Interlakes Area United Way

41 kids get healthier smiles from dental truck visit

Delta Dental Mobile Program provides preventative, restorative dental care

Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) hosted Delta Dental’s mobile dental truck in Flandreau August 9-13 to help children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to dental care.

A total of 41 children were treated during the truck’s weeklong visit, receiving $24,847 in care. Treatment included exams, cleanings, preventive treatments like fluoride varnish and sealants, cavity fillings and more.

The mobile dental truck’s visit was a partnership between ICAP, Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) and Delta Dental of South Dakota. IAUW invested $2,500 to provide the much-needed care to the community.

“Oral care is important for a child’s development. “Left untreated, cavities and other dental issues can affect overall health and lead to poor performance in school,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We are proud to support this program and work toward our mission of creating positive change and supporting good health.”

This is the third year the truck has visited Flandreau. Children from their first tooth through age 21 were eligible and services were provided at no cost to the child or family.

Pictured: IAUW and ICAP volunteers join officials from Delta Dental of South Dakota during the mobile program’s visit to Flandreau in August. From left to right: ICAP Head Start Pre-Birth to Five Coordinator Danielle Jensen; Delta Dental Hygienist Darleen Bothwell; Assistant Jordynn Gehm; Assistant Kaycee Carter; Dentist Richard Martin; and Mobile Truck Coordinator Dane Hagen.

Dine Out to Donate on October 6

Fifteen area businesses to host single-day fundraiser for IAUW

This October, Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) is offering an easy way to satisfy the hunger in your heart to help others AND the hunger in your belly.

Fifteen eateries in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties will be hosting a Dine Out to Donate fundraising event on October 6. Participating businesses will donate a portion of the day’s sales to IAUW, which provides financial support to non-profit, community service agencies and programs in the three-county region.

“If you feel comfortable, we encourage you to visit your favorite dining establishment on October 6. It’s a fun, delicious way to give back to the community and support local restaurants,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf.

In keeping with COVID-19 safety measures, patrons may also purchase gift cards from the businesses during the event in order to donate now, dine out later.

“Given the lingering pandemic, we are happy to offer this alternative option to provide support,” Gustaf said.

The public is encouraged to visit or buy from one or more of the following businesses on October 6:

Animal’s Bar and Grill in Canova
Bluejays Bar & Grill in Egan
Casey’s Pizza in Madison
Classic Corner in Madison
Dairy Queen in Madison
Hillside Steakhouse and BluCabana Bar on Lake Madison
Madison Golf & Country Club in Madison
Nicky’s Restaurant in Madison
OneStop in Madison
Pizza Ranch in Madison
PrimeTime Tavern in Madison
Sporty’s Bar & Grill in Madison
Subway in Madison
Sundog Coffee in Madison
The Office in Madison

Some businesses will also have IAUW donation boxes available for direct contributions.

This is the fifth year IAUW has kicked off their annual campaign drive with Dine Out to Donate. Since 2017, the event has garnered over $9,000.

IAUW aims to create long-lasting changes by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability and health. IAUW awarded over $107,000 in grant funding to 27 non-profit partners in 2021.

Pledge forms for IAUW’s 2022 campaign drive will be delivered to postal customers in the area in the coming weeks.

Jeff Nelson wins skid loader

WIN BIG Raffle raises $60,000 for local non-profits

Lake County resident Jeff Nelson was drawn as the winner of the WIN BIG Raffle conducted by Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW). His prize was a 2021 GEHL R105 skid loader, valued at $37,915 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.

“We increased our goal by $10,000 this year and people knocked it out of the park,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We can’t say thank you enough to the people who purchased a ticket as well to our sponsors. The support is incredible and will have a lasting impact in our communities.”

The skid loader was donated by Lake County International of Madison, who served as the contest’s premier sponsor. Additional sponsors included First Bank & Trust, Heartland Consumers Power District, East River Electric Power Cooperative, Farm Credit Services of America, Great Western Bank, First Premier Bank, BankWest and Dakota State University.

