Prairie Lakes Health Care Foundation to Dissolve, Distribute $5.1 Million to Watertown Area Health and Community Organizations
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - After decades of supporting healthcare initiatives in the Watertown region, the Prairie Lakes Health Care Foundation announced Thursday that it will conclude its operations and dissolve, marking what the organization calls the fulfillment of its mission.
As its final act, the Foundation is distributing approximately $5.1 million to local and regional organizations focused on health, wellness, and community support.
The Foundation is awarding $2.1 million in grants to 16 organizations whose work directly benefits individuals and families across the Watertown area.
Recipients include:
· Lake Area Technical College’s Nursing, Dental, and Radiologic Technology programs
· Watertown Boys and Girls Club
· Joy Ranch
· Lake Area Kidney Endowment
· Watertown Area Community Foundation
· Watertown Area Community Transit
· Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars
· Beacon Center
· HSA – MAT (medically assisted treatment)
· Codington County Cares
· Watertown Area Inter-Lakes 60s Plus Dining
· Haven Center
· Watertown Fire Rescue PAD/EMS
· CASA
· Watertown Area PACH
· Upside of Downs
In addition to the community grants, the Foundation has made a $2.2 million gift to Sanford Health Watertown, designated for a future east entrance and emergency department renovation. The Foundation says the investment is intended to improve access and enhance the experience of care for patients and families at one of the community’s most critical service points.
The Foundation also transferred approximately $800,000 in donor‑restricted funds to the Sanford Health Foundation, ensuring those contributions will continue to be used for the purposes originally intended by donors.
In its announcement, the Foundation expressed gratitude to donors, volunteers, board members, and community partners whose support made its work possible. Leaders say they hope the impact of these final gifts will be felt for years to come through stronger programs, improved facilities, and healthier lives throughout the region.
