Iroquois Church, Thompson, and Fuchs Honored by Abbott House
– By #Abbott House
Mitchell, SD – The Iroquois United Women in Faith, David Thompson of Mitchell, and Mary Fuchs of Huron were honored during the Abbott House 85th Anniversary Celebration. This event celebrated how Abbott House has grown and changed through the years. In addition, it focused on gratitude for the support the Mitchell community has provided to Abbott House children for the last 85 years. As of today, thanks to decades of support, Abbott House has served well over 5,000 children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other trauma.
The Children’s Champion Awards are given out by Abbott House annually to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the lives of South Dakota children.
Children’s Generosity Champion Award Winner
This award goes to a group of people who have helped Abbott House children heal for more than 40 years. The Iroquois United Women in Faith hold a tea party annually, with proceeds always being donated to a charity of their choice, which many times has been Abbott House. In fact, this small church has given well over $40,000 to help children in our care find hope and healing. To raise these funds, the group has hosted musicians, performed skits, prepared food, and so much more.
“This church and particularly its women’s group is small, but mighty,” Eric Klooz, Abbott House Executive Director said. “They have changed the lives of hundreds of children with their dedication and generosity.”
On behalf of the church, Barb DeJong, Darcy Miller, Bonnie Moffitt, and Pastor Tia accepted the award.
Children’s Volunteer Champion Award Winner
The 2024 Children’s Volunteer Champion is someone who is close to many of our children’s hearts. David Thompson, who earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from SDSU and Iowa State University respectively, has been offering his math expertise to help tutor Abbott House children for nearly two years.
“Dave volunteers two or three days a week,” Klooz shared, “and he even has used Zoom to continue tutoring sessions with our children when he is out of state for the winter. He truly deserves this award for his commitment to our kids’ education.”
David spent time as a statistician for the Strategic Air Command near Omaha after graduating college. Here, he and his late wife, Lila, raised their family. After Lila’s passing, Dave returned to Mitchell, and has kept busy by volunteering at several other organizations around town, including the Mitchell Area SafeHouse and the RSVP Patrol. In 2020, David also witnessed the opening of the David and Lila Thompson High School in Namayemba, Uganda.
Children’s Lifetime Giving Champion Award
The winner of the Children’s Lifetime Giving Champion Award is no stranger to helping at-risk children and meeting their needs. “This woman is a mother of three, grandmother of six, and served as an emergency foster parent to 48 children across four counties during the 1980’s. After serving on our board for nine years, I am proud to announce this year’s award winner as Mary Fuchs,” Klooz said.
In addition to supporting Abbott House children throughout the years, Mary Fuchs has also served more than 20 years on the Board of Directors of Community Counseling Services and 16 years as a commissioner for the Huron Housing and Redevelopment Commission. Since joining the board in 2016, Mary has helped Abbott House open four therapeutic foster homes in Rapid City, a boys’ therapeutic foster home in Mitchell, and two therapeutic foster homes in Sioux Falls. Mary and her husband, Dr. Mike Fuchs, have also established a scholarship fund for Abbott House alums that provides more than $5,000 in scholarships every year.
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