IAUW to host virtual Annual Meeting

Public is invited to attend via Skype

Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) will announce 2021 allocations and share success stories from 2020 at its upcoming Annual Meeting. To align with COVID-19 safety measures, the meeting will be conducted virtually Monday, February 8 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

IAUW President Lori Gustaf says the public is invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda includes a recap of the organization’s impact in 2020 plus highlights from partner agencies. The board will also recognize Heart Club members, event sponsors and outstanding supporters from the past year.

“We hope people will join us as we revisit memorable moments from the past year and share other good news,” Gustaf said. “Despite our current environment due to COVID-19, we’ve had an extraordinary year.”

Also planned for the meeting are details on IAUW’s partner agencies and program funding for 2021. The board concluded their annual campaign drive in December and determined allocations in January.

The meeting will be held on Skype, a telecommunications app similar to Zoom. A meeting link will be shared online and on the organization’s Facebook page Monday morning.

“A Skype account is not required to attend. Simply click on the link and join as a guest,” said Gustaf. “People can also contact us with questions, and we’ll be glad to help them log in.”

Mike Miller wins IAUW, ERFCU contest

Promotion raises funds for campaign drive

Mike Miller of Madison was drawn as the winner of Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) and East River Federal Credit Union’s (ERFCU) 15×15 Challenge. Miller 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 2021 and return their pledge form by November 15. One hundred eight people qualified.

“This contest alone raised more than $19,400 towards our campaign,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “We are so appreciative of East River Federal Credit Union for sponsoring as well as the response from donors.”

This is the third year IAUW and ERFCU have teamed up to offer the 15×15 Challenge. One hundred seven people qualified in 2019.

Pictured: IAUW President Lori Gustaf, left, and ERFCU Marketing Specialist Erica Clements, right, recently presented a $500 gift card to Mike Miller, winner of the 15×15 Challenge.

Dine Out to Donate raises $1,700

Revamped gift card sales event raises funds for IAUW

Twenty-one businesses in Lake, Miner and Moody County raised $1,711 for Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) this fall. “Dine Out to Donate” was held October 1-31 and kicked off IAUW’s 2021 campaign drive.

The annual event was revamped this year to align with COVID-19 safety measures. Instead of a single-day promotion, IAUW sold gift cards to participating restaurants during the month of October. The businesses pledged to donate a portion of the total sales to IAUW.

Participating businesses are listed below. IAUW reported $4,630 in Dine Out to Donate sales, garnering the $1,711 donation. The money will be used in IAUW’s general fund.

Thus far, nineteen agencies and programs located in and/or serving the three-county region have applied for United Way funding in 2021. IAUW awarded over $117,000 to 37 organizations in 2020.

This is the fourth year IAUW has hosted Dine Out to Donate. Since 2017, the event has raised $9,200.

Thank you to the following businesses for your participation and support:

Miner County
  • Animal’s Bar & Grill
Moody County
  • Animal’s Bar & Grill
  • BlueJays Bar & Grill
  • Spot Drive-In
  • Subway
  • Flandreau Bistro & Roasterie
Lake County
  • 2nd Street Diner
  • Classic Corner
  • Dairy Queen
  • Hillside Steakhouse
  • Nicky’s Restaurant & Lounge
  • The Office
  • One Stop
  • Pizza Ranch
  • Prime Time Tavern
  • Sporty’s Bar & Grill
  • Stadium Sports Grill
  • Subway
  • Sundog Coffee
  • Taco John’s

Pictured: Madison business owners Cam Shafer, left, and Delon Mork present a Dine Out to Donate Check to IAUW President Lori Gustaft. Shafer and Mork own Sporty’s Bar & Grill and Dairy Queen, respectively.

Dine Out to Donate revamped for COVID-19

Interlakes Area United Way selling gift cards to 21 area businesses October 1-31

Each October, Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) asks people to Dine Out to Donate. The annual event invites people to dine at participating restaurants on one designated day with a portion of sales donated to United Way.

IAUW plans to host the fundraising event again this year but has revamped the format to align with COVID-19 safety measures.

“In our current environment, we don’t want everyone rushing out to businesses on the same day and at the same time. This year, we’re asking people to donate now and dine out later,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf.

