RAPID CITY, SD — A new chapter is coming to western South Dakota as Ronald McDonald House South Dakota prepares to open a 12 bedroom House in the Hills in Rapid City.

The home is scheduled to be completed Nov. 1, 2026, and will provide families with a free place to stay while their child receives medical care. The Rapid City location will expand services west river and help families traveling from a 250 mile radius that includes South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana and North Dakota.

Rob Bradford said the need is clear.

“It’s about keeping families close,” Rob said.

The House in the Hills is part of an eight million dollar capital campaign. Ronald McDonald House South Dakota still needs about 350,000 dollars to reach that goal and have the home fully paid. After that, the organization hopes to move toward a stretch goal to finish 10 additional bedrooms that are already shelled out in the building plans.

Once open, the home will cost approximately 400,000 dollars each year to operate.

To help close the gap, Ronald McDonald House South Dakota hosts two major fundraising events each year, one in the fall and one in the spring, along with a family event in the summer. This spring’s event brings one of its biggest celebrations yet to Rapid City.

The 14th Annual Kentucky Derby Event will take place April 9 at LaCroix Hall at The Monument. For 13 years, the Derby fundraiser has been held in Sioux Falls. With the expansion of the House in the Hills, Sheila Klosterman said it was time to make it a statewide celebration.

“We wanted to bring the Derby to Rapid City as well,” Sheila said.

The event invites guests to dress in their best Derby attire and enjoy an evening filled with themed games, raffles, amazing food and cocktails. Event night will include a best dressed contest, horseshoe games, live horse racing fun and several raffle opportunities throughout the evening.

The Brandon Jones Band will provide live entertainment during the Rapid City event, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Leading up to the event, Derby raffle tickets are being sold for about two months. One winning ticket will be drawn April 9 in Rapid City.

The prize is a day trip for six to the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The experience includes private plane transportation, limousine ground transfers and six lower level seats to the Derby. Food and beverages are included at the race. If the winner is from Rapid City, ground transportation and a hotel stay in Sioux Falls are also included before departure.

The drawing will be held live at the event. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Beyond the hats and horse racing fun, Sheila emphasized that the heart of the evening remains focused on families.

When the House in the Hills opens, South Dakota will have three Ronald McDonald Houses serving families across the state. Each stay provides relief during some of the most stressful moments a family can face.

Tickets for the Kentucky Derby event and raffle can be purchased at rmhcsodak.org.