Winners announced in IAUW’s 2025 WIN BIG Raffle
Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) drew two winners of its annual WIN BIG Raffle at halftime of the Dakota State University Ag Bowl on September 6. The contest raised $48,800 to support community service programs and non-profit agencies in the area.
This year’s raffle featured two prizes: a Cub Cadet ZTXS5 Commercial Zero-Turn Mower and a Cub Cadet ZT1 Residential Zero-Turn Mower.
Virgil Anderson of Sioux Falls was drawn as the first winner. He chose the larger, commercial mower, but has no plans of keeping the prize.
In an inspiring act, Anderson is donating it to Placerville Camp, United Church of Christ. The Black Hills youth camp has been a part of his family’s lives for decades.
“Our kids have gone, and our grandkids have gone. I even went there myself before I got married,” he said. “It’s in a beautiful setting and is kind of a hidden gem.”
Anderson also has a history with United Way, having volunteered with the organization for six years while living in Vermillion.
He said he understands firsthand how much work it takes to raise money.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for what United Way does,” he said. “I didn’t buy the ticket because I wanted to win something. I wanted to support the cause.”
IAUW Interim Executive Director Karen Giles believe Anderson’s actions reflect the United Way mission of creating lasting positive impact.
“This raffle is about more than winning — it’s about community,” she said. “Virgil’s decision to donate his prize really echoes what United Way stands for: giving back and creating ripple effects of generosity.”
IAUW raised nearly $49,000, selling 488 of 600 available tickets for $100 each. Proceeds directly support 2026 grant funding for non-profit agencies and programs in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties.
The second name drawn was Nancy Gienapp of Madison, who will receive the residential model. She is also paying it forward—she’s giving the mower to her son, Ryan Gienapp, who lives in Brandon, SD.
“We are so grateful to every person who purchased a ticket and to our incredible sponsors who make this raffle possible,” said Giles.
Both mowers were donated by long-time raffle partner, Lake County International. Additional 2025 sponsors included F&M Co-Op, Dakota Ethanol, East River Electric, KJAM Radio, Sunshine Foods, Good Stewards, First Bank & Trust, Heartland Energy, FirstLine Funding Group, First Premier Bank, Jencks Law, P.C., FCS America, Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, BankWest, and Dakota State University.
“We get a lot of joy out of supporting United Way,” said Jeff Bloom, co-owner of LCI. “What both Virgil and Nancy have chosen to do with their prizes shows that giving and donating is contagious. It’s a wonderful story.”
Anderson said Placerville staff is making arrangements to travel east river and pick up the new mower.
“They’ve got a lot of grass out there — they’ll put it to good use.”