Beloved LifeScape MallWalk approaches 31st year of blending fundraising with fun

This paid event listing is sponsored by LifeScape.

Fundraising events tend to have a lifespan, and the fact that LifeScape’s MallWalk is still going strong at 31 years is evidence there’s something special about it.

The upbeat music, mascots, cosplayers, cheerleaders, face painting and balloon animals for kids make for a festive, joyful event.

With hundreds gathered at The Empire Mall each year for MallWalk, many say it’s like a reunion — an annual get-together of families, people supported by LifeScape, staff and volunteers.

This year’s MallWalk is Feb. 1 at The Empire Mall. It’s an event anticipated by participants and volunteers alike.

Tim Neuroth of Stone-Cold Music has been the volunteer DJ for 12 years, providing the party-like atmosphere.

“I am truly honored that LifeScape gives me the opportunity to be involved with Mall Walk,” he said. “Seeing the joy of the people LifeScape supports and their families as they participate in the walk is so rewarding.”

The money is raised by teams that register at LifeScapeMallWalk.org and ask their friends and family for donations. Others can join the team for $30. Many teams are led by families of kids or adults supported by LifeScape who recognize the value of the wish list purchases.

First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard has sponsored MallWalk for 14 years.

Sandy Schoenbeck, vice president of trust and estates at First PREMIER Bank, started a MallWalk team with co-workers called the “PREMIER Walkers.”

“I believe in the mission of LifeScape and the quality of life they provide for so many that are in need,” said Schoenbeck, who is also a member of the LifeScape Foundation board of directors.

“The impact reaches so many and touches so many lives. MallWalk is just a small way that I can give back and do my part in supporting them.”

Thanks to PREMIER’s sponsorship and that of others, every penny donated to MallWalk goes to the Needs & Dreams Wish List at LifeScape. The wish list fund provides goods and services not in the regular budget for children and adults supported by LifeScape. It adds state-of-the-art equipment and quality-of-life experiences that make LifeScape the regional leader in services for people with disabilities and rehab needs. Last year, LifeScape provided services for more than 5,000 children and adults from nine states. Probably every one of them benefited in some way from a MallWalk donation.

Last year’s event raised a whopping $103,631. The funds fulfilled dozens of requests for all areas of LifeScape, including a specialized crib and vitals monitors for the Children’s Specialty Hospital; rent assistance for adults; a learning lab curriculum for the Specialty School; swim, zoo, ball game and Butterfly House experiences; therapy equipment; household goods; and much more.

Recent college graduate Lilian Shari became hooked on MallWalk as a high school student with the Helpline Center’s SALSA, or Serve and Learn Student Association, volunteer group. She has been back every year as a valuable member of the registration team. “I am very grateful I am allowed to do this every year,” she said. “It has become one of my favorite traditions!”

For the families, it’s a way to give back for the life-changing help they’ve found at LifeScape. Brad and Ashley Schmidt of Brookings and their son, Rogan, attended MallWalk last year with friends. This year, they have their own team. Three-year-old Rogan has physical, occupational and speech therapy each week at LifeScape Rehabilitation Center for a rare congenital condition.

“LifeScape is amazing,” Ashley Schmidt said. “I love it because they set goals and ask us what our goals are. They push him – not too hard, but they push him to make progress.”

The Schmidts are grateful for the specialized therapy equipment provided by MallWalk donors. “Without LifeScape, he’d be far behind where he is now,” Brad Schmidt said.

Pre-registration for MallWalk is at LifeScapeMallWalk.org, where donations also can be made. On-site registration opens at 8 a.m. Feb. 1 at the Sephora/Athleta entrance at The Empire Mall.  The walk starts at 9:30 a.m., and the event ends about 11 a.m.

Those with questions can contact Anna Trosper at LifeScape: 605-444-9806 or [email protected].

LifeScape is immensely grateful for everyone who has made this event such a long-lasting success!