When it comes to enriching lives, GreatLIFE strives to be a model for the community with a mission to enrich the lives of families and individuals through golf, fitness and healthy lifestyles – and they’re always up for a challenge.
Launched in April, the Special Olympics South Dakota’s Building Unity capital campaign provided a great opportunity for the company to take the next step in enriching lives by supporting a cause that would not only further its mission, but also give special needs athletes the practice facility they need to improve their game and experience the thrill of victory.
The $1 million Building Unity capital campaign is part of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Appeals Capital Drive to fund a new facility, the Unify Center.
This new 16,000-square-foot Unify Center will give special needs athletes a place to practices without competing for gym time with other sports groups and will include athletic training space, a commons, kitchen and concessions area and handicap-accessible locker rooms and showers.
At a celebration held on August 26, both GreatLIFE and Dakota King, a local Burger King franchisee, donated $50,000 as matching funds statewide to support the campaign that will literally change the lives of South Dakota’s Special Olympians.
According to Tom Walsh, Sr., President of GreatLIFE and CEO of Dakota King, “The Unify Center is so important, not only for these athletes, but for the entire community. We’re proud to be able to enrich the lives of so many young people who have a dream.”
With the addition of these donated funds totaling $100,000, the capital campaign surpassed its original target goal and has now raised $1.63 million.
In addition to training space, the Unify Center also will be used by other nonprofits, will host motivational speakers, and will provide a space for those without disabilities to participate in competition and programs alongside those with disabilities, unifying the community and building relationships and friendships.
“This is going to be a super program for Special Olympics — not only for Sioux Falls but for South Dakota,” said Miles Beacom, campaign co-chair.