My Happy Place Watertown

My Happy Place Watertown My Happy Place - Creating joyful spaces for the well-being of those with a serious health diagnosis. We simply call it, “my happy place”.

Who we are:
My Happy Place is a 501(c)3 organization comprised of passionate volunteers whose intention is to create healing environments for individuals who are struggling with a serious health issue. A “healing environment” is often defined as one that has a nurturing and therapeutic effect. For the person on a serious health journey, a healing environment can help to lower stress and anxiety, r

educe pain, accelerate recovery and promote a sense of well – being. My Happy Place does all that, and more. Often times, the news that the individual is going to have a “happy place” created for them, is the first good news they’ve received since their diagnosis. This gives them something to look forward to other than focusing on their illness. We work closely with the recipient to design and personalize the selected space at their home that will provide the most benefit. We will create a place that embodies soothing colors, cleanliness, sounds, scents and visual stimuli. We use specially curated items that will provide comfort, resulting in a new space that will help to strengthen their ability to cope and recover.

Drumroll..... AND the moment you've all been waiting for... The REVEAL! Last December, Dawn's world changed with a cance...
08/05/2026

Drumroll..... AND the moment you've all been waiting for... The REVEAL!

Last December, Dawn's world changed with a cancer diagnosis. As she began navigating treatments, fatigue, and the many challenges that come with cancer, one thing she missed most was spending time outside with the people she loves.

Her daughter, Jessica, knew how much those moments meant to her, so she nominated her mom for a My Happy Place project.

From that moment on, an incredible journey began.

One by one, our community stepped forward. Family, friends, and strangers donated towards the project. Businesses provided materials. Volunteers gave their time, talents, and hearts. Servant leaders worked side by side with one shared purpose—to create a place where Dawn could find peace, comfort, and joy during one of the hardest seasons of her life.

Last weekend, what was once just a backyard has become so much more.

It is a place where grandchildren will laugh around the fire, conversations will linger under the gazebo, and memories will be made for years to come. Thoughtfully designed with low-maintenance landscaping, a few of her sentimental ornaments, and artificial greenery, this space allows Dawn to enjoy the outdoors she loves without the physical burden of keeping it up.

This project was never just about building a beautiful backyard. It was about reminding Dawn that she is not walking this journey alone. It was about giving hope, creating moments of peace, and showing what can happen when a community chooses compassion.

To every donor, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who made this dream possible—thank you. Your generosity has given Dawn more than an outdoor space. You have given her a place to breathe, to gather, to heal, and to make priceless memories with the people she loves most.

This is what My Happy Place is all about.

THANK YOU TO OUR Volunteers:
Jordan Splide, and wife Andrea- Spilde Construction
Matt Moyer- Moyer Construction
Brett Blank, Dan Sauer, Sam and Greg Rieffenberger- construction/landscaping volunteers
Josh Welder- Welder Electric
Keith and Ryder Rieffenberger- furniture assembly
Trisha Rieffenberger- coordination, planning, labor and decorating
Rachel Hauck and Jill Pownell (MHP Board Members)- reveal preparation
Alli Pratt- Apodo Photography

THANK YOU for the Donations/Discounts:
Mark Walsh- MJ Walsh- rock delivery
Duininck- landscape rock
Tree Farm- tall grasses
AMJ Style/Michelle Wadsworth- Dawn’s outfit
Angela Laframboise- S’mores kit
Project supplies purchased from donations at Wayfair, Menards, Hobby Lobby, and Target

💜🩵Dawn’s My Happy Place reveal was a HUGE success! 🩵💜We can’t wait to share the amazing photos captured by Alli Pratt of...
08/03/2026

💜🩵Dawn’s My Happy Place reveal was a HUGE success! 🩵💜

We can’t wait to share the amazing photos captured by Alli Pratt of Apodo Photography! 📸

Projects like this are only possible because of the incredible generosity of our community. We are so grateful for everyone who gives their time, talents, and resources to help make these special moments happen.