Nelson’s name was drawn during halftime of the DSU Ag Bowl on Saturday, September 18.

Pictured, from left to right: Lake County International co-owners Tom Bloom and Jeff Bloom, Jeff Nelson, IAUW President and Vice President Lori Gustaf and Danielle Kearin.

Local childcare organizations promote WIN BIG Raffle

Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Care Corner support United Way fundraiser

Local childcare centers are encouraging people to consider buying a ticket in Interlakes Area United Way’s WIN BIG Raffle, currently underway.

IAUW coordinates financial and volunteer resources for other non-profit agencies in Miner, Lake and Moody Counties. Money raised by the WIN BIG Raffle is passed along to community service programs and organizations in the region.

As longtime partners and grant recipients of IAUW, the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County in Flandreau and Children’s Care Corner in Howard directly benefit from the raffle. Leadership with the two organizations hope people will consider the trickle-down effect in buying a chance to win.

IAUW funding supports operations

IAUW supports agencies which focus on health, education and financial stability. Both Boys & Girls Club and Children’s Care Corner reflect these values by offering affordable childcare services and youth development programs.

The Boys & Girls Club serves over 500 youth ranging from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The program provides a safe and healthy environment for kids Monday through Friday year-round. Programs offered target towards academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles.

Children’s Care Corner provides reliable, high-quality childcare services to children ages 0-12 in Miner County. While in attendance, kids eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack and learn healthy habits like drinking water, brushing their teeth and daily physical activity.

*Boys & Girls Club members watch a baking soda and vinegar volcano erupt during a science activity, completed this summer. Submitted photo*

Both organizations are vital resources in their respective communities. They both also utilize United Way grant funding to maintain or improve operations.

With past funding, the Boys & Girls Club has explored new development opportunities to continue to grow and reach more youth.

“United Way helps us enrich the lives of youth through impact-driven programs,” said Chief Executive Officer Tim Lease. “Grant funding allows us to provide youth with essential tools and supplies needed to succeed and be inspired.”

The Children’s Care Corner has utilized United Way funds to improve safety standards within the facility as well as staff training and development.

Skid loader prize

This year’s WIN BIG prize is a 2021 GEHL R105 Skid Loader, donated by Lake County International of Madison. As equipped, it retails at $37,915.

The WIN BIG Raffle typically raises approximately one-third of IAUW’s annual funding. Ticket sales have maxed out in recent years, setting a new benchmark for IAUW.

The raffle raised $50,000 in 2019 and again in 2020. Building on that success, IAUW increased its raffle fundraising goal to $60,000.

IAUW will sell 600 tickets for $100 each. The winner will be drawn Saturday, September 18 at the Dakota State University Ag Bowl.

With less than a month until the drawing, tickets are selling quickly. This is good news for IAUW partner agencies, who can expect to benefit from additional funding.

“We create a safe and healthy environment for children with help from United Way,” said Children’s Care Corner Board Member Kate Calmus. “Buying a ticket in the WIN BIG Raffle positively impacts our organization and community in a variety of ways. We appreciate the public’s support.”

*Children’s Care Corner is a vital resource for the community of Howard and surrounding area. Submitted Photo*

56 kids get healthier smiles from dental truck visit

Delta Dental Mobile Program provides preventative, restorative dental care

Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) hosted Delta Dental’s mobile dental truck July 12-16 to help children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to dental care.

A total of 56 children were treated during the truck’s weeklong visit, receiving $43,916 in care. Treatment included exams, cleanings, preventive treatments like fluoride varnish and sealants, and cavity fillings.

IAUW, which serves Lake, Miner and Moody counties, has also sponsored a dental truck visit to Flandreau, August 9-13.

Pictured: IAUW and ICAP volunteers join officials from Delta Dental of South Dakota during the mobile program’s visit to Madison in July. From left to right: IAUW Vice President Danielle Kearin; IAUW volunteer Jessi Giles; IAUW volunteer Kelsey Gustaf; IAUW President Lori Gustaf; IAUW board member Mandi Stegenga; Dental Assistant Bailey Bowers; Program Coordinator Teresa Masteller; Dr. Holly Heien; Hygienist Patti Fuch; Dental Assistant Madison Humann; and ICAP Site Partner Ashley Jensen.

