Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

A Lifetime of Living; A Future of Giving
A Lifetime of Living; A Future of Giving
A loving caregiver known for her compassion and dedication, Pat Darger not only spent a lifetime working as a nurse for Avera McKennan...
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Helen McGuire's Story
Helen McGuire's Story
Having lived a full and vibrant life, Helen Mary Margaret McGuire was most remembered for her ability to teach and inspire others.
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The Gift of Compassion
The Gift of Compassion
Growing up in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Fran Coppla would've never dreamed she would eventually live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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100 for One Hundred
100 for One Hundred
"As a physician, I see first-hand the importance of supporting Avera McKennan and am proud to work for a mission-based hospital whose Gospel values are to provide quality care for all..."
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A Gift of Life Insurance
A Gift of Life Insurance
While thinking back with a smile to the days sailing with his wife Zita on Lake Okoboji, it's his current residence at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community that led Patrick Sullivan to leave a lasting legacy.
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The Cherished Dream
The Cherished Dream
The will of Helen Gale McKennan left $25,000 in trust to start a new hospital in Sioux Falls. The trustees of her will became the first hospital Board of Trustees.
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Kristin Gross's Story
Kristin Gross's Story
Kristin Gross has dedicated her life to helping others. Now, she's guaranteed that her contributions will continue to help, even after she's gone.
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Gift Reveals Power of Planning
Gift Reveals Power of Planning
Ken and LaVonne Gaspar have always wanted to leave a lasting gift to the people and organizations that mean the most to them.
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Lyndon King
Lyndon King
Lyndon King, Jr. established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust in 1997 and included Avera McKennan as one of the beneficiaries of the trust. Lyndon and Shirley King were devoted to the mission of Avera McKennan.
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The Retirement Unitrust
The Retirement Unitrust
Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.
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Property Turns Into Income
Property Turns Into Income
Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
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Part Gift and Part Sale
Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. As they were landscaping in the yard, painting and fixing up that home, Jim was impressed with the home improvement store.
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Current Gifts
Current Gifts
As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving. For years, they have created a gift list that includes family members, friends and loved ones.
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A Bequest to Further Good Work
A Bequest to Further Good Work
Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity. They wanted to create a legacy to provide future support to continue our mission.
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Deferred Gift Annuity
Deferred Gift Annuity
Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision, because the value of the stock increased to $100,000 a few years later.
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Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Jonathan purchased a home many years ago for $80,000. His home has appreciated substantially over the years and is now worth $420,000. Jonathan has decided to sell the home and move to a retirement community.
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Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
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Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Lewis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially to $118,000.
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Bequests
Bequests
Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of Avera McKennan Foundation. They believe it is important to support and encourage our mission.
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Tax-Free Sale
Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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Fixed Income for Retirement
Fixed Income for Retirement
After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire.
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Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Many years ago, Clara Lehman bought a home. Since she was so pleased with the home, she decided to buy stock in the company that built it. Over the years, the stock has increased in value many times, but the value has been volatile.
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Give it Twice Trust
Give it Twice Trust
While visiting the Wills Planner on her favorite charity's website, June, a surviving spouse, came across the idea of a Give it Twice Trust.
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Providing for Our Children's Future
Providing for Our Children's Future
Joe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.
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