Lake County resident Eric Nelson (pictured seated in the tractor) was drawn as the winner of the 2022 WIN BIG Raffle conducted by Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW). His prize was a 2022 Case IH Farmall 35A Tractor, valued at just over $35,000 as equipped.
The WIN BIG Raffle raises funds for non-profit agencies and programs in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties. The raffle sold out of 600 tickets, garnering $60,000 in proceeds.
This year’s raffle prize at the DSU Ag Bowl, a 2022 Case IH Farmall 35A Tractor. Photo credit Cody Welu.
Nelson said this was the first time he has purchased a ticket in the annual contest. He plans to sell the tractor but will donate a portion of his profit back to IAUW.
“It is incredible that Eric would consider giving us an additional donation of that magnitude,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We can’t say thank you enough to him and to all the people who purchased a ticket, as well as to our sponsors. This raffle has sold out four years in a row—the support is outstanding.”
The tractor was donated by Lake County International of Madison, who served as the contest’s premier sponsor. Additional sponsors included BankWest, Dakota State University, Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, East River Electric, Farm Credit Services of America, First Bank & Trust, First Interstate Bank, First PREMIER Bank, FirstLine Funding Group, Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio.
Nelson’s name was drawn during halftime of the DSU Ag Bowl on Thursday, August 25. Visiting DSU recruit and Chester resident Jovi Wolf made the selection.
DSU recruit Jovi Wolf drew the winning name. Photo credit Cody Welu.
IAUW board members and volunteers during halftime of the DSU Ag Bowl. Photo credit Cody Welu.
Featured image: From left to right, Lake County International Co-Owner Tom Bloom, IAUW board members Katie Hahn and Mandi Stegenga, IAUW President Lori Gustaf, winner Eric Nelson (seated), and Lake County International Co-Owner Jeff Bloom.
Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) is pleased to announce the hiring of Melissa Dougan as Executive Director. She replaces Katie Hahn, who stepped down to join the IAUW Board of Directors.
Melissa Dougan
“Melissa has extensive experience in community outreach, networking and event planning,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “She has a great attitude and kind heart, and we think she’s a terrific addition to our team.”
Dougan took over her new role July 1. She’ll primarily spend the summer assisting with IAUW’s WIN BIG Raffle, making introductions and learning more about parent organization United Way Worldwide.
“We are confident her skill-set will help enhance our organization and strengthen our relationships with community partners across our service territory of Lake, Miner and Moody counties,” Gustaf said.
Dougan resides in Chester, SD where she owns and operates the Shipwreck Bar & Grill along with her husband, John. She has over 20 years-experience in management in the restaurant and insurance industries.
She likes to stay busy and volunteers her time with various organizations and events, including Parrot Heads of the Prairie in the Sioux Falls area, local golf tournaments and hosting a variety of fundraisers and events at the Shipwreck. In addition to running her business, she also works as a substitute teacher at Chester Area School.
“I love to meet new people and help out others whenever possible,” she said. “I am excited to be working in this new role with United Way and look forward to making many new connections throughout the area.”
Dougan was born in Bismarck, ND. She moved with her family to Sioux Falls her freshman year and graduated from Washington High School. She attended college at the University of South Dakota and graduated with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a minor in Drug & Alcohol Abuse.
Dougan and her husband have two sons, Carson (17) and Ben (14). The family also has a yellow lab, a 5-month-old black lab and a cat.
The Delta Dental Mobile Program is returning to the area with planned visits in Madison and Flandreau. The program provides care to children who cannot afford or access a dentist because of cost, lack of insurance, transportation or other reasons.
The truck will be in Madison July 11-14 and in Flandreau August 16-19. Appointments are still available for both visits.
A full range of dental care is available, including exams, cleanings, preventive treatments and cavity fillings. Oral health education is also provided to patients so they can continue to care for their teeth after the visit.
Children from their first truth through age 21 are eligible. Services are provided at no cost to the child or family, and insurance is not necessary.
Registration in advance is needed, and a patient consent and information form must be completed. Appointments can be made with Mendy Herke at ICAP at (605) 256-6518 Ext. 121.
This will be the truck’s tenth visit to Madison and fourth trip to Flandreau.
In 2021, the Delta Dental team provided preventative and restorative dental care valued at $43,916 to 56 Madison area children. In Flandreau, 41 youth received care valued at $24,847.
The program is once again a partnership between regional non-profits Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP), Interlakes Area United Way and Delta Dental of South Dakota.
