Yellow Rose Week was celebrated in northeastern South Dakota June 2-6, 2014. Yellow Rose Week is the primary means of financing the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund (SJMF), a service of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. The SJMF provides grants to people in northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota with life-threatening illnesses who are in need of financial assistance due to a medical crisis. Grants assist with the cost of medications, transportation, rent, heating assistance and groceries. Since its inception in 1999, the SJMF has provided approximately $250,518 through 523 grants.
Suzanne Jacobson spent her adult life as a physician’s assistant positively impacting the lives of many through her care. She lost a battle with cancer in 1998. Her family and friends established this fund to honor her legacy by helping people facing major medical financial stresses.
Volunteers in Watertown, Sisseton, Milbank, Clark, Kranzburg, Waverly and South Shore raised $24,060 for the SJMF by selling yellow roses during Yellow Rose Week, an increase from last year. Others who contributed to the success of Yellow Rose Week included Hy-Vee, Crawford Funeral Chapel, DQ Grill & Chill, Thrivent Financial, Cherry Berry, Mary Donegan and the many businesses who sold yellow roses to customers.
“Volunteers sold nearly $1,000 more in roses this year,” said Alison Gilbertson, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. “We applaud the hard work and positive outcomes of the volunteers. Their efforts are a direct reflection on the number of people who benefit from grants provided through the SJMF. Every dollar raised will remain in our region to fund grants for needy individuals.”
The SJMF accepts donations year round. All donations are greatly appreciated. To donate or to learn more about the SJMF or the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, please call 605-882-7631.