Local Foundation Donates $100,000 to Make-A-Wish® South Dakota

Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana has received a gift of $100,000 from the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation (TEF). The check was presented to the Make-A-Wish® headquarters in Sioux Falls on World Wish Day on April 29. The donation brings the total TEF has donated to Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana in the last three years to $215,000.

“Ty’s exceptional generosity and kindness are overwhelming. Very simply, his support is transformational for our chapter and the kids and families we are privileged to serve,” said Sue Salter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana. “In addition to helping 13 kids receive life-changing wishes with last year’s generous gift, Ty’s message of inspiration and encouragement continues to give kids hope as they battle critical illnesses. The continued support of Ty and his foundation will mean more kids will experience the hope and transformation of a wish come true.”

Eschenbaum, a cancer survivor who created the foundation in 2011, said, “I was granted a Wish, and I’m forever grateful for the love and support I received as a teenager with leukemia. However, we choose to support Make-A-Wish® in honor of my late girlfriend, Autumn Jungwirth. She’s remembered for her beautiful passion for helping children and putting others first.” TEF also supports missionary work in honor of Calder, Ty’s brother, who passed away in 2021, and is remembered for his strong faith and inspiring work ethic.

The Eschenbaum family roots are firmly planted in South Dakota. Ty and his brother grew up on a row-crop farm and seedstock Charolais cattle operation in east central South Dakota. Ty attended South Dakota State University and received degrees in agricultural business and entrepreneurship. He spent time in economic development for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and in operations for Rembrandt Foods. He is a South Dakota and Rural Leadership graduate and has held a position on the board of directors of the American-International Charolais Association since 2016. The Ty Eschenbaum Foundation is based in Arlington. For more information about the work being done at the foundation, visit https://www.tyefoundation.org.