The WIN BIG Raffle prize is a 2022 Case IH Farmall 35A Tractor, equipped as pictured and valued at $35,469.
The tractor features a 35-horsepower diesel engine, 3-speed hydrostatic transmission, MFD front axle, 540 rpm PTO, 3-point hitch, rear remote valve, foldable ROPS, and Case IH L340A loader and bucket. As equipped, it retails at $35,469.
“We are very excited to raffle this brand-new tractor and loader,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “Its size, versatility and features are appealing and make it useful for many different applications. With help from Lake County International and all our community partners, we’re anticipating another successful raffle!”
IAUW will sell 600 tickets for $100 each towards a fundraising goal of $60,000. Money raised is passed along to community service programs and non-profit agencies in Lake, Miner and Moody counties.
Gustaf said it’s never been easier to buy a raffle ticket and urges people to act fast.
“We’ve created a QR code that will be on display throughout our service territory. It takes you directly to our website for a quick and easy purchase,” she said. “We’ve sold out the last three years, so people should buy sooner rather than later!”
Tickets are also available at Lake County International, One Stop, F&M Co-Op Oil and other sponsor headquarters. IAUW will also sell tickets at each DownTown in MadTown event this summer.
Pictured: WIN BIG Raffle sponsors join Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) board members to promote the annual contest. From left to right: Matt Bruns of Farm Credit Services of America, IAUW President Lori Gustaf, Lake County International Co-Owner Tom Bloom, IAUW Board Members Mandi Stegenga, Savannah Olinger and Katie Hahn, Lake County International Co-Owner Jeff Bloom, IAUW Executive Director Melissa Dougan, and IAUW Vice President Danielle Kearin.
Individuals, businesses honored for contributions and service in 2021
Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) does more than raise funds, and its partners contribute more than money. Ideas, volunteer power, in-kind support and more help enrich lives and build stronger communities across the region.
Each year IAUW calls attention to people and organizations who have helped make a difference. Four local collaborators have earned recognition for their contributions and service in 2021.
IAUW Executive Director Katie Hahn, left, and President Lori Gustaf, right, present an Outstanding Supporter – Volunteer award to Jessi Giles.
Outstanding Supporter – Volunteer
Madison native and Dakota State University student Jessi Giles was recognized for her contributions as a volunteer.
“Jessi is known by many for her athletic accomplishments, but she also deserves recognition for her generosity and selflessness,” IAUW President Lori Gustaf said. “She has been a tremendous help this past year and displayed a true desire to help others.”
Giles completed an unpaid internship with IAUW in 2021, during which she helped with the WIN BIG Raffle and other United Way promotions. She also spearheaded a fundraiser with the DSU Women’s Basketball Team to raise money for Madison preschools.
“Growing up in Madison I was able to benefit firsthand from all that United Way does for the community. As an intern, I was excited to give back to United Way and in turn support the community that helped raise me,” said Giles.
Currently pursuing a master’s degree, Giles graduated from DSU in December with an undergraduate degree in English for New Media.
From left to right, Tammy & Mike Miller are recognized by IAUW President Lori Gustaf as Outstanding Supporters in the Donor category.
Outstanding Supporter – Donor
Tammy and Mike Miller of Madison were recognized for their dedicated support of IAUW. The couple are longtime donors, including multiple years as Heart Club members, which requires annual donations of $500 or greater.
“We are appreciative of the Millers’ continued support,” Gustaf said. “Their unwavering contributions have helped United Way enrich lives and make strides towards equity for people in this region.”
Mike is retired from B&G Trucking in Madison and Tammy is the CEO Of Madison Regional Health.
From left to right, Montgomery’s Store Assistant/Designer in Training Elle Gehrels, Interior Designer Lauren Peterson and Owner Connie Sinclair accept an Outstanding Supporter award from IAUW President Lori Gustaf.
Outstanding Supporter – Business
Montgomery’s was named the outstanding corporate partner of 2021. The local business is a long-time advocate of United Way, having partnered with IAUW for various promotions.
In 2021, Montgomery’s celebrated the grand opening of its fourth South Dakota showroom with a Parking Lot Party at its Madison location. The event featured a live performance by Dustin Evans & the Good Times Band as well as food and beverages.
It also served as a fundraiser, as Montgomery’s promised to collect free-will donations for IAUW during the concert. The event garnered $700 as well as brought awareness to IAUW’s WIN BIG Raffle, which was underway at the time.
