Watertown Rallies Around Samantha Bruns With Fundraisers, Bake Sale and GoFundMe for Mayo Clinic Recovery

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - WATERTOWN, S.D. — The Watertown community is mobilizing in a major way to support Samantha “Sam” Bruns, a Special Olympics athlete, artist, and beloved local resident who is currently hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic due to complications from a rare chromosomal disorder. As her condition rapidly declined, Sam was admitted for intensive testing and treatment, prompting a wave of fundraising events and community‑driven support efforts across the region.

Sam is the daughter of Lee and Donna Bruns, known for operating the Little Free Produce Stand on 11th Street and 1st Avenue — a year‑round community project offering free produce to anyone in need. With the family now splitting time between Watertown and Rochester to care for Sam and their other children, rising costs for lodging, fuel, food, and missed work have created significant financial strain.

Multiple local organizations, businesses, and performers have stepped forward to help.

Comedy Fundraiser & Silent Auction Set for August 30

A major fundraising event will take place on Sunday, August 30 at Country Road Barn, hosted by Dan Bublitz Jr., Dan Bublitz Comedy, and 605 Speaks. All proceeds will benefit the Bruns family as they navigate extended hospital stays and related expenses.

Event Details - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BW8QQkGFG/ (Facebook Event Site)

·         Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026

·         Location: Country Road Barn, 45648 164th St., Watertown

·         Silent Auction & Doors: 5:30 p.m.

·         Showtime: 7:00 p.m.

·         Age Restriction: 18+ (adult content)

·         Food & Beverage: Beverages available; kitchen closed

·         Silent Auction Donations: Contact dan@danbublitz.com 

Comedy Lineup

Scheduled performers include:

·         Travis Ruston

·         Aleda Windels

·         Luke Johnson

·         Jerry Irby

·         Alisha Rayne

·         Chris Freier

·         Timmy Williams

·         Koerner

·         Nathan Hults

·         John Small

·         Dan Bublitz Jr.

Organizers note the lineup may change without notice.

Watertown Mercantile Co. Launches “Support Our Sam” Initiative

In addition to the comedy fundraiser, Watertown Mercantile Co. (WMCo) has launched a local campaign to support Sam and her family.

In a post Thursday, WMCo wrote, “We need your support for Sam & her family… This has caused a financial strain on the entire family with gas, food, lodging expenses and missing work.”

Sam has had a craft booth at WMCo since the store’s opening, offering a variety of her handmade items. The store is encouraging residents to stop in and purchase items from Sam’s booth — and even donate them back to be resold to the next customer.

WMCo has pledged:

·         $250 donation if half of Sam’s booth inventory sells by Sunday

·         $500 donation if the booth sells out completely

Lemonade & Bake Sale — Friday, July 17

WMCo will also host Sam’s Lemonade and Bake Sale:

·         Friday, July 17

·         11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·         In front of Watertown Mercantile Co., 125 East Kemp Ave.

·         Freewill donation for fresh‑squeezed lemonade and baked goods

WMCo encouraged residents to share the announcement, adding, “Please like and share this post to spread the word and show the Bruns family how our community comes together in a time of need.”

GoFundMe Campaign Gains Momentum

A GoFundMe titled “Support for Samantha Bruns’ Recovery” has also been launched, raising funds for lodging, fuel, travel, and lost income as the family splits time between Watertown and Rochester.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fundraiser has reached $4,077 of its $9,000 goal, with donations continuing to come in.

The organizer wrote, “Sam has been admitted to Mayo and family is working on long‑term plans… They are now responsible for finding their own lodging while she's inpatient.”

Donations can be made directly through:

·         CashApp: $LeeBruns1

·         Venmo: @Lee-Bruns-1

·         PayPal: MrLeeBruns@gmail.com

A Community United

From comedians to local businesses to everyday residents, support for Sam Bruns has grown rapidly — reflecting the impact she and her family have had on Watertown through their generosity, creativity, and community service.

Organizers of the August 30 fundraiser say the event is designed not only to raise money, but to bring people together in solidarity during a difficult time.

“Give what you can and have a good time doing it,” the event announcement reads.

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