Children’s Home Society Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Dedication for New Daugaard Dining Hall

Posted on November 07, 2024

On Friday, October 11, Children’s Home Society of South Dakota (CHS), in conjunction with Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication for the new Daugaard Dining Hall, located on the Sioux Falls Children’s Home Campus.

The newly constructed Daugaard Dining Hall was named to honor the legacy of former S.D. Governor Dennis Daugaard and his wife, Linda Daugaard. Dennis served as CHS Executive Director for seven years, Development Director for 12 years and a Board Member for five years. Linda was also a Board Member for six years.

“Dennis has played a profound role in shaping Children’s Home Society into the wonderful organization that it is today,” says President and CEO Michelle Lavallee. “This beautiful hall will be the place where meals and unforgettable memories will serve as the recipe for success as we work with children and families in a trauma-informed setting.”

The 10,200-square-foot state-of-the-art facility features a modern kitchen, noise control reduction, deck seating area, private spaces for families who come to visit, an abundance of natural light and offers seating for 125. These amenities will allow CHS staff to efficiently prepare meals and better serve the daily needs of the kids and their families.

Koch Hazard Architects designed the new building to meet trauma-informed care standards, and the hall was built by Lloyd Construction.

The new Daugaard Dining Hall also features a colorful wave of more than 2,800 folded paper swans and cranes collected through the Join the Fold campaign. The origami birds have been gathered from business groups, schools, churches, families and individuals across the state. CHS is continuing to collect origami swans and cranes to have similar community art project installations at Children’s Home Society Shelter for Family Safety and the new Children’s Home Society of South Dakota Rapid City Campus.