“The concert was a wonderful celebration that brought people together in food and fellowship as well as helped promote community service. We give much thanks to the Sinclair family and the entire Montgomery’s crew for their faithful support,” Gustaf said.
IAUW President Lori Gustaf, left, honored former board member Rob Buchholtz for his dedicated service and advocacy.
Recognition of service
Gustaf recognized the Outstanding Supporters at IAUW’s recent Annual Meeting, held February 15. Madison resident Rob Buchholtz was also honored for his years of service.
Buchholtz served on the IAUW volunteer board from 2010 to 2021, including five years as President. He also served a leadership role on the board’s Allocations Committee, which helps determine program funding.
“Rob has been a pleasure to work with and a true asset to our board. He has dedicated countless hours towards our mission, and we will miss him greatly,” said Gustaf.
Buchholtz is the CFO for Dakota Ethanol in Wentworth.
Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) will award $127,025 in grant funding in 2022. The money will bolster 33 non-profit programs and organizations in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties.
President Lori Gustaf made the announcement at IAUW’s Annual Meeting February 15. Representatives from several of the organizations receiving funding were in attendance.
IAUW welcomed a great turnout for its Annual Meeting February 15.
IAUW President Lori Gustaf announced 2022 allocations at the meeting as well as reviewed 2021 program success stories.
Madison Middle School Principal Cotton Koch spoke about the school’s MakerSpace/Art Club, which will receive funding in 2022.
IAUW coordinates financial and volunteer resources for non-profit agencies which address and support mental and physical health, education and financial stability.
To receive funding, organizations must apply and meet allocation guidelines. The IAUW board reviews applications and considers them based on community impact, program effectiveness and other factors.
Regional Disaster Officer Dan Wall, left, accepted funding from IAUW President Lori Gustaf on behalf of American Red Cross – Disaster Cycle Services.
Michelle Madsen accepted funding on behalf of Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota’s Mentoring Services program at Flandreau Middle School.The Interlakes Senior Citizen Center is a 2022 funding recipient.
Kali Ahlers, psychologist for the Flandreau Public School District, spoke on behalf of Moody County Child Protection Team, a 2022 funding recipient.
“Nearly all of the agencies who requested funding for 2022 will receive 80% or more of their request,” said Gustaf. “We are proud of that number and are so grateful for our generous donors and advocates. With their help, we can continue to enrich lives and strengthen the communities we serve.”
Gustaf said IAUW focuses on programs related to health and wellness, youth enrichment, education and development, senior outreach and basic needs and support. 2022 recipients include:
American Red Cross – Disaster Cycle Services
Boy Scouts of America – Madison Area Scouts
Boy Scouts of America – Sioux Council Boy Scouts
Boys & Girls Club of Moody County
Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity – Build Madison
Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership – Administration building
ICAP 60’s Plus Dining
ICAP Head Start Pre-Birth to Five
ICAP Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
ICAP Miner County School Supplies
ICAP Moody County School Supplies
ICAP Delta Dental Mobile Program – Flandreau visit
Interlakes Senior Citizen Center
Lutheran Social Services Mentoring Services at FMS
Madison Middle School MakerSpace/Art Club
Moody County Child Protection Team
Moody County 4-H Robotics
Madison VFW Baseball
Rutland Elementary Out of School Time
The Salvation Army – Temporary Emergency Welfare Assistance
Studio 52
Trinity Lutheran Preschool
Valiant Living
The Wholeness Center
Grant funding was made possible in part by the generosity of individuals and businesses who donated to IAUW’s most recent campaign drive, which concluded in December. Other fundraising efforts included IAUW’s annual WIN BIG Raffle and Dine Out to Donate promotion.
The East Dakota Transit is a 2022 funding recipient.
Pictured with Gustaf from Moody County Child Protection Team are, from left to right, Taylor Carpenter, Cody Johnson, Kali Ahlers, Kari Lena-Helling and Chelsea Molden.
First Bank & Trust and FirstLine Funding Group (FFG), along with their respective employees, have pledged over $30,000 to Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) in 2022. The money will support non-profit programs and agencies in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties.
As members of the Fishback Financial Corporation, First Bank & Trust and FFG operate with an emphasis on philanthropy and volunteerism. Fishback and its subsidiaries offer a 100% match of employee donations to United Way. Employees can also receive a paid day off work for pledging at least one hour of pay per month.