A huge THANK YOU to Alli for sharing your time and photography talents with My Happy Place and helping us capture memories that Dawn and her family will cherish forever. 🩵💜

Stay tuned for the incredible reveal photos of Dawn’s outdoor space! Oh, and can we get a 👍 for Alli’s adorable baby bump?

✨ A Little Style, A Lot of Love ✨A huge thank you to Michelle from AMJ Style for going above and beyond to bless our nex...
07/30/2026

✨ A Little Style, A Lot of Love ✨

A huge thank you to Michelle from AMJ Style for going above and beyond to bless our next My Happy Place recipient! It's makeover week, so things are in the works.....

Michelle has again generously styled and donated a beautiful outfit for Dawn to wear on her special day—helping her feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated as she steps into her new happy place with her family.

It’s the kindness and generosity of people like Michelle that make these projects so special. Thank you for using your talents to make someone else feel fabulous and loved!

Thank you, Michelle, for being part of Dawn’s My Happy Place journey! 🌿✨

🌿 Calling All Green Thumbs! 🌿Do you love working outdoors, don't mind getting your hands dirty, and have a heart for ser...
07/20/2026

🌿 Calling All Green Thumbs! 🌿

Do you love working outdoors, don't mind getting your hands dirty, and have a heart for serving others?

We're looking for volunteers next weekend (July 31-Aug 2) to help transform an outdoor space for our next My Happy Place recipient, Dawn Hartwig.

Dawn is courageously battling endometrial cancer while continuing to inspire everyone around her with her faith, positivity, and strength. One of her greatest joys is spending time outside, gathering around the fire pit with her children and grandchildren, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Our goal is to create a beautiful, peaceful outdoor retreat where Dawn and her family can relax, connect, and enjoy precious moments together.

Whether you enjoy landscaping, planting flowers, spreading mulch, building garden beds, or simply lending a helping hand, we'd love to have you join us. No experience is necessary—just a willing heart, a few hours of time, and a desire to make a difference.

Together, we can create more than a beautiful yard—we can create a place filled with comfort, hope, and lasting memories.

🌼 If you'd like to volunteer, send us a message or comment below. We'd love to have you be part of this special project!

The only thing sweeter than a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day is seeing these amazing grandchildren serve oth...
07/09/2026

The only thing sweeter than a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day is seeing these amazing grandchildren serve others with such generous hearts.

Kenzie, Harper, and Kollin held a lemonade stand to raise money for their Grandma Dawn’s My Happy Place project, and thanks to their hard work and the kindness of their community, they raised an incredible $200!

Every dollar brings us one step closer to creating a beautiful outdoor space where Dawn and her family can make lasting memories together.

Thank you, Kenzie, Harper, and Kollin, for reminding us that you’re never too young to make a difference. Keep shining your lights brightly and leading with love, compassion, and kindness. The world needs more hearts like yours. 💛🍋 🙌🏻

If you have the desire to volunteer, please reach out by messaging on Facebook or you can generously donate using this link: https://myhappyplaces.org/donations/donate-to-dawn-hartwig/

As July approaches, we're excited to begin transforming a special outdoor space for our next My Happy Place recipient, D...
06/26/2026

As July approaches, we're excited to begin transforming a special outdoor space for our next My Happy Place recipient, Dawn Hartwig.

Dawn has faced incredible challenges throughout her cancer journey, yet she continues to meet each day with unwavering faith, strength, and positivity. We want to honor that resilience by creating a beautiful outdoor retreat where Dawn and her family can gather, relax, and make lasting memories together.

We invite you to be part of this project. Your donation will help us bring Dawn's dream space to life—a place of comfort, connection, and joy during a difficult season.

Together, we can remind Dawn that she is surrounded by a community that cares. ❤️

To donate or learn more, please visit: https://myhappyplaces.org/donations/donate-to-dawn-hartwig/

Meet Dawn HartwigShe is our next My Happy Place recipient. At My Happy Place, we believe that healing spaces can bring c...
06/18/2026

Meet Dawn Hartwig

She is our next My Happy Place recipient. At My Happy Place, we believe that healing spaces can bring comfort, connection, and moments of peace during life's hardest battles.

