Deb Koski, CFRE
Chief Philanthropy Officer
giving for good sioux falls
In partnership with supporters across the Sioux Falls region, we are pioneering life-saving medical research and enhancing care for patients at every age and every stage of life. We do this through philanthropy-funded services like Child Life, nurse navigators for cancer patients, new 3D mammography technology and survivorship programs. We also are helping kids experience the healing power of play and therapeutic benefits of the outdoors through the Billion Pavilion, a new outdoor play area for pediatric patients and their families.
Last year, we put $12.8 million in philanthropic gifts to work across the Sioux Falls region. Read more in the 2024 annual report.
Local Priorities
Philanthropy is an integral part of the care provided at Sanford Health. The Sanford Health Foundation in the Sioux Falls region plays a crucial role in supporting specific programming for patients and staff, upgrading essential equipment, and funding special projects tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
Children
Philanthropy supports the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, the region’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner, through services like Child Life, Child’s Voice, specialized summer camps for kids living with a chronic health condition, spiritual care, school tutoring and so much more.
Leadership Connection
A region update from Andy Munce, president & CEO of Sanford Sioux Falls.
February 26, 2026
Decades of health research and analysis have shown us that gratitude is far more than just a polite gesture. Gratitude plays an important role in a patient’s emotional and physical well‑being. Gratitude is linked to improved psychological health, reduced stress and even better overall health outcomes. We also know that expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and enhances the care experience for both patients and caregivers, fostering a deeper sense of connection and healing.
That’s why our Guardian Angel program is so powerful. It’s a dedicated way for patients and families to express their thanks and appreciation in a meaningful way. Beyond its healing benefits, the program also allows patients and loved ones to give a gift of gratitude, helping future patients and families experience that same compassionate care. This special program also lifts the spirits of our caregivers and reminds them why their work matters. And the best part: every honoree receives special recognition and a Guardian Angel pin they can wear with pride — a visible reminder that they are loved and that their care changes lives.
If someone at Sanford made a difference for you or a loved one, I encourage you to experience the power of gratitude and explore this program today.
Andy Munce
Sioux Falls’ Signature Events
Below are a few of the signature events we host in the Sioux Falls region. To see more events in Sioux Falls, visit our calendar.
Get Involved through Fundraising
At Sanford Health, our doctors, researchers and caregivers are working to bring health, hope and healing to more than 1.2 million people across the Upper Midwest. With you on our team, we can accelerate our race to uncover new breakthroughs, develop new treatments and create meaningful programs that support patients and their families.
Launch your fundraiser in the Sioux Falls region and inspire others to give for good today!
Give for Sioux Falls
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Sioux Falls Team
Erin Sanderson, CFRE
Vice President – Sioux Falls
Carrie Biondi
Senior Director of Marketing & Operations
Bethany Olson, CFRE
Senior Development Officer – Sioux Falls
Stacy Hackett
Senior Philanthropy Officer – Sioux Falls
Ashton Siebrecht
Lead Development Specialist – Sioux Falls
Meg Hannemann
Philanthropy Officer – Sioux Falls
Kayla Gullickson
Development Officer – Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Board Members
Chair
Suzanne Veenis
Retired, Community Volunteer
Vice Chair
Karlie Solum
Marsh McLennan Agency – Director of Community Relations
Secretary / Treasurer
Cassie Hajek, MD
Helix Medical Genomics – Medical Director
Jason Ahrendt
State Farm Insurance Agency – Owner
Jennifer Schriever, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Linda Elliott
A-OX Welding Supply – Former Owner
John Paulson
Retired, Health Care Administrator
Erica Schipper, MD
Sanford Health – Chief Medical Officer
Andrea Thompson
Dakota State University Applied Research Corporation – CEO
Chelsea DeBoer
TV Personality/ Entrepreneur
Steven Powell, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Jon Kirby
Bluestem – Vice President of Investor Relations
Dan Kirby
Kirby Financial, LLC – Owner
Tyler Haahr
Retired, Meta Financial Group – Chairman of the Board and former Chief Executive Officer
Kerry Boekelheide
KWB Hotel Partners, LLC – President
Julie Anderson
Retired, Community Volunteer
Kathy Walsh
Retired, Community Volunteer