The Sanford Health Foundation has announced a transformational gift from philanthropists David and Christine Billion that will create a new pediatric emergency department in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The announcement was made Oct. 5 at the 2024 Children’s Gala, where $1.2 million was raised for the mission of Sanford Children’s.
The David H. and Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will be located in space adjacent to the Emergency Department at the Sanford USD Medical Center. The design of the new space is scheduled to be completed by mid-November with construction beginning in January 2025.
It will be home to the only accredited pediatric trauma center in South Dakota and led by a renowned team of pediatric emergency medicine experts, pediatricians and emergency medicine specialists who have completed an additional three-year fellowship. The Billions’ gift will establish the state’s first emergency and trauma care center specifically for children, a project designed to help address the increasing needs of pediatric emergency care among our growing and changing community.
“Last year, David and Christine made a significant gift to establish the Billion Pavilion, a fully accessible playground outside Sanford Children’s Hospital which allows our kiddos to experience the healing power of play. Their continued generosity will help us broaden and deepen our leadership in pediatric emergency and trauma care with state-of-the art, dedicated facilities,” said Erin Sanderson, vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation in Sioux Falls. “This special couple continues to drive meaningful change through their generosity, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
In addition to emergency pediatric care, the David H. and Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department will also offer access to important pediatric support services such as Child Life, a program designed to facilitate positive experiences for pediatric patients through education and therapeutic play.
Event raises funds for lifesaving pediatric programs
In addition to the announcement of the new pediatric emergency department, the Children’s Gala raised more than $1.2 million for local children. Proceeds from the gala will support everything from enhancements to care and treatment, to leading-edge pediatric equipment, to important programs like Child Life and summer camps, financial assistance to help families, lifesaving equipment like Giraffe OmniBeds and pediatric CT scanners, meaningful touches like toys, games, books and cozy furniture, and so much more.
“We’re so grateful to all those who supported the 2024 Children’s Gala — a beautiful evening to celebrate the life-changing work that happens across Sanford Children’s every day, thanks to the kindness and generosity of others,” said Sanderson. “From our dedicated caregivers and staff to our amazing donors — kids and families at Sanford Children’s are surrounded by love from the moment they step through our doors. It’s a beautiful tapestry of care that strives to give every child the healthy future they deserve.”
The Children’s Gala provided guests an inside look of the lifesaving work that happens every day across Sanford Children’s, one of the nation’s leading pediatric health care systems serving nearly 100,000 children each year through 35 pediatric specialties, seven children’s clinics and a Castle of Care, the region’s only freestanding children’s hospital — all of which are fueled by philanthropy.
Children’s ‘castle’ celebrates 15 years of care
The event also celebrated the 15th anniversary of Sanford Children’s Hospital, made possible thanks to a $16 million challenge gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford in 2004. Sanford’s gift not only launched the project, but it also inspired donors from across the region to step forward in support of the effort.
The Castle of Care, modeled after a fairy-tale castle, opened in 2009 and immediately improved access to care for thousands of children and families across the region. Since the doors opened 15 years ago, hospital caregivers, along with Child Life Specialists, a school tutor, spiritual care provider and many others, have cared for children from 35 states across the country.
Today, Sanford Children’s is home to more than 695 caregivers and staff in 136 communities — all dedicated to caring for kids of all ages and stages of life.
Learn more
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- Children’s Hospital Ambassador has ‘try anything’ spirit
- Newsweek ranks Sanford hospitals among America’s best
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Posted In Children's, Emergency Medicine, Foundation, Sioux Falls
