Oct. 17, 2025

This piece is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

Whether through high-profile philanthropy or behind-the-scenes leadership, Joe and Jennifer Kirby have spent decades strengthening the Sioux Falls community.

Sometimes their name is on it – the Jennifer Kirby Dance Floor at Levitt at the Falls or the Kirby Dog Park downtown. Other times, their impact is felt in quiet conversations, encouraging others to lend support or rally around a cause.

In recognition of their lasting influence, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation honored Joe and Jennifer Kirby as the 2025 Friends of the Foundation honorees. Each year, the award celebrates individuals, families or businesses whose generosity and commitment have shaped Sioux Falls in meaningful ways.

Joe and Jennifer Kirby in 2025

The award was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual donor reception earlier this month. The Community Foundation celebrated philanthropy and reported accepting more than $33 million in gifts and granting more than $38 million to nonprofits and causes across the area.

Since its inception more than 40 years ago, the Community Foundation has granted more than $350 million in the Sioux Falls area.

Many know the Kirbys for their major gifts, but what truly sets them apart is their long-term, thoughtful giving. Year after year, decade after decade, they support organizations with steady contributions that may not make headlines but create lasting change.

“I grew up in a family where helping others was a core value,” Jennifer said. “My grandparents were missionaries for 40 years. Giving is just part of who we are.”

Joe, who formerly co-owned and sold his family business, Western Surety Co., sees philanthropy as a way to support the community where his family thrived for generations. He feels deep connections with Sioux Falls, especially the downtown area, where numerous family members have lived and worked since 1886.

When the couple moved back to Sioux Falls from some years in California, Jennifer found herself drawn to civic engagement. “I really appreciated the sense of community here and how we look out for one another,” she said. “When we came back, I knew I wanted to get involved.”

She reached out to then-Community Foundation CEO Candy Hanson, seeking ways to make a hands-on difference. That conversation led her to projects like Levitt at the Falls, where the dance floor now bears her name.

The crowd listens as Ruthie Foster performs during the grand opening at the Levitt Shell Sioux Falls on June 14, 2019.

“From the moment I hit the ground, Jennifer was my partner,” said Nancy Halverson, executive director of Levitt. “She shows up, she stays involved, and that kind of lasting commitment is rare and incredibly special.”

Jennifer said that’s just how she’s wired: “I’m a driven person, and this is one way I can help others.”

Local focus

For the Kirbys, investing locally is especially meaningful.

“In Sioux Falls, you can identify a problem or an opportunity, address it and actually see the results,” Jennifer said.

That hands-on approach guides their giving. “We like to support projects that, but for our involvement, might not happen or might be delayed for years,” Joe explained. One such idea was the downtown dog park, inspired by similar dog parks they experienced in California.

Jennifer calls some of her ideas “random,” but she said Joe always supports them. A favorite example: expanded locker rooms at the Midco Aquatic Center. As a competitive Masters swimmer, Jennifer saw the need firsthand. The couple worked with the city to make the improvements a reality.

Jennifer’s work with the Levitt led to a new role establishing the Sioux Falls Parks Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation. “It’s been a great partnership,” she said. “We’re helping connect donors to key city parks projects.”

Mayor Paul Ten Haken said Jennifer’s leadership inspires others to follow. “They’ve had good experiences and encourage others to get involved,” he said. “They’re modeling the way.”

Quiet support, big impact

Andy Patterson, Community Foundation CEO, said the Kirbys are known for both their visible gifts and their quiet generosity. “So many projects happen because of them,” he said. “And behind the scenes, nonprofits know they can count on the Kirbys.”

One example: Kirby Place at Avera McKennan. After Jennifer and her mother stayed in free patient housing during cancer treatment in Minneapolis, the Kirbys helped fund a similar facility in Sioux Falls. “My mom’s experience made a world of difference for our family,” Jennifer said. “And it began my relationship with Avera McKennan. I’ve since served on their board and co-chaired two capital campaigns.”

But giving isn’t always about money. Jennifer recently co-organized community listening sessions called The Greater Good: Remembering What Matters, a nonpolitical event series focused on kindness and shared values. The first drew more than 200 attendees and prompted more events.

“We need to focus less on political division and more on our common humanity,” she said.

Leading by example

The couple’s collaborative approach continues to inspire those around them.

“When one of them becomes passionate about something, the other gets on board,” Halverson said. “They’re always walking that path together.”

Joe has used his business background to help nonprofits build strategic road maps. He periodically volunteers his time to facilitate basic strategic planning for nonprofits. “Many lack a sense of where they are headed, how their organization could be better five years down the road. I like helping them with that.” Joe also writes a blog on mostly local topics at siouxfallsjoe.com.

Ten Haken said he hears the Kirbys’ names often – and for good reason. “They’re deeply involved in shaping our city,” he said. “Joe helped write the city charter. He and Jennifer are great examples of giving not just money but time and leadership.”

The mayor added: “In retirement, Joe could easily sit back and disengage, but he stays active. That’s a powerful example of civic commitment.”

Halverson agrees: “I hope other families will follow their lead – giving with heart, with passion and helping build an even stronger city.”

Joe and Jennifer feel fortunate to give back. “We’re in a position where we can make a difference with leadership or money or both,” Joe said. “You don’t get much joy from spending more than you need to. But when you know you’ve made a positive impact in your community, why wouldn’t you do that?”

Jennifer puts it simply: “People may say, ‘you’re such a good person,’ but honestly, I’m just having fun. It’s energizing. It gives you purpose. And it’s deeply rewarding.”

Read more and view the Community Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report here.

Friend of the Foundation honorees

2025: Joe and Jennifer Kirby
2024: Dick and Kathy Sweetman
2023: T. Denny Sanford
2022: Steve Hildebrand
2021: Paul and Mary Ellen Connelly
2020: Garry and Dianne Jacobson
2019: Bill and Lorrae Lindquist
2018: Sue Brown*
2017: Al Schoeneman
2016: Jerry and Mary Pat Sweetman
2015: Miles and Lisa Beacom
2014: Paul and Koni Schiller
2013: Stephen and Mary Lynn Myers
2012: Tom and Barb Everist
2011: Helen Madsen*
2010: Joe and Elaine Floyd*
2009: Jeff and Katie Scherschligt
2008: Steve and Alli Garry
2007: John and Eileen Quello
2006: Karl* and Margaret Cash Wegner
2005: Jerry and Pat Walton*
2004: Tom and Mary Jane Reardon*
2003: Dale and Dorothy Weir*
2002: The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
2001: Sarah Richardson Larson
2000: Dick and Barbara Auld*
1999: John Foster*, Larry Ritz*
1998: Dan and Arlene Kirby
1997: Marvin K. Bailin*
1996: Bill Barlow*

*Deceased