Montgomery’s celebration raises funds for IAUW

*Dustin Evans & the Good Times Band performs in Madison*

Montgomery’s Grand Opening celebration held July 17 in Madison also served as a fundraiser for local non-profit, Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW).

The group collected $700 in free-will donations at the event, which featured a concert with Nashville recording artist Dustin Evans & the Good Times Band.

IAUW board members and volunteers were on hand at the event to assist with guest parking and collect donations.

IAUW is currently promoting its WIN BIG Raffle, which is giving away a 2021 GEHL R105 skid loader valued at nearly $38,000. Details can be found at interlakesunitedway.org.

Pictured from left to right: Rob Buchholtz, Jessi Giles, Sydney Gustaf, Mandi Stegenga, Lori Gustaf and Kelsey Gustaf.

Skid loader raffle kicks off this weekend

IAUW annual contest benefits regional non-profits

One lucky ticketholder could win a $38,000 skid loader this fall.

Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) is giving away a 2021 GEHL R105 Skid Steer Loader for its WIN BIG Raffle.

The contest kicks off this weekend with a winner drawn at the Dakota State University Ag Bowl, slated for Saturday, September 18. IAUW will sell 600 tickets for $100 each.

The winner receives a 2021 GEHL R105 Skid Loader nicely equipped with a deluxe cab enclosure with heater, defroster, deluxe suspension seat, T-bar controls, and seat belt and bar. It also features a 60″ utility bucket, fenders, back-up alarm, engine block heater, rear counterweight, self-leveling lift action and 10×16.5 HD tires.

As equipped, it retails at $37,915.

Money raised by the annual raffle is passed along to community service programs in Lake, Miner and Moody counties. Ticket sales have maxed out in recent years, setting a new benchmark for IAUW.

“The raffle raised $50,000 in 2019 and again in 2020,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “Building on that success, this year we are increasing our fundraising goal to $60,000.”

Eric Kunzweiler, chief strategy officer of Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) says the raffle directly impacts local organizations.

“The WIN BIG Raffle is a great way to invest in United Way and the programs they support, including ICAP,” Kunzweiler said. “Ongoing support from IAUW is vital for our organization in helping meet the needs of the low-income and elderly population. Buying a raffle ticket helps us and others create positive change in our communities.”

Presently IAUW provides financial support to six ICAP programs, including Delta Dental Mobile Program, Head Start Pre-Birth to Five, Miner County School Supplies, Moody County School Supplies, 60’s Plus Dining and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Collectively the programs benefited 896 people in 2020 in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties.

Lake County International of Madison donated the skid steer and is the contest’s premier sponsor.

“Our partnership with Lake County International continues to have an incredible impact on the region,” Gustaf said. “Every year they come through with a high-quality prize that appeals to the public and engages the ag community. They are a driving force behind the raffle, and we could not be successful without their support.”

Additional raffle sponsors include First Bank & Trust, Heartland Consumers Power District, East River Electric Power Cooperative, Farm Credit Services of America, Great Western Bank, First Premier Bank, BankWest and Dakota State University.

Tickets can be purchased online or at various businesses around Madison, Howard and Flandreau beginning July 10. IAUW will also sell tickets at each DownTown in MadTown event this summer. You may also call Lake County International at 605-256-3521 to purchase a ticket over the phone.

Pictured: WIN BIG Raffle sponsors join IAUW board members and funding recipients to promote the annual contest, which is giving away a 2021 GEHL skid loader.

Front row, left to right: IAUW Vice President Danielle Kearin; IAUW intern Jessi Giles; IAUW Board Member Justin Brunsvig; Heartland Consumers Power District (raffle sponsor) Director of Human Resources Theresa Schaefer; ICAP Lake County Community Service Worker Sarah Hock; IAUW President Lori Gustaf; IAUW Board Member Megan Rummel; IAUW Board Member Rob Buchholtz; and IAUW Board Member Mandi Stegenga.

