SURF and community partners raise more than $6,300 for Foundation for Health in October
SURF helped raise funds during October’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser for Foundation for Health.
South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) employees at Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) raised $6,304.82 during October’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser in support of the Foundation for Health in the Northern Black Hills.
The organization offers financial assistance to individuals and families who have needs that accompany a healthcare crisis. The mission of Foundation for Health is to raise funds and receive contributions to promote and support the health and safety needs of our community through individuals, groups, and health entities, to enhance well-being.
Mike Headley, SDSTA executive director and laboratory director at SURF, noted this campaign surpassed the target of $5,000 despite the uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown.
“I’m so proud of our team for their generous contributions to our 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. It’s incredible that we were able to raise over $6,300 for the Foundation for Health in the middle of a federal government shutdown. I want to thank everyone for their outstanding generosity,” Headley said. “We are incredibly grateful to support the important work Foundation for Health does in our communities.”
Laurie Wince, director of Foundation for Health, accepted a check at SURF. “We have a continual standing appreciation for the goodwill you all share in our community each year. “You guys have really, really made a difference.”
Wince says in the past year alone, contributions from SURF have helped 67 people needing treatment through the Cancer Care Institute. “That doesn’t include those who call me at the office directly who need help, which is an additional 50 people at least,” Wince said.
The final tally for SURF’s annual fundraiser was thanks to contributions from multiple individuals at SURF. The annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fundraiser is organized by SURF’s Well-Being Team.
“A lot of these folks on our Well-Being Team take personal time to make sure events like our annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser happen each year. I just really appreciate this group,” said Julie Ewing the director of environment, safety, and health at SURF.
In total, SURF’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraisers have brought in more than $48,864 for the Foundation for Health over the past eight years.
