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Paul and Koni Schiller are surrounded by beautiful art.

In their home in south-central Sioux Falls, pottery, paintings and, of course, nature photography are everywhere. 

Picture windows show off the treetops and guests feel immersed in nature.

On a recent afternoon, the Schillers talked about how philanthropy, especially supporting the arts, has changed Sioux Falls. 

Imagine, they said, a family visiting downtown. They could start with a tour of SculptureWalk, at the southern end of downtown. A bit of walking, and they’re passing the Arc of Dreams, spanning the Big Sioux River. Keep going, and they can play (or skate) at Jacobson Plaza, or let their dog run at the dog park there. If it’s the summer, they can stop at the Levitt at the Falls for a free concert. 

“What a remarkable experience when you think about a family introducing their kids and themselves to this community and what it offers,” Paul said. “And all of that was done with private money, because of generous people who care about this city.”

He could go on – and does – about how art enriches the community. From “Passage,” the new sculpture in The Steel District, to the Orpheum Theater, the State Theatre and the Washington Pavilion, he’s energized by how the arts have grown in Sioux Falls. 

It’s another layer to creating a loved community, he said. 

“It takes money, it takes ideas, and, in many cases, it takes courage,” Paul said of investing in the arts. “But it’s for all the right reasons. And, as a result, so many people are introduced to things like sculpture and photography and the performing arts.

Commitment to community

Knowing the Schillers, it’s no surprise to see their delight in describing a vibrant arts scene – or passionate philanthropy. 

Paul, of course, co-founded advertising agency Lawrence & Schiller, which will celebrate 50 years this spring. And you can find his photographs of flowers and Sioux Falls landmarks hung across the city. He also has taken the photos for SculptureWalk every year since it began 22 years ago. 

Koni has served on a variety of boards and still regularly volunteers with local nonprofits. 
“Paul and Koni truly embody generosity, and they have spent many years serving this community,” said Andy Patterson, CEO of the Community Foundation. 

Paul’s connection to the Community Foundation began in 2001, when he was invited to serve on the Foundation’s board of directors. He said he wasn’t sure he was the right fit. After all, he didn’t have a background in finance or law.

“I’m a marketing guy,” Paul said. He was willing to serve, but he wanted to use his marketing skills to help the Foundation. “I said, ‘Well, if I can play in that arena, on your board, then let’s play.’ And so that’s how the whole thing got started.”

It was a good match, and Schiller said he loves to stay connected to the Foundation.

“The Community Foundation has been my most remarkable and most enjoyable board service in Sioux Falls,” Schiller said. 

Culture of philanthropy

Schiller helped start City Blossom, the Foundation’s fundraiser for the Community Fund. The idea started when he was at a fundraiser. “I watched these people write checks, and I said to myself, ‘why can’t we do that?’ So, we put together this concept called City Blossom.”

That was in 2008.

The original goal was to raise $100,000, but because of a donor match, the Foundation raised more than twice that at the first event, held at Cherapa Place. Schiller said all the pieces fell into place – but it was still good luck to have a new event during a down economy turn out so well. 

“We were pretty blessed, as a result of people stepping up and believing in what we did,” Schiller said. 

Very quickly, business owners became interested in the event, and the idea emerged to move it from site to site every year. Schiller sees it as a good way to introduce people to what’s new in the community, with sneak peeks into public and private spaces. The event continues to benefit the Community Fund, which provides unrestricted grantmaking dollars to local nonprofits. 

For Schiller, it all boils down to the same thing: It has to start with a good idea.

“It really makes things easier when you have a good idea,” he says with a laugh. “That allows you to foster all kinds of possible other things you can grow with that idea, and that’s what happened there.”

Paul grew up in Yankton, and his parents were teachers. He met his business partner Craig Lawrence when they were both students at University of South Dakota. Paul served in the Army during the Vietnam era and, when he moved back to Sioux Falls, began working in advertising. 

Looking ahead

Koni was raised in Inwood, Iowa. Koni, who was a nurse, and Paul met through their work in the community and have been married for nearly 30 years.

Koni said her father was well-known in her hometown, and she wanted to model that community influence. She said women’s community involvement has changed over the years, but it’s always been important to her to be part of the conversation.

Both of them are looking long into the future as they consider their giving. They’ve named the Community Foundation as part of their estate plans, and believe their passion for Sioux Falls will live on after them. All they have to do is look around to see why it’s important to continue giving, Paul said. 

“A few years ago, none of this existed,” he said. “From SculptureWalk to the Arc of Dreams – it’s opening people’s minds and ideas. Continuing to give in this way lets us be around a lot longer after we’re gone.”

He stops for a minute and considers Sioux Falls without some of the biggest players – like the Washington Pavilion or Orpheum or the Levitt. 

“If we didn’t have those elements today in the world of art, this would be a lesser city,” Schiller said. “And now, the eastern side of the state is producing more tourism dollars than the western side – who would have ever thought that would be the case? We have momentum here, and philanthropy is playing a key role.”

He points to the Arc of Dreams, for example. 

“We thought it would take two years and a million bucks, but I was wrong,” Schiller said. “It took us six years and $3 million. But 700 businesses and people wrote checks for it. It turned out to be a good idea.”

Koni laughs.

“For a while, people wouldn’t take my phone calls, they were so afraid I was going to ask them for money for the Arc,” she said. 

Now, neither one of them can imagine the Big Sioux River without the Arc stretching over it.
“You have to introduce people to good ideas and good things, and then they get involved,” Paul said. 

He thinks the culture of philanthropy in Sioux Falls is partly because people are so vocal about it – it stays prominent in people’s minds.

“I think it’s infectious,” said Koni. “You meet people, and they become friends, and you talk about things. You learn about the arts or fundraisers, and then you get involved and stay involved. It’s very rewarding personally when you can see your efforts multiply.”

Building the community through philanthropy is remarkable, Paul said. 

“None of this would have happened without the Community Foundation. These projects were funded with private dollars. People see this work, and they want to be part of it and continue to give and invite new people to give.”

Koni agrees.

“This is about our community, and how we work together to make it better.”