INFORMATION
For more information or questions, please contact Susanne Gale at sgale@embe.org or call 605-681-9834.
Building a Foundation Together
For 100 years, EmBe has supported women and families in the community.
It all started in 1921.
EmBe offers a variety of exceptional programs and opportunities for children, youth, women, and families; however, it took time and progress to become what it is today. EmBe (formerly the YWCA) turns 100 this year! In these 100 years, the organization has become a staple in the Sioux Falls community. As important as it is to look back and reflect on where we have come from, this is a celebration of the next 100 years and the impact on our community!
Presenting Core Sponsor
Courage Sponsor
With all of this amazing progress at EmBe, it is important to remember where it all began.
The YWCA was originally formed in London by Emma Robarts and Mrs. Arthur Kinnaird during the year 1855. Three years later, it was introduced in the United States. The first buildings were women’s residences located in New York City and Boston. When the community responded with remarkable praise, the YWCA began offering classes for women. These included typing, dancing, and knitting.
It wasn’t until 1922 that the YWCA was officially introduced in Sioux Falls. Three trailblazing women — Mabel Crossman, Isabelle C. Foster, and Hazel W. Piaggi — founded the “Young Women’s Christian Association of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.” Activities commenced on June 16, 1921; however, the organization was not formally registered until September 7, 1922.
Crossman, Foster, and Piaggi founded this organization with specific values in mind — values that EmBe continues to follow to this day. In the official article of incorporation written in 1921, it states, “Our one national imperative is the elimination of racism. YWCA programs are available to anyone regardless of income, race, ethnic group, religion, sex, age, or handicap. Scholarships are available to boys, girls, and women. An outreach program is established. It includes a preschool for the low-income, an after-school program, Saturday playday, and a mothers’ support group.”
These women knew the values they wanted to base their company around, and they followed through in the execution. Whether it be programs for children, classes for a variety of skills and ages, or opportunities for service and involvement, the YWCA has always been at the center of the community.
EmBe has continued to support the original mission of Crossman, Foster, and Piaggi by embodying the core values of education, inclusivity, empowerment, and leadership. EmBe will continue to prioritize the fulfillment of these ideals well into the future.
“The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant ‘To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.’” – Brené Brown
Inspired by the courage EmBe’s founders instilled in this mission 100 years ago and the courage with which EmBe leads today, you can help us envision the next century of courage and cultivate it. It takes courage to lead where no one else will. On June 20, 2022, we kicked off our celebration with Core to Core, a 100-day fundraising campaign to raise $100,000.
While much has changed since the mission was founded in the wake of women’s suffrage—from the organization that stewards it to the community needs that continue to shape its offerings, the fundraising campaign will illustrate our impact over the years and support its future growth.
Wondering what YOU can do to help us celebrate our centennial? Here’s how:
- DONATE to our Core to Core Campaign to support our goal of raising $100,000 in 100 days.
- CREATE your fundraising page (it’s easy) and ask your friends and family to support you in helping EmBe reach its goal. We want to make it as easy as possible to participate so we have included a link on the fundraising page with step-by-step instructions along with graphics and suggested content for social media.
- HOST a small (or large) gathering to tell the story of EmBe and ask your friends to support – we will be with you every step!
- RECEIVE a special invitation to our Night of Courage Private VIP Social on Sept 28 by donating or raising $3,000+
Interested in hosting a small gathering this summer/early fall? Contact Susanne Gale, Chief Development Officer, at sgale@embe.org or call 605-681-9834.
#embecoretocore
Ribbon Cutting
September 7, 2022 – 4:30 pm
EmBe Avera Downtown
We invite the public to celebrate the impact of the past and future and learn about EmBe’s impact today as we celebrate 100 years to the day the mission was established. YWCA activities commenced on June 16, 1921; however, the organization was not formally registered until September 7, 1922. Throughout this celebration, we want community members to question how a women’s organization evolved to encompass families, youth development, and childhood education over the past century, and we want to answer them through our actions and vision for the next.
100 Years of Courage Celebration
September 28, 2022
Washington Pavilion
6 p.m. | Live Music
7 p.m. | Presentation
Mary W. Sommervold HallKeynote: Stephanie Land, author of the New York Times Bestseller turned Netflix series Maid
Celebrating our centennial is just as much about the years we have behind us as it’s about the years we have ahead of us. Most importantly, it’s about our community’s people and our capacity to rise to the day’s challenges, to know each other’s needs, and to innovate ways to meet them. The culmination of our 100-year celebration will be a night to honor our impact in the community. Arrive early to listen to live music and take in the history of EmBe.
Stephanie Land, the author of the New York Times Bestseller turned Netflix series Maid, will provide a keynote followed by EmBe’s vision for the future. Meet Stephanie after the show at a book signing to take home a tangible reminder of the human spirit and its inherent strength.
Presenting Core Sponsor $25,000
- Company logo featured prominently in all marketing (commercial, print, social, and media)
- Social Media recognition
- Company logo on EmBe website 100 Year Celebration Page
- Company website link on EmBe 100 Year Celebration Page
- 20 tickets to Stephanie Land
- 20 tickets to the pre-event social
- Company recognition on stage before the event
- Blog story about the relationship between EmBe and company
Courage Sponsor $10,000
- Company logo on select marketing materials (digital, print, and media)
- Social Media recognition
- Company Logo on website 100 Year Celebration Page
- 10 tickets to Stephanie Land
- 10 tickets to the pre-event social
Pre-Social Sponsor (limit 2) $5,000
- Company name listed on select marketing materials
- Company Logo on marketing materials in the social area before the event
- Social Media recognition
- 6 tickets to Stephanie Land
- 6 tickets to the pre-event social
Connection Sponsor $2,500
- Company name listed on select marketing materials
- Social Media Recognition
- Company name listed in the $2,500 club
Community Sponsor $1,500
- Company name listed on select marketing materials
- Social Media Recognition
- Company name listed in the $1,500 club
Your donation at any level to the Core to Core Campaign will help EmBe reach its goal of $100,000 in 100 days to make an impact.
- Company will be recognized on select marketing materials (print and social) for donations over $1,000
For more information, contact Susanne Gale, Chief Development Officer, at sgale@embe.org or call 605-681-9834.
