Simon Says Give - South Dakota: A Legacy of Kids Helping Kids

I’m Nolan Fleming, and my journey with Simon Says Give started when I was nine. After meeting Mandi Simon, the founder of Simon Says Give Minnesota, I was inspired to bring the mission of kids helping kids to South Dakota. With the support of my mom, family, and many friends, along with our community, we launched the South Dakota chapter, making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.

As the first Chapter President, I had the privilege of leading a kid and adult board, as well as numerous volunteers, in projects that provided birthday celebrations, school supplies, and meals to those who needed them most. Through this work, the kids involved gained a broader appreciation and understanding of social impact, a joy for service, and invaluable experience in leadership, public speaking, fundraising, and media relations, all while witnessing the incredible impact that a dedicated group of young people can have on their community.

Some of My Favorite Moments Helping Kids

Looking back on my time with Simon Says Give, there were so many unforgettable moments that truly embodied the mission of kids helping kids:

• Cops vs. Kids Events – An incredible annual event where we partnered with the police department, our board, and the community to celebrate kids and raise awareness.
• WE Day – Standing on stage at the Xcel Energy Center with Mandi, sharing our story with thousands of young changemakers.
• World’s Largest Birthday Event at Mall of America – Being part of an incredible effort to pack 2,500 birthday boxes for kids in need.
• Trip to Boston – Traveling from South Dakota to Massachusetts to support Simon and his Worcester chapter.
• The Gala – Attending the first Simon Says Give gala, meeting so many inspiring people, and celebrating the impact we were making.
• The Nolan Fleming Award – Receiving a leadership award in my name at the first gala and later having the honor of presenting it to other young leaders.

These experiences reinforced the importance of service, leadership, and community, and I am grateful to have been part of something so meaningful.

The Legacy Continues
While I have now moved on to focus on college and my career, I continue to support the important mission of Simon Says Give and the belief that every child deserves a reason to celebrate. Though my role has changed, the legacy of Simon Says Give - South Dakota remains strong, carried forward by passionate young leaders like Cassidy Jennings, our last chapter president to proudly represent the important work we did in South Dakota.

"Simon Says Give is a wonderful organization that brings joy to many kids, whether they are being served or serving others. My life truly would not be the same if I hadn’t gotten involved with Simon Says Give."— Cassidy Jennings, South Dakota Chapter President

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the incredible kids who stepped up to help make a difference. Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support this mission—your impact is lasting and meaningful.