Make-A-Wish Northeast South Dakota Dinner and Auction Raises Over $115,000 to Grant Wishes for Children
Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana is thrilled to share the record-breaking success of its recent Northeast South Dakota Dinner and Auction, an inspiring event that raised an incredible $115,466.00 in net proceeds to help grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. This year’s success serves as a testament to the remarkable generosity of the Watertown and northeast South Dakota communities.
“The monumental support from event organizers, volunteers and attendees and the exceptional generosity of individuals and businesses in northeast South Dakota is nothing short of inspiring, bringing hope to kids and families during some of their darkest days,” said Sue Salter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana. “Thanks to this dedication, this extraordinary event has been going strong for 32 years, shining a bright light and making a significant impact on our ability to create life-changing wishes for kids when they need them most.”
Attendees at the November event heard from local wish kids and families who shared the impact of their wishes. These children, who have faced daunting medical journeys, described how their wishes—whether it was to have a swimming pool, go to Walt Disney World, or visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios—brought joy, excitement, and hope to their lives. These powerful testimonies highlighted the transformative power of a wish, inspiring attendees to rally even more passionately behind the cause.
Long-time organizers Gerry Likness and Laurie Danforth and emerging leader DeDe Gilbertson shared their gratitude to the local community. “The generosity of time, talents and treasures of those that make this event happen is unbelievable. It’s a blessing to be a part of such generosity that comes from the heart,” shared Gerry and Laurie. DeDe added, “Our community has proven they understand the importance of making wishes happen for the children in our Northeast Region, and planning has already begun for next year.”
Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Watertown and surrounding area communities, event sponsors, donors, and volunteers who contributed to this remarkable event. Your support is instrumental in creating moments of happiness, courage, and hope for children and families navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.
Looking ahead, the organization is excited to announce the next Northeast South Dakota Dinner and Auction will be held on November 7, 2025. Stay tuned for more details and opportunities to get involved in this annual celebration of hope and generosity.