MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Avera Foundation set a new annual fundraising record in the fiscal year 2024 with over $53 million.

In the past year, 20,848 benefactors generously provided 31,099 gifts. This included 8,348 employees and 4,603 new donors, as well as 3,957 benefactors who have given for five or more consecutive years.

“We are reminded daily that Avera means the world to people. Gifts from our generous supporters help make life better for those we serve, their loved ones and our caregivers,” said Dzenan Berberovic, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Avera. “Numerous facilities and programs at Avera simply wouldn’t be here if not for our benefactors.”

For example, current and recent philanthropy projects at Avera have funded important needs:

  • A new obstetrical surgical suite at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD, to enhance the labor and delivery experience for new mothers.
  • An updated women’s center and new behavioral health unit at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.
  • Expansion of hospitality housing at Kirby Place at Walsh Family Village near the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center campus in Sioux Falls, SD.
  • Construction of the new Helmsley Behavioral Health Center – a new wing added to Avera Behavioral Health Hospital in Sioux Falls to provide new services including 24/7 Behavioral Health Urgent Care, youth residential addiction care and more.
  • Renovation and addition of hospice services at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell, SD.

“Our generous supporters ensured these projects would come to life. They saw the need and wanted to help meet that need,” Berberovic said. Philanthropic dollars also completely cover Avera’s Ask the Question public service campaign to prevent suicide, now in its third year, and other patient and family assistance initiatives.

Avera’s Caring for Life Fund covers needs such as transportation costs for out-of-town patients, housing for patients, meals, adequate counseling or intervention services for families with behavioral health struggles, safe sleep systems for infants, and other just-in-time needs for patients and families.

This year’s Avera Race Against Cancer in May was also a record-setting event, with $725,000 raised and 6,700 participants. The annual race has raised a total of $11 million for the past 36 years. Proceeds go toward needs including cancer navigation services, wigs for cancer patients and more.

“We are excited about the future. Our supporters – individuals, families, foundations and organizations – are part of a lasting legacy that benefits the lives of many,” Berberovic said. “Their impact ripples into the lives of every child and adult we serve.”

Avera Foundation has been recognized by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) with the High Performer distinction for five years. Philanthropy is a key aspect of Avera’s strategic agenda because it extends the Avera mission to impact persons and communities across Avera’s 72,000-square-mile footprint in a positive way.

“The Sisters who founded Avera hospitals and nursing homes were supported by concerned community members who wanted to make a difference,” Berberovic said. “That tradition of giving continues. People want to join the Avera mission and ministry. At Avera, every dollar counts. Every gift matters – because it goes toward helping people,” Berberovic said.

Learn more at AveraFoundation.org