Downtown Gives 2025
2025-11-01 08:00 - 2025-12-31 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Sioux Falls, North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Each year, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) partners with local businesses and the community to support a featured nonprofit. This year, Emily’s Hope is honored to be selected as the 2025 Downtown Gives nonprofit recipient.
When you purchase a $15 Downtown Gives coupon book, you’ll receive exclusive deals from a wide variety of downtown shops, restaurants, and service providers — all while giving back to a meaningful cause. Proceeds from each book go directly to Emily’s Hope to support our mission of removing the stigma of substance use disorder through education, prevention, and recovery.

Coupon Book Sales: November 1–December 31, 2025
Coupon Redemption: Through March 31, 2026

Books are available at participating downtown businesses, and every purchase helps make a difference right here in Sioux Falls.
Participating locations include: 605 Running Co., Child’s Play Toys, Coffea Roasterie, Combine, Dahlia, Great Outdoor Store, Lauriebelles, Mint + Basil, MK Threads Boutique, Nyberg’s Ace, Plum’s, Rose & Eugene, Simply Perfect, Sticks and Steel, Terra Shepherd, The Cookie Jar Eatery, The Spice & Tea Exchange, Threads by Simply Perfect, Trio Jazz Club, Zandbroz Variety, City of Sioux Falls, and more — plus, you’ll have a chance to win a $100 gift card from Duluth Trading!
Whether you’re checking off your holiday shopping list or treating yourself, Downtown Gives is the perfect way to shop local and give back to your community.
Learn more: https://dtsf.com/event/downtown-gives-2025/

Emily's Hope Gala: 2026 Art Show & Auction
2026-01-24 17:30 - 22:00 | Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown, 120 E 4th Pl, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
The 2026 Emily’s Hope Gala: Art Show & Auction will be on January 24, 2026.
Embrace the power of art and community as we come together for the Emily’s Hope Art Show & Auction, one of our organization’s most cherished fundraisers. This remarkable event celebrates the life and creative spirit of Emily Groth, a prolific painter whose life was cut short. We are also honored to feature the extraordinary talents of local and regional artists, who have generously contributed their work to support the mission of Emily’s Hope – stopping stigma, saving lives.
Join us for an inspiring evening at Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown. The event will feature live art production, a silent and live auction showcasing local and regional artists’ work and tempting packages from local businesses. Plus, a delectable dinner and engaging program.
The battle against addiction remains an enormous challenge, with over 78,309 lives lost to overdoses last year – that’s an average of 215 deaths daily. With your generous support, we aim to change this narrative one life at a time. By attending this event, you are helping us make a significant impact on individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
The 2026 Emily’s Hope Art Show & Auction carries the theme Beauty From Ashes, inspired by Emily’s painting Incongruous. Just as a rose blooms from a skull in her artwork, this event reflects how Emily’s Hope is transforming tragedy into purpose — creating beauty from ashes by helping individuals and families find recovery, healing, and new beginnings.
Learn more about the Art Show & Auction.
Our Sponsors

"Can't Look Away" - The Dangers of Social Media Documentary Viewing and Panel
2026-03-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Belbas Theater, 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, 57104, United States
Emily’s Hope invites the community to the Belbas Theater at the Washington Pavilion for a special screening of Can’t Look Away followed by a live panel discussion on youth safety in the digital age.
Can’t Look Away is an Emmy Award winning documentary that exposes the darker side of social media and its impact on young users. The film follows the Social Media Victims Law Center as it works to hold tech companies accountable for harm caused on their platforms. The documentary highlights the real-life consequences young people face online, including the growing danger of fentanyl poisoning through counterfeit pills sold on social media.
REGISTER HERE
Watch the Official Trailer for Can’t Look Away:

Following the screening, guests will hear from two individuals featured in the film:

Amy Neville, President of the Alexander Neville Foundation, who began advocating for stronger online protections after losing her son to fentanyl purchased through social media.
Matthew Bergman, Founding Attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center, a Professor at Lewis and Clark Law School, and the lead attorney on the landmark lawsuit against Meta. He brings decades of legal experience representing families harmed by social media platforms and offers a legal perspective on protecting children in the digital world.

