Past Programs

Since its establishment the MHCH Foundation has supported numerous activities that strengthen the lives of rural South Dakotans. These activities have ranged from educational scholarships to the hosting and sponsorship of town hall meetings, roundtable discussions, and workshops that focus on improving the quality of life and rural vitality within the Northern Plains region.

1996
Sponsorship of study aboard opportunities for young people
1999
Donations to Platte and Kimball South Dakota High School sporting facilities Sponsorship and active participation in Roundtable discussions focused on declining rural populations within the state of South Dakota. Participants consisted of key financial, agricultural, and educational stakeholders. Attendees included: Secretary of Agriculture, President of US Bank, Federal Judge, President of South Dakota Cattleman’s Association, Former Chief of Staff to Governor Janklow, etc..
2000
Sponsorship of Systems Thinking Workshop for SDSU President, Vice-President, Deans, and Invited Guests Sponsorship of Systems Thinking Workshop for Daschle's Senatorial Staff and Congress people within 5 sate area Donation of land in downtown Kimball for city park
2001
Sponsorship of Roundtable discussions regarding declining rural populations. Attendees included: SDSU Foundation Board Members, Jim Sattlerly; John Thune; etc.) Donation for start up of Enterprise Institute in connection with the SDSU foundation (an incubation for business) Donations to SDSU Rodeo Club Donation to Jack Rabbit Guarantee Scholarship fund
2002
Sponsorship of Life Skills Development and Image Consulting for Platte female High School Graduates Contributions to Rural leadership course sponsored by livestock foundation Donation to Jack Rabbit Guarantee Scholarship fund
2003
Donation to Gathering and Healing of Nations Donation to SDSU Rodeo Club Donation of playground equipment for Kimball City Park
2004
Sponsorship of Governor’s Joint Vision Award provided through state chamber Donation to Jack Rabbit Guarantee Scholarship fund Sponsorship of Roundtable discussions regarding the complexity of today’s issues facing the Dakotas. Participants consisted of key stakeholders across the regions. Participants included a total of 12 among two states: Governor John Hoeven of North Dakota, Tom Daschle (former US Senator), Representative Stephanie Herseth, Curt Hage, etc.
2005
Donation to PEW Foundation Leadership Plenty Course in central South Dakota Donation for start up and development of SDSU Women’s Equestrian Team Sponsored a Women’s Leadership session using Fifth Discipline personal mastery exercises Contributed to the Meadowlark project undertaken by NGP
2007
Sponsored the attendance of several colleagues to attend the Pegasus communications conference in Seattle—including representatives from SDREI and NGP
2008
Hosted a gathering of local and regional community leaders, with Sanford Health, to discuss rural healthcare issues in South Dakota and how the Chamberlain area could provide great healthcare for its area