Sioux Empire United Way Raises $10.3 Million, Recognizes Community Leadership

Sioux Empire United Way announced the total of their 2016 Campaign on Thursday.  The campaign raised $10,323,720 on a goal of $10.3 million. The campaign total is an increase of 1.5% of the previous year’s campaign.

“Meeting our fundraising goal is certainly a great accomplishment, but the impact these dollars will have on the one in three people in our community that rely on United Way partner programs is an even greater accomplishment,” said Pam Hanneman, Sioux Empire United Way Volunteer Campaign Chair.

Along with the campaign announcement, Sioux Empire United Way recognized seven individuals and three companies at their annual awards event on Thursday.  The following awards were given out during the event:

  • David Birkeland Memorial Award – given to the business or professional leader who most exemplifies David Birkeland’s involvement in our community. – Fred Slunecka, Avera Health
  • Larry Oppold Memorial Award – given to a human service professional for outstanding dedication to his or her work. – Polly Dean, The New Colossus 
  • Helen E. (Oppold) Blair Memorial Award – given to an individual whose work in human services, law enforcement, education, or church based fields towards child abuse prevention and early intervention is exemplary. – Julie Ordal, Bright Start 
  • Heart Club Philanthropist of the Year – given to a Heart Club member, who has demonstrated active involvement, and has also encouraged or influenced others to contribute. – Dr. Daniel Heinemann, Sanford Health
  • Brent Weiler Bulldog Award – given to a Team 2 Sioux Empire United Way volunteer who has shown determination and persistence in working with small business to achieve campaign success. – Tim Schut,  First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER BankCard
  • Rich Garry Rookie of the Year – given to a first-time Sioux Empire United Way volunteer who has stepped up and made a tremendous impact in their role, helping to fulfill the mission of Sioux Empire United Way. – Susan Hasseler, Augustana University
  • Volunteer of the Year – given to a Sioux Empire United Way volunteer who selflessly and generously gives of his or her time and talents to help fulfill the mission of the Sioux Empire United Way. – Pam Hanneman, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER BankCard
  • Business of the Year – given to three companies or organizations, based on employee numbers that have greatly benefited the community through its generosity and its employee involvement in Sioux Empire United Way. – 1-100 Employees: RAS; 101-500 Employees: CAPITAL Services; 501+ Employees: Sammons Financial Group

Sioux Empire United Way also recognized more than 1,000 volunteers at the event.  The luncheon offered volunteers the chance to sample donated signature soups from the following local restaurants:  Leonardo’s Café, Minnehaha Country Club, Olive Garden, All Day Café, The Phillips Avenue Diner and Zoup.  Salads and bread baskets were donated by the Holiday Inn City Centre.

Additional information about this year's awards is available here.