The panel will also include:

Angela Kennecke, award-winning investigative journalist and founder of Emily’s Hope. After losing her daughter Emily to fentanyl poisoning, Angela dedicated herself to raising awareness of substance use disorder, expanding prevention education, and supporting families through the work of Emily’s Hope.
Dr. Wallace Jackmon, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience. Dr. Jackmon has spent the last 15 years at Avera University Psychiatry Associates and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry through the USD School of Medicine. His expertise spans child welfare, mental health, family systems, anxiety and mood disorders, and adolescent treatment.

This event raises awareness of the effect social media has on youth mental health, safety, and exposure to online drug sales. It is designed to engage parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue about protecting young people both online and offline.
Join us for an important conversation about safeguarding youth in a rapidly changing digital world.
REGISTER HERE
Event Schedule:

5:30 p.m Doors Open
6:00–6:15 p.m. Welcome Message
6:20–7:35 p.m. Screening of Can’t Look Away(Recommended for ages 13 and up due to some content)
7:40–8:00 p.m. Panel discussion

Film provided courtesy of Jolt.Film

Black Balloon Day 2026
2026-03-06 | https://events.emilyshope.charity/event/black-balloon-day-2026/
Honor. Remember. Raise Awareness. 🖤
Join Emily’s Hope in recognizing Black Balloon Day on March 6—a day to honor loved ones lost to substance use disorder and raise awareness about the overdose crisis.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are involved in more than half of all overdose deaths, yet 10% of U.S. adults experience substance use disorder in their lifetime, with nearly 75% never receiving treatment.
Black Balloon Day is both a time for remembrance and a call to action. Together, we can reduce stigma, share stories, and advocate for change.
How to participate:
🖤 Place a black balloon outside your home or business
🖤 Share a virtual black balloon on social media with the hashtag #BlackBalloonDay
🖤 Take a moment to remember those lost and support those in recovery
The History of Black Balloon Day
Greg Tremblay, a 38-year-old father of four, passed away from an overdose on March 6, 2015. To honor and memorialize Greg, his family created Black Balloon Day. While Black Balloon Day began as a small memorial and tribute to Greg, it grew in popularity and has become an event observed nationally and internationally every year on March 6.

2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade
2026-03-14 11:00 - 15:30 | Downtown Sioux Falls, North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Join Emily’s Hope at the 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us in Downtown Sioux Falls! Emily’s Hope will have a float in the parade, spreading awareness and hope as we turn the city green.
Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 3:30 p.m. (Parade starts at 2:00 p.m.)
Don’t miss the painting of the shamrock at 11:00 a.m. in front of First National Bank (Phillips Ave between 9th & 10th Street)!
Come cheer us on, wear your best green, and celebrate with the community. We hope to see you there!

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Sioux City Musketeers (Supporting Emily's Hope)
2026-03-20 19:05 - 21:30 | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, 1201 N. West Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Watch the Sioux Falls Stampede take on the Sioux City Musketeers and support Emily’s Hope in the process!
The game is part of Bluestone’s Cooperative Culture, which features local nonprofits at select games throughout the season.
By purchasing your tickets through this link, $5 of every ticket sold will be given back to Emily’s Hope.
After you have finished your purchase, your tickets will be sent to the email you used to place the order.
For questions or concerns regarding your tickets, please reach out to Nicole Jacobson at nicole@sfstampede.com or 605-271-2680.

