Children’s Gala Raises Nearly $1.5 Million for Pediatric Emergency Department

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — On Saturday, Oct. 4, hundreds stepped forward to invest in a bold vision to transform pediatric health care, raising nearly $1.5 million for South Dakota’s first and only dedicated pediatric emergency department during the 2025 Children’s Gala.

Led by the visionary generosity of David H. & Christine Billion, the new pediatric emergency department — which will proudly carry their name — will be home to the state’s only pediatric emergency specialists, fellowship-trained physicians experienced in delivering lifesaving pediatric care when every second matters.

When it opens in 2026, the David H. & Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will feature:

• Lifesaving pediatric equipment, including a dedicated pediatric CT scanner
• Faster access to important pediatric support services such as child life, spiritual care and more
• Space and technology to help caregivers collaborate more effectively across specialty areas, including the region’s only accredited Level II Pediatric Trauma Center and the region’s only pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) life support program
• Kid-friendly features, including a warm and welcoming lobby and common spaces filled with vibrant colors and playful murals

“As Sioux Falls continues to grow and more and more local families turn to us for emergency pediatric care, this has become a priority project for our region,” said Erin Sanderson, vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation in Sioux Falls.

The event, held at the Sanford Pentagon, celebrated the City of Heroes behind the work of Sanford Children’s — compassionate caregivers, generous donors and dedicated community partners — all working together to care for little superheroes fighting some of life’s toughest and most urgent health care battles.

The event also included a special moment in recognition of Denny Sanford, whose $16 million gift in 2004 launched the dream for Sanford Children’s Hospital.

“In the years since his initial gift, thousands have followed his lead in giving for good and his philanthropic vision continues to light the way forward,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO for Sanford Health. “Denny’s vision and unwavering support has helped shape Sanford Children’s Hospital into a beacon of hope for young patients and families across the region. We simply couldn’t be more grateful.”

Over the last five years, the number of local kids turning to the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls for emergency care has increased by nearly 20%.

“Of those, hundreds have been pediatric trauma cases. These are kids that needed immediate attention. These are kids for whom — literally — every second counts,” said Dr. Mason Ruthford, a pediatric emergency specialist for Sanford Health. “Pediatric emergency medicine isn’t just about medicine. It’s about being present, being human and helping families find light in the darkest moments. That, to me, is the heart of this work — and I’m honored to be part of it.”

“The need is real and the numbers are growing every day,” Sanderson said. “And thanks to our generous community, we can step forward with a solution. The momentum for this project is moving faster than ever and we’re now so close to our goal. We are beyond grateful.”

Be part of history and help us move the David H. and Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department closer to the finish line. 100% of your gift today will support:

• Lifesaving equipment and technology, including a pediatric CT scanner
• Patient support programs like child life
• Enhancements to care and more