Gold Card member and Ben Reifel Student working on decorating cards together

It was a day full of events at Ben Reifel today! 

To start the day, 6th-graders gathered in the auditorium to find out which team won the Penny War they had been competing in to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. (Congrats, 6-1!) In total, 6th-graders raised $671.38! To help students understand the incredible impact even their pennies can have, they got to hear from two kids who have directly benefited from CMN services. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase what an incredible gift CMN provides and celebrate the students' impact in helping to raise money for the organization! 

Later in the morning, several of our Gold Card members (a program for Sioux Falls residents 60 years & older) got to see the new school for the first time since its opening last Fall. Members got to hear from Principal Shane Hieronimus about the history of Ben Reifel and the school and the students they serve. Additionally, the Ben Reifel Choir, Unity performed for members, including the brand new school song written by Ben Reifel staff members! 

Followed by the short presentation, Gold Card members got to walk the school halls to meet up with students who were participating in the first-ever, Bison Community Outreach Day. The day's events included learning more about agencies/partners in our community like Reach Literacy, the Humane Society, Sioux Falls Thrive, the Bishop Dudley House, the Ronald McDonald House, the Multicultural Center, and more! Students participated in activities like creating cards for guests at the Ronald McDonald House and doing tricks with Duke the Humane Society Shelter Star. Additionally, as part of the Bishop Dudley presentation, students got a taste of what people without homes may experience by having to pack a backpack as full as they could with necessary everyday items like clothing and shoes. The goal of the day was to bring the Ben Reifel mission statement of fostering growth in students' academic, social, and emotional skills to positively impact their lives and the community beyond the school walls. 

We are so proud of our students for all the good they did today and beyond! 

If you are a resident 60 years and older and are interested in becoming a Gold Card member (a FREE membership) please click here —> https://www.smore.com/0tpxj