In conjunction with National Philanthropy Day, the South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized individuals, businesses and communities on Thursday, Nov. 12, for their extraordinary work in philanthropy in South Dakota. The National Philanthropy Day Awards were held virtually for the first time to recognize those who have given time, talent and treasure to improve the lives of South Dakotans.

Scott and Lani Ramsdell of Flandreau were honored as the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year. Scott grew up in hardship, as his family lost their house to a fire, and his father was also lost to a fire. However, he believes that hard work and dedication lead to success and passes along that value to his community. Scott’s philanthropic giving varies from small to large, and his financial gifts often go unnoticed because of his personal value that no individual is better than any other. He supports a lot of projects from the local museum to the Boys & Girls Club, mostly anonymously, and he will give donations not ever expecting to be recognized. Scott’s primary goal in his giving focuses on uplifting his community, not recognition, and he appreciates innovative ideas and new opportunities, challenging those around him to envision more for the small town of Flandreau.

Black Hills Energy of Rapid City was honored as the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation. In 2019, Black Hills Energy invested more than $1.6 million in their South Dakota communities. This included charitable support both from the South Dakota electric utility as well as Black Hills Energy’s corporate foundation, the Black Hills Corporation Foundation (the Foundation). In 2020, the Foundation demonstrated agility to take unprecedented action. In collaboration with state leaders and community affairs teams, the Foundation devoted substantial portions of their annual giving budget to take an early lead in addressing basic needs as communities were first being impacted by COVID in the spring of 2020. These are just a few examples of the culture of philanthropy that makes Black Hills Energy this year’s Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation.

The City of Brookings was named the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropic Community. The City of Brookings’ culture of philanthropy represents an essential part of the community’s identity and what makes this beautiful community prosper. Since March 2020, the Brookings Community Foundation has raised and distributed over $60,000 for its COVID-19 Relief Fund to local nonprofits including the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings, My Neighbor, Family Back2School Program, Brookings Arts Council, Brookings Regional Humane Society, and the Brookings County Salvation Army. The City of Brookings is strongly committed to philanthropy, distributing $676,970 to outside organizations in 2020. Brookings also provides support to the Brookings School District, which has varied from $195,000-207,200 over the past ten years. The Brookings School District partners with many other local agencies, including the Boys & Girls Club in its summer school program, Power Up, and works to meet families’ needs through the Family Back2School Program, Brookings Arts Council, and Brookings County Salvation Army. The Brookings School District and Brookings Area Transit Authority are currently working on a proposed shared building facility on an in-kind donation of land. Brookings County with its over $660,000 distribution to social causes also shares in this philanthropic culture. Home to South Dakota State University and the South Dakota State University Foundation, Brookings knows how to make a big impact, and this year’s One Day for State campaign raised $1,617,648 in under 24 hours.

Kathy Hammond of Sioux Falls was named the 2020 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. Nominated by Lifescape, Kathy chaired the Mall Walk Fundraiser. With prep starting in October, Kathy volunteers around 70 to 80 hours over five months as Mall Walk chair. She takes the entire week before the event as vacation time to ensure all the final details are in place. She does individual fundraising each year as well and came in third for individual fundraisers in 2018. Proceeds from Mall Walk fund the organization’s Wish List, which provides needed items not covered by the organizational budget or other funding sources. This includes therapy and medical equipment, educational supplies and curriculum, and household items for adults. The first year Kathy led Mall Walk, the Wish List fund increased by more than $5,400. Kathy has volunteered in other areas of LifeScape beyond the Ambassadors and has helped with theatrical productions held by LifeScape’s Center for the Arts, helped with restaurant & pancake dinner fundraisers, and has planted flowers on the grounds.

 

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity of the University of South Dakota was honored with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award. Pi Kappa Alpha is unlike any fraternity. The Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) Fraternity is defined by their service efforts. They pride themselves on the impact they create for their community. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, the chapter raised tremendous philanthropic support while dedicating a recordbreaking total of service hours to worthy causes. Annually, the entire chapter, around 90 young men, is involved in the fundraising and service efforts. In the 2019-20 academic year they have raised $38,500 in funds and 17,300 in service hours. In addition to raising funds, the chapter has provided gifts and meals to local organizations and the courageous children, families and staff at Sanford Children’s Hospital, the Castle of Care™, as their charity partner. Each year, a portion of the chapter’s fundraising efforts benefit Cure Kids Cancer and the following local organization: Feeding Vermillion, Welcome Table, United Way of Vermillion, and others. However, funds raised also support the following national organization: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. As USD’s preeminent fraternity, the PIKES have made an exceptional impact on the community, especially for local children battling cancer.

Connie Olson, CFRE, from Youth and Family Services of Rapid City, was named the Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year. Connie Olson has worked tirelessly for Youth & Family Services (YFS) for 27 years. She has been a highly valued, effective, and dedicated employee. She is committed to ensuring that disadvantaged children and families in western South Dakota have basic needs met and opportunities necessary to thrive. Due in large part to Connie’s ability to build important relationships with potential donors, YFS has now grown to serve 14,000 children annually in the service area. As a Development Assistant, she studied on her own to obtain her CFRE in 2010, was soon promoted to Development Director, and recently to Chief Development Officer. She typically raises up to $400,000 in sustaining memberships, $230,000 in special events and projects, and secures numerous endowment gifts annually. She has played a key role in securing more than $13,000,000 for a campus expansion project and is working with potential donors to raise the last $800,000. Connie has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals South Dakota Chapter (AFP SD), leading the organization as president in 2014. Connie’s involvement with Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and local AFP members demonstrates her leadership and mentorship among her fellow fundraising professionals. A local fundraiser stated that Connie has mentored her from the beginning of her fundraising career and that Connie is the first person who comes to mind when she is looking for fundraising advice or guidance.