Day of Excellence was developed by the Leadership Rapid City Class of 2009 and provides an opportunity for people in the Black Hills region to gather with locally and nationally recognized speakers for personal and professional development. Day Of Excellence awards $40,000 to area charities. Day of Excellence, Inc. awarded $40,000 in grants to ten area charities on August 3, 2011, among them was the Autism Society of the Black Hills. Development Director, Susan Ricci, was on hand to accept the $4,000 check and thanked the Day of Excellence for their support. The award will greatly assist the Autism Society of the Black Hills in expanding their programs and support groups.