Feb. 22, 2022

The Sioux Empire United Way beat its ambitious fundraising goal.

The 2022 campaign bested its goal by about $7,000, totaling $10,057,454 after targeting $10,050,622.

Seven hundred area businesses and more than 21,000 individual givers supported Sioux Empire United Way’s annual campaign. The money will fund 85 programs that help children, vulnerable adults and people in crisis.

“This campaign was fun in that we returned to some of the activities that we missed in the previous year: chili feeds, pie-in-the-face, hearing from our funded agencies in person and celebrating over lunch. At the same, this has not always been an easy campaign. Our volunteers had to work hard to overcome challenges and exceed this year’s campaign,” Brian Bird, volunteer campaign chair, said in a statement.

The following individuals and organizations were honored for their community and United Way leadership:

• Larry Oppold Memorial Award, given to a human service professional for outstanding dedication to his or her work: Julie Becker, St. Francis House.
• Helen E. (Oppold) Blair Memorial Award, given to an individual whose work in human services, law enforcement, education or church-based fields toward child abuse prevention and early intervention is exemplary: Leslie Crevier, Child’s Voice.
• 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: Luke Tibbetts, 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 his or her role, helping to fulfill the mission of Sioux Empire United Way: Nancy Tapken, South Dakota Historical Society Foundation.
• 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 organization’s mission: Krista May, Infrastructure Design Group.
• Heart Club Philanthropist of the Year, given to a Heart Club member who has demonstrated active involvement and has encouraged or influenced others to contribute: Troy Holt, Five Star Call Centers.
• David Birkeland Memorial Award, given to the business or professional leader who most exemplifies David Birkeland’s involvement in our community: Catherine Forsch, South Dakota Historical Society Foundation.
• Business of the Year Award, given to the company or organization that has greatly benefited United Way through its generosity or its employees’ involvement: Diamond Mowers, Furniture Mart USA and Sanford Health.