Back row, left to right: ICAP Chief Strategy Officer Eric Kunzweiler; Lake County International (raffle sponsor) Co-Owner Jeff Bloom; Lake County International Co-Owner Tom Bloom; Lake County International Parts & Service Rep John Bloom; First PREMIER Bank (raffle sponsor) Vice President/Market Leader Floyd Rummel; Lake County International Precision Farming Specialist Taylor Bloom; and Farm Credit Services of America (raffle sponsor) Financial Officer Kevin Jaspers.

Delta Dental Mobile Program returning to area

Program provides dental care to kids in need

Delta Dental’s mobile dental truck is returning to the area with planned visits in Madison and Flandreau. The Delta Dental Mobile 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 12-16 and in Flandreau August 9-13.

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.

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.

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.

Delta Dental has always placed the highest emphasis on the health and safety of both patients and staff, but the COVID-19 pandemic has required them to raise their infection control standards to an even higher level with new protocols.

The program will follow infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Regional non-profits to receive $107,000

IAUW announces funding for 2021

Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) will award $107,849 in grant funding in 2021. The money will bolster 27 non-profit programs and organizations in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties.

Roughly two-thirds of the recipients are based in and/or directly serve Lake County and will collectively receive $73,659.

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.

“Our goal is to strengthen communities and create opportunities for a great life,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We focus on programs related to health and wellness, youth enrichment, education and development, senior outreach and basic needs and support.”

2021 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
Children’s Care Corner
Delta Dental Mobile Program
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Domestic Violence Network
East Dakota Transit

Flandreau Ready to Start Program
Girl Scouts – Dakota Horizons
High Plains Alternative High School
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

Lutheran Social Services Mentoring Services
Madison VFW Baseball
MES Snack Project
Rutland Elementary Out of School Time
Salvation Army – Temporary Welfare Assistance
Studio 52
Valiant Living
Weekend Fuel

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.

IAUW is currently seeking volunteers to join their board of directors. For more information, call 605-270-1010.

Outstanding Supporters recognized

Businesses, individuals honored for contributions

As a community-driven organization, Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) finds success through partnerships. Offering sponsorships, service and more, local businesses and individuals step up to help IAUW—and the organizations it serves—thrive.

Each year, IAUW calls attention to collaborators with its Outstanding Supporter award. Recipients for 2020 include Travis Davidson, Phyllis & Dave Westbrock and Cam Shafer of Sporty’s Bar & Grill.

“Our Outstanding Supporter award calls attention to people and organizations who have made significant contributions, either through in-kind support, volunteer power, ideas and more,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We are pleased to recognize them for what they do for us and the community at large.”

Outstanding Supporter – Volunteer

Travis Davidson was recognized for his contributions as a volunteer.

“Travis spent countless hours last year helping with our raffle and other United Way events,” Gustaf said. “Whatever the promotion or task, we could count on Travis to get it done. Simply put, we could not have conducted our raffle, Dine Out to Donate or our campaign drive without his assistance.”

Davidson is a maintenance specialist for FirstLine Funding Group and First Bank & Trust in Madison.

Outstanding Supporter – Donor

Phyllis Westbrock was recognized along with her late husband Dave for their dedicated support of IAUW. The couple are longtime donors and have served as volunteers and board members, including executive roles.

“Dave and Phyllis shared a passion for United Way for many years. They helped manage our organization in the past and continue to help it succeed through annual financial contributions. We truly appreciate their advocacy,” said Gustaf.

Outstanding Supporter – Business

Cam Shafer was honored for his contributions as a local business owner. Shafer owns and operates Sporty’s Bar & Grill in Madison.

“When we kicked off our Dine Out to Donate fundraiser a few years ago, Cam was an enthusiastic supporter,” Gustaf said. “He continues to go above and beyond in his efforts. Every year he finds new, creative ways to draw interest and enhance the event.”

IAUW recognized the Outstanding Supporters at its recent Annual Meeting, held February 8.