Oprah's Big Give Dakota

For More Information Contact:

Kenyon Gleason
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
605-322-7953

March 17, 2008

Avera McKennan to Raise Money for Oprah's Big Give Dakota

Avera McKennan has been chosen as one of three Sioux Falls businesses to lead a month long Oprah's Big Give Dakota Logo charitable fund drive and volunteer effort sponsored by KSFY and Argus Leader Media. The drive will help expand funding for a local version of "Oprah's Big Give."

How Oprah's Big Give Dakota Started

National network ABC offered local affiliate KSFY-TV a $10,000 grant to create a version of the hit show "Oprah's Big Give." KSFY decided to work with Target, Citibank (South Dakota) and Avera McKennan to develop a plan that will multiply the initial dollar amount and create more funding to support Oprah's Big Give Dakota.

Funds Raised Will Benefit Pediatric Patients

Lauren Ellwein of Sioux Falls is a 12-year-old cancer patient who would like to help other kids just as Child Life Specialists at Mayo and Avera McKennan have helped her. “I love helping kids,” says Lauren, who aspires to be a Child Life Specialist herself. The Big Grape will raise funds to add a second Child Life Specialist at Avera Children’s, and Big Give funds will go toward this project in honor of Lauren.

Just one year ago, 14-year-old Taylor Jepsen was recovering at Avera Children’s after an automobile accident left her with many broken bones, minor head injuries and an incomplete spinal cord injury. Upon receiving a check for $50, Taylor knew how she wanted to spend her money. “I wanted to give back to a place that did so much for me,” she said. With the help of her local community of Terril, Iowa, the Jepsens created a “Pay it Forward” campaign to fill the Treasure Chest at Avera Children’s with teenage-friendly items. Big Give monies will also benefit young patients at Spencer and Estherville, Iowa. In addition, this fund will also help families with needs such as gas cards or restaurant gift certificates. “Because of the caring environment of Avera McKennan, we feel inspired to continue our relationship and find ways to give back,” said Anissa Jepsen, Taylor’s mother.

Depending on the success of the Big Give campaign, funds may also go toward the purchase of video phones for families who stay at the Walsh Family Village, at the Nano Nagle Inn, the Ronald McDonald House and Casa de Carlitos.