On Saturday night (June 19, 2021) during the Prime Time Gala, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation presented a donation to Feeding South Dakota in the amount of $253,827.
Of the 15.4 million pounds of food that Feeding South Dakota distributes on an annual basis to all 66 counties in our state, only about 10% of that is protein. Funds raised from previous Prime Time Gala events have helped purchase and distribute over 1.1 million pounds (1,112,412) of beef for those in need across South Dakota.
Also during the Prime Time Gala, a total of $15,000 in scholarships were awarded to five students attending South Dakota schools interested in the improvement of beef production and promotion to aid in their education. This year’s scholarship winners included:
- $5,000 – Danika Gordon– Whitewood, South Dakota
- $4,000 – Matthew Bogue – Beresford, South Dakota
- $3,000 – Ryder Mortenson – Winner, South Dakota
- $2,000 – Collin Powell – Chamberlain, South Dakota
- $1,000 – Brianna Duerre – Bristol, South Dakota
That night, the Fed Cattle Challenge winners were also announced. The goal of this program is to help develop the next generation of feed yard owners and managers in our state. The Fed Cattle Challenge provided an opportunity for youth, ages 14 to 18, to learn about the science and economics of finishing cattle by participating in a cattle finishing program. The youth that were awarded included:
- $1,500 – Morgan Mackaben – Belle Fourche, South Dakota
- $1,000 – Matea Gordon– Whitewood, South Dakota
- $500 – Reese Voorhees – Onida, South Dakota
Before dinner guests departed the Little Big Town concert featuring Tyler Farr, the gala concluded with Billion Chevrolet of Sioux Falls truck raffle drawing. Exactly 1,000 tickets were sold this year for a chance to win a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Duramax Crew Cab 4WD LT. The lucky winner of the truck is Brandon Marlow of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“The South Dakota Cattlemen Foundation is completely humbled by the generosity of everyone involved in the 2021 2021 Prime Time Gala,” exclaimed Ryan Eichler, President of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation. “It was an atmosphere of genuine positivity and excitement. Gathering together after such tumultuous times in the name of giving was an unforgettable experience. The people that make up the beef industry in South Dakota can only be described as exceptional. We’d like to thank every sponsor and attendee for making the gala great. We are energized by this outpouring of support and can’t wait for June 18, 2022!”
For more information about the 9th Annual Prime Time Gala + Concert that will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, and for additional details about the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, visit http://SDCattlemensFoundation.com.
(Left to right): Ryan Eichler (South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation), Matt Gassen (Feeding South Dakota) and Todd Wilkinson (South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation).
Photo credit SD Cattlemen’s Foundation.
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