RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO) — The international motorcycle group, Hampsters USA, raised $371,700 for LifeScape kids in West River South Dakota.
The funds were raised Monday night at Hampsters USA’s annual fundraiser held in Spearfish, during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, according to a LifeScape Foundation news release.
The funding will assist West River children in gaining greater independence through physical, occupational, speech, and behavior therapies.
“This year’s total puts the accumulated contributions over the $5 million mark,” LifeScape Foundation President Jessica Wells said in the news release. “For 19 years, Hamsters USA has been our strong partner, ensuring children with disabilities get the help they need.”
Five-year-old Olivia Bybee of rural Custer, who gets physical therapy at LifeScape, attended with her family. Olivia learned to walk with LifeScape’s help and continues to improve her balance and coordination.
For the third year, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden was a special guest at the event.
“I’ve seen a little girl who couldn’t walk,” Olivia’s mom, Sara, said in the news release. “That little girl can walk now and doesn’t want to hold my hand anymore. And that’s worth more than anything.”
In 2023, LifeScape Rapid City served 1,200 children. LifeScape clinicians drive over 10,000 miles each month to deliver outreach therapies to kids in their homes, schools and daycare centers. This outreach service brings developmental help to the children rather than parents taking time off work to drive their kids to therapy in Rapid City.