For the month of October, IAUW will be selling gift certificates and gift cards to various dining establishments in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties. Participating businesses have agreed to donate a portion of the total sales to IAUW.

“I think this event could be very successful for both United Way and our local restaurants,” Gustaf said. “We’re all doing our part to social distance, which is great for public health but is hard on the food service industry. In this new format, you can support your favorite local dining establishment as well as important community service programs while still following social distancing guidelines.”

All gift cards and certificates can be purchased online at interlakesunitedway.org/dineout or by calling 605-291-6359. Each business has also been assigned a QR code that can be accessed on flyers, on display within the establishment.

Sales will take place October 1 through October 31. Participating businesses include:

Subway in Flandreau and One Stop in Madison are participating but in their own special way. Subway in Flandreau will be hosting designated Dine Out to Donate days throughout the month of October with a portion of each day’s sales donated to United Way. One Stop is selling $10 car wash gift cards in order to raise funds for United Way.

This is the fourth year IAUW has kicked off their annual campaign drive with Dine Out to Donate. Since 2017, the event has raised $7,500.

Miner County
  • Animal’s Bar & Grill
Moody County
  • BlueJays Bar & Grill
  • Spot Drive-In
  • Subway
  • Flandreau Bistro and Roasterie
Lake County
  • 2nd Street Diner
  • Classic Corner
  • Dairy Queen
  • Hillside Steakhouse
  • Lakes Bar & Grill
  • Madison Golf & Country Club
  • Nicky’s Restaurant
  • The Office
  • One Stop
  • Pizza Ranch
  • Prime Time Tavern
  • Sporty’s Bar & Grill
  • Subway
  • Sundog Coffee
  • Taco John’s

IAUW aims to create long-lasting changes by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, income and health. Pledge forms with donation details for IAUW’s 2021 campaign drive will be delivered to postal customers in the area in the coming weeks.

2020 WIN BIG Raffle kicks off

Annual contest benefits regional non-profits

Interlakes Area United Way’s (IAUW) WIN BIG Raffle kicked off July 1. This year’s prize is a GEHL skid loader worth over $37,000. Raffle tickets are $100 each and only 500 will be sold.

The annual contest raises money for IAUW’s general fund, which supports vital community service programs and non-profit agencies in Lake, Miner and Moody counties. It has been growing in popularity in recent years, with ticket sales maxing out for the first time in 2019.

“Last year we sold out of tickets, raising $50,000 towards program funding,” said Lori Gustaf, IAUW president.

Gustaf says this year’s contest may be more important than ever.

“This raffle has always been a crucial element to our local impact,” Gustaf said. “Now COVID-19 has left all of us in uncharted territory and there is a lot of uncertainty. We understand it may be a tough year for fundraising, but there will still be need, and we are up for the challenge.”

The winner receives a 2020 GEHL R105 Skid Loader nicely equipped with full cab enclosure, T-bar controls, heater, defroster and a deluxe seat with seat belt and bar. It also features a 60″ utility bucket, fenders, auxiliary hydraulics, rear counterweight and 10×16.5 HD tires. As equipped, it retails at $37,456.

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

“Once again Lake County International has renewed their commitment to strengthening the region,” Gustaf said. “We appreciate their leadership in helping create positive change.”

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

Visit the WIN BIG page for a complete list of physical ticket sales locations or to buy tickets online. You may also call IAUW at 605-291-6359 or Lake County International at 605-256-3521 to purchase a ticket over the phone.

The winner will be drawn in September, tentatively in conjunction with the DSU Ag Bowl.

Featured image: WIN BIG Raffle sponsors join IAUW board members and volunteers to promote the annual contest. Also pictured is this year’s raffle prize, a 2020 GEHL R105 skid loader.

Pictured left to right: Great Western Bank Market President Paul Moore, Heartland Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland, Farm Credit Services of America Financial Officer Kevin Jaspers, IAUW Board Member Mandi Stegenga, Lake County International Co-Owners Tom Bloom and Jeff Bloom, IAUW President Lori Gustaf, IAUW Administrative Liaison Katie Hahn, IAUW Board Member Megan Rummel, volunteer Kelsey Gustaf, IAUW Board Member Linda Ford, and volunteers Sydney Gustaf and Marisa Eimers.

