T. Denny Sanford, South Dakota’s Greatest Philanthropist, Passes Away at 90

What Happened?

On Saturday morning, Sanford Health shared the news that a well-known businessman and generous gift-giver (philanthropist) named T. Denny Sanford has died. He was 90 years old.

• He was a businessman who made money from companies.
• He was also a philanthropist — that just means someone who gives a lot of money to help others.
• The announcement was made by Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

How Did He Help South Dakota?

Mr. Sanford gave big chunks of money to help build and launch important health places in South Dakota. Think of it like donating toys to a school, but on a giant scale!

• He helped launch the children’s hospital in Sioux Falls (a hospital just for kids).
• He supported the Edith Sanford Breast Center (a place that helps people with breast health).
• He also backed Sanford Imagenetics (a place that studies your genes, the tiny codes inside you that make you, you!).

Important Point: T. Denny Sanford is remembered as someone who changed health care and communities in South Dakota through his giving.

What Did Leaders Say?

On Saturday, important South Dakota leaders took time to remember him and his good deeds.

Governor Larry Rhoden

“It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny – a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota. His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.”

• The Governor said Mr. Sanford gave money and care on purpose to help the state.
• He called him the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.

Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen

“Denny Sanford was a significant donor to practically every charitable campaign in Sioux Falls, and many others throughout the state. Beyond his high-profile gifts, Denny was a key reason that Sioux Falls has such a strong culture of philanthropy, and many important community improvements benefited from his support.”

• He gave to almost every charity drive in Sioux Falls and beyond.
• Because of him, Sioux Falls became a city where people love to help each other (a strong culture of philanthropy).

Want to Read More?

You can learn even more about his life and what he achieved by reading this article from Sanford Health:
Read more about Denny Sanford’s legacy

Story Still Unfolding

This is a developing story, which means new info might come out later. Dakota News Now will keep sharing updates as they learn more.

Summary

T. Denny Sanford, a 90-year-old businessman and philanthropist, has died. He gave huge donations that created children’s health centers and genetics research in South Dakota. State leaders like Governor Rhoden and Lt. Governor Venhuizen praised him as the state’s greatest ever giver. His legacy will continue to help people for a long time.

FAQ

1. Who was T. Denny Sanford?
He was a businessman and philanthropist from South Dakota who gave a lot of money to hospitals and community causes.

2. How old was he when he passed away?
He was 90 years old.

3. What big things did he help build?
He helped launch the Sioux Falls children’s hospital, the Edith Sanford Breast Center, and Sanford Imagenetics.

4. Why do leaders call him important?
Because his gifts helped shape health care and a giving spirit in South Dakota, and they say he was the state’s greatest philanthropist.

5. Where can I learn more about his life?
You can read more on the Sanford Health website using the link provided above.

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