RAPID CITY, SD – Two local business owners and a Black Hills Works Foundation volunteer were recognized earlier this week as leaders in their communities by the Association of Fundraising Professionals South Dakota Chapter.
Tenise and Weston Chapman and Deann Arneson received 2026 Awards in Philanthropy during the South Dakota Philanthropy Summit held Thursday at the Hotel Alex Johnson.
Tenise and Weston Chapman, owners of Black Hills Tire in Rapid City, were the recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award. There will be a special event to recognize the Chapmans on Friday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at Black Hills Tire on Jackson Boulevard.
The Chapmans impact extends beyond financial donations, their nomination letter states. Their leadership encourages others to give back, fostering a spirit of collaboration across the community. One of their most impactful decisions advancing a culture of giving for the community is their employee recognition program.
The Chapmans contribute to a charitable cause each month that the Black Hills Tire employee of the month supports including Black Hills Works, WAVI, Pennington County sheriff’s office and search and rescue, Rapid City Fire Department, posts 320 and 20, Camp Bob Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Fork Real, Boys Club, the Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, Youth and Family Services, Love Inc., Younglife, and the Ronald McDonald House of the Black Hills.
“Weston and Tenise’s philanthropic efforts go far beyond financial contributions,” Emma Shears, President of the South Dakota Association for Fundraising Professionals, said. “Their strategic vision, thoughtful approach, and deep personal values have set a new standard for philanthropy in South Dakota. They are true exemplars of how giving can ignite collaboration, foster innovation, and create lasting change.”
Black Hills Works Foundation
Deann Arneson was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser for her work with Black Hills Works Foundation. The special recognition event to recognize the contributions Arnson has made to Black Hills works has yet to be scheduled.
Tamie Hopp, Director of Philanthropy, Black Hills Works Foundation, left, with Deann Arneson, at the awards ceremony Thursday.
Arneson made her first gift to the Black Hills Works Foundation in 2020 and has since taken on a leadership role in the organization’s annual Recognition Gala. Black Hills Works Foundation has seen an increase in the amount raised each year thanks in part to Arneson’s efforts.
“If I can trust Black Hills Works with my son, Harry, I can trust them with my money,” Arneson said in 2024 while adding the Foundation to her will.
Arneson has given time, effort and donations to several nonprofits including Black Hills Works, Minnekahta Fire Department, South Dakota Child Protection Team, Feeding South Dakota Backpack Program and others.
Through decades of hands-on volunteer service across several South Dakota communities, Arneson has given her own treasure and time to help nonprofit causes and has motivated others to do the same, her nomination letter states. Deann has spent her adult life building, funding, and sustaining programs for the most vulnerable people around her.
