Made for Shade

Tonight is one of my favorite nights of the year!

Made for Shade began with a simple belief: that every child deserves a safe place to play protected from the harmful effects of UV exposure.

What started as an idea has grown into a community effort fueled by generosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to prevention.

As I look around, I'm filled with gratitude for every sponsor, volunteer, donor, bidder, and supporter who made this possible.

Together, we're not just hosting an event. We're creating lasting change for children in our community.

Thank you for believing in this mission.

Let's make it a wonderful evening. 🌳💫

For those of you that follow along… There’s a hidden page that most people won't find it.

Reply with 👀 and we'll point you in the right direction.

✨ SOLD OUT ✨

As we prepare for tomorrow's Made For Shade event, we're overwhelmed with gratitude.

What started as a simple mission to protect children from harmful UV exposure has grown into something much bigger: a community coming together to invest in the health and future of South Dakota's children.

Every shade structure we build represents more than steel and fabric. It represents prevention.

As a dermatologist, I've sat across from patients whose lives changed because of skin cancer. I've diagnosed melanoma in young adults. I've cared for parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members who never imagined a day in the sun years ago would become a cancer diagnosis later in life.

Those experiences are why Made For Shade exists.

The reality is that much of our lifetime sun damage occurs during childhood. By creating shaded environments where children learn, play, and grow, we're helping reduce exposure today while protecting health for decades to come.
To everyone attending, sponsoring, donating, volunteering, bidding, and supporting this year's event: thank you.

A sold-out event isn't just a full room.

It's a community saying that prevention matters.�It's a community saying that children matter.�It's a community choosing to make a difference.

We'll see you soon. ☀️❤️

🌴🍷 SOLD OUT! 🍷🌴

We are incredibly grateful to announce that tickets for the 2026 Evening Made for Shade Wine Gala are officially SOLD OUT!

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, auction contributors, and everyone who purchased a ticket. Your support makes this event and the impact it creates possible.

We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you and make this year’s Copacabana-inspired evening our best one yet.

✨ See you under the big white tent!

🌴✨ Made for Shade is THIS WEEK! ✨🌴

The countdown is on, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with you.

Join us for an unforgettable evening inspired by the vibrant beauty and energy of Copacabana, featuring incredible wine, amazing auction items, great company, and a meaningful cause.

🎟️ Only 8 tickets remain!

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Grab your tickets today and be part of one of the most anticipated nights of the summer.

🍷 Sip.
🌺 Celebrate.
💚 Make a difference.

🏀 LIVE AUCTION ITEM #9 🏀

Some sports collectibles are rare…. Others are truly once-in-a-generation.

Introducing Live Auction Item #9: a basketball signed by three of the most iconic names in basketball history:
✨ Magic Johnson
✨ Julius “Dr. J” Erving
✨ Larry Bird

These legends didn’t just play the game—they transformed it. Their talent, rivalry, and leadership helped shape the NBA into what it is today and inspired generations of basketball fans.

Presented in a beautiful display case, this collector’s piece is the kind of item that becomes the centerpiece of a sports collection, office, game room, or family legacy.

🏀 Three Hall of Famers.
🏀 Multiple championships.
🏀 Countless unforgettable moments.
🏀 One incredible basketball.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a serious collector, or looking for the ultimate gift for the basketball enthusiast in your life, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of sports history.

🎟️ Join us at Evening Made for Shade for your chance to bid on this extraordinary collectible while supporting a cause that makes a difference in our community.

🥧 LIVE AUCTION ITEM #7 🥧

Some auction items are valuable. Others become legendary.

This year’s seventh live auction item is a Seasonal Fruit Pie handcrafted by Arrowhead’s own Jessica Mertz—and if you know Jessica, you know this is much more than dessert.

For more than 30 years, Jessica has been perfecting her craft, turning a challenge to out-bake a famous strawberry rhubarb pie into a lifelong passion for creating pies that bring people together.

🥧 She once stayed up all night baking 40 pumpkin pies for first responders at Thanksgiving.
🥧 She’s baked countless pies for the Pinedale Bazaar.
🥧 A Colorado peach pie raised $1,400 for horse therapy at Suncatchers Annual Gala.
🥧 An $800 cranberry apple pie even helped close the sale of a truck at Kool Deadwood Nights.

This isn’t just a pie. It’s a labor of love, a piece of local tradition, and a chance to own a dessert with a story as rich as its filling.

As Jessica likes to say: ✨ Life is sweet, and better with a slice of pie. ✨

🎟️ Join us at Evening Made for Shade for your chance to take home this one-of-a-kind creation and support an incredible cause along the way.

🍷 LIVE AUCTION ITEM #6 🍷

Dreaming of a Napa Valley escape?

Our sixth live auction item offers an exclusive wine country experience in the heart of one of California’s most celebrated destinations.

Welcome to the Private St. Helena Guest House Weekend on the beautiful Aadland Moody Vineyards property.

✨ Two-night stay in St. Helena, California
✨ Accommodations for two couples
✨ Located on the stunning Aadland Moody Vineyards estate
✨ Immerse yourself in the beauty, charm, and world-class wine culture of Napa Valley

Spend your days exploring renowned wineries, enjoying exceptional dining, and relaxing among rolling vineyards before returning to your private guest house retreat.
Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to experience wine country at its finest, this is a package you won’t want to miss.

🍇 Luxury. Relaxation. Napa Valley.

🎟️ To bid on this unforgettable experience, purchase your tickets to Evening Made for Shade today. With only a limited number of tickets remaining, now is the perfect time to secure your seat for an evening filled with incredible auction items, fine wine, and community impact.

🏡 LIVE AUCTION ITEM #5 🏡

Imagine waking up in the heart of the Black Hills, sipping coffee on the porch of a stunning private log home, and spending your day fishing, exploring, and making memories with family and friends.

Introducing our fifth live auction item: Dr. Mama Joy’s “Grandpa’s Place” Cabin Retreat in beautiful Custer, South Dakota.

✨ Exclusive private log home
✨ 5 bedrooms, sleeps up to 12 guests
✨ Available September 15–25, 2026
✨ Stay for any or all of the available dates
✨ Private stocked fishing pond with fishing poles included
✨ Minutes from the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills

Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a getaway with friends, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy one of South Dakota’s most beautiful destinations.

🎣🏔️ Cozy evenings, unforgettable adventures, and plenty of room for everyone.

🎟️ Want a chance to bid on this incredible getaway? Purchase your tickets to Evening Made for Shade today. With ticket availability dwindling, now is the time to secure your seat for an unforgettable evening filled with amazing auction packages, great wine, and a worthy cause.

🏈 LIVE AUCTION ITEM #4 🏈

Calling all football fans... this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

We’re thrilled to unveil our fourth live auction item: the Minnesota Vikings Ultimate VIP Experience at a regular season home game!

This isn’t just a ticket to the game—it’s one of the most exclusive experiences in U.S. Bank Stadium.

🔥 Sit just 7 rows up at the 50-yard line
🔥 Experience the game from one of the most energized and unique club settings in the stadium
🔥 Located directly next to the Vikings locker room
🔥 Watch players enter and exit the field from an incredible vantage point
🔥 Enjoy all-inclusive food, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages

Whether you’re a lifelong Vikings fan or looking for the ultimate sports experience, this package delivers access and excitement that money can’t easily buy.

🎟️ Want a chance to bid on this unforgettable regular season Vikings experience? Get your tickets to Evening Made for Shade today. With only a limited number of tickets remaining, now is the time to secure your spot for an incredible evening of community, celebration, and one-of-a-kind auction items.