Active Generations opens second location
A new building to serve our growing aging population has opened, thanks in part to a very successful Community Appeals campaign. Active Generations’ “All Access” campaign raised $2,351,850, eclipsing the goal by over $900,000.
With more than 70 volunteers and strong leadership from campaign co-chairs Miles Beacom (First PREMIER Bankcard), Bill Gassen (Sanford Health) and Bob Sutton (Avera Health), the “All Access” campaign aligned perfectly with the organization’s mission and resonated well within the business community.
The rapid growth of Meals on Wheels, Daybreak services and the importance of social, mental and physical health for their members led Active Generations to pursue a second facility. The new, 30,000 square foot, east-side location near Dawley Farms opened its doors on Sept. 1, 2023.
David and Christine Billion generously contributed $1 million toward the “All Access” campaign.
Outside of Community Appeals fundraising, a significant donation from T. Denny Sanford enabled Active Generations to break ground and expedite completion.
Active Generations President and CEO Gerald Beninga said the second location is transformational for many reasons.
“This site provides expansion of essential programs and services that support a growing community that has changed demographically and is estimated to be 20% of our overall population by 2030,” Beninga said. “The expansion of facilities will support growth of social wellbeing, nutrition, adult day services, caregiver support and education, and health and wellness for all populations and those that are wishing to age in place.”
Co-chair Miles Beacom said the campaign theme was to thank and honor the people who have built the Sioux Falls we know today. “Active Generations provides the opportunity to age in place with their social engagement and wellbeing programs, the nutrition program and adult day and caregiver services. What better way to thank our citizens of yesterday!”
Those whom Co-chair Bill Gassen engaged with during the campaign were overwhelmingly supportive of Active Generations’ thoughtful plan to meet the needs of our community’s growing aging population. “They agree that as more and more people move to the Sioux Empire, there needs to be expanded access to nutritional programs, wellness opportunities and caregiver services,” Gassen said. “At some point in all our lives, we will need to rely on the help of others, and a second Active Generations location in Sioux Falls will allow more people to get the support they need.”
According to Co-chair Bob Sutton, the new Active Generations center on the east side of Sioux Falls provides much more than just a facility offering services to community residents. Improved quality of life opportunities make a difference when people make decisions about where to move and retire.
“Like healthcare access, parks and dining options, facilities like Active Generations are vital to being an attractive option for our current residents and those looking for a new community. The continued growth of the Sioux Falls area, both economically and by population, is positively impacted by Active Generations and its tremendous programming,” Sutton said.
During the celebration that formally concluded the campaign, Beacom, Beninga and Gassen recognized Sutton for his gifts of time, talent and treasure that will leave a legacy for generations to come. Subsequently, the “Bob and Lori Sutton Friendship Area” has been dedicated within the facility.
Beninga is grateful for the Chamber Community Appeals process and affirms the vetting by community leaders and ultimate approval paved the way for a successful campaign. “Our appeal allowed Active Generations the wonderful opportunity to discuss our needs, goals, programs and services to a membership that collectively strengthens our community and improves our overall wellbeing.”
