Photo: MRH staff members Jodi Madison, Renae Karst, and Keri Wientjes joined over 45 other volunteers to help make the MRH Auxiliary's Fall Festival and Bazaar a success.

Darcy Dykhouse, Director of the Mobridge Regional Hospital Auxiliary, knows that it takes a lot of people coming together for a common purpose to pull off an event like the Fall Festival and Bazaar. “It’s heartwarming to see the generosity of our community alive and well, and I couldn’t be prouder to be at the center of it all,” she says. Each year, the group selects a project to support with monies raised at the Bazaar. This year, their goal was to purchase new dining room furniture for Prairie Sunset Village and the 22 residents who live there.

The Fall Festival and Bazaar, held the first Saturday of November each year, would be overwhelming without support from the community. “We have a wealth of talent in our community that never ceases to amaze me,” shared Darcy. “Each year, we see so much variety in the baskets donated. Whether the contents are purchased from near or far, manufactured or homemade—the creativity and generosity invested in them is inspiring.” There is a special place in her heart for the homemade baskets. “We see beautiful quilts, afghans, towels, dolls, centerpieces and more donated every year from local artists.”

Darcy is quick to thank everyone who donates their time and talent to the event as well. “Whether you donated items to our Bazaar, helped serve lunch, sell baked goods or casseroles, sell raffle tickets or entertain kids with face painting and games, you are what makes our Bazaar successful year after year.” She specifically named Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics Dietary and Maintenance staff, Mobridge Chamber of Commerce, Mobridge-Pollock National Honor Society and Student Council as contributors. “I hope they know the impact they’ve made and just how grateful we are for their efforts.”

This year, the Auxiliary had 22 local students and 27 community volunteers donate their time on the day of the event. That number doesn’t include all the people who put in hours in preparation for the big day. “We have a list of over 300 people we call each year to ask if they could volunteer their time or donate baskets, baked goods, frozen soups and casseroles or pies and cakes.” Darcy said. She’s always impressed by the homemade dishes people donate. “At least one donation is dropped off each year by someone who is still wearing pajamas,” she exclaims. “These are the things that make me smile, because I know that that’s fresh out of the oven!”

With all this community support, the group was able to meet their fundraising target for new dining room furniture at Prairie Sunset Village this year. “Investing in and advocating for our local assisted living and senior housing center reflects our commitment to honoring and caring for the elderly members of our community,” shared Darcy, “We are proud to support their needs, and we are thankful for everyone that helped us reach our goal.”

Events like the Bazaar take a village, and every year brings a growing need for volunteers. Darcy is a firm believer that everyone has something inside of them to share with others that could help make the world a better place. “Whether you find it in your heart to be a part of our event, or you extend your time and talent to another organization, our community needs more volunteers and I would encourage you to get involved,” she says, “We hope to see you at our next Bazaar!”

This year, the Auxiliary had 52 baskets donated, the largest number recorded in the history of the event. “It’s exciting to see this number grow over the years, and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our donors this year,” adds Darcy. A list of this year’s donations can be found below.