Sept. 2, 2024

This paid event listing is sponsored by Sioux Empire United Way.

Get ready to give back to the Sioux Empire community while having fun and saving along the way.

Sioux Empire United Way kicks off its 2025 campaign with a week of special offers and ways to contribute starting Tuesday.

“Demand for services is growing, much like our expanding community, and as more families and individuals face tough times, it’s crucial that we come together to support one another,” said Lisa Romkema, CEO of Sioux Empire United Way.

“The programs and services supported by Sioux Empire United Way reach nearly one in three individuals in our community, offering a broad range of essential assistance. If you are able to give, contributing to United Way is a powerful way to maximize the impact of your generosity and help more people in need.”

This year’s campaign goal is $9,203,748. These dollars will go to support 74 programs through 38 nonprofits in 2025.

New nonprofits being supported with a successful campaign include Atlas Academy, East River Legal Services, EmBe, Emily’s Hope and Feeding South Dakota.

“Sioux Empire United Way supports a wide range of services, from early childhood education and mental health resources to food security, crisis intervention and services for our elderly and aging community,” Romkema said.

Here’s a full list of programs supported.

Kickoff  week

The campaign kicks off Tuesday with a full week of events and activities:

Tuesday, Sept. 3

BREW THE GOOD is back! Enjoy a free coffee at any Sioux Empire Scooter’s Coffee location — those in Sioux Falls, Brandon and Tea. This special offer is made possible by generous event sponsors First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, Click Rain, and Scooter’s Coffee.

Each person is entitled to one free drink per transaction, regardless of type or size. The promotion starts at 6 a.m. and will continue until the allocated funds are depleted.

Don’t forget to share your Scooter’s experience on social media and tag Sioux Empire United Way!

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Members of Sioux Empire United Way’s board of directors, staff and volunteers will be in the community visiting partner nonprofits while delivering doughnuts from Flyboy Donuts, which is making the day possible. Flyboy Donuts will be selling a custom SEUW dozen, with $6 per dozen benefiting SEUW. Order your SEUW Dozen here.

Thursday, Sept. 5

SEUW has teamed up with Severance Brewing Co. again to launch the SEUW Brew — pronounced “Sioux Brew” — a Hazy POG Ale, which is an ale brewed with passion fruit, orange and guava. Join the launch party from 4 to 7 p.m. at Severance to taste this unique beer.

Severance will donate $1 to SEUW for every drink sold during the launch party. SEUW Brew also will be available in select stores throughout the Sioux Empire, with $1 from each four-pack sold benefiting SEUW.

Friday, Sept. 6

Come enjoy a FREE lunch as SEUW and First Interstate Bank give back to the community. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — or until supplies run out — in the Paladino Hohm Sculpture Garden on the north side of the Washington Pavilion. All are welcome!

If you can’t make lunch, SEUW will be back downtown in the evening as the nonprofit of the night at Levitt at the Falls. Stop by and visit the SEUW booth, and enjoy the LowDown Brass Band. SEUW will introduce the evening’s artist and highlight the positive impact the Sioux Empire community has made through their generosity and support of SEUW.

“We offer many ways to give. If your organization runs a campaign, give through your employer,” Romkema added.

“If they don’t and you want to know how to run a campaign, reach out to us. We’d love to talk more and get you the materials to run your own campaign. Reach out to unitedway@seuw.org.”

If you’d like to donate, but not through an employer, visit seuw.org to donate online, or even call the office to pledge/pay another way, 605-336-2095.

If you have time to donate, learn more about volunteer opportunities through various committees or the active volunteer group, Volunteer United, by visiting seuw.org/volunteer.

Here’s a closer look at some of the critical causes supported this year thanks to the successful Sioux Empire United Way campaign: