Excellence in Philanthropy: Inductees Giving Back
A true example of excellence in South Dakota is philanthropy. As we champion a culture of excellence, we have witnessed time and time again the power of giving back to one’s community. Inductees in the South Dakota Hall of Fame have built communities, shaped futures, and saved lives through their philanthropic endeavors.
We are honored to have inducted those who have made lasting impacts through their life’s work. From every corner of the state, South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees have helped shape South Dakota into a state as unique as its topography. Below are just some of the many philanthropic South Dakotans inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. We hope you draw inspiration from these Inductees to go and invest in excellence through philanthropy.
Guardian and Guiding Light of the Community
Ray Hillenbrand (1934–2019) | 2021 Inductee
"Every community has an angel" and for the Rapid City community, that angel was Ray Hillenbrand. It started with his store Prairie Edge, showcasing the beauty of local Native American culture. Ray was integral in researching, funding, and developing Main Street Square, the development of Legacy Commons playground, and the rebuilding of Memorial Park and the 6th Street Promenade joining downtown to the Monument Event Center. As Ray grew older, he turned to doing what had always been most important to him and his family–helping people. He started by funding the Collective Impact movement. Once those juices started to flow, he then began the forward motion of One Heart and a place where people could heal while they continued to move forward and better their lives. The OneHeart Campus will truly be a huge part of the Ray Hillenbrand legacy. Hundreds, if not thousands of people, will have their lives turned around by this cornerstone of helping people adjust during hard times.
Shaping a Community, One Act at a Time
Elmer Karl | 2008 Inductee
Elmer Karl’s family business, Karl’s TV and Appliance, Inc., has become a household name in South Dakota. He is an active member of his community and state and has been a leader in many local and state organizations including Toastmasters, Rotary Club, Volunteer Fire Department, El Riad Shrine, Elks, and many more. Elmer also served as a city councilman for two terms, and Gregory's mayor for two terms. Elmer is one to give back through his success, and he has invested financially in his hometown of Gregory, South Dakota in unique ways, continuing to be an inspiration. Signs of Elmer’s contributions can be seen all over town. He was a founder of the Gregory Coin Laundry, Mats Inc., and the Homesteader Restaurant. In more recent years, he purchased the local movie theater and formed a nonprofit community group to run it. He also purchased the local locker plant so Gregory could keep the business—he then leased it to the new operators. Giving back is integral to who Elmer Karl is.
Making Wishes Come True
Mary Olinger | 2012 Inductee
Mary Olinger’s life is one dedicated to giving back, serving others, and in truly making wishes come true. At no time was this more evident than during her 18 years as President & CEO of Make-A-Wish South Dakota. Yet, Mary’s giving goes far beyond the wishes granted to hundreds of children and their families. Mary utilized her business savvy and people skills to bring hundreds of new volunteers and donors into the organization. Financial donations to Make-A-Wish grew by 900% and when Mary retired in 2011, the South Dakota chapter was celebrating its second consecutive year as one of the "Top 5 Chapters in the United States." Before retiring, Mary wanted to build a similar office home for Make-A-Wish; a stand-alone place where Wish families and volunteers could gather, and a significant milestone for the organization could be celebrated. By sharing her vision, Mary inspired donors to give until construction was fully funded. In August 2008, the new state headquarters for Make-A-Wish was dedicated, and Mary’s dream to leave the organization in a better place was fulfilled.
Giving Back as a Way of Life
Judy Olson Duhamel | 2014 Inductee
Judy Olson Duhamel held a long career in various forms of government and education in South Dakota. An Every Child Matters philosophy drove her work. Through her work, she created solutions for the homeless, as well as identifying barriers people faced in receiving a safe and strong education. Education was at the core of Judy’s involvement in politics, and it still drives the volunteer work that consumes nearly every day of her life today. Commitments to Wellspring, an organization that heals children and families, the Gwendolyn Stearns Foundation, a source of funding for community needs, and Starting Strong, Rapid City’s premier preschool program, continue to fill her time, heart, and soul. These efforts are intentionally dedicated to promoting “communities of excellence.”
A Tireless Advocate for South Dakotans with Special Needs
Ron Reed | 2022 Inductee
The impact of Ronald Reed’s work can be felt all across the state, from Vermillion to Pierre to the Black Hills. For over five decades, Dr. Reed has worked tirelessly and behind the scenes to enrich the lives, not only of individuals with special needs but of all South Dakotans. Governor Richard Kneip described Dr. Ron Reed as “a visionary in terms of identifying and dealing with the challenges and problems in education.” He served at a pivotal moment in the national fight for disability rights as he advocated for and led the state’s implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the first disability civil rights law to be enacted in the United States.
Do you know an individual who has helped shape South Dakota in a positive way?
You can nominate them for induction into the SD Hall of Fame. Join us in uplifting South Dakota Excellence.