Donor Spotlight Series: Generosity Rooted in Faith

This is the first story in a new donor spotlight series highlighting the impact generous supporters have on students, families, faculty, and the mission of Sioux Falls Lutheran School. These stories reflect how generosity—grounded in faith—continues to shape lives and strengthen our Christ-centered community.

A Conversation with Donna Harr
For Donna Harr, generosity has never been about numbers, programs, or recognition. It’s about people. And at its heart, it’s about faith.

Donna’s connection to Sioux Falls Lutheran School began through her church, Faith Lutheran in Sioux Falls, long before classrooms were built or traditions were established. She and her late husband, Jack, were part of the early conversations when the idea of starting the school was first being discussed. From the beginning, their involvement was rooted in a shared belief that the school could be a way to grow the church and strengthen families through Christ-centered education.

“We just want people to learn about God, know His ways, and grow in their faith,” Donn shared simply. “We want them to have the quality of life we have had—knowing that God is there, behind you, forgiving you and blessing you.”

That desire—to care, to help, to be present—has guided Donna’s life and her generosity to Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Her support flows naturally from who she is and how she lives out her faith each day.

A Life of Service and Connection
Donna’s faith is lived out daily through service. Her involvement in the church goes far beyond Sunday mornings. She has faithfully spent her time helping wherever she is needed at Faith Lutheran—teaching Sunday school, assisting with weddings, walking alongside families during funerals, participating in the church’s ladies’ group, and—more recently—driving fellow church members who need a ride to services. For her, being involved isn’t a task; it’s a calling.

“I want to show people it’s good to help others,” she said simply.

“There’s a lot of fulfillment in being needed,” she shared. “I really enjoy working with people.”

That fulfillment comes from relationships—listening to people’s stories, showing up in moments of joy and grief, and reminding others that they are not alone. It’s the same spirit she brings to her support of SFLS.

Donna reflected on the many seasons she and Jack shared—full ones, joyful ones. From hosting pig roasts for their employees, contractors, and friends to camping trips and gatherings with family and friends, their life together was rich with activity and connection. But she’s quick to note that not every season was busy or loud. There were quieter times, too. And it was in those moments when things slowed down that she came to more deeply appreciate how good God had been, and how faithfully He had provided through it all.

Why She Gives
When asked what has motivated her to remain generous over the years, Donna laughed.

“Well,” she said with a smile, “the money keeps growing.”

The humor is genuine—and so is the story behind it. Donna is quick to admit she was never a “numbers person.” When she and her husband, Jack, decided to make their first significant gift early in their donor journey, she remembers looking at the amount and thinking, Are you sure? It felt alarming at the time. But she laughs now, reflecting on how it all worked out—how God provided, again and again.

“It’s not about holding onto it,” she explained. “It’s about helping people and making sure the church, school, or whomever you are giving to can continue their work.”

Investing in Children and Faith Formation
When asked which program at Sioux Falls Lutheran School has been the most impactful to her, Donna didn’t hesitate—but she also didn’t name a program.

Instead, she talked about being a Sunday School teacher, relating her experience then to how she wants to serve children today.

“It’s about helping children on their journey,” she said. “Being involved and walking with them as they grow.”

That perspective shapes her belief in Christian education. Supporting SFLS is about more than academics—it’s about faith formation and nurturing hearts, building character, and walking alongside children as they grow into who God is calling them to be. 

That belief has guided Donna’s life and her generosity. Together with Jack, she raised four boys in a home shaped by faith, time together, and shared experiences—camping trips, fishing lines cast, and lessons learned along the way. That same commitment to nurturing the whole child is reflected in her support of Sioux Falls Lutheran School.

As one of the many donors for both the Our Children: His Treasure (2023) and the school’s Fitness Center (2024) campaigns, Donna’s gifts inspired others to give generously alongside her, making it possible for these spaces to be built without borrowing. Her investments reflect a deep conviction: that children thrive when their hearts, minds, and bodies are cared for together.

A Legacy of Caring
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Donna’s answer was humble and heartfelt.

“I hope I’m known as someone who cared,” she said. “Someone who helped others.”

And not only financially.

“I want people to see others doing things for other people, I want people to understand the importance of caring for others,” she added. “And how important the church is for families and for kids growing up.”

For Donna, generosity is modeled as much through actions as through giving. It’s about showing others—especially younger generations—what it looks like to live a life rooted in service, compassion, and faith. She hopes her life and generosity point others toward service and highlight the role God and His Church plays in supporting families and shaping young lives.

Advice for Getting Involved
Donna’s advice to others who want to support Sioux Falls Lutheran School or the broader community is refreshingly simple.

“Try new things,” she said. “Explore different opportunities. Be friendly. Get to know your neighbors.”

And when someone needs help?

“Help them.”

She believes there is great value in staying active, connected, and involved—at church, at school, and in everyday life.

“When you stay involved,” Donna reflected, “you stay connected. And there’s a lot of value in that.”

Generosity That Inspires
Donna Harr’s story is a reminder that generosity begins with faith in our God, who has so abundantly provided for us, and is lived out through action. Her life reflects a deep commitment to caring for others, serving the church, and helping children and families grow.

Through her example, we are reminded that generosity, in all forms, inspires generosity— strengthening the Sioux Falls Lutheran School community, deepening our mission, and pointing others toward a life of faith, service, and connection.