Let's Make a Difference...TOGETHER!
Volunteer
We appreciate all of our wonderful volunteers! Without them, we would not be able to carry out our mission of empowering the Parkinson's community through education, resources, and supportive connections.
We are always happy to hear from people interested in our organization and welcome your inquiry regarding volunteer opportunities such as:
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Step Big Walk for Parkinson’s planning committee
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SDPF Board of Directors
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Subcommittees: Fundraising/Outreach, Programming/Advocacy, Board Development
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Volunteers interested in helping our staff with administrative and office tasks.
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Web Design/Social Media
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Internships
For more information, complete our Volunteer Application.
Fall 2026 Friend of the Year Recipients
Bill & Cheryl Allen of Rapid City
This power duo brings their welcoming and supportive spirit into all that they do, uplifting many in the Parkinson’s community. Their efforts for this year’s Step Big Walk put Rapid City well above their goal, helping raise over $20,000 toward their team. They help educate their community on resources available and started a Parkinson’s singing group to build community and exercise the voices of those with Parkinson’s. Sincere, friendly, and encouraging are words used to describe them. Thank you, Bill and Cheryl, for all of your support to the Parkinson's community and to the Foundation. An honor well deserved!
About the Award
The Friend Award recognizes individuals whose selfless dedication, generosity, and ongoing commitment help advance the mission of the South Dakota Parkinson Foundation. Recipients have made a meaningful impact in one or more of the Foundation’s core focus areas: advocacy, education, financial assistance, resources, and support.
Beginning in 2026, the Foundation presents two Friend Awards each year to honor volunteers and supporters from across the state. One award is presented during the Spring Parkinson’s Awareness Conference in Sioux Falls each April, recognizing an individual or individuals residing east of the Missouri River. The second award is presented during the Fall Parkinson’s Awareness Conference in Rapid City each October, recognizing an individual or individuals residing west of the Missouri River.
Through this award, the Foundation celebrates those who go above and beyond to strengthen the Parkinson’s community and help ensure no one faces Parkinson’s alone.
Friend Award Recipients
Cassidy Frank of Watertown
Spring 2026
2006 – George Niimi
2008 – Jerome Freeman, MD and Jo Landis, RN
2010 – Norma Chesshir
2011 – Elaine, Duane and David Spader
2012 – Redetta Jensen and Bernice Christopherson
2013 – Pat Sundheim
2014 – Mary Freeman
2015 – Wendell & Delores Cook & Carol Nielsen
2016 – Richard Seaman
2018 – Meldon & Linda Kroeger
2019 – Lori Jones
2020 - Lisa Howard & Cherie Ortman
2021 - Noel Lais
2022 - Mary Tidwell
2023 - Paul DeJong
2024 - Steven Nord
2025 - Stephanie Myers