Sanford Children’s Gala Generates Nearly $1.5 Million for Pediatric Emergency Department
Nearly $1.5 million was raised earlier this month at the 2025 Children’s Gala. The money raised goes towards South Dakota’s first and only dedicated pediatric emergency department being built adjacent to the Sanford Emergency Department on the campus of the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
The David H. & Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will feature many amenities geared towards children, including lifesaving pediatric equipment such as a dedicated pediatric CT scanner, faster access to important pediatric support services, space and technology to help caregivers collaborate more effectively across specialty areas and several kid-friendly features and space filled with vibrant colors and playful murals.
“The Billion’s momentous gift last year helped us launch the pediatric emergency project, a project that will be a game-changer as we look ahead to the future of pediatric emergency care,” said Erin Sanderson, vice president of the Sanford Health Foundation. “Their gift, in addition to the funds raised at the Children’s Gala, will expedite this exciting project and get us much closer to our fundraising goal to ensure this project meets its promise of transforming pediatric health care in our region.”
The David H. & Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will open in 2026 and be home to the state’s only four fellowship trained pediatric emergency specialists, the region’s only pediatric ECMO life support program and the region’s only accredited Level II pediatric trauma center.
“Pediatric emergency medicine isn’t just about medicine,” said Mason Ruthford, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine physician at Sanford Health. “It’s about being present, being human and helping families find light in the darkest moments. That, to me, is the heart of this work.”
The pediatric emergency medicine team includes, Drs. Mason Ruthford, Lilly Yu, Donald Ellis and Megan Sampson.
To learn more about the project or to make a donation, visit Sanfordhealthfoundation.org and click ‘donate.’