Mayor announces relief fund donation

HURON – T. Denny Sanford announced Monday he has donated $75,000 to the Huron Community Development Foundation to launch the Beadle COVID-19 Rental Fund. Mr. Sanford, who founded First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, also challenged others in the community to follow his lead and contribute to the fund.
Huron Mayor Paul Aylward said the gift will assist many in the community who are feeling financial strains from the COVID-19 outbreak. He added the fund is earmarked for people living and working in Beadle County who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
“Mr. Sanford is a generous person with a kind heart, and we are extremely grateful for his gift,” Aylward said. “But he is also a champion for philanthropy at all levels. He has challenged all of us to give what we can and help ease the burden many are feeling. I believe his challenge will be answered by the people of Huron and the fund will continue to grow.”

Aylward said the 211 Helpline Center will oversee intake of online applications for rental assistance, and the Huron Housing Authority will administer direct rent payments for eligible applicants.
Eligibility guidelines and an online application can be found at www.helplinecenter.org/beadle or by calling 211.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.helplinecenter.org/beadle.
Mayor Aylward said he appreciates the Community Development Foundation, 211 Helpline, and Huron Housing Authority for immediately stepping up to help launch this program.
“Within a day of being contacted by the PREMIER organization, we began the process to implement this much needed assistance,” he said.
Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the relief fund should contact Community Development Foundation Manager David McGirr at  354-6565 or via email at mcgirr@huronsd.com.