Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion
“We are grateful for the continued support of Dakota Hospital Foundation and their support in assisting in safety and security updates for Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion as we move into Austin Elementary this summer. With this new space, we hope to continue to grow our impact on families and youth in our community," Brianna Doran, Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, director of marketing & communications.
“Supporting the Boys & Girls Club is a great way for the Dakota Hospital Foundation to achieve our own goals by supporting community health and wellness as well as enhancing the quality of life for many of our area residents. Our entire community benefits from partnerships like this. We look forward to seeing the Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion grow as they move into their own facility with the renovation of the Austin Elementary School this summer," Andy Howe, DHF past president.
Pictured left to right:
Pictured left to right: Dr. Damon Alvey, DHF board member and B&GC board member, Veronica Schmidt, Sanford Vermillion Administration/CEO, Olivia Paulsen, B&GC teen court coordinator, Tom Overby, DHF board secretary/treasurer, Savannah Wise, B&GC executive director, Rachel Franks, B&GC education director, Andy Howe, DHF past president, Maria Schaefer, B&GC academy director.
Habitat for Humanity of Clay & Yankton Counties
“Habitat for Humanity of Clay and Yankton Counties is grateful to the Dakota Hospital Foundation (DHF) for this grant of $2,500 in support of Habitat's Aging in Place and Critical Home Repair programs. Habitat is quickly expanding these programs to assist people needing critical house repairs, mobility accessibility modifications, and slip prevention solutions that significantly impact safety and well-being. Organizations that support older people, like Independent Living Choices, have identified the difficulty in finding affordable options to complete these projects. Habitat can fill that gap with support from our community partners, like the Dakota Hospital Foundation! In early April, Habitat built a ramp for a Vermillion homeowner who has transitioned to using a wheelchair after suffering several strokes. The DHF grant covered the costs for that project and will partially fund window and siding replacement for a Vermillion Veteran. After completion, the home will be comfortable in the winter and significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
Thank you, Dakota Hospital Foundation! Together, we will help more people live independently, for longer, in the homes and the community they love.”, Cindy Erlandson, Habitat for Humanity executive director.
“Dakota Hospital Foundation (DHF) is delighted to support the Aging in Place and Critical Home Repair programs of the Habitat for Humanity of Clay and Yankton counties. The $2500 grant will assist critical house repairs, mobility accessibility modifications, and slip prevention solutions that significantly impact resident safety, well-being and quality of life.” Lana Svien, DHF board member.
Pictured left to right:
Jill Christopherson, SVMC/DHF executive assistant, Veronica Schmidt, SVMC administration/CEO, Lana Svien, DHF board member, Lisa Ketcham, DHF board member, Cindy Erlandson, Habitat for Humanity executive director, Ray Rink, Habitat for Humanity board vice president, Katherine Price, DHF board president, Joni Freidel, DHF board member.
National Music Museum
“We are grateful for the Dakota Hospital Foundation's generous support which enables us to implement large print and Spanish-language exhibit guides to expand visitor access to the National Music Museum." Anna Van Kley, NMM Museum Educator.
“The Dakota Hospital Foundation is excited to contribute to the visitor experience at the National Music Museum. We are happy to support this world-class museum and their efforts to improve exhibit accessibility,” Joni Freidel, DHF board member.
Pictured left to right: Michael Suing, NMM Deputy Director of Collections, Dwight Vaught, NMM Director, Anna Van Kley, NMM Museum Educator, Carol Robertson, NMM Deputy Director of Museum Services, Katherine Price, DHF board president, Lisa Ketcham, DHF board member, Kelly Herbster, DHF board member, Joni Freidel, DHF board member, Andy Howe, DHF past president, Cindy Benzel, DHF director.
Sesdac Inc.
“Enhancing engagement through sound, the Sesdac Pocketalker Program stands as a beacon of community support and inclusivity. In partnership with the University of South Dakota Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, we are committed to breaking the barriers of communication through innovative hearing assistive devices. This initiative not only supports individuals in hearing more clearly but fosters a profound sense of belonging and active participation within the community. Together, we amplify voices and possibilities, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and thrive in a vibrant social environment,” Ionela Georgescu, Sesdac, Inc. executive director.
“DHF is proud to support an initiative that fosters a strong sense of belonging and community through supporting individuals in hearing more clearly. The Sesdac Pocketalker program, in partnership with the University of South Dakota Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, takes a bold step forward in breaking the barriers of communication through innovative hearing assistive devices. This is indeed a worthwhile initiative that benefits individuals as well as our community,” Tom Overby, DHF board member.
