Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: More rain on the way, but we might get a sunny weekend for once!
This weekend, you'll find a round-up of all of the regional Fourth of July fun. You'll also find some big, big news from the Great Plains Zoo. And, you'll hear from other folks who are supporting Journey of Hope about their reasons for doing so.
And now, news:
COMMUNITY
This $25 million gift is a game-changer for the zoo's future plans
Simplified: The Great Plains Zoo took a big step closer to bringing a new aquarium, education center and butterfly rainforest to its campus thanks to a $25 million gift announced Thursday from billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.
Why it matters
- The gift announcement comes in the months after the zoo released a master plan to rethink the entire campus, as well as bring a new indoor aquarium as part of a recent merger with the Butterfly House and Aquarium.
- The zoo this week is also celebrating the opening of the African lions exhibit – a project also helped by an earlier $1.5 million donation from Sanford.
- The donation also helped fund construction of the new splash pad, which will be called the Denny Sanford Family Splash Pad.
“This gift is a game changer," CEO Becky Dewitz said. "And (it) will allow us to create a regional destination where people can gain an intrinsic understanding and appreciation of the natural world, while also providing families with a quality experience that is memorable and meaningful."
Tell me more
A LITTLE HELP
Why your neighbors are supporting Journey of Hope
Editor's note: This story is part of Sioux Falls Simplified's "A Little Help" give-back effort. We're sharing stories all month long about Journey of Hope with the goal of raising $5,000 to support the ongoing operations of this local nonprofit. You can learn more here and donate here.
Simplified: You've heard a lot about nonprofit Journey of Hope this month as part of Sioux Falls Simplified's inaugural A Little Help give-back campaign. Now, it's time to hear from others in the community about why this organization is worth supporting.
Tell me more
Journey of Hope is a nonprofit that meets people where they are to provide encouragement along life's journey.
- They do this by distributing hygiene products, as well as bringing healing through the arts.
Last year, for example, the nonprofit distributed 18,000 hygiene products and partnered with 33 agencies in Sioux Falls – including 11 schools.
And in the coming months, Journey of Hope plans to distribute hygiene kits to fifth graders at Title 1 schools citywide.
All that to say, they're doing a lot. And this month, Sioux Falls Simplified set a goal to help them raise $5,000 to further their mission.
But you've heard a lot from us, so we asked some other folks to share why they feel Journey of Hope is worth supporting.
Here's what they had to say
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
How to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Sioux Metro
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.
Simplified: The Fourth of July brings with it some of the most beloved summer traditions. From parades to hot dogs to fireworks, here's a look at how the region is celebrating this year.
Why it matters
- No one shines quite like a small town during the Fourth of July. Lennox, for example, draws a crowd of thousands from far and wide to enjoy its annual Independence Day festivities.
- But while Lennox's celebrations may be the biggest, there are plenty of chances to celebrate and see fireworks displays across the Sioux Metro.
"The Fourth of July is an excellent opportunity to check out other communities in the greater Sioux Falls area," said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. "It's the pinnacle of small town fun with parades, street dances and fireworks displays."
What's happening in the region?
Find a full lineup of events here.
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Get your tix. Single show tickets go on sale starting July 10 for the Washington Pavilion's line-up of Broadway shows in the 2024-25 season. Who's coming to "Hadestown" with me?
- Show off your gaming skills. SDN Communications is hosting the inaugural edition of an all-ages esports tournament called SoDak Circuit on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Games include "Fortnite," "Valorant," and "Rocket League." Learn more here.
- Check out the new bishop. The Catholic Diocese of Rapid City will soon have a new bishop. Pope Francis this week appointed the Reverend Scott E. Bullock, a pastor in Waterloo, Iowa, to the post. Learn more about him here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this weekend:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
