De Smet receives 2017 state community philanthropy award
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DE SMET — In conjunction with National Philanthropy Day, the South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized individuals, businesses and communities for their extraordinary work in philanthropy in South Dakota recently at an awards luncheon in Mitchell.
De Smet was named the 2017 South Dakota Outstanding Philanthropic Community of the Year at the luncheon.
The awards, given annually by the AFP, recognizes those who have given time, talent and treasure to improve the lives of other South Dakotans.
“The De Smet community, with a population of only 1,086, has raised more than $6.1 million for area projects,” noted the AFP Board of Director's statement at the luncheon.
Between 2012 and 2014, De Smet residents raised funds for two separate capital campaigns to improve the quality of life of its residents: the renovation and expansion of the Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital and the construction of the De Smet Event and Wellness Center. Both campaigns exceeded their goals, raising a total of $4.7 million from more than 1,820 donors.
The De Smet community also designed and built the De Smet Athletic Complex, built a veterans memorial on the courthouse lawn, opened a new Welcome Center and created the De Smet Arts Council.
“This award is one that goes to the entire community of De Smet and to all of the alumni that donated so generously to these projects,” said Rita Anderson, representing the De Smet Community Foundation. “We wish the entire community could be standing up here to accept this award because that is what this is all about. It is about how the entire community comes together and steps up to the plate to make things happen — and not just once, they do it continually!
“We want everyone in De Smet to see it, share it and feel a part of it,” Anderson added.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 31,000 members in 235 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.