“Our organizations believe strongly in the concept of paying it forward, and our employees share in that commitment,” said Mike Kane, community bank president of First Bank & Trust. “We care deeply about the communities we serve, as they contribute to our success. We are proud to be able to give back to the places we call home.”
Impressively, the donation from First Bank & Trust and FFG comprises roughly one third of the total funding IAUW raised during its campaign drive, which concluded in December. IAUW collected $91,000 in pledges and will announce 2022 program funding at its upcoming Annual Meeting, scheduled for February 15.
Featured Image:
First Bank & Trust and FirstLine Funding Group employees gathered to present more than $30,000 to IAUW President Lori Gustaf. Pictured, from left to right: Kate Egge, Traci Reinicke, Nick Bird, Brenda Franken, Lori Byrd, Betty Weider, Deb Alfson, Sydney Whitson, Gustaf, Tanner Barnhart, Renee Gullickson and First Bank & Trust President Mike Kane. Gustaf is also president of FirstLine Funding Group.
Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) will announce 2022 allocations and share success stories at its upcoming Annual Meeting, Tuesday, February 15.
The agenda includes a recap of the organization’s impact in 2021 plus highlights from partner agencies. The board will also recognize Heart Club members, event sponsors and outstanding supporters from the past year.
Also planned for the meeting are details on IAUW’s program funding for 2022. The board concluded their annual campaign drive in December and determined allocations in January.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend the meeting, which will take place at FirstLine Funding Group in Madison. Refreshments will be served at 5:00 p.m. followed by a short program at 5:30 p.m.
Melinda Gorry of Madison was drawn as the winner of Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) and East River Federal Credit Union’s (ERFCU) 15×15 Challenge. Gorry won a $500 Visa Gift Card donated by ERFCU.
Held as part of IAUW’s campaign drive, the 15×15 Challenge asked people to pledge at least $15 a month in 2022 and return their pledge form by November 15. One hundred sixteen people qualified.
“This contest alone raised at least $20,880, if not more, towards our campaign, which is incredible,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We are so appreciative of East River Federal Credit Union for creating this incentive and for those who choose to give to United Way.”
This is the fourth year IAUW and ERFCU have teamed up to offer the 15×15 Challenge. One hundred eleven people qualified in 2020.
Pictured: Melinda Gorry, second from right, was drawn as the winner of the 15×15 Challenge. Pictured from left to right, IAUW Vice President Danielle Kearin, ERFCU Marketing Specialist Erica Clements, Gorry, and IAUW President Lori Gustaf.
DownTown in MadTown, Bacon Bash raise money for shoe drive, non-profits
Community events coordinated by the Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce (GMACC) brought people together in fellowship and family-oriented fun. With help from Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW), the events continue to offer benefits long after they’ve concluded.
IAUW volunteered to manage beverage sales at this summer’s DownTown in MadTown (DTMT) concert series and fall festival Bacon Bash. In return, they would receive a portion of the sales plus tips.
IAUW garnered more than $3,200 from the events. President Lori Gustaf said the money will serve towards their mission of improving the lives of people in Madison and the surrounding area.
Roughly half of the money will be added to IAUW’s general fund, which supports all its partner agencies in Lake, Miner and Moody counties. The remaining was donated to a local shoe drive to support school-aged children.
Sarah Hock of Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership conducts an annual Back to School Shoes project on behalf of Salvation Army. Hock raised $7,000 in 2021 to provide new shoes to 145 children in 70 families. Children ranged in age from Jr. Kindergarten to 12th grade.
IAUW donated $1,500 to the project, which would serve roughly 30 children.
“The simple gift of new shoes can have a dramatic impact on a child in the best way. We are grateful for the support from United Way to help those in need in our community,” Hock said.
This is the third year IAUW has teamed up with GMACC for the community events. Since 2018, the partnership has helped IAUW raise nearly $7,000.
“United Way leverages partnerships to raise funds for vital community service programs,” Gustaf said. “We have found a terrific partner in the Madison chamber and appreciate their support immensely.”
IAUW is currently hosting its campaign drive for 2022. Partner agencies and funding recipients will be announced after the new year. The organization awarded over $107,000 to 27 non-profit partners in 2021.
Interlakes Area United Way managed beverage sales at community events coordinated by the Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce in 2021. In return, GMACC donated a portion of the sales back to United Way. Pictured, GMACC Executive Director Eric Hortness, right, presents a check for $1,500 to IAUW Vice President Danielle Kearin, left, and President Lori Gustaf, center.
