Future Philanthropists Visits Humane Society

Future Philanthropists introduces youths, typically, ages 6 to 13, to at least one nonprofit organization each year as well as the idea of giving, volunteering and philanthropy in general. If participants decide to donate to the organization, the Foundation matches each gift up to $100.

Last night's donations went to both general operations of the Humane Society and to help the organization build an awning for its outdoor kennels. For more information on Future Philanthropists, please call the Foundation office at 882-3731 or
email us.
MAKING NEW FRIENDS - Several people enjoyed a tour of the Glacial Lakes Humane Society last night during the first-ever Watertown Community Foundation's Future Philanthropists' event. In the foreground, Youth Council Chairperson Katey Ulrich meets a new friend with 6-year-old Cloey Phillips.

Grants & Scholarships Awarded

Women & Giving
The 2011 Women & Giving event raised nearly $20,000. Women designated a total of $5,740 for the Women & Giving Endowment. There was $2,579.27 remaining from last year's granting dollars, so the total available for granting this year was an impressive $16,522.96.

The Women & Giving Steering Committee awarded the following grants:
Interlakes Community Action - Smile Mobile ..........................$1,250
Kiwanis Coats for Kids ............................................................$500
LATI Educare .........................................................................$500
Lake Area Zoological Society Girls Rule .................................$3,000
Elementary Schools' Social Worker ...........................................$750
PACH (People Against Child Hunger).....................................$1,000
Volunteers of America - Dakotas ...........................................$1,000
Watertown Area Special Olympics .........................................$1,000
Watertown Police Dept. Explorers ..........................................$2,000
Watertown Regional Library......................................................$500
Watertown Resource Center ..................................................$1,000
"Needy Fund" Watertown High School .....................................$500
LATI Scholarships:
Krystal Weber ......................................................................$1,000
Michelle Sterry .....................................................................$1,000 LATI Scholarship
2011 Fall LATI Scholarships (set aside)..................................$2,000

The Women & Giving Endowment Fund now has just over $10,000 so it will begin distributing earnings for 2012 grantmaking. All of the above grants and scholarships will no doubt help Women & Giving fulfill its mission: To help women and children in the community overcome barriers, increase their opportunities and achieve their goals. Thank you Women & Giving!

Sprucing Up Landscaping Gets Makeover at the Mellette House

The south and east landscaping at the Mellette House is being revitalized thanks to a grant from the Foundation. Thank you donors.

Sioux Valley Nursery and the Mellette Memorial Association worked together to select plants that were attractive and appropriate for the historic house and which require little maintenance. Lake City Tree Service also trimmed trees.

Take the opportunity this summer to visit the Mellette House. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. through September.

Shelter Welcomes Helping Hands & Hearts

The first nonprofit organization to be featured in the Future Philanthropist Program is the Glacial Lakes Humane Society of Watertown.

Currently, the animal shelter is home to 25 dogs and 50 cats. The shelter is always looking for volunteers to help with walking dogs, feeding, bathing, etc. The Humane Society's current wish list includes a shade cover for the big kennels outside.

Future Philanthropists will see and hear first hand how the shelter works on a tour this summer. Participants will get the opportunity to help this nonprofit organization that serves so many animals in need.

Future Philanthropists Wants You

Future Philanthropists introduces children, typically ages 6 to 13, to at least one local nonprofit organization each year as well as the idea of giving, volunteering and philanthropy in general. Familes will get a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about the specified organization and get the opportunity to help that nonprofit.

The program is a win-win as parents and/or grandparents teach their children/grandchildren about organizations and the importance of giving while the nonprofits gain new friends as well as dollars for their efforts. The Watertown Community Foundation will match each family's gift up to $100 for the organization.

If you would like to sign up for Future Philanthropists or would like more information, please call the Foundation office at 882-3731 or email: assistant@watertowncommunityfoundation.org

Fun at the Zoo

DESIGN TIME - Watertown Community Foundation Youth Council member Alexa Moeller paints a special picture on the wrist of Grace Highbear of Watertown during the annual Free Day at Bramble Park Zoo sponsored by the Youth Council. More than 800 people attended the event which included informational programs on conservation as well as various species at the zoo.

Girls Share Service Projects

FURRY FRIEND - Here Girls Rule participant, Kenedy, shares information about guinea pigs with Jan Johnson of the Watertown Community Foundation Women & Giving group. This year was the third consecutive year that Women & Giving supported the Roots & Shoots program for 16 local girls at Bramble Park Zoo. The girls shared this year's projects at their last session for the year. The projects ranged from dogs, the Humane Society, Jenkins Living Center and cats to turtles. Women & Giving and Watertown Area Transit provided transit tickets to the girls so they can continue their projects this summer.

