April 2026 — Team Thankful in the Field
Team Thankful in the Field
7th Annual Impact Luncheon
On Wednesday, March 25th, more than 150 guests gathered for our 7th Annual Impact Luncheon — an afternoon rooted in purpose, connection, and a shared belief in what’s possible. Dr. Sylvia Clark served as Event Chair, and the room was filled with thoughtful conversation and a collective commitment to expanding opportunity through education and community support.
We were honored to hear from our spokesperson, Dr. Olga Denysiuk, whose words grounded us in the real stories behind our work, reminding us that every program and every effort is ultimately about people and the futures they are building.
The heart of the luncheon was a powerful panel discussion, led by moderator Dodee Frost Crockett and featuring René Larrave, Faye Lane, and Lael C. Melville. Together, they explored how education opens doors — not just for individuals, but for entire communities — sparking a conversation that was both insightful and deeply inspiring.
From early childhood education to vocational training, from access to healthcare to safe and healthy homes, this work continues because of a community that believes in it. To everyone who joined us: thank you. We are especially grateful to our Empowering Sponsor, Crockett & Associates, and to all our sponsors and partners whose support helps make this work possible.
Days of Service Across Three Departments
Last week, a group of extraordinary volunteers boarded a plane to Guatemala. They came with skills, open hearts, and a shared belief that everyone deserves access to safe homes, quality healthcare, and a dignified future. Team Thankful spent days serving families across Chimaltenango, Sololá and Retalhuleu — and the impact they left behind speaks for itself.
Impacting Homes
In communities across Chimaltenango and Sololá, 52 smoke-free stoves and water filters were installed in family homes. Families who once cooked over open fires now breathe cleaner air. Children who once drank unsafe water now have access to clean, filtered water every single day.
Impacting Health
In Retalhuleu, our medical clinics served a total of 222 patients, and at the Hilario Galindo Hospital, surgical teams delivered life-changing care — completely free of charge for individuals who otherwise would not have had access to this level of care.
- Pediatrics88
- Gynecology88
- General medicine46
These are not just numbers. Behind each one is a name, a face, and a life that looks a little different today than it did just days ago. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Sanford Health, whose sponsorship of Team Thankful helped make every stove installation, every clinic visit, and every surgery a reality.
To every volunteer who was part of Team Thankful: thank you. And to you, our IEP community — your support is what keeps these teams going, and what ensures the next family, the next patient, and the next child has access to what they deserve. The work continues, and because of you, it reaches a little further every time.
The work doesn’t stop between trips
We have several upcoming teams with spots available. Each team is a chance to install stoves, deliver clean water, support medical care, and come home changed. No experience required — only a willing heart.
View upcoming teamsHelp the next family, the next patient, the next child
Every stove installed, every patient cared for, every student supported, and every water filter delivered is made possible through the generosity of people who believe lasting change starts with opportunity.
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