HURON — Faith, family and friends are passionate subjects for Cindy Wilk as she goes about her daily tasks as office manager of her family-owned business – Red Wilk Construction. Those same subjects are evident with the numerous organizations she volunteers with.

“I am driven to be involved in what I do because I believe in each cause,” said Wilk, who is a 2020 Women in Leadership honoree.
With faith being at the top of her list, Wilk has served as a Sunday School teacher at Riverview United Methodist Church for numerous years.

“I teach Sunday School because of my strong Faith in God and want to show the children that God loves each of them,” Wilk said.

Other organizations Wilk is passionate about are the Salvation Army, the Jan Manolis Family Safe Center, Miss Rodeo South Dakota and Miss Rodeo America, along with The Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash, which is held annually at the South Dakota State Fair.

Wilk is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and serves as the chairperson of the Salvation Army Food Basket Program.

“I feel that this is an organization that helps many people with the service they offer,” Wilk said of the Salvation Army. “I have been chair of the Salvation Army Food Basket  Distribution for 16 years. I love doing this and feel happy when I see the families pick up their food and presents for their children. When they bring their children it is heartwarming to see their happy faces.”

Wilk also volunteers a good chunk of her free time in being an advocate for the Jan Manolis Safe Center.

She has filled that role for 30 years.

“I believe no one has the right to abuse. I want to show women (and men) that come to the Safe Center that there is assistance for them and I am there to do whatever it takes to get them the help they need to get them on track to move on with their lives,” Wilk said. “Each person I come in contact with is special to me and I’m always happy when a victim turns into a victor!”

Wilk also serves as the National Director for Miss Rodeo South Dakota.

“This is a program that promotes young women, rodeo, South Dakota and the western way of life,” Wilk said. “It’s so much fun being involved in their lives and watching them grow and mature as they represent their title and prepare to compete in The Miss Rodeo America Pageant. I am honored to have worked with some amazing young ladies.”

Along with her family, which includes husband – Red; son – Josh; and daughter – Jenny, Wilk has been avid supporter of the South Dakota State Fair. That love of the state fair was instrumental in their efforts of continuing to offer the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash as part of the yearly grandstand entertainment lineup.

“My family and I brought the Red Wilk Construction/Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash to the South Dakota State Fair because we are all State Fair fans,” Wilk said. “This event has brought people to the fair and to Huron.”

While Wilk enjoys the time she spends being a grandma, mom, daughter and wife she will continue give her time to her other worthy causes.

“I thank God for all of my family and that I get to be involved win all their lives. My family fills my heart with love,” Wilk said. “I give my time and energy to each of these (and other) organizations because I want to help whenever I can. I work full time at our family business and am happy that I can devote my spare time to these great causes.”