Wellmark is a proud sponsor of the Kids’ Zone Education Area of the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23 in Sioux Falls. The Heart Walk is a nationwide, non-competitive fund-raising walk event. The Kids’ Zone features heart healthy product displays as well as fitness demonstrations and other activities designed specifically for children. For more information on the Sioux Falls Heart Walk, visit the American Heart Association Web site.

Wellmark is proud to support the American Lung Association and Children’s Health Connect of South Dakota’s Health House. The Health House is an interactive tool that provides user-friendly asthma information to health care professionals, patients, and families throughout South Dakota. For more information, visit the American Lung Association Web site.

For nearly 20 years, Wellmark has supported the Avera Cancer Institute through sponsorship of the organization’s annual Race Against Breast Cancer – and is proud to continue the tradition in 2006. This year’s race was held May 13 in Sioux Falls and saw 2,400 participants raise more than $150,000 for breast cancer patients and their families. Funds generated by the event will provide financial assistance for women to receive Full-Field Digital Mammograms and treatment for breast cancer, and support the Institute’s family-oriented education and outreach services. For more information, visit the Avera Cancer Institute Web site.

In 2006, Wellmark continued its support of Children’s Home Society (CHS), a nonprofit network of residential and educational facilities for children with emotional and behavioral problems, through sponsorship of the Hot Stuff Foods Challenge. The two-day event, held Aug. 6-7, included an evening dinner and auction, and a PRO/AM golf tournament featuring prominent professionals from the Senior PGA Tour like Graham Marsh and Jim Ahern. For more information about CHS, visit the Children’s Home Society Web site.

Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children by generating funds and awareness for hospitals specializing in juvenile care across North America. Founded in 1983, the organization serves over 17 million children annually through financial support of medical research and cost-effective treatments, and through an array of child life services. To date, CMN has raised more than $2.7 billion in support of its efforts. Wellmark is proud to have sponsored a Miracle Child for the annual CMN telethon, held June 4 in South Dakota. For more information, visit the CMN Web site.

On May 31, Wellmark treated more than 100 Sioux Falls-area fifth-graders to a free Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game to commemorate their graduation from Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), a police officer-led initiative designed to teach children how to live productive, drug-free lives. Wellmark also provided attending graduates with a complimentary water bottle. For more information, visit the D.A.R.E. Web site.

Held annually amid the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota, the Leading Ladies Marathon is a unique all-women event where comradery and the human spirit are celebrated through fitness. Wellmark served as a primary sponsor for the 2006 marathon, held August 20 at 6 a.m. Marathon icon Helen Klein, 83, who has finished more than 140 ultramarathons, was the event’s featured speaker and runner. For more information, visit the Leading Ladies Marathon Web site.

Wellmark is proud to sponsor the Ronald McDonald House of South Dakota’s 2006 Taste of South Dakota scheduled for Sept. 23 at Nelson Park in Sioux Falls. This popular event boasts some of the state’s finest food, fun, and family entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of South Dakota, a home-away-from-home for families of hospitalized children. For more information, visit the Ronald McDonald House of South Dakota Web site.

More than 1,000 Sioux Falls-area women are expected to attend the Wellmark-sponsored Sales & Marketing Executives International Women in Business event on Tuesday, May 1 at the Ramkota Hotel. The 2007 event will feature a trade fair, award ceremony, and banquet and keynote address by special guest Erin Brockovich. For more information, visit the Sales & Marketing Executives International of Sioux Falls Web site.

The Sioux Empire Fair, held annually in Sioux Falls, is the largest fair in the state of South Dakota. Thousands of patrons from around the region gather every summer to enjoy first-class family fun and entertainment! In 2006. Wellmark is pleased to have been a part of the 67th Annual Sioux Empire Fair through sponsorship of Senior Day. The Fair began Tuesday, Aug. 8, and concluded Sunday, Aug. 14. For more information, visit the Sioux Empire Fair Web site.

In 2006, Wellmark continued its support of the South Dakota Senior Games, an empowering, fitness-focused event held Sept. 7-10 in Madison. The annual Games encourage senior citizens to be physically active through friendly competition. Seniors participate in a wide array of events, including archery, cycling, and swimming. For more information, visit the South Dakota Senior Games Web site.

Wellmark is pleased to support an innovative community outreach program that allows various artists (currently entertaining at the Washington Pavilion of Arts & Sciences) to visit various facilities including children's hospitals, rest homes, and hospice centers. The Washington Pavilion of Arts & Sciences in Sioux Falls and has been instrumental in enhancing the artistic culture of South Dakota. For more information, visit the Washington Pavilion of Arts & Sciences Web site.