About
Team Buche Cares was established as the charitable arm of GF Buche Co. to extend help to those in need, in and around the communities they serve. Their ongoing commitments include:
• Helping feed the hungry with matching contributions to local food pantries
• Financial support for those facing cancer
• “Underdog Foundation” scholarships
• Supporting local non-profits with matching contributions
• Promoting healthy food initiatives and incentives
Buche Company is extremely proud of the ongoing generosity of our team. All donations are through our 501(c)3 Team Buche Cares – Underdog Foundation and are tax deductible.
Team Buche Cares – Underdog Foundation
5709 S. Remington Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
EIN: 47-2185662
Team Buche Cares – Board of Directors
RF Buche — Founder & President
Profession: President, G.F. Buche Company
As a fourth-generation grocer and President of G.F. Buche Company since 2000, RF Buche has led dozens of businesses across several South Dakota communities. He is committed to building a company culture rooted in service, while also serving on numerous boards focused on community, hunger, help and education. His leadership ensures that Team Buche Cares continues to be a positive force across the state.
Shelly Day — Vice President
Profession: Owner, Frank Day’s Restaurant and Saloon
Shelly Day, owner of Frank Day’s Bar & Grill and Rumors in Gregory County, is known for her hospitality and passion for community. She has built spaces where neighbors can connect and thrive, while supporting countless local initiatives with generosity. Her role on the Team Buche Cares board reflects her belief in building stronger communities through compassion and kindness.
Heath Kooiman — Secretary/Treasurer
Profession: Shareholder, BradyMartz
As a shareholder and CPA at BradyMartz, Heath Kooiman provides creative financial solutions and long-term planning for clients in agriculture, construction, and service-based industries. A dedicated volunteer, he serves on multiple boards and values listening to every person’s story. His work with Team Buche Cares reflects his passion for helping people succeed.
Eric Sinclair — Board Member
Profession: Owner & President, Montgomery’s
Eric Sinclair is the fifth-generation leader of Montgomery’s, a family-owned home furnishings and interior design business. Since becoming president in 2013, he has guided the company’s growth while honoring its legacy of service to employees and customers. His involvement with Team Buche Cares reflects his commitment to building strong communities across South Dakota.
Travis Kasten — Board Member
Profession: President & CEO, Service First Federal Credit Union
As President and CEO of Service First Federal Credit Union, Travis Kasten leads a member-owned financial institution dedicated to “people helping people.” He champions financial education, community support, and volunteerism, ensuring members and families benefit from resources that strengthen their future. His service with Team Buche Cares extends this commitment to people over profit.
Brian Gilbert — Board Member
Profession: Ag Banking Manager, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Brian Gilbert has dedicated his career to serving South Dakota’s agricultural community as Ag Banking Manager at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. With roots in farming, he understands the importance of supporting family farms and rural communities. His work with Team Buche Cares reflects his belief in giving back and helping families thrive.
Team Buche Cares – Staff Members
Carrie Sanderson – Executive Director
Carrie Sanderson leads statewide operations, partnerships, and strategic initiatives for Team Buche Cares. She has extensive experience managing multimillion-dollar projects and bringing together government, nonprofit, tribal, and private-sector stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Through her work in communities across South Dakota, including tribal communities, she has helped develop partnerships and programs focused on food security, community development, and education. Her leadership helps advance innovative solutions that strengthen rural and tribal communities throughout the state.
Ellie Highstreet – Director of Development
Ellie Highstreet brings extensive experience in capital campaigns, fundraising strategy, public messaging, and mission-driven community initiatives across South Dakota. Through her work with Team Buche Cares, she has helped advance large-scale hunger relief and rural outreach efforts focused on serving families, children, and tribal communities. Her background includes developing fundraising strategies, building community partnerships, leading public messaging efforts, and helping position transformational projects for long-term sustainability and impact.
