Charitable Giving
The Sanford International presented by First PREMIER Bank / PREMIER Bankcard and Mastercard raised more than $155,000 for local charities and organizations in 2025. Since its inception in 2018, the tournament has given back nearly $1.5 million in charitable contributions, reinforcing its commitment to making a lasting difference in the Sioux Falls community and across South Dakota.
“The unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and loyal fans allows the Sanford International to give back to our community year after year,” said Davis Trosin, tournament director of the Sanford International. “Together, we will continue creating a lasting impact by supporting organizations that build brighter futures for individuals across our community. We look forward to continuing to use the tournament’s platform to showcase everything that makes Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota a vibrant place to live and work.”
In addition to the tournament’s charitable giving program, the Brave Bands initiative, led by sisters Blakely and Gracyn Langner in partnership with the Sanford Health Foundation, raised $18,127 to support the Sanford Children’s Hospital. The Langner family and friends handcrafted more than 2,000 bracelets, offering them to spectators for a free-will donation. These funds support Child Life Programming, which provides comfort and care to young patients like the Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador. Since the tournament’s inception, the Sanford Health Foundation has raised more than $400,000 through tournament-related fundraising activities to support the Sanford Children’s Hospital.
“What the Langner family accomplished with Brave Bands is incredible and truly reflects the spirit of our event and Sioux Falls community,” said Trosin. “The effort that Blakely and Gracyn put forth to make an impact on the smallest and bravest patients at Sanford Children’s is a reminder for us all that anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference. We are extremely proud to have their efforts tied to the Sanford International.”
The Sanford International remains committed to supporting organizations that strengthen our community and improve lives. This year’s designated beneficiaries include:
Active Generations helps people in all stages of adulthood stay active, healthy and engaged in their community. The donation from the Sanford International will help promote positive aging for adults through programs, services and education.
Augustana University Men’s & Women’s Golf Teams
The donation to their program helps the men’s and women’s teams purchase new equipment, golf bags, and golf balls to gear up for the spring season.
Beef Logic Inc. – Build Your Base Program
Build Your Base impacts youth and families nationwide by providing high-quality protein and nutrition education. In 2025, the program delivered approximately 52,000 beef meals to youth in South Dakota. Build Your Base jerky is used as a recovery and fueling snack and is incorporated into backpack programs providing a high-quality protein snack In the fall of 2025, more than 16,000 pieces of jerky was distributed to South Dakota youth programs. The donation from the Sanford International will help provide protein products and free nutrition resources for families and schools across the state.
The Brave Bands initiative, led by sisters Blakely and Gracyn Langner in partnership with the Sanford Health Foundation, is a powerful example of youth-driven philanthropy making a real impact. During the Sanford International, the Langner family and friends handcrafted more than 2,000 handmade bracelets, offering them to spectators in exchange for free-will donations. Their incredible efforts raised $18,127 to support Sanford Children’s Hospital, with funds directed toward Child Life Programming—services that bring comfort, care, and encouragement to young patients. Since the tournament’s inception, the Sanford Health Foundation has raised more than $400,000 through tournament-related fundraising to benefit the hospital, underscoring the event’s long-standing commitment to giving back.
Brave Bands are more than bracelets—they’re meaningful symbols of courage, compassion, and community, created for kids by local kids who care. They serve as a reminder that anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference. As Trosin shared, the Langner family’s work “truly reflects the spirit of our event and the Sioux Falls community,” proving that even the youngest philanthropists can have a powerful impact. This year at the Sanford International, fans can continue the tradition by visiting the Brave Bands tent near the 17th green, making a gift, and receiving their own bracelet—a wearable reminder that they stand with the smallest, bravest patients at Sanford Children’s Hospital.
Grateful4 is dedicated to honoring and supporting healthcare professionals through thoughtful and impactful actions. The donation from the Sanford International will help grow Grateful4’s initiatives by hosting in-person events and providing giveaways for local healthcare professionals.
Great Plains Zoo – Zoo & Aquarium for All Program
The Great Plains Zoo’s Zoo & Aquarium for All program gives thousands of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in our community the opportunity to experience all that the Zoo has to offer by offering free or reduced-price admission. The funds donated by the Sanford International provides free zoo admission for 58 families of four.
The GreatLIFE Cares Foundation provides support and leadership for programs that benefit children, families, and organizations involving golf, fitness and healthy lifestyles. The funds from the Sanford International will support their mission to provide opportunities that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially for youth and vulnerable members of the community.
First Tee – South Dakota combines the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, providing access to quality programming, trained coaches, equipment, and safe spaces where young people can build confidence, character, and essential life skills. The Sanford International’s donation will help introduce more children in Sioux Falls to golf and support the opening of a new Learning Center at Elmwood Golf Course. This year-round facility will feature an indoor putting green, simulator, outdoor classroom, and indoor classroom—creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all kids to learn and grow. Through these efforts, First Tee is reaching more youth—especially those who are at-risk and underserved—and creating lasting change in our communities.
Folds of Honor – South Dakota Chapter
Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving the United States.
The donation from the Sanford International will fund two scholarships for a spouse or child here in South Dakota.
The InSports Foundation mission is to help more kids participate in sports by providing financial assistance and creating accessible sporting opportunities. The donation from the Sanford International will directly support programming in Sioux Falls, where they host children from the Boys and Girls Club, Axtell Park, and Sioux Falls Public Schools at Great Shots for a fun and welcoming introduction to golf. These experiences not only give kids the chance to try something new but also help build confidence and open doors to opportunities they might not otherwise have.
Whether it’s providing resources for new parents or helping people battle food insecurity, Sioux Empire United Way supports causes, right here at home. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward local programs and services, serving an estimated 1 out of every 3 individuals in our community through 75 programs. The donation from the Sanford International will stay local and benefit communities in Lincoln and Minnehaha County.
The Sioux Falls Parks Foundation seeks to enrich the quality of life in Sioux Falls by aligning philanthropic investment in the city parks system with community vision. The donation from the Sanford International will help pay for Sioux Falls kids’ swimming lessons that otherwise would not have the opportunity.
South Dakota Golf Association (SDGA)
The SDGA Junior Tour presented by Sanford International and the SDGA | Sanford International Series are an integral part of the mission of the South Dakota Golf Association to grow the game of golf in South Dakota by providing quality, low-cost golf events for junior golfers across the state and region. The SDGA Junior Tour is open to all junior golfers from age 7-19, with 26 events across all areas of the state. The Series provides six high-level competitive experiences, including four two-day events, for more experienced junior players looking to make an impact on their high school teams and potentially play college golf. Top performers on the Junior Tour and Series get to play in year-end Championships and twelve players are invited to the Sanford International to meet the Champion at the awards presentation.
Southeast Technical College Sports Turf Management Program
Since the beginning of the Sanford International, more than 165 STC students have taken advantage of the opportunity to volunteer alongside the Minnehaha Country Club grounds crew to prepare the golf course for the competition. The STC Sports Turf Management program graduates approximately 10 students each year with many of them pursuing their career as a golf course superintendent. The donation from the Sanford International will provide an individual scholarship to each of the Sports Turf Management program students for the spring semester.
Veterans Community Project is a growing village of 25 tiny homes in northwest Sioux Falls with a mission to fix veteran homelessness. The community provides wraparound support services—giving Veterans experiencing homelessness the tools they need to build stable, independent lives. The donation from the Sanford International will support their mission to provide safety, self-respect, and hope to Veterans who’ve gone without.
