Tripp County Community Foundation Exceeds $3.16 Million in Assets

Because of the generosity of many, First Fidelity Bank Tripp County Community Foundation (TCCF) exceeds $3.16 million held permanently at South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). Funds will provide support to local charitable causes and scholarships in the Tripp County area for years to come.

Recently, Barry and Marilyn Grossenburg encouraged gifts to TCCF with a matching challenge. Lillibridge Family Community Support Fund held at SDCF also offered a $50,000 match. Generous community members contributed to this challenge including significant gifts from Robert and Judy Benson and Bill and Joan Ferguson of Winner, S.D. 

Since inception, TCCF and its unrestricted subfunds have granted nearly $873,000 locally. 

“We are grateful to the Lillibridge, Grossenburg, Ferguson and Benson families as well as the many generous donors who have made this possible,” said Dawn Covey, Chairperson of TCCF. “Thank you to each of the donors who supported us. Because of your gifts, we can create a legacy for our beloved hometown.”

The fund is a permanent endowment with SDCF and is overseen by a local advisory council. 

“We are proud to partner with Tripp County Community Foundation to create a sustainable funding source for local nonprofits,” said Jamie Farmen, SDCF Community Development Coordinator. “Additionally, we are honored to name Bensons and Fergusons to our Hometown Hero Legacy Society. Our Hometown Heroes are recognized for their generosity in providing resources to enhance the quality of life in their community. They have signified their faithful commitment to the place they call home.”

Bob and Judy Benson

Robert “Bob” Benson married his high school sweetheart, Judy Calhoon Benson, in 1963. They met at Winner High School and continue to support the area in countless ways. Bob considers Judy to be the reason he has achieved so much success in his life, including his military career, ranching operation and baseball coaching. Bob and Judy are strong financial supporters of TCCF. Judy serves as TCCF Advisory Council Member and has done so for many years. Their desire to see the Winner community thrive and grow is surpassed by few. 

Bill and Joan Ferguson

Bill and Joan established a TCCF subfund named in memory of their beloved children- Michelle Paige Ferguson and Michael John Ferguson.

In 1976, after working as an electrical engineer, Bill, and his wife Joan along with their three children Michelle, Michael and Heather moved to the family farm near Witten., SD. The farm was founded in 1929 by Bill’s grandfather, John William Deahn. All three of Bill and Joan’s children were graduates of Winner High School in 1982, 1985 and 1986, respectively.

TCCF donations will be invested along with other SDCF endowed funds. A percentage of the funds’ values are made available annually for the local advisory council to distribute to charitable and nonprofit causes in the area. As funds grow, the annual amount available to give back to nonprofit groups making a difference.