A Legacy of Giving: Growing the Community that Grew You
May 23, 2026 // Donors
Al Sandvig and Bette Sandvig, an Aberdeen couple, were encouraged by their financial advisor to support the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AAFC). As owners of a farm, home and auto supply stores their gift helper jump-start the growth of a community savings account (CSA) through South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF).
This wasn’t the Sandvigs’ only connection to SDCF. They also established the Sandvig Family Fund, which supports a variety of nonprofits, with a primary focus on the Aberdeen area and surrounding communities.
“Dad said these communities were good to him,” recalled Amy Sandvig Kessler, daughter of Al and Bette. “This was where he raised his family and where he wanted to give back.”
Al and Bette planted a seed of generosity in their children—one that continues to grow. Even after their passing, their daughters Amy and Stacy Sandvig carry on their legacy by advising and distributing grants. Stacy also served for eight years on the board of AACF.Amy later established her own donor-advised fund, the Tim and Amy Kessler Family Fund, with her late husband, Tim.
But the family tree doesn’t end there as, the next generation of Sandvigs and Kesslers is ready to continue this legacy of giving and become the next advisors of the fund.