year I am the Employee Giving Chair with a team to help.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for United Way?

I enjoy knowing that all the volunteering is making Sioux Falls a better community. Also I love the spirit of the United Way employees and knowing they are doing their best to make sure Sioux Falls is becoming a better place to live.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

I have been lucky to have many people as role models; from my father and mother, to a best friend, all the way to a few of my bosses. Each of these mentors has helped me in different aspects of my life and making me a better person. Overall my father has been the biggest mentor to me. He has taught me about making life decisions, owning the consequences of those decisions good or bad, and also cemented in me a work ethic that has led me to a successful career.

What does Live United mean to you?

Live United means caring for others and making sure we are civically and socially responsible in making where we live the best place we can. I am an avid promoter of giving at the Heart Club level and urge businesses to match their employees' contributions.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way volunteers/supporters?
Sioux Empire United Way is very special, and we are all lucky to be part of such a great group of volunteers. I urge them to continue their support in Living United.

Name: Chrissy Spoo

Company: Macerich (aka The Empire Mall)

Volunteer Role: Marketing Divison Chair and ECM

# Years UW Volunteer: 4

How did you get involved with United Way?

Pure and Simple: I was asked. The Marketing Director asked if I would be interested in serving on the Marketing Division and I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to get more involved in the community and to learn more about what United Way does.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?

I'm sure many people have felt like they've sat through way too many meetings with organizations where you've felt like nothing was ever accomplished. I've never felt that way about my time with United Way. I know that every minute I devote to the organization is not wasted time, but truly has a positive impact on the community. It's pretty similar to how United Way handles my dollars, too. They value my time (and dollars) and make sure its never wasted. I appreciate that a lot.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

When I first came to work at The Empire Mall, I worked with Don McLaughlin, a long-time mall manager. Don taught me that above all, giving back to the community should be every business's top priority. Don lived by the creed that being nice to people and treating them with respect was far more important than any company bottom line. That has had a tremendous influence on how I do my job every day. I'm constantly reminded of Don's voice in my ear, telling me that "This is how we do things at The Empire..." and I've tried to continue his efforts by ensuring that The Empire Mall always puts community first.

What does Live United mean to you?

When I think about "Live United" I think about a flock of geese...all flying in formation towards a goal or destination. If our lead goose gets tired, then he drops to the back of the line and the rest of the group picks up the slack...a new leader steps (flys) forward to lead on. Plus, all that honking...that's our fellow geese cheering us on and keeping us flying towards our goal. That's how I visualize it...as a group of people working together, helping each other to reach a goal, cheering each other on and when one person stumbles or needs a little help, the rest of the flock picks up the slack to keep us flying together in one direction.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?

Let's see...I'm married, my husband Joe is a veterinarian at the Tea Veterinary Clinic. We have three dogs, two English Setters and an English Cocker Spaniel. In addition to United Way, I also volunteer for the American Diabetes Association, Junior Achievement and Girls on the Run. Oh, and I am a very devoted Iowa State fan. Go CLONES!

Name: Cassie Baldwin
Company: SDN Communications
Volunteer Role: Employee Giving Division B Chair
# Years UW Volunteer: 4

How did you get involved with SEUW?
I was asked to be a Co-Employee Campaign Manager by our CEO my first year at SDN and have been involved with the United Way since.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for SEUW?
I enjoy volunteering for United Way because it's such an easy way to give back to my community. I enjoy seeing all the agencies that are supported by the United Way and seeing all the good they do for our community. I also enjoy meeting new people and feeling like I have done something to make a difference.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
Of course my parents and siblings have been fabulous mentors to me, but I have also been fortunate enough to have some wonderful bosses who have taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes. Don Koenigs and Dave Reznicek were former bosses at Gateway who had enough confidence in my abilities to let me try things on my own, fall on my face on occasion and give me the courage and tools necessary to get back up and do it again. Having someone who believes in you and your abilities, cultivates a belief in yourself that is unmatched and makes you believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to!

What does Live United mean to you?
To me, to Live United means that we are all in this together and we have to take care of each other by whatever means we can. Whether that be volunteering, monetary support, mentoring etc. We need to take care of each other and treat each other with dignity, kindness and respect.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?
I am a music junkie and I enjoy camping, swimming, boating and traveling.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?

Volunteering for the United Way has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The good that this organization does is unparalleled and I feel lucky to be part of such an incredible organization!