Delta Dental truck returning to area

Mobile program provides dental care to Madison, Flandreau kids in need

Delta Dental’s mobile dental truck is returning to the area with planned visits in Madison and Flandreau. The mobile dental 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 13-17 and Flandreau August 17-22.

A full range of dental care is available for children ages 0-21, 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.

Requests for appointments are currently being accepted for both locations. Services are provided at no cost to the child or family and no insurance is necessary.

The program is once again a partnership between regional non-profits Interlakes Area United Way and Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership and Delta Dental of South Dakota.

This is the eighth year the truck has visited Madison. Since 2012, the program has provided almost $250,000 worth of dental care for 466 local patients.

This is the second year Flandreau has hosted the truck. A total of 49 children were treated during the truck’s weeklong visit in 2019, receiving $39,126 in care.

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).

For more information or to see if your child is eligible, contact Mendy at ICAP at (605) 256-6518 Ext. 121. Registration in advance is needed, and a patient consent and information form must be completed.

United Way announces over $100K in grant funding

Thirty-seven programs and agencies to receive support

Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) will invest $117,765 in local non-profits in 2020. The money will bolster 37 programs and organizations in the region which address and support mental and physical health, education and financial stability.

“We are thrilled to support so many worthwhile causes in our region,” said Lori Gustaf, president of IAUW. “We’re proud of our partner agencies and the critical work they do in delivering services to the people of this region.”

IAUW coordinates financial and volunteer resources for non-profit agencies in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties in South Dakota. Their goal is to strengthen and support communities and create opportunities for a great life by focusing on health and wellness, children and youth enrichment, education and development, basic needs and support, and senior outreach.

Grant funding was made possible by the generosity of individuals and businesses who donated to IAUW’s most recent campaign drive, which concluded in December of 2019, as well as various other fundraising efforts held throughout the past year.

“We had a terrific year,” she said. “Our annual WIN BIG raffle sold out for the first time ever, garnering $50,000 towards grant funds. Plus, our campaign raised over $77,000 in donations and pledges. We hope this success carries into 2020’s efforts.”

To receive funding, organizations must apply and meet allocation guidelines. The IAUW board reviews applications and considers them based on several factors, including community impact, program effectiveness and fiscal management, among others.

IAUW announced 2020 allocations at its recent Annual Meeting, held February 3. 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: New Home Construction
  • Children’s Care Corner
  • Colman-Egan Schools: Little Hawks Pre-School
  • Community Counseling Services
  • Delta Dental Mobile Program (Madison and Flandreau locations)
  • Dolly Parton Imagination Library
  • Domestic Violence Network
  • East Dakota Transit
  • Flandreau Public School: Weekend Fuel
  • Girl Scouts – Dakota Horizons: Girl Scout Leadership Experience
  • High Plains Alternative School
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: 60’s plus dining
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: Miner School Supplies
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: Moody School Supplies
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: Early Head Start Parent Incentive Program
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: Early Head Start Supplies Support
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership: Homeownership Education Program
  • Interlakes Senior Citizen Center
  • Lake County Dive Team
  • Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota: Everyday Heroes Mentoring Program
  • Madison Area Swim Club: Madison Makos
  • Madison High School Club Baseball
  • Madison Middle School: MakerSpace/Art Club
  • Madison VFW Teener Baseball
  • Madison Youth Wrestling Club
  • Moody County 4-H Robotics
  • Oldham Ramona After School Program
  • Rutland Elementary Out of School Time
  • Salvation Army of Madison: Temporary Welfare Assistance
  • Sample Strong
  • Valiant Living

Pictured: IAUW board members were joined by representatives from 2020 partner agencies at its recent Annual Meeting.

ERFCU employees donate to United Way

Staff presents $910 in pledges

East River Federal Credit Union is committed to Building Success Stories in the communities it serves. For employees, that dedication is more than a mission—it’s a mindset.

In the spirit of philanthropy, ERFCU employees have collectively pledged $910 to Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) in 2020. Joined by staff, ERFCU President Tanya Hobson recently presented their donation to IAUW board members.

“Our employees believe in giving back to the communities we serve and are passionate in supporting United Way,” said Hobson. “Our organizations operate with similar objectives: to help people find and create opportunities for a great life and build personal success stories. We’re proud to be able to make a difference.”