May Grants at a Glance

At this month's Foundation Board meeting, the following grants were awarded:
$2,000 to Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation to support the purchase of yellow roses. The roses are for Yellow Rose Week which raises funds for the Suzanne B. Jacobson Memorial Fund which awards grants to people with life-threatening illnesses.
$500 to support a fundraiser this summer for the Mellette House and Town Players. The event will include the comedy
play, "Fully Committed," and desserts by Bill Zubke.
In other business, Dave Weigel, representing the local PACH (People Against Child Hunger) spoke to the Board. Weigel said the pilot project, which sent nearly 100 backpacks of food home with various students each weekend through April and May, went well and thanked the Foundation for its support. Plans for the 2011-12 school year are under way.

Meet the Governor

LATI GOVERNOR'S LUNCHEON - The Watertown Community Foundation was the major underwriter of the annual Lake Area Technical Institute Governor's Luncheon which raises dollars for LATI scholarships. Pictured at the event, held earlier this week, are from left, Tom Paulson, LATI Foundation executive director; South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, keynote speaker; and Jan DeBerg Watertown Community Foundation executve director. Laurie Benson, WCF Board member, also spoke at the event.

Women Gather and Give At Annual Foundation Event

GREAT DAY - Enjoying the annual Women & Giving event are from left, Ann Sigelman, a former Foundation Board member who helped implement the local Women & Giving program; Ruth Hayden, financial consultant, educator and author who gave the keynote address: 'Women & Giving;' and Prudy Calvin, sponsor of the event. About 100 women enjoyed Hayden's presentation which was funded through the Paul & Ann Sigelman Fund.


EVENT SPEAKERS - Approximately $18,000 was raised as a result of the annual Women & Giving event. The gifts will be used to benefit local women and children. From left are event speakers, Staci Smunk, 2010 Women & Giving scholarship recipient; Laurie Benson, Foundation Board member who was mistress of ceremonies; and Paula Davis, a 2010 Women & Giving grant recipient as an elementary school social worker.

Help choose this year's Celebrate! Award nominees.

Volunteers are building a better community. It may be a Habitat for Humanity house that needs building, workers at Special Olympics sporting events, helpers for American Cancer Daffodil Days or Relay for Life, Senior Olympics, Prairie Lakes Hospital and Hospice or many, many other agencies in the community needing help, there you will find a volunteer.

Help us celebrate extraordinary deeds performed by ordinary people by nominating someone you know for this truly magnificent honor and recognition.

The Watertown Community Foundation is proud to sponsor the 4th annual Celebrate! Award. This award will honor an outstanding community service adult volunteer and youth volunteer, nominated by you and chosen by a committee of Watertown community leaders.

Please make your nominations by Friday, May 27. The winners will be announced on June 28, 2011, at the Watertown Volunteer Center annual fundraiser "Hors d' oeuvre Extravaganza" at County Fair Banquet Hall and the adult winner will earn the right to designate a $1,500 grant to a local charity of their choice,* and the youth winner will earn the right to designate a $500 grant to a local charity of their choice*.

Now that's worth a standing ovation!

*Grant award subject to verification of designated charity's nonprofit status and approval by the Watertown Community Foundation Board.
Please submit your nominations on an 8 1/2 x11 piece of paper and include the nominee's name and contact information as well as your own.


ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA: Nominees must reside in the Watertown area and must have a demonstrated track record of community service in Watertown. In-kind or compensated service is not eligible. Elected officials and paid staff of community service agencies and organizations are not eligible. One nominee per submission, one submission per person.
Submit them to: Watertown Community Foundation
PO Box 116
Watertown, SD 57201
or Fax: 753-5731

April Grants at a Glance

At this month's Foundation Board meeting, the following grants were awarded:
$2,898 to Watertown Area Transit to purchase new computer equipment for their office.
$550 to the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. This grant will help fund a recognition event set for October in Watertown.
$2,500 to support costs of conducting the SD Afterschool Partnership survey project coordinated by SD Voices for Children.
$2,000 to support marketing and advertising for the upcoming Thursday Night Live season.

View Our New Commercial

Watch for our new commercial during the Twins games this spring!

Youth Council Teams Up with Zoo for Saturday

ROOTS & SHOOTS GROUP - Here, instructor Barb Struwe and some Roots & Shoots members take a moment to enjoy and learn about the variety of flowers and plants at the Bramble Park Zoo. Interested youths will get the chance to sign up for Roots & Shoots at the annual free day this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the zoo.


