Julie Bartling
Executive Director:Ext. 115
Bonnie Geyer
Education Director:Ext. 125
P.O. Box 1388,
Huron, SD 57350
1-888-734-8136
Our Sponsors
Golf Tournament Just Around the Corner!
July 1, 2008
With summer time approaching rather quickly, the SDFU Foundation has turned some of its energies to preparing for the 6th Annual SDFU Foundation Golf Tournament. This year's event will be at the Spring Creek Country Club at Harrisburg on July 1, 2008 with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. As preparations are coming together, sponsors are being solicited, teams are being gathered, and you are invited to join the Foundation for a day of fun, relaxation, good food, good company and fantastic prizes for our golfers.
Just give the Foundation a call at 605-352-6761, extension 115 for details, to enter your team or to enter as an individual (we'll get you on a team), or to place your name, business, or organization as a sponsor. The cost per golfer is $75.00 and all proceeds are directed to the Foundation's youth education programs. Sponsors are asked to call the office for more details. Golfers may also register online at www.sdfufoundation.org. (click on the link below).
"I'm really excited about this year's event, not only because it is held at an absolutely beautiful golf course, but because we have some fantastic prizes to give away," remarked Julie Bartling, Foundation Executive Director. "Please call me for more details and I hope that you will take a day away from your regular routine, enjoy a day with us, and know that you are truly supporting a great cause - our young people."
Click here for your online and printable PDF application.
3rd Annual Foundation Fundraiser Huge Success!
Approximately 200 guests gathered in Huron, South Dakota on Saturday evening, February 16, 2007, for the 3rd Annual South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation's signature fundraising event, 'A Night on the Prairie'. Everyone attending gave from their heart and their checkbook in their show of support for the youth education programs of the Foundation. Over $75,000 was raised in sponsorships, banquet meal tickets, game proceeds and auction receipts, with net proceeds going to the programs sponsored through the Foundation by which young people are taught leadership skills, the history and importance of member-owned cooperatives, and the value of being involved in our communities and making South Dakota a great place to live and grow.The evening began at 5:00 p.m. with the doors opening for guests to play games for fantastic prizes and to bid on silent auction items. Guests were entertained during these pre-banquet games by the bluegrass musical ensemble "Used Cotton". Mr. Gene Hammond, Master of Ceremonies for the evening and a Trustee of the Foundation, welcomed guests and introduced the Foundation's President, Doug Sombke for presentation of a special award to U.S. Senator Tim Johnson. The award given to the Senator was from the National Farmers Union in its show of gratitude for his support of the Farmers Union and its efforts in working for the benefits of family farmers.
Julie Bartling, Executive Director of the Foundation introduced the Board of Trustees who play a significant role in the success of the Foundation's efforts to educate young people through the programs sponsored by the not-for-profit organization. A number of the trustees were present and were enthusiastically greeted by the crowd.
Following a delicious meal, the action began with the announcements of the winners of the games played earlier in the evening. The winners of the silent auction were posted for all to check out and see who the successful bidders were, and the fast-paced live auction began. Three energetic auctioneers - Ben Meyer, Merlin Worlie and Steve Simon - took charge of the auction and enhanced the level of enthusiasm as dynamic auction items were presented for bidders. Also helping with the auction process were staff members from the Farmers Union, Farmers Union Insurance, the Foundation's Junior and Senior Advisory Councils, and the SDSU Collegiate Chapter.
The evening's finale was indeed spectacular as one individual was chosen to win an all expense paid cruise, sponsored by the Foundation Trustees and Dakota Travel Agency of Lead, SD. Twelve individuals vied for the cruise, each successfully bidding on an afghan replicating artwork created by Lynette Fransen, a cousin of SDFU Foundation President Doug Sombke. Lynette was the Foundation's featured artist this year - her talent is beyond words and reveals her passion for the South Dakota landscape upon which she grew up.
As the twelve cruise finalists stood upon the stage, each given a number, Miss South Dakota, Katy Wismer, of Britton, South Dakota, drew numbers eliminating individuals one by one until only two remained, and the lucky winner was Sharon Stroschein who has been a faithful supporter of the Foundation over the years. Congratulations to all who bought the afghans not only to win the cruise, but in support of the Foundation!
And so, it was truly a fantastic and fun 'Night on the Prairie' that could not have been possible without the hard work and support of all who work for Farmers Union and Farmers Union Insurance, the insurance agents from across the state, the young people who volunteered to help, the Foundation trustees and the Board of Directors of Farmers Union. As planning begins for next year's event, which will be held in Aberdeen on February 21, 2009, goals are being set high and with the generous support of our many Farmers Union members and friends, another successful event will be enjoyed by all.
Thanks for your support and we hope to see everyone again next year!!
2008 Night on the Prarie photographs
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