What we’ve Heard

There are times when the stories of the children bring tears to the eyes of the volunteers that review each request, and other times when a child’s need might have otherwise have been passed over by other groups is filled by through the assistance provided by our program. Each child’s need is important; the mental and physical health of our children is one of the keys to growing better communities.

RFK Canyon Hills thank you RFK Thank you

 

MISSION

We assist children in the Northern Hills communities that:

Are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment; Have either a temporary or ongoing medical condition that requires money beyond what the child’s primary caregivers are able to provide; Wish to participate in school and community programs and do not have the funds to do so.

Our mission is to distribute funds to children in the Northern Black Hills to be used for the betterment of children’s lives and to provide an opportunity for the Mount Rushmore Area Association of REALTORS® members to give something back to the communities that they serve.

F.A.Q

Started in 2003 to raise funds to assist children that had a need that otherwise wasn’t being met … a pair of soccer shoes, a clarinet, travel expenses due to medical treatment.  The idea started out as a “fill in the gaps” funding effort and blossomed into a 501 © (3) non-profit corporation.

Over $790,000 donated back to our community since 2003

Which communities receive the funds?

The funds raised stays in our local Northern Black Hills Communities including, Belle Fourche, Deadwood, Lead, Newell, Nisland, Spearfish, St. Onge, Sturgis and Vale.   

How many children did RFK assist last year?

OVER 385 children with specific financial assistance.

Where did the funds go in 2016?

Medical $18,373
Activities and Programs $18,849
Necessities - Clothing/food $21,327
Transportation $940
Christmas Wishes $16,000
Total $75,489

Christmas wishes program was funded by Realtor and Affiliate volunteers and community members who provided clothing, necessities, holiday gifts to 105 children from personal donations.       

What are some of the stories of the children we have helped?

  • 129 Children in 2016 with basic necessities of clothing, bedding, winter coats, gloves, boots and food.
  • 105 children provided with a Christmas gift and food for the holiday season.
  • Family escaping domestic violence provided clothing and school supplies for the children.
  • Proved funds to help a family purchase a “ComPilot” to help their 7yr old little girl hear.
  • Sporting equipment, musical instruments for children to have an opportunity to participate in school and community activities.
  • 16yr old who lost his leg to cancer, traveling to Minnesota for tests. 
  • 3 Children were provided clothing and necessities that were lost in a tornado.
  • 8yr old boy who needed to see specialists in Boston, MA for GI issues.
  • Purchase of clothing and necessities 16yr old boy diagnosed with Tetra logy of Fallout, a defect in his heart, helping with medical travel.
  • 8 Children ranging in age of 2 months to 12 years who were abandoned, living in a car. We were able to provide clothing, formula, diapers and necessities when they were moved into a shelter.