Speaker: David Flicek, Avera COO
Friend of the Foundation Award Winner: Dr. Dennis Epp
Pianist: Chauni Glanzer
Photography: Lindsey Unruh Photography

Take a look back at the evening here:

“We want to honor the people, the stories, and the moments that shaped healthcare in our community,” said Tabitha Schoenwald, FRHS Foundation Director. “The community played an essential role in establishing both the hospital and the Salem Mennonite Home, and their photos will help us bring this history to life.”

The 2026 gala will highlight the nearly 75-year history of the Freeman Community Hospital, founded through extraordinary community support, volunteerism, and generosity. The event will also honor the longstanding legacy of Freeman Regional Assisted Living (formerly Salem Mennonite Home), which has provided compassionate care in the region for more than 77 years.

To help showcase and preserve this shared history, FRHS is requesting historic photos, documents, and memorabilia from current and former employees, families, and community members. These items will be featured in a special video and event display during the gala.

“Healthcare in Freeman has always been a community effort,” said Courtney Unruh, FRHS CEO. “As we honor nearly 75 years of our hospital and the decades of service provided through the Salem Mennonite Home, we invite everyone to help us preserve this history.”

Freeman Regional is seeking items that may include:

• Early hospital or Salem Home photos
• Employee portraits or department photos
• Construction or renovation images
• Community fundraising or volunteer events
• Long-term care memories
• Any historical snapshots connected to local healthcare

How to Submit Items

Community members may email digital photos or drop off printed photos to be scanned. All originals will be handled with care and promptly returned.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Items may be submitted to:
Tabitha Schoenwald
510 E 8^th Street, Freeman
605-925-4000
tabitha.schoenwald@freemanregional.com

We are excited to announce that the FRHS Foundation is hosting its 15th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 13th with a 10am start time at Valley View Golf Course, Freeman, SD. 

This year’s event promises to be a great day of food, fun, golf and most importantly, supporting a great cause. We ask for your support as we raise funds to continue providing exceptional healthcare services to the communities we serve.

We would be honored if you would consider playing in the tournament or sponsoring this event. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of our patients, residents and their families. As a sponsor, your organization will receive recognition in various ways, including on social media and at the event. And as a golfer, you will enjoy a fun-filled day on the course, complete with food, drinks, prizes and some really nice FRHS swag!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Registration, sponsorship and more details can be found by clicking here!

Thank you for your consideration, and we hope to see you on the green on June 13th!

Tabitha Schoenwald
Foundation & Marketing Director

Attendees were treated to an evening featuring a delicious meal, live music, and an inspiring speech from award-winning speaker V.J. Smith. The evening also featured the announcement of the second-ever Friend of the Foundation award. This year’s recipient was Merchants State Bank, a steadfast partner of Freeman Regional Health Services and the Foundation.

Founded in 1899, Merchants State Bank has been a cornerstone of Freeman for over a century. Their enduring legacy is not only defined by their banking services but by their commitment to supporting the people and organizations that make the community thrive. For more than 120 years, they’ve gone above and beyond by offering leadership, resources, and a deep dedication to improving the health and well-being of those in the region. Their active involvement in our efforts is clear through their participation on the Foundation’s advisory council and FRHS board of directors.

At the gala, Merchants State Bank continued their extraordinary commitment to the Foundation’s mission by offering a $5,000 match for the bingo game, effectively doubling the contributions made by attendees. Their generosity further underscores the spirit of collaboration and community that defines the success of the event.

“We are incredibly grateful to Merchants State Bank for their unwavering support throughout the years,” said Tabitha Schoenwald, Director of the Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation. “Their ongoing partnership has been instrumental in the success of our fundraising efforts, and their continued involvement ensures we are able to enhance healthcare for generations to come.”

The funds raised at this year’s gala will go directly to the Strengthening Care Endowment, to support the continuing education and professional development of our most valuable asset: our team.

For healthcare workers, the opportunity to pursue additional training and education fosters professional growth, enhances job satisfaction, and ensures that our team remains equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet the unique needs of rural healthcare. Freeman Regional relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of its team to provide exceptional care to the communities we serve. By investing in the ongoing education of our staff, we are directly strengthening the quality of care we offer to our patients and residents.

The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all who attended, sponsored, and contributed to the event, making it a resounding success. With the community’s continued support, Freeman Regional Health Services looks forward to making even greater strides in ensuring the health and well-being of the region for years to come.

Thank you to these generous sponsors and in-kind donors.
The gala would not be possible without your support!

Thank you to Lindsey Unruh Photography for capturing these images of another successful gala!

