The monumental Crazy Horse Memorial, a testament to Native American heritage and a colossal undertaking carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota, has received a significant boost in its ongoing construction. T. Denny Sanford, a prominent South Dakota banker and philanthropist, has pledged a generous $5 million matching grant to the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. This contribution marks the largest single donation in the nearly six-decade history of the mountain carving project, promising to accelerate progress on this ambitious endeavor.
The Crazy Horse Memorial stands as a symbol of respect and remembrance, honoring the legendary Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse. Conceived in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, the memorial is envisioned as the world’s largest mountain carving. Upon completion, it will depict Crazy Horse astride his horse, pointing towards his tribal lands. The scale of the project is breathtaking: the horse’s head alone is taller than the heads of the presidents at Mount Rushmore.
Korczak Ziolkowski dedicated his life to the Crazy Horse Memorial, pouring his passion and artistic vision into the mountainside. Following his death in 1982, his wife, Ruth Ziolkowski, assumed leadership of the project, continuing her husband’s dream with unwavering commitment. For decades, the family, along with a dedicated team of workers, have painstakingly carved away at the granite, shaping the mountain into the likeness of the iconic warrior.
T. Denny Sanford’s involvement underscores the widespread support for the Crazy Horse Memorial and its mission. A longtime advocate for Native American causes, Sanford initially preferred to remain anonymous. However, recognizing the potential impact of his public support, he agreed to have his name associated with the donation, hoping to inspire further contributions to the fundraising effort. According to Ruth Ziolkowski, Sanford expressed a desire to see the project completed as soon as possible, highlighting his belief in the importance of preserving and celebrating Native American history and culture.
The $5 million pledge from Sanford operates as a matching grant, meaning that every dollar donated to the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to the $5 million limit. This incentive has already proven successful, with the first $1 million of the matching funds already secured. Crazy Horse officials have set a deadline of October 1, 2011, to raise the remaining $4 million, a goal that appears increasingly attainable thanks to Sanford’s generosity and the enthusiasm it has generated.
The previous largest single donation to the Crazy Horse Memorial was $1.7 million, a testament to the enduring appeal of the project and its significance to people across the country. Sanford’s $5 million pledge dwarfs this previous contribution, signifying a new chapter in the memorial’s history and providing a substantial financial foundation for future progress.
Beyond the financial implications, Sanford’s involvement has also sparked renewed interest in the artistic vision behind the Crazy Horse Memorial. He encouraged Ruth Ziolkowski to consider re-painting a white outline of the horse that Crazy Horse is riding. This outline, originally applied by Korczak Ziolkowski in the early stages of the project, had faded over time. Sanford believes that a visible outline would enhance public appreciation for the ongoing work, providing a clearer understanding of the final sculpted image.
"People will appreciate much better what you’re working on if they can see it," Sanford stated, emphasizing the importance of making the project accessible and understandable to visitors. This suggestion reflects Sanford’s keen understanding of public engagement and his desire to maximize the impact of his donation.
T. Denny Sanford, 71, is the chief executive of United National, a holding company that owns First Premier Bank and Premier Bankcard. He has a long and distinguished record of philanthropic giving, supporting a wide range of causes in South Dakota and beyond. His contributions include a $400 million pledge to transform the former Sioux Valley health system into Sanford Health, $70 million to the underground science lab at the old Homestake mine in Lead, $20 million to a California-based research institution for pediatric research, $16 million to build the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, $14 million to Children’s Home Society in Sioux Falls, and $5 million to South Dakota State University’s new student-athlete center.
Sanford’s philanthropic endeavors have earned him national recognition. Business Week magazine ranked him No. 17 on its annual list of "most generous givers," highlighting his extraordinary commitment to charitable causes. He is one of 16 of the top 50 philanthropists who have given or pledged more than $100 million between 2003 and 2007, surpassing even well-known figures such as Ted Turner and Oprah Winfrey.
According to Business Week, Sanford has given or pledged $559 million to various causes throughout his lifetime, representing approximately 20 percent of his estimated total net worth of $2.8 billion. This impressive level of giving underscores Sanford’s deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
The Crazy Horse Memorial stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of the Ziolkowski family and the countless individuals who have contributed to its creation. With the generous support of philanthropists like T. Denny Sanford, the Crazy Horse Memorial is poised to continue its journey towards completion, ensuring that the legacy of Crazy Horse and the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans are honored for generations to come. The Crazy Horse Memorial will be a lasting symbol of respect, remembrance, and artistic achievement.
The impact of Sanford’s donation extends beyond the financial realm. It serves as a powerful endorsement of the Crazy Horse Memorial’s mission and inspires others to support this important cultural landmark. His generosity provides a significant boost to the project’s momentum, bringing it closer to realizing its ambitious vision. The Crazy Horse Memorial’s completion will be a monumental achievement, honoring the legendary Lakota warrior and preserving Native American heritage for future generations.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is more than just a sculpture; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and cultural pride. It represents a commitment to preserving the stories and traditions of Native Americans and sharing them with the world. The Crazy Horse Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past and building a better future.