SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Hundreds stepped forward to invest in the mission of Sanford Children’s in October, raising more than $1.2 million for local pediatric patients and families at the 2024 Children’s Gala, hosted by the Sanford Health Foundation.
Held on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Children’s Gala took guests on a journey inside the lifesaving work that happens every day across Sanford Children’s, one of the nation’s leading pediatric health care systems serving nearly 100,000 children each year through 35 pediatric specialties, seven children’s clinics and a Castle of Care, the region’s only freestanding children’s hospital — all of which are fueled by philanthropy.
Proceeds from the Gala will stay local to support everything from enhancements to care and treatment, to leading-edge pediatric equipment, to important programs like Child Life and summer camps, financial assistance to help families with meals, mileage, lodging and other costs not covered by insurance, lifesaving equipment like Giraffe OmniBeds and pediatric CT scanners, meaningful touches like toys, games, books and cozy furniture, and so much more.
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We’re so grateful to all those who supported the 2024 Children’s Gala — a beautiful evening to celebrate the life-changing work that happens across Sanford Children’s every day, thanks to the kindness and generosity of others. From our dedicated caregivers and staff to our amazing donors, kids and families at Sanford Children’s are surrounded by ribbons of love from the moment they step through our doors. It’s a beautiful tapestry of care that strives to give every child the healthy future they deserve.
vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation in Sioux Falls
A milestone anniversary
The event also celebrated the 15th anniversary of Sanford Children’s Hospital, made possible thanks to a $16 million challenge gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford in 2004. Sanford’s gift not only launched the project, it also inspired donors from across the region to step forward in support of the effort.
The Castle of Care, modeled after a fairy-tale castle, opened in 2009 and immediately improved access to care for thousands of children and families across the region. Since the doors opened 15 years ago, hospital caregivers, along with Child Life Specialists, a school tutor, spiritual care provider and many others, have cared for children from 35 states across the country.
Today, Sanford Children’s is home to more than 695 caregivers and staff in 136 communities — all dedicated to caring for kids of all ages and stages of life.
A game-changing announcement
At the Gala, Sanford Health leadership also announced the next era of pediatric health care for the Sioux Falls region. Following a transformational gift to the Sanford Health Foundation from philanthropists David and Christine Billion, Sanford Health will establish the state’s first 24/7 emergency and trauma care center specifically for children — a priority project designed to help address the increasing needs of pediatric emergency care among our growing and changing community.
The new David H. and Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will be located adjacent to the Emergency Department at the Sanford USD Medical Center, home to the only accredited pediatric trauma center in South Dakota and led by a renowned team of pediatric emergency medicine experts — pediatricians and emergency medicine specialists who have completed an additional three-year fellowship.
“Just last year, David and Christine made a significant gift to establish the Billion Pavilion, a fully accessible playground outside Sanford Children’s Hospital which allows our kiddos to experience the healing power of play. And now, their continued generosity will help us broaden and deepen our leadership in pediatric emergency and trauma care with state-of-the art, dedicated facilities,” Sanderson said. “This special couple continues to drive meaningful change through their generosity, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
In addition to emergency pediatric care, the David H. and Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will also offer access to important pediatric support services such as Child Life, a program designed to facilitate positive experiences for pediatric patients through education and therapeutic play.
Give for Children
If you’re inspired by this story and want to support the work of Sanford Children’s, make a gift today. 100% of your donation will make a difference for local pediatric patients and families.