Philanthropist and businessman T. Denny Sanford and First PREMIER/PREMIER Bankcard pledged $1.5 million to the Stockyards Ag Experience project, allowing the organization to name its outdoor plaza after founder longtime Sioux Falls Stockyards employee, and South Dakota icon, Jim Woster. The gift was announced by First PREMIER Bank CEO Dana Dykhouse at the organization’s inaugural fundraising event held last night.
The gift will provide essential funds to complete the second phase of the Stockyards Ag Experience – an interactive outdoor plaza that will further bridge the connection between consumers and ag producers. Located at Falls Park, the plaza will provide education and active recreation for residents and visitors.
“The generosity of Mr. Sanford not only brings the Stockyards Ag Experience Plaza project to the finish line, it allows us to honor our founder in a truly meaningful way. I can’t think of a better way to cement Jim Woster’s commitment to area agriculture than naming this project the ‘Woster Plaza’,” said Abby Bischoff, Executive Director of the Stockyards Ag Experience.
With strong support from South Dakota commodity groups and a successful Chamber Appeals campaign, more than $2.5 million has been raised for the museum and plaza projects.
“This gift not only reinforces Jim’s legacy, it helps create a all-season inclusive space that emphasizes education, agriculture and fun,” said Stockyards Ag Experience Board President Paige Pearson Meyer. “We’re excited to roll up our sleeves and create a unique destination for all ages that resides as part of the Falls Park and downtown Sioux Falls experience.”