I have been thinking about giving lately.

The recent death of our local billionaire Denny Sanford helped me focus on it more.

People writing big checks we call philanthropists. A fancy word. Big check writers get names put on things. Statues sometimes included. I have been friends with several big givers. Some gave money. Some gave land. No statues included. (There are several parks along the river greenway with the names of folks who gave land. Al Norlin and family, Max Pasley, Tom and Mary Rerdon (Tomar) Don Dunham.)

All big check writers and land donators should be respected.

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Carla Clarke1 month ago

I grew up close to Lake Poinsett. We thought anyone who had a cabin there from Sioux Falls was rich because a lot of them worked at Morrell’s! My grandfather was a farmer and sold cattle at the Sioux Falls Stockyards. I still have a bracelet he bought for my grandmother once when he got a great price for cattle. Enjoyed this article and the suggestions.

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The Heart of Everything1 month ago

"All big check writers and land donators should be respected.” Perhaps. I know many people who write checks—there is often something in it for them, a tax break, influence over policy or people, the elimination of competition. The volunteers should indeed be revered—they live to serve. Not everyone can write big checks and it’s a good thing many do for all sorts of reasons, but it’s always wise to ask why, what’s in it for them?

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