Goodbye, Rick Weber!

Last week, we sent off a CHS icon in style. Former Development Director Rick Weber retired on Thursday, June 26, after 38 incredible years of service to CHS. To honor his impact, CHS staff gathered for a party on Tuesday, June 24, to wish Rick well.

Later in the week, Board members celebrated Rick at an open house at First National Bank in downtown Sioux Falls. They shared speeches and well wishes, and at the end of the night, they presented Rick with a memorial bench. The “Rick Weber” bench will be placed on the SFCH campus to commemorate the wonderful legacy that Rick leaves behind.

Over his 38 years, Rick made countless contributions to CHS, including helping create the “Friends on Call” fund. During Thursday’s party, it was revealed that the fund would now be known as the “Rick and Mary Weber Friends on Call Fund,” honoring the many ways Rick and his wife, Mary, have supported Children’s Home Society over the past four decades.

President and CEO Michelle Lavallee spoke about Rick at both celebrations. Here is what she had to share.

What do you say to a man who has devoted 38 years of his life to building and sustaining the extraordinary mission of Children’s Home Society?

A man who has:

- Helped raise over $100 million

- Launched innovative programs

- Led our marketing, referral development, and human resources

- Pioneered Child’s Voice

- And negotiated our first Pride and Kinship contracts with the State

Well—I think we can all agree—it’s so much more than just a simple thank you.

When Rick started his career at Children’s Home, VanDemark was the only building on the SFCH campus—standing alone out on the prairie. And it was half the size it is today. There was no Madsen House, no Administration Building, no gyms, no dining hall. We didn’t own a shelter. There was barely anything in Rockerville and certainly no Messengers Building.

Rick’s “office” was shared with three others in a small admin space near Augustana University. Did you catch that? Only three people in Administration. Imagine that today! Our budget at the time was $8 million. Today, it's approaching $40 million.

Rick was originally hired to lead Therapeutic Foster Care, a cutting-edge program at the time. There he got to work with a very cute chic named Mary, a therapist who he met at CHS in 1987 and went on to marry her in 1990!

When I asked Rick what he’s most proud of from his time at CHS, of course—he said the mission. He talked about what a privilege it’s been to serve such an important cause—to be part of a mission rooted in hope, healing, and family.

He also reflected on the history. Rick has always cherished the history of this place.

That beautiful history wall in our hallway? That has Rick Weber written all over it.

I’ve seen him, dozens of times, walking donors through that hallway, telling the stories — oh, the stories! He always reminded us that this work was made possible by the people who came before us.

Rick’s career has been incredibly diverse and surprisingly ahead of its time. Programs I thought were “new”—Rick had already done them. Because the truth is, child welfare runs in cycles and Children’s Home changes with society.

Rick has been a part of so many programs. He helped launch what was then called A Family Preservation Program, designed to keep kids in the home, with their family! Sound familiar? He started the Madsen Up Assessment Program, designed for short term stays. He started Home-Based Services— early intervention, before a child gets in real trouble with the law or DSS—similar to our Family Engagement Services we now offer. He was also instrumental in launching our first salaried foster homes in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Back then, we didn’t have the luxury of a strong endowment, but that changed in 1998 when the Board decided to start an endowment. The goal was to cover 25% of program costs. And here we are—over 20 years later—with an endowment that does exactly that. In fact, it was 30% two years ago. Another piece of Rick’s legacy fulfilled.

But Rick’s contributions didn’t stop at programs and fundraising. He’s also been one heck of a networker—and an unmatched board recruiter. To this day, when I meet with donors or board members and ask how they first got involved with CHS—all roads lead back to Rick Weber.

Now, as they say, Rick—this isn’t goodbye. It’s just farewell for a little while.

I’m pleased to share that Rick will stay connected with us as a volunteer, helping ensure our archives are digitized and preserved. The kids will continue to benefit from his gentle presence because Rick is still committed to being “the best Big Buddy.”

Rick, I’m so glad I have your cell phone number memorized. Because anytime a question about our history comes up someone will say, “Ask Rick.”

Thank you, Rick! For these last 38 years and the years still to come. Your legacy is woven into every corner of this organization. And it will remain—strong and steady—for generations.

—Michelle Lavallee

See more pictures from the parties below.

At the staff party, President and CEO Michelle Lavallee presented Rick with a few framed pieces of artwork for his dedication and service to CHS.

A party without cake is just a meeting—and 38 years calls for a big cake!

Children’s Home Foundation Board President Bob Baker gave a heartwarming speech at Thursday evening’s party.

Long-time friend and CHS colleague Deb Moritz reminisced on found memories from their time working together.

CPO Jon Mammenga gave a touching speech about the legacy Rick is leaving behind before he and Michelle revealed the “Rick Weber” bench.

Cora, Judah, Mila and Baker tested out Grandpa’s new bench.

At the end of the night, Rick was able to share a few thoughts, stories and gratitude with everyone who gathered in his honor.

Arrivederci, Rick!

After more than 38 incredible years at Children’s Home Society, Development Director and CHS legend Rick Weber is officially retiring. Join us as we celebrate Rick and his remarkable career on Tuesday, June 24, from 2-4:00 p.m.

Stop by Room with a View on the Sioux Falls campus to enjoy a slice of cake, share memories and wish Rick the best in his next chapter.

We can’t wait to celebrate this CHS icon and thank him for his many years of service to our organization. We look forward to seeing you soon!