You're invited to join South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation for the 10th annual Dakota Prairie Open golf tournament June 19, 2012, at Lakeview Golf Course in Mitchell. It'll be a great time to connect with old friends or meet new ones while playing on a beautiful course. You'll have the chance to win prizes, including a $25,000 prize for a hole in one. It will be a four-person, best-ball format with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start.

The deadline to apply for the 5th annual 'Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow' scholarship program is APRIL 15, 2012. Applications MUST be postmarked by April 15 to be eligible. A total of $25,000 in scholarships will be shared by 25 young people from across the state. To learn more about the scholarship program and to find the downloadable application form CLICK HERE.

The South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation’s signature fundraising event, ‘A Night on the Prairie,’ held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Huron Event Center, raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the youth education and leadership programs of the South Dakota Farmers Union. “We're supporting the next generation of leaders in South Dakota, and the funds raised at this event will have a major impact on the future of our state,” said South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “So many people gave so generously, and the funds will ensure that the education and leadership programs the Foundation supports will continue build our future leaders who will have an impact on their local communities.” About 150 people attended the 7th annual ‘A Night on the Prairie’ event. They played games and won prizes while also participating in silent and live auctions. The proceeds from the event support Farmers Union summer youth camps which teach the next generation about the power and importance of cooperatives and agriculture, along with other life skills that they’ll use far into the future; the Rural Economics and Leadership (REAL) Development Program which teaches leadership, public speaking, and other skills to adults; the Junior REAL Program which brings leadership and financial training to high school juniors and seniors in rural South Dakota; and the ‘Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow’ Scholarship Program which has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in South Dakota over the past four years. Kathy Sigle, of Spearfish, was the featured artist. She donated a painting called As Good as Gold which was auctioned off during the event. Chris Studer, of Huron, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Ben Meyer was the auctioneer, and reigning Miss South Dakota Anna Simpson, of Rapid City, was also an honored guest at the event.

The seventh annual 'A Night on the Prairie' celebration and fundraiser will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Huron Event Center. Kathy Sigle, of Spearfish, is the featured artist. Her original art will be auctioned off, along with commemorative pieces that will be part of a grand prize vacation drawing. It's the signature fundraiser benefiting the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. The Foundation supports the many youth and adult education programs of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Each year, dozens of donors and sponsors make the event possible. If you're interested in donating an item for auction or sponsoring the event contact SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow at 605-940-9070 or lrupiper@sdfu.org Tickets for the event are $50 per guest and seating is limited. To reserve your ticket contact Angela at 605-352-6761 ext. 111 or atarasoff@sdfu.org

Farmers Union Insurance, in cooperation with the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation, is proud to renew its commitment to the “Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow” scholarship program for 2012. For the fifth straight year, $25,000 in scholarships will be awarded to South Dakota high school seniors. Twenty-five high school seniors from across the state who plan to continue post-secondary education at a college, university, or technical school in the state of South Dakota will each receive $1,000. DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE detailing the scholarship program. The scholarships are funded with support from Farmers Union Insurance agents in South Dakota and the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. The application deadline is April 15, 2012. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the applicant’s academic records, school and community involvement, and financial need. The applicant will also be required to submit a written essay entitled, “How do you hope to impact a Brighter Tomorrow in South Dakota?” Applicants Must Meet One of the Following Requirements: • South Dakota high school senior whose parent or parents are current policyholders of Farmers Union Insurance • Member of South Dakota Farmers Union • A “Friend of the Farmers Union Foundation” (Defined as those who have contributed $25 or more to the Foundation in the past year) • Participant in any South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) sanctioned event Applicants Must: • Complete Application Form (Available from school counselors, local Farmers Union Insurance Agents, or fill out the Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Application and mail it to the address below) • Provide Copy of High School Transcript and ACT/SAT Score • Provide a Letter of Recommendation • Submit Written Essay (Less than 500 Words) • Provide Billfold Sized Portrait Picture APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2012 (Postmark Date) DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM HERE Return Materials to: Farmers Union Insurance Attn: Wayne Bartscher P.O. Box 1388 Huron, SD 57350 For more information call Farmers Union Insurance: 1-800-933-2841.

