SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — More than 400 community members gathered on Friday, October 2, for the 2026 Children’s Gala, raising more than $2.4 million to support programs and services that help kids and families at Sanford Children’s Hospital navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. Gifts throughout the evening were doubled thanks to a generous $1 million matching gift from an anonymous donor.
The event, held at the Sanford Pentagon, took guests on a journey through the Castle of Care, South Dakota’s only freestanding children’s hospital, where the heart and science of pediatric medicine meet to create a million little moments of care, compassion and joy for patients and families.
Vital Programs, Fueled by Philanthropy
Throughout the evening, guests learned how vital programs like child life, spiritual care, hospital education and specialized camps surround kids and families with the support, guidance and compassionate care they need, every step of the way.
Thanks to the generosity of local donors, families never receive a bill for these services.
Dr. Kaye Wagner, a pediatric oncologist and hematologist, sees the impact of these programs every day.
“It’s a child life specialist who helps a frightened child prepare for a procedure through play. It’s our hospital teacher who keeps students connected to their studies so they can remain in their current grade. It’s our pediatric chaplain who offers comfort during a difficult conversation. It’s a child with cancer who gets to spend a week at camp simply being a kid,” Dr. Wagner said.
| Watch “A Million Little Moments” to see these programs and services in action
“Whole-person care extends far beyond a diagnosis or treatment plan,” she said. “It means caring for a child’s emotional needs, their spiritual needs and their need for connection, comfort and hope.”
These moments may seem small on their own, but together they have a profound impact on a family’s experience.
“They help ease fear, restore joy, build resilience and remind children that they are more than their diagnosis. Through philanthropy, these services are available to every family who needs them, regardless of their ability to pay,” Dr. Wagner said.
And thanks to all those who supported the Children’s Gala, these programs will continue to be available for every child and family who needs them.
“We are so grateful to be in a community that continues to step forward with generosity and kindness to support our patients and families,” Erin said. “Our hearts are so full.”
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The medical care that happens inside the Castle is extraordinary, but so are the moments surrounding that care. Moments that make the unbearable bearable. Moments that make the impossible feel possible.
Vice President, Sanford Health Foundation, Sioux Falls
Honoring a Legacy
The evening also included a heartfelt tribute to the man who made the Castle of Care possible, healthcare’s greatest philanthropist, Denny Sanford.
Through stories, videos and music, guests celebrated the lasting impact of Denny’s philanthropy and his belief that every child deserves a hopeful, healthy future.
“When Denny made his $16 million challenge gift to help build Sanford Children’s Hospital, he envisioned a place that would not only offer the best in pediatric medicine,” Erin said. “He dreamed of a place where kids could heal through play, where fingerpaint and playdough would create priceless works of art, and where wonder and whimsy would be found around every corner.”
“That’s what the Castle of Care is today, and it’s all thanks to Denny’s generosity. What an extraordinary legacy.”
Give for Children. Give for Good.
If you’re inspired by this story and want to support the work of Sanford Children’s, make a gift today. 100% of your donation will make a difference for local pediatric patients and families.