The South Dakota State Historical Society has received a $25,000 challenge grant from Pierre philanthropist Mansour Karim for the Great Sioux Horse Effigy Return Celebration scheduled for Oct. 10-12.
The effigy was recently returned to the museum following its inclusion in the international touring exhibition “The Plains Indians: Artists of Earth and Sky.” It will go back on display at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre as part of the Great Sioux Horse Effigy Return Celebration in October.
“We are especially excited to make this announcement,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “Mansour Karim is a member and supporter of the historical society and his financial assistance will help us make the Effigy Return Celebration a great success. We are proud to have Mr. Karim as our lead donor on this project and are deeply appreciative of his challenge grant.”
Society officials need to raise another $7,500 to meet Karim’s challenge, but their overall goal is to raise an additional $17,500 between Aug. 1 and Oct. 1, 2015.
South Dakota Historical Society Foundation President Michael Lewis, who is leading the fundraising effort, noted that generous contributions have already been received from First Dakota National Bank, the Mickelson Family Fund, Sioux Steel Company and Howalt-McDowell Insurance, Inc. among others.
“We still have some work to do,” said Lewis, “but we are confident that other donors will step forward to help us meet Mansour Karim’s generous challenge.”
Society officials also note that new ways to make a donation to the project will be opened during the first week of August including a page on the Foundation’s website, www.sdhsf.org. Funders may also choose to make a contribution through the GoFundMe fundraising site at www.gofundme.com (look for the project under “South Dakota Causes” or the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation). All contributions to the project are tax deductible within the limits of the law, and all funds donated will be used for the Great Sioux Horse Effigy Return Celebration Oct. 10-12.
According to Museum Director Jay Smith, a full schedule of the Great Sioux Horse Effigy Return Celebration events, exhibit, programs and other activities will be released soon.
“We have a terrific weekend of activities planned, and we are presently taking care of some final details,” Smith said. “We will also post a schedule of events on our website at www.history.sd.gov so that our audience, visitors and the citizens of South Dakota can take part in the event.”
Please contact Lewis at 605-773-6001 about making a donation to help meet Karim’s match, or Smith at 605-773-3798 about any of the events and activities taking place during the Great Sioux Horse Effigy Return Celebration.
Editor’s Note: The South Dakota State Historical Society and South Dakota Historical Society Foundation have announced a $25,000 challenge grant from Pierre philanthropist Mansour Karim for the Great Sioux Horse Effigy Return Celebration Oct. 10-12 in Pierre. Pictured, from left, are Jay D. Vogt, society director; Karim; Jay Smith, museum director; and Michael Lewis, foundation president. (Photo courtesy South Dakota State Historical Society)