[caption id="attachment_612" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Back Row (left to right): SDFU Foundation Exec. Dir. Leslie Rupiper Morrow; Tess Wentworth, Stickney; Courtney Storm, Ethan; Mark Sperry, Bath; Landon Kuecker, Webster; Cassie Clement, Redfield; Farmers Union Insurance Regional Manager Wayne Bartscher. Front Row: Kelsey Schmidt, Woonsocket; Paige Hermanson, Sturgis; Natasha Hauge, White Lake; and Gina Dethlefsen, Stickney. "][/caption] The South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance honored several of the 26 recipients of the 2011 'Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow' scholarship program. Each of the 26 2011 high school graduates received a $1,000 scholarship. For the fourth straight year, the Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance partnered to make the scholarships available. They're funded by Farmers Union Insurance agents from across the state of South Dakota. The recipients were chosen on the basis of academic and community achievement, financial need, and based on their essay about how they will 'Insure a Brighter Tomorrow' in South Dakota.

[caption id="attachment_602" align="alignleft" width="387" caption="Rural Dakota Pride recipients pictured from left to right: Cheryl Wasland, Ruth Anne Farnsworth, James Major, and Deb Schroeder. Not pictured: Tori Simon"][/caption] Five outstanding South Dakotans were honored Saturday, Sept. 3, with the 2011 Rural Dakota Pride Awards from the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation. A ceremony was held on the Freedom Stage during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. The Rural Dakota Pride Award program was established through the SDFU Foundation four years ago with the awards designed to recognize individuals who have made a difference through volunteer efforts in their local communities.  The recipients were among several who were nominated from across the state of South Dakota. The recipients of the 2011 awards were Deb Schroeder of Doland, S.D., James Major of Wessington, S.D., Ruth Anne Farnsworth of Carter, S.D., and Tori Simon and Cheryl Wasland of Watertown, S.D. Deb Schroeder, who works for Farmers Union Insurance in the Boyd Agency, has volunteered countless hours in her community to make it a better place to live. In 2003, Schroeder became one of the founding members of the Doland Pride Committee.  The group carries out community service projects with the help of local school children. She has helped the committee paint store fronts on Main Street in Doland, clean up the local park and cemetery, landscape areas around town and put murals on vacant buildings. Deb continues her community service projects through Doland Women in Action which sponsors the local Snow Queen contest and other beautification projects. She is a founding member of the Doland Area Wellness Center and was instrumental in its opening in 2007. Deb is the long-time organist for Doland United Methodist Church where she also sings in the community choir and works with the church’s youth. “We appreciate all that Deb has done to improve her community and to make life better for her neighbors,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “It’s because of people like her that make South Dakota such a great place to live and work. We’re so thankful that our communities have people like Deb to make a difference every day.” Tori Simon and Cheryl Wasland co-founded Codington County Cares (CCC), a group that raises money for people diagnosed with cancer in the Watertown area. Simon, who is a cancer survivor, teamed up with Wasland, a chemotherapy nurse, to help support people financially who are battling cancer and have helped several people with expenses during cancer treatment. At the age of 25, Tori Simon was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. During this difficult time, Cheryl Wasland served as Tori’s chemo nurse. In their time together, these Watertown women began to discuss the financial issues that often arise when people are fighting for their lives. Tori felt fortunate that she had the support of friends and family, but she knew others weren’t so lucky. As a result, the two co-founded Codington County Cares (CCC). In May of 2007, CCC wrote the first check to help someone in their fight with cancer. The money was used to purchase a gas card to allow the patient to travel to chemotherapy treatments.  Since that time, they have built the non-profit organization into a very important funding resource for those with cancer who are facing an urgent need. All of the money raised stays in Codington County. Tori has been cancer-free for five years. She and Cheryl continue to work tirelessly to grow their organization so they can offer hope to even more people battling cancer in Codington County.  “These women used their personal experiences to fill a need in their community and have made a dramatic impact in the process,” said Rupiper Morrow. “Their passionate efforts offer support to people during what is often the most difficult time of their lives. We appreciate all these incredible women have done for people in their community.” Ruth Anne Farnsworth has helped run their family’s cow/calf operation near Carter for 45 years. She and her husband, Bob, raised two daughters and have six grandchildren. Ruth Anne has been with South Dakota Cattlewomen since she was 18 years old and is serving as President for the second time. She has been very involved with the Beef Ambassador program and for 8 years traveled the state talking to 4^th graders through the “Ag in the Classroom” project. Through the years, she has also served as a 4-H judge and says she likes to see young people “step up” and she encourages them to run with their ideas. For 16 years, Ruth Anne worked as a school cook. She is active in Carter Gospel Fellowship Church and has volunteered with Relay for Life. “Ruth Anne knows how important the future generation is to South Dakota’s rural community and that’s what drives her dedication to volunteerism,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “No matter how she’s volunteering, Ruth Anne says she likes to spur young people to action - to encourage them to be creative and follow through with their ideas. She’s looking out for the future of rural South Dakota, and she is a blessing to her community and to the entire state.”   James Major is a faithful member of the Wessington First Presbyterian Church where he speaks from the pulpit, leads singing and teaches Sunday School. He has been involved in the American Legion for many years, serving as Americanism Chairman, encouraging young people to get involved in youth programs. He’s been the Legion Finance Officer for the past 25 years. Jim also acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. He’s also a board member for the Wessington Heritage Society and also helps with the Wessington Economic Development Corporation. Jim is active in Wessington’s Community Club and is also a member of the Masonic Lodge.    James Major is a faithful member of the Wessington First Presbyterian Church where he speaks from the pulpit, leads singing and teaches Sunday School. He has been involved in the American Legion for many years, serving as Americanism Chairman, encouraging young people to get involved in youth programs. He’s been the Legion Finance Officer for the past 25 years. Jim also acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. As a Board Member for the Wessington Heritage Society, Jim is giving people in his community the opportunity to learn more about the history of their town through the recent development of a local museum. He’s also looking out for the town’s future through his work with the Wessington Economic Development Corporation. Jim is active in Wessington’s Community Club and is also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is married to Ruth Ann Wright and they have two sons: Justin and Preston.   “Jim’s devotion to his family, his faith and his community is evident through the tireless hours he’s spent volunteering,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “His commitment and leadership have helped make South Dakota a great place to live. We appreciate all that Jim has done to improve his community.”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Dust off those golf clubs and make plans to attend the 9th annual 'Dakota Prairie Open' golf tournament to benefit the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. The tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at the Spring Creek Country Club  in Harrisburg, S.D. We'll have a four person 'best ball' tournament with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m.      It'll be a fun filled day with rolls, coffee and juice during registration, a beverage cart throughout the day, and a complimentary lunch and awards/prizes presentation following golf in the clubhouse. Please download this REGISTRATION FORM, print it, and either mail or fax it in (information included on registration form). Registration fees are $75 per golfer ($300/team) and can be mailed in prior to the tournament or you can pay at the clubhouse. We're so excited about this year's event and we hope that you'll partner with us to help raise the funds that support the many youth and adult education programs of the South Dakota Farmers Union!