Special guest V.J. Smith, will inspire attendees with a motivational message. In addition, guests will enjoy live music from Amber Hopkins, as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres and a selection of beer and wine throughout the evening.

There are opportunities to support the event in meaningful ways, including sponsorships and in-kind donations. Sponsorships offer local businesses and individuals the chance to be recognized for their commitment to strengthening rural healthcare, while in-kind donations are welcomed for the live and silent auctions, which will feature an array of exciting items and experiences. Contributions to the auction are a great way for donors to make a direct impact while supporting the event’s success.

The Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation encourages the community to participate and support the mission to strengthen healthcare for all. By attending, sponsoring, or donating, you are helping provide vital educational resources to Freeman’s healthcare professionals, ensuring they remain leaders in patient care for the communities Freeman Regional serves.

Tickets for the 14th Annual Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation Gala are available now. For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, or to make an in-kind donation to the auction, please visit www.givebutter.com/ruralstrength

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM
Location: Freeman Community Center, Freeman, SD

Henry told us his procedure was painless and he was so happy with his care. Mary said she was referred on for further scans because the 3D equipment found some irregular cells, fortunately, everything is ok. Steve shared that the outcome could have been much worse, if the new CT hadn’t detected the buildup in his heart. 

Dear Supporter,

These patient outcomes show how lives have been impacted by the incredible strides Freeman Regional Health Services has made to improve services and quality of care. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we have successfully completed several notable projects, that help us provide exceptional healthcare to the rural communities we serve. Some of the major improvements at Freeman Regional include:

• October 2022: 3D Mammography
  Advanced technology offering improved imaging for earlier detection of breast cancer.
• November 2023: Computed Tomography (CT)
  CT room expanded to accommodate new state-of-the-art equipment, providing advanced diagnostic capabilities, enhanced detection and a wider range of diagnostic procedures.
• April 2024: Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
  Expanded services to include DEXA scans to diagnose and monitor bone health concerns.
• September 2024: Surgical Equipment
  Upgraded surgical equipment ensuring the latest technology for the best patient outcomes.
• October 2024: Endoscope
  Purchased an additional scope, to accommodate patients more efficiently, ensuring timely procedures.

We have fundraised to directly support these projects, and the success of those efforts demonstrates our community’s commitment to local healthcare. Together, we’ve raised vital funds, making a profound impact on patient and resident lives. Thank you!

The need for quality healthcare in our rural area continues to grow. Our distance from larger healthcare facilities makes it crucial that we provide comprehensive and convenient services right here at home. Your contributions are more than donations; they are an investment in the health and well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors.

We invite you to join us in making a difference through a year-end donation. Every gift, no matter the size, is an investment to help Freeman Regional continue to expand services and improve the care we offer. Together, we will ensure that the communities we serve have access to the quality healthcare we all deserve, for years to come!

Thank you for your continued support, we are Strengthening Rural Healthcare Together! 

Sincerely,

Tabitha Schoenwald, Foundation & Marketing Director
Courtney Unruh, CEO/Administrator

If you would like to make an in-person donation, you may do so at:
FRHS Assisted Living – 106 W 7th St., Freeman, SD
FRHS Business Office – 510 E 8th St., Freeman, SD

This anticipated annual event promises a memorable night with live music, a captivating speaker, personal impact story, and delicious food complimented by a variety of drink selections. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of items in both live and silent auctions, with proceeds directly benefiting the Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation and its goal of a new DEXA Scanner.

“We are excited to bring the community together for an evening of celebration and generosity at the 13th Annual Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation Gala,” said Tabitha Schoenwald, Foundation & Marketing Director. “This event not only provides fun and entertainment but also plays a crucial role in supporting our mission to enhance healthcare services in Freeman and the surrounding communities we serve.”

In a special highlight, the Foundation will present the inaugural ‘Friend of the Foundation’ award. This honor recognizes an individual, business or organization for their steadfast support of the Foundation’s mission of ‘Investing in a Healthy Future.’

Tickets for this event are priced at $70 each and sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who wish to contribute at various support levels. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, please visit givebutter.com/giving2024 or stop by the FRHS Business Office located at 510 E 8th Street, Freeman, SD.

Join us at the Freeman Community Center on January 27, 2024, for the 13th Annual Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation Gala. Let’s come together to “Eat, Drink and Be Giving” in support of a healthier and stronger community, and to make the new DEXA Scanner a reality.

Please contact Tabitha Schoenwald at tabitha.schoenwald@freemanregional.com or 605-925-2142 with any questions.