Pictured:
Back row left to right: Dr. Damon Alvey, DHF board member, Nicole Voss, Sesdac, Inc. director of nursing, Tom Overby, DHF board member, Katherine Price, DHF president, Jennifer Phelan, USD speech, language and hearing clinic, Joni Friedel, DHF board member, Veronica Schmidt, Sanford Vermillion Administration/CEO, Ionela Georgescu, Sesdac, Inc. executive director, Katie Druyvestein, USD student, Jill Christopherson, DHF/SVMC Executive Assistant Front row left to right: Cindy Benzel, DHF director, Lana Svien, DHF board member, Erin Seep, Mattie Miller, Jesse Pike, Terry Doherty.
Special Olympics of South Dakota
“All of us at Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD) would like to thank Sanford Vermillion and the Dakota Hospital Foundation for the amazing support and partnership!
SOSD cannot help all of our participants without great partners like the Dakota Hospital Foundation. We are excited to be back in Vermillion and on the campus of USD for our 2024 State Summer Games May 16-18, 2024. Please come out and join the fun!” Darryl Nordquist, Special Olympics president/CEO.
“Through collaborative “town and gown” efforts, Vermillion and USD will be hosting the State Summer Games for South Dakota Special Olympics. Many athletes, ages youth to adult, will participate in various games and activities as a part of this program. In addition to the focus on health and fitness, Special Olympics also fosters volunteerism, teamwork, community and belonging, and bright smiles on the faces of our special athletes as they gain confidence and pride through their achievements.
The Dakota Hospital Foundation was very pleased to award grant funding to support the State Summer Games for South Dakota Special Olympics. Their program aligns well within our mission “Dedicated to Community Health and Wellness” and allows us to join together with other individuals and organizations to make Vermillion a great experience for our special athletes!” Lisa Ketcham, DHF board member.
Pictured:
Back row left to right: Tom Overby, DHF board member, Ionela Georgescu, Sesdac, Inc. executive director, Katherine Price, DHF president, Bobby Phillips, SDSO participant, Zeth Walters, SDSO participant Joni Freidel, DHF board member, Crayton White Eyes, SDSO participant, Zachary Morck, SDSO participant, James Brown, SDSO participant, Veronica Schmidt, SVMC Administration/CEO Front row left to right: Cindy Benzel, DHF director, Lana Svien, DHF board member, Erin Seep, SDSO participant, Mattie Miller, SDSO participant, Jesse Pike, SDSO participant, Heidi Moser, Special Olympics head of delegation and Sesdac, Inc. assistant director of day and employment services Jill Kvanli, Special Olympics marketing manager, Dr. Damon Alvey, DHF board member, Jill Christopherson, SVMC/DHF Executive Assistant Kneeling: Darryl Nordquist, Special Olympics president/CEO
Vermillion Community Theatre
“This generous grant from the Dakota Hospital Foundation will allow Vermillion Community Theatre to expand access to our summer production of 'Beauty and the Beast' to a broader audience. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring live musical theater to even more members of our community, " Kurt Hackemer, VCT board president.
“Vermillion Community Theater’s programs are truly a production by the community for the community. Dakota Hospital Foundation is proud to present a grant for a sign language interpreter for the production of Beauty and the Beast so that additional members of the community can enjoy this classic story,” John Prescott, DHF board member.
Pictured left to right: Veronica Schmidt, SVMC CEO, Andy Howe, DHF past president, Carrie Malek-Madani, VCT board member, Anthony Burbach, VCT board vice president, Kurt Hackemer, VCT board president, Lisa Ketcham, DHF board vice president, Cindy Benzel, DHF director.
Vermillion Fastpitch Softball
“We are so grateful for the support of the Dakota Hospital Foundation. In recent years we've seen an increase in the number of girls interested in playing softball. As Vermillion Fast Pitch supports the physical, social, and emotional development of these players throughout the softball season, having the right equipment that allows them to be competitive and experience success is critical. Through this grant we'll be able to purchase a high-quality pitching machine that allows us to invest not only in the players this season, but in future seasons as well,” Cathy Nelson, president.
“DHF is committed to furthering and enriching opportunities for girls in our community,” Julie Heine, DHF board member.
Pictured left to right: Andy Howe, DHF past president, John Prescott, DHF board member, Julie Heine, DHF board member, Katie Mourlam, VFS board member, Ann Emerson, VFS board member, Amy Richardson, VFS treasurer, Jami Baedke, VFS board member, Cathy Nelson, VFS president, Cindy Benzel, DHF director.