June 30, 2023

Giving Back recognizes businesses and organizations that are helping our communities. Here’s a look at who gave back for June.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to area students pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarships are funded by donors who are passionate about changing lives, promoting economic security and investing in the future through the power of education.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Black Hills Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its fourth Sioux Falls location by giving back $5,500. The weeklong celebration for the east-side branch included a community-giving component. Members and area residents were encouraged to visit the new location to enter to win $500 cash and the opportunity to select a charity to receive a $5,000 donation. The winner selected The Banquet to receive the $5,000 donation.

Levo

Levo awarded $1,000 scholarships to five Sioux Falls area students. Students submitted essays or videos sharing how they have served their community. The applicants also submitted recommendation letters and were judged on financial need and academic excellence.

Levo awarded $500 each to six Sioux Falls-area teachers nominated by parents, students or community members for making a huge impact on kids. The teachers will use the Adopt-A-Classroom Program funds for classroom expenses.

LSS

LSS raised $323,000 through its fundraising event South Dakota CARES. The statewide day of giving was held in support of LSS services that have a lasting impact on communities across the state. More than 280 donors offered gifts.

South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation

During this year’s Prime Time Gala, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation presented a donation to Feeding South Dakota for $332,110 to help purchase beef to distribute to those in need. The foundation also awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships to five students attending South Dakota schools who are interested in the improvement of beef production and promotion to aid in their education. It also presented $2,000 in awards to Fed Cattle Challenge winners. The goal of this program is to help develop the next generation of feed yard owners and managers in the state. Youths, age 14 to 18, learn about the science and economics of finishing cattle by participating in the cattle finishing program. The gala also featured a Billion Chevrolet of Sioux Falls truck raffle drawing. Exactly 1,000 tickets were sold this year for a chance to win a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Duramax Crew Cab 4WD LT.

SD CEO East Women’s Business Center

First Premier Bank, Lynn Jackson Attorneys and Click Rain sponsored the SD CEO East Women’s Business Center’s inaugural Estudios Series: Digital Marketing Essentials Workshop. Small-business owners learned about the essentials for a business’ online presence from two Click Rain digital marketing professionals. The Estudios Series is a new program teaching business technical training in English and Spanish languages with the goal of educating and bringing together entrepreneurs from a variety of businesses.