Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund raises $1,265 through Touchdown Campaign

The Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund (TACSF) recently concluded its Touchdown Campaign Fundraiser, successfully raising $1,265 with the support of local residents and businesses. While the organization has been awarding scholarships to Tea High School seniors since 2005, its visibility within the community has decreased in recent years, making it possible that many might not be familiar with its mission. The TACSF understands the financial burden of college expenses, and its goal is to provide some relief. With a growing community, this campaign is one way the organization is enhancing its fundraising efforts to increase the amount allocated for scholarships for Tea Area seniors.

Established in 2005, the TACSF was created by dedicated community members to assist high school seniors in pursuing higher education. To date, the organization has distributed a total of $18,700 in scholarships. The TACSF partners with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation to manage its endowment and provide long-term financial stability.

Eligible Tea Area seniors can apply for a scholarship online at sfacf.org between Dec. 15 and March 15 each year. Applicants are required to submit a short essay, demonstrate their community involvement, and more. Committee members review these applications and make award recommendations to the Community Foundation. Scholarship recipients are announced during the award ceremony at the high school. The Community Foundation then works with the students and their college, university, or vocational institution to complete the process.

The TACSF committee includes founding members Sandy Cheney and Joy Schreurs. These dedicated individuals have also volunteered on various committees in the community, church, and school system. Other members are Rhonda Wilson, Margaret Larsen, Nancy Mette, Cheryl Munkvold, Donna Howes, Jenny Miller, Patti Goehring, and Jason Panek.

In addition to the Touchdown Campaign, the TACSF participates in Tea Pizza Ranch Community Impact Nights several times a year and takes part in SD Gives, which runs October through December 2nd. This initiative awards prize dollars to nonprofits that compete by submitting videos, photos, and other creative content. Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars for December 2nd and visit https://www.southdakotagives.org to find Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund and donate. December 2nd is South Dakota’s Day of Giving. The organization is also planning a fun activity for Tea Pot Days next year—more details to come.

The Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund extends sincere gratitude to the Tea Area School District and everyone who supported the Touchdown Campaign. Contributions—whether through money jars at games, online donations, or mailed checks—are deeply appreciated. Special thanks go to the sponsors who supported the mission and pledged donations per Tea Area touchdown made at home games of their choosing. It’s inspiring to see local businesses giving back to help Tea Area seniors further their education.

Campaign sponsors include: Alex & Jessi Curry with Snack Attack Vending, Ray & Sandy Cheney, Country Acres Tree Farm, B&G Milkyway, Beauty Nook Salon & Spa, Lardy Team Real Estate, Paws & Reflect Pet Grooming, The Cat Tails Feline Grooming Spa and Suites, and Doug & Nancy Mette.

The TACSF looks forward to another successful year ahead and encourages anyone interested in being more active in the community to consider joining the committee. Involvement can make a significant difference.

To contact the Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund reach out to ray.sandy72@gmail.com, pgoehring70@gmail.com or reach out via the Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund Facebook page.