Name: Wayne Muth

Company: Avera Health (retired)

Volunteer Role: Board Member, Retiree Campaign Chair, and Campaign Cabinet Member

# Years UW Volunteer: 4

How did you get involved with United Way?

Jay made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for United Way?

Playing a small part in raising funds to assist the vulnerable and at-risk citizens of our community.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?

My wife Karen has been an active volunteer for many organizations - her unselfish involvement for so many years has been an inspiration for me.

What does Live United mean to you?

SEUW is unique and succesful in fulfilling it's mission. The long history of positive results show how a united approach can have a positive impact on people's lives - it's great to be a part of that.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you'd like to share?

I've come to the "retired grandparent" stage in life. This means I now have time to learn from my grandchildren, have fun with them, say "yes" to their requests - and turn them over to their parents when a "no" is required.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?

SEUW is prepared to identify and respond to major issues and concerns facing our community, and has consistently played a major role in meeting those community needs. It's personally rewarding to be a part of that effort.

Name: Cheryl Dodd
Company: U.S. Bank
Volunteer Role: Campaign Consultant
# Years UW Volunteer: 4

How did you get involved with United Way?
Through my employer, U.S. Bank. They are very supportive of the United Way and have been for many years. They actually encourage us to get involved in our communities.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for United Way?
I really believe in what the United Way does for the communities in which we live. The dollars that we give as individual's stretch so much further and touch so many lives. It's very rewarding to be a small part of something that has so much positive impact in our Sioux Empire.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
I had a High School Basketball Coach who was very strict, but a religious man. He made you work hard but most of all taught me some very valuable life lessons. He got me involved with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). We did many things within our community like: annual food drives; served dinner at our Salvation Army; worked with children; and visited nursing homes.

What does Live United mean to you?
To me it mean's we are a TEAM and together we can do great things. I have always said there is no "I" in team but an "E" and, therefore, it takes everyone working together. We can make a difference!

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you’d like to share?
I became a Grandma for the first time in 2007 and just found out that we will have another addition to our family next April. Oh yeah, I love anything outdoors...when the sun shines. I guess you can say I'm a fair weather person!

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?
Coming to Sioux Falls from a smaller community back in 2005, I just have to say WOW you guys are awesome! I was not aware of what the United Way was all about and you have something very special here and it's something you all should be proud of! Good People Make Great Things Happen!

Name: Jeff Strand
Company: Eide Bailly LLP
Volunteer Role: Chairman of the Board and Community Impact Success by 6 Member.
# Years UW Volunteer: 7 years. Worked on first campaign in 1988 and on the Board since 2005.

How did you get involved with United Way?
Eide Bailly was asked for a volunteer to work on the professional group campaign in 1988 and I volunteered.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for United Way?
Being involved in what I think is the premier provider of nonprofit funds in our Sioux Empire Community.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
My wife, Reneece. I met her in high school. She has always been a role model in caring and giving in the community.

What does Live United mean to you?
To me Live United means living in a way that you are always taking in the needs of others in your daily life.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you’d like to share?
I enjoy outdoor activities, especially with the grandkids, reading and music.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?
I appreciate how Sioux Empire United Way provides me the opportunity to serve the community and would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers that make the Sioux Empire United Way Live United.

Name: Scott Lawrence
Company: Lawrence & Schiller
Volunteer Role: 2010 Campaign Chair, Community Impact Volunteer, and Board Member
# Years UW Volunteer: 12 (I think)

How did you get involved with United Way?
I was asked by Dana Dykhouse.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for United Way?
The people are fantastic, the cause itself is unbelievable. Our Sioux Empire United Way is the best in America.

Our new initiative pairs volunteer mentors with homeless families. Can you share about a mentor that served as a role model for you?
My Mom and Dad were my greatest mentors. At 89 and 87 they still mentor me every week. They really taught me that you need to serve, be a volunteer and help others.

What does Live United mean to you?
Live United means that together, we can help the Sioux Empire be a better place to live for all of us. It means that we can only do it together.

Any other fun facts about you, your family, your career or hobbies that you’d like to share?
Two kids, married for 32 years, love water sports and sports in general. I have a fun time playing and singing in various bands, and enjoy singing in church.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other United Way supporters?
This has been a fantastic experience. The United Way staff and United Way volunteers are the best. I don't think I've had the opportunity to do anything quite like it in my career.

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