Emily’s 29th Birthday Fundraiser
2026-03-23 | SD
As we celebrate Emily’s 29th birthday on March 23rd, we celebrate her beautiful spirit and the lasting impact she continues to have through Emily’s Hope. This year, we’re setting a goal to raise $2,900 to support Youth Art Workshops in Sioux Falls middle schools, part of our Youth Prevention Coalition.
Donate here https://givebutter.com/emily29
These workshops give students a safe and creative space to express themselves while learning about substance use prevention, mental health, and making healthy choices. Your support will provide the art supplies needed for these workshops, helping students fully engage, explore their creativity, and build confidence. 🎨✏️
Why $2,900? Each dollar represents a year of Emily’s precious life, honoring her memory while bringing hope and opportunity to young people in our community. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference.
Thank you for keeping Emily’s Hope alive and helping us empower the next generation through art, education, and prevention. 💜

Emily's Hope Youth Art Showcase
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Mosaic Arts & Events, 500 N Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Emily’s Hope Youth Art Showcase
Youth voices. Bold visions. Real impact.
Theme: Rise Above
🗓️ Thursday, April 23, 2026 🕕 6–8 PM 📍 Mosaic Arts & Events, Sioux Falls

PARENTAL CONSENT FORM

Submission Requirements

Artist Form

The Emily’s Hope Youth Prevention Coalition invites Sioux Falls middle and high school students to participate in the Emily’s Hope Youth Art Showcase, celebrating creativity, resilience, and healthy choices.
This year’s theme, “Rise Above,” encourages students to use their voices and talents to share how they rise above using substances and overcome challenges through positive expression. The showcase will feature both visual and performing arts, including 2D and 3D art, spoken word, original music, and dance. Selected pieces will be recognized during the evening’s awards presentation, and performing art categories will be encouraged to perform.
The community is invited to join us for a powerful night of art, inspiration, and community as we highlight the creativity of local youth and their commitment to living substance-free.

Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026
– Students must be in grades 6-12 and located in Sioux Falls, SD
– Artwork can be submitted directly to students art teacher.
– Performing Art submissions can be sent via email to Courtney Hardie at courtney@emilyshope.charity

✨ Free and open to the public.
🎨 Hosted by the Emily’s Hope Youth Prevention Coalition.
💜 Special thanks to Mosaic for donating the event space.

This event is supported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award funded by ONDCP. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ONDCP, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

DEA Drug Take Back Day - April 25, 2026
2026-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | SD
Join Emily’s Hope in partnership with Lewis Drug for DEA National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This community-wide effort provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications while helping prevent misuse and protect our environment.
Community members are encouraged to visit any participating Lewis Drug location across Sioux Falls to drop off medications with no questions asked. In addition to safe disposal, Emily’s Hope will be on-site, offering free naloxone kits and educational resources focused on substance use prevention, overdose awareness, and pathways to treatment and recovery.
Participating locations include:

Lewis Drug – 2901 S Minnesota Ave.
Lewis Drug – 2700 W 12th St.
Lewis Drug – 1301 E 10th St.
Lewis Drug – 5500 W 41st St.
Lewis Drug – 4409 E 26th St.
Lewis Drug – 6109 S Louise Ave.
Lewis Drug – 2525 S Ellis Road
Lewis Drug – 5830 E Madison St.

Can’t make it on April 25? Lewis Drug offers year-round medication disposal, making it easy to keep your home safe and reduce the risk of accidental misuse or overdose.
Together, we can take simple steps to save lives and build a healthier community.

Strikeout the Stigma Game - Sioux Falls Canaries
2026-05-30 16:30 - 21:30 | The Birdcage, 1001 N West Ave., Sioux Falls, 57104, United States
Join us for Strikeout the Stigma game, a powerful night at The Birdcage with the Sioux Falls Canaries as they take on the Kansas City Monarchs on Saturday, May 30, 2026. This special event brings our community together to raise awareness around substance use disorder and mental health, while breaking down stigma through connection, education, and support.
Throughout the evening, local organizations will be on-site sharing resources, stories, and ways to get involved, creating a space for hope, healing, and conversation. Whether you’re there for the game, the mission, or both, your presence helps make a difference.
Stay tuned – link to purchase tickets coming soon.

