Avera Foundation

01/07/2026

ISO the very best desserts for the Avera Queen of Peace “A Night in Italy” Dessert Dash! 🍰✨

Do you know a talented baker with a knack for creating amazing desserts? We’re looking for dessert donations for this year’s gala, happening January 23, 2026, in Mitchell.

If you’d like to donate a dessert of your choice (homemade or purchased), please contact specialevents@avera.org or call 605-995-5773.

Your sweet contribution will help make this event unforgettable! ❤️

01/05/2026

Today, we honor longtime board member and co-chair of our historic Tomorrow’s Promise: The Campaign for Women and Children, Randy Knecht, as he begins retirement after more than 31 years of leadership with Journey Group and its predecessor organization, including serving as CEO.

Randy’s gentle leadership and passion for our ministry and community have made a lasting impact. We are thankful he will continue serving our organization as a member of the Avera McKennan Board of Directors and as co-chair of our campaign. Read more about Randy’s legacy and the difference he has made here:

"Think about the impact you’re leaving after the project is complete.” As this longtime CEO retires, his legacy exists across the Sioux Falls skyline and beyond.

01/02/2026

We hope you'll join us for the Avera Queen of Peace Gala on Friday, January 23rd. Purchase your tickets now by visiting Avera.org/QOPGala

By donating to the Avera Foundation, you support lifesaving services while making a difference in your community.

12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Linda and Alan Hartman are challenging friends of Avera to think about the impact health care has had on their loved ones — and to give back in gratitude.

Will you join us with a gift before the year ends? Every amount helps bring comfort to families, peace to those in need and hope to our neighbors.

https://www.averafoundationevents.org/donate-with-search

12/30/2025

✨⏳ The end of the year is almost here — which means the Avera Queen of Peace Gala is less than a month away! ✨

📅 Date: January 23, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CST
📍Location: Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, SD

If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, now is the time! 🎟️: https://donate.averafoundation.org/event/queen-of-peace-gala/e729793

Join us for an unforgettable evening supporting an incredible cause. 💙
Don’t wait — tickets are going fast, and you won’t want to miss this year’s celebration!

12/30/2025

Attention Year-End Donors!

New USPS postmark rules could affect whether your mailed gift counts for 2025 taxes.

✅ What changed?
Postmarks now happen at regional distribution centers—not local drop-off points. This means if you mail a check on Dec. 31, it might not get a 2025 postmark.

✅ What to do:
Mail ASAP!
Visit the post office and request a manual postmark or buy postage from a clerk.
Consider online giving for instant confirmation.

Whether you give to us or another amazing nonprofit, these tips help ensure your generosity counts in 2025!

12/25/2025

This holiday, we celebrate the hope, light and love at the heart of our mission. ✨ We're grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities and care for the mind, body and spirit. May the peace of the Lord be with you and your loved ones today.

12/23/2025

Share your light with others today!

To ensure your gift makes a difference before year-end, mail your gift right away. Or consider making an online donation to avoid mail and weather delays so your gift counts this year!

Thank you for supporting patients, residents and families feel cared for, supported and loved this holiday season.

Click here to make your gift: https://www.averafoundationevents.org/donate-with-search

Merry Christmas!

12/23/2025

🎁 Still searching for the perfect last‑minute gift?

Treat that hard‑to‑buy‑for person on your list to an unforgettable evening at the Avera Queen of Peace Gala: A Night in Italy! ✨

It’s more than an event—it’s a gift that makes a difference. Every ticket, every bid, every moment of support helps fund the Impact Fund at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, bringing hope, healing, and compassionate care to patients and families in our community.

📅 January 23, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CST
📍 Highland Conference Center – Mitchell, SD

🎟️ Learn more & reserve tickets:
https://donate.averafoundation.org/event/queen-of-peace-gala/e729793

Give a gift that warms the heart and creates lasting impact.

12/22/2025

Gratitude is the story we write together. This holiday season, your gift through Avera is so much more than a donation — it’s a lifeline.

Your generosity offers comfort and strength to real people in our communities.

For the mother beside her newborn in the NICU. For the family seeking answers for an extended illness. For the cancer patient walking into treatment.

Join us in writing the next story of healing and hope!

https://www.averafoundationevents.org/donate-with-search

12/18/2025

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH DECEMBER 19!

Don’t miss your chance to save on the Avera Queen of Peace Gala – A Night in Italy! Join us for an enchanting evening that will transport you straight to Italy. ✨

📅 Date: January 23, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CST
📍Location: Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, SD

Secure your Early Bird Package before it’s gone—December 19 is the final day! https://donate.averafoundation.org/.../queen-of.../e729793

12/16/2025

We are incredibly proud to recognize Addison, a senior at McCook Central High School in Salem, for raising $4,101 to support local breast cancer patients through a senior project she was assigned at school.

Breast cancer has been part of Addison’s life for as long as she can remember, with her mom serving in Avera’s Breast Program for longer than she’s been alive. When it came time to choose a senior project, Addison knew she wanted to make a meaningful difference close to home.

We were honored to support Addison as she developed her fundraising ideas and even more honored to receive the funds she raised during her final presentation. Addison’s compassion and commitment to her community is truly inspiring!