The deadline to apply for the 2011 'Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow' scholarship program is April 15, 2011. For the fourth straight year Farmers Union Insurance, in cooperation with the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation, is offering $25,000 in scholarships to eligible South Dakota high school seniors. Twenty-five high school seniors from across the state who plan to continue post-secondary education at a college, university, or technical school in the state of South Dakota will each receive $1,000.  The scholarships are funded with support from Farmers Union Insurance agents in South Dakota and the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the applicant’s academic records, school and community involvement, and financial need. The applicant will also be required to submit a written essay entitled, “How do you hope to impact a Brighter Tomorrow in South Dakota?”  Applicants Must Meet One of the Following Requirements:

• South Dakota high school senior whose parent or parents are current policyholders of Farmers Union Insurance
• Member of South Dakota Farmers Union
• A “Friend of the Farmers Union Foundation” (Defined as those who have contributed $25 or more to the Foundation in the past year)
• Participant in any South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) sanctioned event 

Applicants Must:

• Complete Application Form (Available from school counselors, local Farmers Union Insurance Agents, or at www.sdfufoundation.org )
• Provide Copy of High School Transcript and ACT/SAT Score
• Provide a Letter of Recommendation
• Submit Written Essay (Less than 500 Words)
• Provide Billfold Sized Portrait Picture

 APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2011 (Postmark Date)  Return Materials to:    Farmers Union Insurance                                                Attn: Wayne Bartscher                                                P.O. Box 1388                                                Huron, SD 57350 For more information call Farmers Union Insurance: 1-800-933-2841. Click to download the Insuring A Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Application Form Click to download the Insuring A Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Brochure