Emily's Hope Family Fun Night & Fireworkz Show
2026-06-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Tea Baseball Field, 598 S Main Ave, Tea, SD, 57064, United States
Get ready for a FREE evening of family fun and a dazzling fireworks show at the Emily’s Hope Family Fun Night & Fireworkz Show on Saturday, June 6, 2026!

Bring your lawn chairs and settle in at the Tea Athletic Complex for a night everyone will enjoy. Starting at 7 PM, grab a bite from the Backyard BBQ Food Truck or cool off with a treat from the SDSU Ice Cream Truck while kids and families enjoy a variety of activities. The evening will feature a bouncy house, obstacle course inflatable, and classic yard games like ladder golf, giant Jenga, and bean bags.
As the sun sets, prepare to be amazed as the sky lights up with a fireworks display, creating the perfect start to summer.

We kindly request a free-will donation during the show to support Emily’s Hope. 100% of the proceeds raised during the show will go toward furthering the mission of Emily’s Hope to stop stigma and save lives.
Save the date, invite your friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable night of fun, fireworks, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

8th Annual Emily’s Hope Poker Run
2026-06-27 | J&L Harley Davidson, 2601 W 60th St N, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107, United States
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Emily’s Hope Poker Run on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The 8th Annual Emily’s Hope Poker Run presented by J&L Harley-Davidson, a 100-mile ride around the Sioux Falls area, will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Whether you ride a motorcycle or drive any street-legal vehicle, you are invited to join us for this amazing event!
Registration will be open from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at J&L Harley-Davidson. Registration is $25.
2026 POKER RUN STOPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Pre-Register Here: https://givebutter.com/c/EHPR2026.
The ride will start at J&L Harley-Davidson and end at JJ’s Wine & Spirits, where all participants will reconvene by 5:00 p.m. to draw poker hands. Plus, take advantage of the exciting 50/50 raffle and silent auction happening at the end location!
Don’t miss this opportunity to ride, have fun, and support a great cause! 100% of donations and registration fees raised during the Emily’s Hope Poker Run will go toward furthering the mission of Emily’s Hope to stop stigma and save lives.

Emily's Hope Cruise Night at Autoland
2026-07-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Autoland, 2500 N Maple Ln, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107, United States
Join us on July 15, 2026 for the Emily’s Hope Cruise Night presented by Autoland in Sioux Falls. This exciting event welcomes vehicles of ALL ages and invites car enthusiasts from far and wide to showcase their prized automobiles while supporting a meaningful cause.
The event is open to the public, offering an opportunity for everyone, regardless of their age or automotive preferences, to revel in the excitement!
In addition to the stunning display of vehicles, 100% of the proceeds and donations from this event will go toward furthering the mission of Emily’s Hope to stop stigma and save lives!

International Overdose Awareness Day 2026
2026-08-31 20:00 - 21:30 | Greenway Amphitheater at Cherapa Place, 300 N Cherapa Pl, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103, United States
📅 Date: Monday, August 31🕗 Time: 8:00 PM📍 Location: River Greenway Amphitheater, Downtown Sioux Falls (next to the Arc of Dreams)
Forms to submit a name to be read during the Candlelight Vigil and sign up to Volunteer coming soon!
On Monday, August 31, Emily’s Hope, will host a candlelight vigil at the Greenway Amphitheater in downtown Sioux Falls to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day. This public event aims to honor the lives lost to overdose and fentanyl poisoning, raise awareness about the ongoing overdose crisis, and provide support and resources to those affected by substance use disorder.
The vigil will include brief remarks from speakers, including community members who have lost loved ones. The Arc of Dreams will be lit in purple, the symbolic color of International Overdose Awareness Day, to honor those we have lost. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect, listen to personal stories, and learn more about how to seek help or get involved in prevention and advocacy efforts. The event is free and open to the public.
