Wow! The Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls just received a whopper of a donation.

It's the largest gift given to the Sioux Falls non-profit from a single person in the history of the historic venue.

Who was this charitable donor?

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Dakota News Now is reporting this exceptional gift came from Patricia Knutson of Vermillion, South Dakota. Her donation totaling $1.2 million will be used to further support the future of the Washington Pavilion here in Sioux Falls.

Darrin Smith, President and CEO of the Washington Pavilion, told Dakota News Now that Knutson passed away on May 6, 2020, at the age of 71. Before her passing, she cared for two little girls, and during that time, they created many lasting memories courtesy of the Washington Pavilion.

Throughout her life, Knutson was active in the arts. She loved music and was a gifted piano player. In addition to having a love for the arts and music, Knutson loved to read, was an avid shopper, and had a history of traveling all over the world.

What types of things is the Pavilion planning to do with this incredible gift?

Kerri DeGraff, Chief Operating Officer with the Washington Pavilion, told Dakota News Now, “We are excited to utilize these dollars, of course benefiting the community, and it will specifically be earmarked for the Kirby Science Discovery Center, that is where Patricia or Patty liked to take the girls and enjoy their time. We have some very fun and exciting projects in store with these dollars and that announcement will be coming at a later time.”

According to Dakota News Now, back in 2018, the Washington Pavilion launched its Legacy Giving Program designed to formally honor and recognize donors who make charitable gifts of this nature. These gifts help ensure the Washington Pavilion will be around for future generations to experience and enjoy.

Learn more about the Washington Pavilion Legacy Giving Program here.

Source: Dakota News Now

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Flashback 1992: Inside Sioux Falls Old Washington High School

The modern marvel that is YouTube never ceases to amaze me. Sure, there's plenty of garbage there, but you can also find some gems.

Like this video from 1992. It's a sort of video time capsule of the old Washington High School in Sioux Falls. If you came to The Queen City in the last couple of decades, you may only know the building downtown as the Washington Pavilion, a center of Sioux Falls arts and culture.

Before it was the Pavilion, the corner of Main Avenue and 11th Street in Sioux Falls was home to many of the city's schools for most of the 20th century.

Built on the site of the former Central School, WHS's first class of 328 students started in 1908. It was the only high school in Sioux Falls until Lincoln High was completed in 1965.

The class of 1992 was the last class of Sioux Falls to graduate from the old Washington High. That fall the new WHS, constructed on N. Sycamore Ave on the east side of the city, took over the name and educational mission.

Check out the shots below for a flashback to 1992.

32 Things to Do in Sioux Falls This Summer That Are Absolutely Free!

Sure, there are tons of things to do in the Sioux Empire every summer, but if your entertainment budget is small (or zero), we have the solution - actually, we have lots of solutions.

Here is a list of family-friendly (and some, just adult-friendly) events happening this summer in the Sioux Falls area that you should check out. Oh, the best part, everything on this list is FREE.