Toasting BGTD and BOOM

For those who like mobile phone shorthand text messages, BGTD marked history-making events at Crazy Horse Memorial in 2010 and BOOM is being felt in 2011.

“We are so thankful to our friends for making the Sanford Challenge match and the donations to the educational program and scholarship program. All of their help is doing wonders,” said Memorial President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Ziolkowski.

Sioux Falls, SD businessman-philanthropist T. Denny Sanford fueled advancements on two fronts. His $5 million matching grant challenge, issued in December 2007, drew the fourth million just four days before Christmas 2010. Since then, almost $100,000 has been received toward matching the fifth million.

The funding is dedicated to carving the colossal 219-foot-high horse’s head. Work is now 320 feet below the top of the carved Crazy Horse face and planning is under way for the finish carving of Crazy Horse’s extended hand atop the horse’s mane.

BGTD, as in “Bang Goes The Dynamite,” celebrates those achievements.

So what is BOOM?

Remarkable outcomes and extraordinary success charged by positive energy.

Mr. Sanford also provided the $2.5 million that built the Living and Learning Center, and with investment proceeds from a $5 million endowment funded by Muffy and Paul Christen of Huron, the Indian University of North America at Crazy Horse opened last summer. The second session, again coordinated in partnership with the University of South Dakota, begins June 5, 2011.

Growing donations are helping to expand the enrollment from 18 to 32 students, with five alternates, this year.

“My dictionary says ‘boom’ is a happening that brings good fortune, is a resonant sound and is a sign of growing stronger. Thanks to the many, many friends of Crazy Horse, we are celebrating achievements that exclaim ‘BOOM!’”

For 2011, it’s an unfolding story,

Born Of Optimistic Minds pursuing

Boundless Open Opportunity Measures to help

Build On Our Mission to honor North America’s Indian people.

We hope 2011 produces a BOOM (Bounty Of Outstanding Memories) for you also.