By Chris Fischer
Mellette Community Foundation held its annual Pancake Brunch fundraiser on Sun., Mar. 16 in the town’s community center. More than 120 people attended.
The foundation was founded in 2000. Jessica Halvorson, chair, stated that the foundation covers a lot of different projects. These projects have been for the benefit of other towns as well. Halvorson noted that there’s been good community involvement, and that “small communities come together.”
The projects that the foundation gets behind are not just for Mellette or for Northwestern Area School. Halvorson gave these examples: scholarships, new weight room equipment for the school, and a drone club. She said that a potential next project is getting new playground equipment. Any community improvement project for the small communities would be considered.
Halvorson said that the foundation sends out a yearly letter requesting donations. “We have a good community, very generous.” she said.

High school seniors were asked to help out with the event, in part because the foundation offers $1,000 scholarships to seniors who apply. There were many others working in the kitchen and around the community center. Per Halvorson, each board member was asked to bring a helper, and community members could also volunteer themselves.
The foundation has a 9-member board. They will soon have an empty seat to fill. Donnie Stahl is retiring from his position. He’s been involved from the beginning, 25 years ago. Another community member will step up to serve.