The Employee Idea Challenge project started as an effort to involve Sanford Vermillion employees in identifying the “next project” for the Dakota Hospital Foundation. Dakota Hospital Foundation (DHF) board members rely heavily on input from managers and staff of Sanford Vermillion to identify areas of focus and ways that DHF can continue to fulfill its mission, dedicated to community health and wellness.
DHF and Sanford Vermillion are continuously searching for new and innovative ways to serve citizens in the surrounding area. Since 2009, DHF turned to those most intimate with patients, residents and visitors – the employees of Sanford Vermillion.

Through the DHF Employee Idea Challenge project, employees are encouraged to propose a project that would identify and fulfill an unmet need at Sanford Vermillion or in the community. The goal is that the board selects a minimum of one project per year to fund through this challenge process by virtue of the amazing support of employee donations to Dakota Hospital Foundation.
To date (2024), 42 proposals have been funded; $24,700 awarded dollars to the winners; and over $336,300 total investments of those projects.

Cierra Van Essen, Clinic RN, (Winner)
- Spot Vision Screener

The 2024 winning project was submitted by Cierra Van Essen, Clinic RN, requesting a Spot Vision Screener. It demonstrates the mission of DHF through providing innovative and preventative screening equipment for patients of all ages, most prominently preschool age children.