This Saturday proves to be fun for all ages. The Watertown Community Foundation Youth Council is again sponsoring the annual Youth Council Free Day at the Bramble Park Zoo. Admission is free for all ages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are welcome to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to a local food pantry.

In addition to viewing the exhibits, you will have the opportunity to participate in several Roots & Shoots activities/programs, including: African Animal Encounters, a Dr. Seuss movie, Migratory Birds, biography of Dr. Jane Goodall, Benefits of Composting, Animal Enrichment Projects, Recycling 101, turtle races, reusable bag campaign and signing up for the Roots & Shoots program.

Thank you Youth Council and thank you donors.

Effort Feeds Families

Backpacks Get More Than Books
The Watertown area PACH (People Against Child Hunger) Program works with school staff to provide complimentary snacks and meals to students who may need an additional food resource over weekends during the school year.
The local program began this month with roughly 90 meals being packed on Thursday evenings and distributed to Watertown students each Friday.

The pilot project will proceed through this school year. This fall PACH plans to resume for the entire 2011-2012 school year.
The Watertown Community Foundation contributed $3,000 to the pilot project. Thank you donors!


HELPING THE HUNGRY - A new program, PACH (People Against Child Hunger) in Watertown aims to help families who run short of food on the weekends. From left are PACH volunteers, Stephanie Schaefer, Dave Weigel, Becky Schaible, Julie Gonsor, Sue Luken, Linda Fiebelkorn, Wayne Fiebelkorn, Ellie Vilhauer, and Dr. Robert Packard.

March Grants At A Glance

At this month's Foundation Board meeting, the following grants were awarded:
$7,500 to sponsor the annual LATI Governor's Luncheon.
$2,000 to the Benedictine Multicultural
Center to fund cell phone service for interpreters and advocates.
$6,750 to the Urban Renewal District to purchase bike racks for uptown Watertown.
$770 to support the Youth in Harmony program organized by Glacial Lakes Harmonizers.
$20,000 to purchase supplies and equipment at Joy Ranch.
$4,250 to build outdoor shelters for the animals at the Glacial Lakes Humane Society and Shelter.
$1,200 to Watertown Area Transit to purchase electronic equipment to be used in the Trolleys to provide on-going promotion of local historic sites.
$550 to support a local fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness - SD.

Youth Council Awards Grants

Youth Council members announce the following grants.
$500 to the Post Prom Party.
$842 to the Boys & Girls Club to purchase a multimedia projector.
$1,700 to the Salvation Army to purchase school supplies for students in need.
$500 to Watertown Area Special Olympics to purchase equipment and supplies.
$1,500 to the Lake Area Zoological Society to sponsor the WCF Youth Council Free Day at the Bramble Park Zoo.
$1,500 to Joy Ranch to purchase safety and first aid supplies.
$500 to the Watertown Area Soccer Association to purchase equipment and make repairs.

Unity & Diversity

People of All Ages Enjoy Two-Day Event

PROMOTING PEACE - Here Jacob Clark, WCF Youth Council member, addresses people who attended the Unity & Diversity event last week. Previously, Clark had written an essay about
peace and won the opportunity to attend the national peace convention. He shared his experience and what he had learned during his presentation "Understanding Compassion from Peace Promotion." Other activities during Unity & Diversity, held at the Redlin Art Center, included music, cultural presentations, inspirational stories and ethnic food. The Watertown Community Foundation was one of the event's sponsors.

Workshop Helps Students Make Tough Decisions

CHOICES - Here Ray Lozano works with a teen on stage to teach 127 youths about the effects of alcohol. Lozano was the keynote speaker at the Northeastern Prevention Resource Center Youth Conference last week in Watertown. Seventh- through 12th-graders attended the event which included seven workshops focusing on stress management, healthy relationships, the myths of marijuana, personality, alcohol prevention, safe driving and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Students came from Watertown, Tiospa Zina, Enemy Swim Day, Sisseton, Castlewood, Redfield and Tea. The Watertown Community Foundation granted $5,800 to support the event.

February Grants Awarded

At this month's Foundation Board meeting, the following grants were awarded:

$3,150 for landscaping at the Mellette House.

$3,000 to the Watertown Area PACH program to purchase food for students who may need an extra food resource over the weekends.

$1,469 to repair the air handler motor on the air conditioning unit purchase a new door at the Senior Citizens Center.

$1,500 to support two youth productions at Town Players this summer.