WOLSEY — On Saturday, Nov. 18, the Wolsey-Wessington Commons filled up with nearly 500 members of the community with one purpose — to show an overwhelming support for five community families.
All proceeds of this event are going to the following families to help as they face hard times due to illness: Rosanne Spiehs, Laura Feldman, Jami Waldner, Heather Bartells, and Lana Eichstadt. All of these courageous women are mothers of Wolsey-Wessington students.
Sadly, three of these mothers lost their fights recently, Rosanne Spiehs, Laura Feldman and Lana Eichstadt.

Wolsey, Wessington, and other surrounding area community members gathered together to show support for these ladies and their families in various ways. This night was filled with many things, including a chili cook-off, a silent auction (these items were donated by community members, businesses, and each class), a live auction of donated items, and raffles of donated items.
Throughout the night, entertainment was provided as well. The choir sang “Fight Song” and “Inscription of Hope,” along with other performances. Wolsey-Wessington’s newly formed Sunshine Committee worked hard to put the event together in a short period of time, and the outcome was tremendous.
Twenty people entered the chili cook off, and Mr. Ammerman walked away with bragging rights as his bag contained the most money at the end of the night —$224! For the silent auction, the top two baskets were the My Little Ponies basket from the junior class as it brought $300, and The 281 Travel Center’s camping basket which brought in $350.
During the live auction, the sixth grade class’ luxury dog bed and pet supplies went for $600. Approximately 130 items were donated, and the final outcome for the entire event was roughly $20,000.
“We are humbled by the community support for these families,” the Sunshine Committee said. “The night was truly an example of how supportive our community is when it comes to helping each other out in times of need.”