Gifts made through this annual drive provide essential support to ensure that our hospital, clinics, nursing home, and assisted living facilities continue to deliver the highest quality care close to home. Each donation—large or small—directly contributes to equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and patient-centered programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, residents, and families.

As our region’s healthcare needs continue to grow, so does the importance of this fund drive. By supporting the FRHS Auxiliary, you are helping strengthen local healthcare and ensure compassionate, high-quality services remain available in our community.

We invite you to join us in this shared mission—because when our health system thrives, so does our whole community.

If you feel called to give, donations may be made by check payable to FRHS Auxiliary and mailed to:
Marlene Herman, Auxiliary Treasurer
P.O. Box 364
Freeman, SD 57029

Donations may also be dropped off at the FRHS Business Office during regular hours.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares so deeply for one another.

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 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

(Click the arrows to view all the photos below, in the slideshow)

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