Event Details
The annual Thank You Event celebrates the dedicated volunteers and businesses that allow our United Way to be so successful in meeting community needs. Awards, including the David Birkeland Memorial Award and Business of the Year, as well as the 2025 Campaign total amount raised, will be announced during this event. Learn more about the award categories below and nominate someone today.
When: February 27, 2025 at 8-9:30 a.m. (doors open and breakfast served starting at 8 a.m. Program will begin at 8:30 a.m.)
Where: Sioux Falls Convention Center (Exhibit Hall 2)
Who: SEUW Volunteers and Supporters. RSVP below!
Event RSVP
Award Categories
Brent Weiler Bulldog Award (Campaign Volunteer of the Year) - Awarded to a Campaign volunteer who has shown determination and persistence in working with businesses to achieve campaign success.
Community Impact Volunteer of the Year Award - This award honors a current or former Community Impact volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and influence through their volunteer work. Recipients of this award have made a significant and lasting impact within the Sioux Empire, ensuring that our community and nonprofit partners align with the highest standards to serve the best interests of donors and community members.
Volunteer United Volunteer of the Year Award - This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding dedication to Volunteer United, contributing time and talents to support Sioux Empire United Way’s nonprofit partners. Their commitment inspires others to give back and strengthens our community.
Rich Garry Rookie of the Year Award - This award is given to a first-time Sioux Empire United Way volunteer who has stepped up and made a tremendous impact in their role, helping to fulfill the mission of Sioux Empire United Way.
Larry Oppold Memorial Award - This award is given to a human services professional for outstanding dedication to his or her work and for demonstrating the qualities that Larry believed in during his life. Larry was a thoughtful, caring, and compassionate person who acted as an advocate for those in need.
Helen E. (Oppold) Blair Memorial Award - This award is to be presented to an individual whose work in human services, law enforcement, education, or church based fields towards child abuse prevention and early intervention is exemplary.
David Birkeland Memorial Award - This award is given to the business or professional leader who most exemplifies David Birkeland’s involvement in United Way and our community. A tribute to David reads: His smile invited conversation, his manner put strangers at ease, his style engendered trust and his humor broke down barriers. Dave was a servant leader whose example was an expression of his spirit.
Business of the Year Award - This award is given to the company or organization that has greatly benefited United Way through its generosity and/or its employees’ involvement. Three awards may be presented each year.