ERFCU has a history of supporting IAUW in a variety of ways. Most recently, the credit union sponsored IAUW’s 15×15 Challenge for the third year in a row. Held in conjunction with IAUW’s campaign drive, the 15×15 Challenge asks people to donate at least $15 per month and return their form by November 15 in an effort to win a $500 Visa gift card.

Pictured: ERFCU employees presented their donation to IAUW board members. From left to right: ERFCU Loan Officer Dennis Zingmark, IAUW Board President Lori Gustaf, IAUW board member Jill Corbin, IAUW board member Mandi Stegenga, ERFCU President Tanya Hobson, and ERFCU Universal Member Services Representative Jason Howell.

Hillside, GMACC recognized by United Way

Businesses named Outstanding Supporters

Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) has named the Hillside Steakhouse and the Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce (GMACC) as Outstanding Supporters for 2019.

“United Way is a community-driven organization and much of our success is due to partnerships with local businesses,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf. “Our Outstanding Supporter award calls attention to businesses that have made significant contributions, either through in-kind support, volunteer power, ideas and more.”

The Hillside Steakhouse and General Manager Nefu Mageo were recognized for their contribution surrounding IAUW’s serving of The Gathering meal at Madison’s United Methodist Church.

IAUW President Lori Gustaf presented an Outstanding Supporter award to Nefu Mageo, general manager of the Hillside Steakhouse, for its contributions to United Way

Each spring, IAUW teams up with the Chester High Plains Alternative School to serve a meal. In 2019, Hillside staff prepared, delivered and donated a spaghetti dinner which was ultimately served to 73 people by students and volunteers.

The GMACC and Executive Director Eric Hortness were recognized for their partnership with IAUW surrounding the DownTown in MadTown events.

IAUW President Lori Gustaf presented an Outstanding Supporter award to Eric Hortness, executive director for the Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, for its contributions to United Way.

In 2018 and 2019, the chamber invited IAUW to manage the beer garden at all six summer concert events. In return, the chamber donated a portion of each night’s beer sales to IAUW. In two years, IAUW has collected over $3,700 in sales and tips towards its general fund.

“Both organizations helped us offset costs and instead direct that money towards vital non-profit services in the region,” Gustaf said. “With their help, we are building stronger communities.”

IAUW recognized both businesses at its recent Annual Meeting, held February 3.

Local businesses, employees donate $29K to IAUW

First Bank & Trust and FirstLine Funding commit big in 2020

Local businesses First Bank & Trust and FirstLine Funding Group and their employees committed nearly $30,000 in funding to Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) for 2020.

FirstLine Funding Group is a division of First Bank & Trust. Both are part of the Fishback Financial Corporation, which matches 100% of dollars pledged by employees to United Way. With the match, their donation total reached $29,733.84.

“Our organizations deeply care about giving back to the communities we live in and serve,” said First Bank & Trust Community Bank President Jon Knuths. “We’ve created a culture of paying it forward, and this impacts how we do business as well as how we exist within the community. We’re proud to support United Way and help make a difference in the lives of so many in our region.”

Representatives from the two businesses recently presented their collective pledge to IAUW President Lori Gustaf, who also serves as vice president and chief operations officer for FirstLine Funding Group.

“The Fishback corporation is a terrific advocate for volunteerism and giving back, and we echo that sentiment at the local level,” Gustaf said.

Employees of the two organizations who pledge at least one hour of pay per month receive a paid day off work as a thank you for donating to United Way.

“While we encourage staff to consider giving, it is ultimately their decision. I’ve always been impressed with the level of commitment we receive,” she said.

IAUW garnered over $77,000 in pledges for 2020. They plan to announce allocations at their upcoming Annual Meeting, Monday, February 3 at Nicky’s in Madison.

The meeting will also include a recap of IAUW’s 2019 impact, recognition of Heart Club members, outstanding partners and donors and a 2020 outlook. Several 2019 partner agencies have also been invited to speak.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments begin at 5:00 p.m. with the program scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Pictured from left to right are Kimber Guischer, Randy Johnson and Jon Knuths of First Bank & Trust as well as Sydney Gustaf, Lori Gustaf, Brandon Johnson, Kyle Krahn and Kie-Lyn Shaffner of FirstLine Funding Group.