Erin Sanderson, CFRE
Vice President – Sioux Falls
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 $8.1 million in philanthropic gifts to work across the Sioux Falls region. Read more in the 2025 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.
August 2026
As we continue to reflect on the extraordinary impact of our benefactor and namesake, Denny Sanford, we look forward to honoring his life and legacy this Saturday. As a friend and supporter of Sanford Health, I hope you’ll join us for “A Life of Significance,” a community celebration of Denny’s remarkable life, the people he inspired and the lasting impact of his vision and philanthropy. This special event will be held at the Washington Pavilion on August 29. Doors open at 1 p.m. A formal program will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a reception for all in attendance.
Denny often said, “Find where there is the most need. Go where you can do the most good.” It was a philosophy he lived by and it inspired his philanthropic investments, not just in Sanford Health, but in nonprofits, educational organizations and causes throughout South Dakota and beyond. Denny knew that by supporting these organizations, he could do more than help individuals and families. He could help strengthen the health and well-being of entire communities, creating a lasting impact for generations to come. At this special event, we’ll recognize his vision, his generosity, his impact and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. I hope to see you there.
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!
Sioux Falls Team
Stacy Hackett
Lead Philanthropy Officer – Sioux Falls
Meg Hannemann
Philanthropy Officer – Sioux Falls
Kayla Gullickson, CNP
Development Officer & CMN Program Director – Sioux Falls
Bethany Olson, CFRE
Lead Development Officer – Sioux Falls
Ashton Siebrecht
Lead Development Specialist – Sioux Falls
Ashlyn Lemme
Development Officer – Watertown
Deb Koski, CFRE
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Carrie Biondi
Senior Director of Marketing & Operations
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