A Legacy of GivingLaw Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

What started as a few hundred people in a room with Gene Abdallah has grown into thousands, with his son Scott Abdallah carrying that work forward. Together, their efforts have raised millions of dollars for charities near and dear to law enforcement. That’s an incredible legacy built around taking care of people and bringing a community together.

Wednesday evening marked the 45th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner and Children’s Charity Fundraiser at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Thank you to my friends Jon Jorgenson and Governor Larry Rhoden for inviting me to join them. I appreciate these friendships and the opportunity to use my photography to share an evening like this with all of you.

Scott Abdallah hosted the evening, handling introductions and guiding the program. Speakers included Tony Dungy, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta, Governor Larry Rhoden, FBI Director Kash Patel, Senator Mike Rounds, Congressman Dusty Johnson, Attorney General Marty Jackley, U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen, Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson, and Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum.

The gathering also came during a difficult time as our community continues to mourn Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and fellow officers.

There’s a lot of work behind bringing an evening of this size together. Thank you to Scott, the organizers, and the sponsors who continue to make it happen. And to the officers serving our communities and the families supporting them at home—thank you. I’m grateful to share these photographs in recognition of you.