STURGIS, S.D. (KBHB) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was in the Black Hills Monday, taking part in the annual Legends Ride at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The governor’s office says a painting of her by artist David Uhl was also up for auction as part of the ride.
1/ Thanks to David Uhl, we were able to raise $80,000 for Treasured Lives today before the start of the Legends Ride in Deadwood. His painting of me and Ice Man at the Buffalo Roundup sold for $55,000 and the flag I carried onto the stage this afternoon sold for $25,000. pic.twitter.com/cev464cc0b
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) August 9, 2021
The painting, titled “True Grit,” depicts the Governor atop her horse at the Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up.
The painting sold for $55,000 and proceeds from the auction benefit Treasured Lives, a non-profit anti-trafficking organization.
The auction was held at Outlaw Square in downtown Deadwood.
The Governor wrapped up her trip at the Buffalo Chip, where she presented a check courtesy of the auction to Kelly Patterson, founder of the Treasured Lives.
The annual Legends Ride raises money for charities every year. Along with Treasured Lives, it raised money for Special Olympics South Dakota and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.
The Legends Ride has raised more than $500,000 for charity since its inception in 2008.
(Gary Matthews, KBHB, contributed this report.)