Dear GreatLIFE Member, Team Member & Support Team,
I sit here on Thanksgiving morning reflecting on the impact of our support of the GreatLIFE Cares Foundation and all that it has helped us accomplish within our community.
The two primary goals of the GreatLIFE Cares Foundation are:
– Help develop values, character, and leadership qualities in mentoring relationships through involvement in golf, fitness, and athletics.
– Make a difference in people’s lives, especially those of children.
Today, more than ever, kids and families need to have a sense of value and inclusion. They need to feel there is hope for their future and a sense of community for support and safety.
The GreatLIFE Cares Foundation has sponsored a coalition of over 25 charitable and civic organizations in our community, investing over $200,000 annually, as well as lead numerous programs in fulfilling our goals.
Thanks to several of our GreatLIFE Corporate Partners, we delivered over 3,000 pounds of food for Feeding South Dakota! That’s more than a ton and a half!
Through our GreatLIFE Cares Foundation’s Challenge for Change golf event, we raised and distributed over $70,000 to our coalition organizations.
With over 40% of the Sioux Falls School District’s students being non-traditional, we have implemented programs to allow children and their families to feel included in our community and provide the opportunity for a successful, meaningful life. For over two years, we have sponsored Stand Together’s Youth Entrepreneur program in seven public schools, with the addition of O’Gorman Catholic Schools this past year.
Our GreatLIFE PLAYEverything program is present in six middle schools, the after-school program at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as a couple of church programs providing coaching and training in multiple sports. This program provides the children instruction on the connectivity of sports and improving their skillset and self- confidence.
Back in December of 2019 we sponsored and introduced legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne’s TeamMates Mentoring program into five elementary schools. The great thing about TeamMates Mentoring and Youth Entrepreneur programs is that +94% of the kids that participate in these programs, graduate from high school. Receiving your diploma from high school is significant; if you don’t graduate, you are seven times more likely to live a life of poverty.
Through our continued support of the Center for Hope, any Educator can request winter clothing for students in need by providing specific garments and sizes. The Boys & Girls Club will deliver these garments to the school for the teacher to personally give to their student. The turn-around time is in the same week the order was placed.
Currently, we are working with Avera Behavior Health and Face It Together to bring a very successful addiction treatment program, The Phoenix, to our community. More details to follow.
So, a big “THANK YOU” for your support. Together we are making a significant difference in our community and the lives of so many kids and families!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas season! A video for you to enjoy!
Gratefully,
Tom Sr