Arrow Education Foundation Raises $80,000 for Watertown Schools at Harvest Nights

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Arrow Education Foundation raised more than $80,000 to support students and educators in the Watertown School District during its annual fall fundraiser, which debuted a new interactive gaming format this October at the Watertown Event Center.

Rebranded this year as “Harvest Nights: Bingo, Bluffs & Big Wins!”, the event drew more than 300 guests to the Watertown Event Center. The foundation reported the event date as Oct. 15 in its main feature and raffle results.

Arrow Education Foundation Director of Fund Development Cris Ortmeier spearheaded the format change, replacing the traditional structure with table games, bingo, raffles, and auctions.

“Our recent Harvest Nights: Bingo, Bluffs & Big Wins! fundraiser was a tremendous success!” Ortmeier wrote in the foundation’s November 2026 newsletter.

“We introduced an entirely new format this year, and our community embraced it with enthusiasm. From casino games and bingo to pig races, Plinko, and exciting auctions, the evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and generosity. Together, we raised an incredible $80,000 to support educational opportunities for Watertown students and teachers.”

Casino Games, Pig Races, and Auctions

Attendees participated in a variety of casino-style table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette, alongside traditional bingo games. Additional activities featured mechanical pig races and “Plinko Pour ‘n Score,” a wine-themed game.

The evening also included live and silent auctions, as well as a Designer Purse Raffle featuring three designer handbags and a chance for participants to win surprise jewelry. During the live portion of the annual Harvest Fundraiser, the son of former Watertown School District educator Sandy Sherrill and her husband, Ken Sherrill, also made a live donation to the foundation, adding to the family’s recent donation of an investment property.

Arrow Education Foundation Board President Brian Buisker credited Ortmeier and the event volunteers for executing the revamped fundraiser.

“AEF Director Cris changed things up this year with Harvest Nights: Bingo, Bluffs & Big Wins,” Buisker stated. “The new format included table games, bingo, and plenty of friendly competition. It was a great night and a successful fundraiser for AEF. Thanks to Cris and all the volunteers who put in the time to make it happen.”

Watertown School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen also highlighted the impact of the fundraiser on district classrooms.

“Through the generosity of donors and the commitment of community supporters, the Arrow Education Foundation helps create opportunities that enrich the educational experience for our students,” Danielsen stated. “We particularly want to thank those who helped make our October Harvest event a success. We had a great time with the new format.”

2026 Harvest Raffle Winners

Three major prizes were awarded during the Harvest Raffle drawing:

·         $5,000 Grand Prize: Kym Thompson

·         $650 Beef Bundle from Jungers Farms Butchery: Todd and Molly Randall

·         $500 Makepeace Jewelers Shopping Spree: Kari Lohr

Event Underwriters and In-Kind Sponsors

The 2026 Harvest Nights fundraiser was backed by dozens of Watertown-area businesses and individual donors across five giving tiers:

·         Elevator’s Club ($5,000 and above — In-Kind): South 40 Specialties.

·         Harvester’s Club ($1,000 to $4,999 — Underwriters): Brueggeman Insurance, Cornerstone Bank, VanLaecken Orthodontics, and James and Michele Engels.

·         Harvester’s Club ($1,000 to $4,999 — In-Kind): First Premier Bank, Hy-Vee Food Stores Inc., Service Plus Inc., Tractor Supply Company, James and Francene Spies, and Lawrence and Renea Bachman.

·         Cultivator’s Club ($500 to $999 — Underwriters): American Bank & Trust, Gray Construction Co., HomeTown Building Center, Crawford-Osthus Funeral Home, Dacotah Bank, First Premier Bank, Jurgens Printing, Roby Charitable Fund, Hy-Vee Food Stores Inc., KXLG Radio, Plains Commerce Bank, Sanford Health (Hospital) Watertown, Stone Oil Company Inc., Watertown Municipal Utilities, Glen and Darla Vilhauer, Joy Nelson, and Robert Hegstrom.

·         Cultivator’s Club ($500 to $999 — In-Kind): Active Heating Inc., Cattail Crossing Golf Course, Cowboy Country Stores and Cowboy Liquor Stores, East River Tactical, Elks Club, Lake Area Technical College, Lew’s Fireworks, Makepeace Jewelers, Nyberg’s Ace, Riddle’s Jewelry, SkyWest Airlines, Watertown Park and Rec, Weiss Eyecare Clinic, and Michael and Patricia Sheehan.

·         Planter’s Club ($100 to $499 — Underwriters): Body in Balance Chiropractic and Wellness, Glacial Lakes Energy, Macksteel Warehouse Inc., McKeever’s Full Line Vending, Sioux Valley Cooperative, Susan Geyerman, Mark and Jaria Brooks, LuAnn Edwards, Scott and Deb Shephard, Landon and Monica Kirsch, and Shane and Cris Ortmeier.

·         Planter’s Club ($100 to $499 — In-Kind): Applebee’s, Casey’s General Stores Inc., Curated, Gather Coffee, HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab, Jeffrey’s Supper Club & Lounge, Jungers Farms Butchery, Labbie’s Sports Bar & Grill, Minnesota Vikings, Mount Marty University, Odyssey Grand 8 Theatre, Oscar Nail Spa, Prairie Winds Golf Club, Scheels, Target, The Local, Trav’s Outfitter Inc., Vision Care Associates LLP, Cheryl Wiles, Earl and Marsi Rider, Gary and Ann Weckwerth, and Shane and Cris Ortmeier.

·         Seed Club ($1 to $99 — Underwriters): Clark and Gerry Likness.

·         Seed Club ($1 to $99 — In-Kind): 2nd Street Station, Arrow Pride, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cloud 9 Bar & Casino, Country Road Barn, Dairy Queen, Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant HQ, Glacial Lakes Powersports, Godfather’s Pizza, Infinity Fun, Lone Pine Bar & Grill, Mavericks Steaks & Cocktails, Oh Baby O’s, Pizza Ranch, Sandy’s Bar & Grill, Subway-Arrow Ave, Taco John’s, and Walmart.

Save the Date for Harvest Nights 2027

The Arrow Education Foundation has already scheduled next year’s fundraiser. “Harvest Nights 2027: Bingo, Bluffs & Big Wins!” will take place on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2027, at the Watertown Event Center.

Community members and businesses interested in sponsorships, underwriting opportunities, or donations for the foundation can contact the Arrow Education Foundation office at the Garfield Education Center, 216 10th St. S.E., by calling (605) 882-5321 or by visiting arroweducationfoundation.org.