Dawn Hartwig's journey began on Christmas Eve 2025, when she was diagnosed with High Grade Carcinoma Endometrial Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Since then, she has endured countless tests and procedures, including CT scans, MRIs, biopsies, surgery, and a full hysterectomy. She is currently in the middle of an intensive treatment plan, receiving chemotherapy every 21 days and participating in a research study with the hope of giving herself—and others—a brighter future.

Like many who face cancer, Dawn has experienced the difficult side effects of treatment, including neuropathy in her hands and feet, joint pain, balance issues, and overwhelming fatigue. Yet through it all, her spirit remains remarkably strong.

Dawn wants to remind us that cancer doesn't just affect one person—it touches an entire family. Her greatest wish is to continue making memories with her children and grandchildren and to watch them grow up.

That is why Happy Place is planning to create a special outdoor retreat just for Dawn and her family. We plan to transform her backyard into a peaceful gathering space where they can spend time together around a fire pit, enjoy the beauty of nature, and make lasting memories. We hope this space becomes a place of laughter, conversations, quiet reflection, and the simple joy of being together.

Dawn wants to share an important message with others: If you experience post-menopausal spotting, please get it checked. It can be a sign of cancer. Early detection matters!

Her words to her grandchildren—and to all of us—are a beautiful reminder: "Shine your light brightly in this world. To others in this fight, you can do this. I have my moments, but each day is a gift."

Please keep Dawn and her family in your thoughts and prayers as we work to create a little corner of peace for them.

My Happy Place functions solely on donations and volunteers. You can easily donate using this link: https://myhappyplaces.org/donations/donate-to-dawn-hartwig/

If you feel moved to volunteer or have resources that could be helpful in this project, please reach out to our local Director, Trisha K. Rieffenberger at [email protected] or message My Happy Place - Watertown on Facebook.

We are so grateful to Sunburst Memorials for choosing My Happy Place as the recipient of their annual donation. Their ge...
04/06/2026

We are so grateful to Sunburst Memorials for choosing My Happy Place as the recipient of their annual donation.

Their generous donation, along with their kind words of encouragement, means so much to our board, volunteers, and the families we serve. Support like this helps us continue creating meaningful room makeovers for individuals facing serious health challenges and difficult seasons of life.

It’s businesses like Sunburst Memorials that remind us how powerful a caring community can be. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us bring comfort, hope, and a little more joy to those who need it most.

Thank you, Sunburst Memorials, for making a difference.

At My Happy Place, we truly could not do what we do without the incredible support of our local businesses. Every room m...
04/06/2026

At My Happy Place, we truly could not do what we do without the incredible support of our local businesses.

Every room makeover we create for individuals facing serious health challenges is made possible through generous donations, discounted services, and a community that shows up in the most meaningful ways.

For Breanne’s bedroom makeover, Montgomery’s Furniture gave us a generous discount on a zero gravity bed — and the impact was immediate.

Breanne, who is living with metastatic cancer in her spine, shared this with us after her first night sleeping in her new space:

“I had the best night of sleep I’ve had in 3 years. Usually I feel like I was in a car accident when I wake up, but this morning, my back felt a lot less painful. Thanks for changing my life for the better.”

This is why community matters.
This is why local partnerships matter.
And this is why we are so grateful for businesses like Montgomery’s who help us bring comfort, peace, and relief to those who need it most.

Thank you for helping us make a difference, one room at a time. ✨

04/02/2026

Check out these “before and after” videos of Breanne‘s mid-century BoHo bedroom that turned out beautifully. My Happy Place is a nonprofit which strives to create healing spaces for people going through serious health issues. Thanks again to everyone who made this possible!

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PO Box 1281
Watertown, SD
57201

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