SIOUX FALLS, S.D. –February 24th, 2026 – Emily’s Hope is honored to announce that it has received $8,630 through the 2025–2026 Downtown Gives campaign led by Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc.. The annual initiative selected Emily’s Hope as this year’s nonprofit beneficiary, with proceeds supporting the organization’s work to increase access to treatment and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.
Sponsored by First Interstate Bank, the Downtown Gives coupon book campaign encouraged the community to shop local during the holiday and winter season. Coupon books were sold from November 1 through December 31, 2025, with offers remaining valid through March 31, 2026.
Several Downtown retailers played a key role in the campaign’s success, including Terra Shepherd Boutique, The Great Outdoor Store, and Sticks and Steel. Their leadership in promoting and selling coupon books helped generate meaningful support for Emily’s Hope while driving traffic to small businesses during the winter months.
“Downtown Gives is one of our favorite traditions because it showcases the heart of Downtown Sioux Falls,” said Taryn Sietsema, Chief Development Officer for DTSF. “Each year, our small businesses, community partners, and shoppers come together to make a meaningful difference. We are especially grateful for the life‑changing work Emily’s Hope does in our community, and we’re proud that these dollars support their mission right here at home.”
Funds from the campaign will help Emily’s Hope continue providing education, prevention programming, and financial assistance for treatment and recovery services across the region.
“What makes this gift so meaningful is how it came together — neighbors supporting local businesses, and in the process, supporting people fighting some of the hardest battles of their lives,” said Angela Kennecke, President of Emily’s Hope. “These dollars will directly help us expand education, resources, and access to care. More importantly, it sends a message to families and individuals that this community sees them, cares about them, and believes recovery is possible.”
Emily’s Hope extends its sincere gratitude to Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., First Interstate Bank, participating retailers, and every individual who purchased a coupon book. Their collective support demonstrates the power of community in creating hope and saving lives.
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and to save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and financial assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization has become a national voice for prevention and hope. Emily’s Hope offers a K–12 substance use prevention curriculum used across the country, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, and on-the-ground initiatives such as naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and a Youth Prevention Coalition in South Dakota. The organization also provides treatment scholarships to help individuals access care. Learn more about Emily’s Hope at emilyshope.charity.
For additional media information, please visit emilyshope.charity/media.