Philanthropy Today

Live performances returned to the Manhattan Arts Center in 2021!  Education coordinator, Michelle Ward, tells Dave that local artisans have had extra time to get creative through the pandemic, and that the center's new year has some fun activities and exhibits to share! GMCF CFAs

The Manhattan and Konza Rotary clubs have been very active in 2021.  Club presidents, Robbin Cole and Richard Sell, address the goals of the long-standing civic clubs and their efforts to continue the organization's legacy through a new spin-off organization. GMCF CFAs

The last couple of years have been filled with transitions for Manhattan's Wonder Workshop Children's Museum.  Board President, Brian Niefhoff, speaks to the changing leadership and direction of the Workshop. GMCF CFAs

 Katie's Way continues to grow due the demand in their services for those in the age range from 2 to 26.  Clinical Director, Matthew Wassom, tells Philanthropy Today how Katie's Way continues to serve our young population with mental health care.  GMCF CFAs

Many neat things are in store for the Beach Museum of Art at K-State.  Director Linda Duke tells Philanthropy Today about the current line up of outstanding exhibits at the award-winning museum. GMCF CFAs

 2021 offered many challenges for those dealing with mental health challenges.  Pawnee Mental Health Director, Robbin Cole, provides Philanthropy Today an update in the 2021 efforts in assisting in those in need of care.  GMCF CFAs

 Now during the holiday break is the perfect time for high school students to apply for scholarships.  Edee Nichols is the Scholarship Coordinator for the GMCF and she tells Philanthropy Today how students can apply.  GMCF CFAs

 The First Tee program continues to grow at its host location at Colbert Hills Golf Course.  Director Aaron Wall tells Philanthropy Today that 2022 is even more promising.  GMCF CFAs

Food insecurity is still an issue for many in the Little Apple, and The Breadbasket's Executive Director, Mary Beth Kiefer pays homage to the supporters, donors and volunteers who strive to minimize poverty and hunger in Manhattan. flinthillsbreadbasket.org GMCF CFAs

2021 was a challenging year for the Crisis Center, as it's long-time director, Judy Davis, lost her long, courageous battle with cancer.  Enter Cathy Ray, who worked with Judy and considers her a mentor, and she's jumped feet first into the Center's greatest project ever, a new shelter for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. thecrisiscenterinc.org GMCF CFAs

In the last 16 months, a new effort to assist individuals get their lives back on track launched in downtown Manhattan, and has grown so much that they've already moved into a larger facility.  Executive Director, Scott Voos, describes the purpose of Be Able, and how 2022 brings new challenges and opportunities.  beablecommunity.com GMCF CFAs

A top goal for BBBS is to find new Bigs to mentor youth in the area.  Executive Director, Michelle Sink, tells Dave that 2021 brought new opportunities for the organization, and in 2022, the effort to find more mentors will continue to be their biggest goal kansasbigs.org GMCF CFAs

2021 was a year of transition for the beautiful Flint Hills Discovery Center, and 2022 brings a brand new feature during the Discovery Center's 10th year. The president of the Discovery Center's foundation board and long-time city commissioner, Bruce Snead, the foundation's executive director, Leslie White, and Assistant Director, Steven Bridenstine tell us what to look forward to i...

Habitat for Humanity continues to lend a helping hand to individuals to assist in their housing needs.  In this episode, Executive Director, Josh Brewer, tells Dave that 2021 brought new hopes to families, and helped others with some goods from Habitat's "ReStore" facility. mahfh.org GMCF CFAs

 Empowering special populations is the goal of Big Lakes, giving hundreds of special needs adults opportunities and the attention they need.  Development and marketing specialist, Emily Loudermilk, tells Philanthropy Today they have individuals ready to work!  They just need businesses to hire them!  GMCF CFAs

 Morningstar was established in 2004 to assist individuals with severe mental health issues find work and help them get re-established in society.  Founder and Co-Director Richard Stitt and Co-Director Dantia McDonald share stories of struggles, triumphs and hopes.  GMCF CFAs

 The Flint Hills Volunteer Center coordinates the efforts of over 1,200 volunteers in the area, providing valuable services to people in need.  Today on PT, Executive Director, Lori Bishop, and Program Services Director, Karen Paulis, talk about a new effort to the FHVC is spearheading on suicide prevention.  GMCF CFAs

 2022 brings lots of new opportunities for Sunflower Casa!  Executive Director, Carson Kober and board member, Scott Seel, tell Dave Lewis about the new year bringing a new name, new partnerships and a potential new home!  GMCF CFAs

 UFM's long time Executive Director, Linda Teenor, is joined on Philanthropy Today by UFM Program Coordinator, Christina Stratman, and brings us up-to-date on UFM's upcoming courses, and their goal of establishing a "Learning Kitchen" in Manhattan.  GMCF CFAs

 Jim Genandt, President of Manhattan Area Technical College updates Dave on the continued growth of the tech school and it's successes in creating an educated and capable workforce.  GMCF CFAs

In our first episode in "Philanthropy Today's" 25 Days of Christmas, we visit with Christina Nolte and Jenneen LeMay of Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice in Manhattan. We learn about their mission to provide the highest quality of care for their clients, and the importance of financial support from the community.  The annual "Light of Life" is just one of their many effor...

 This episode of the GMCF Podcast features Jeff Sackrider of WTC and Nick "Sick" Fisher, an artist who has contributed to the local vibrancy through his art.  Jeff represents "Incite MHK," an organization that formed in 2019 to enhance art in Manhattan by utilizing private funds through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.  GMCF CFAs

Today's guest on the GMCF Podcast is Matt Crocker, who chairs the GMCF's Investment Committee.   We'll learn how the committee works with donors to assist them in fulfilling their goals for their contributions.  Crocker is the CEO/President of SPS Companies, Inc., the parent company of long-time Manhattan business, Steel and Pipe Supply.   He tells GMCF Podcast host Dave Lewis about...

 "The Manhattan" is an upcoming fund-raising event for the Riley County Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Area Director Michelle Sink is our guest on this episode of the GMCF Podcast, and she shares the details of this Bourbon and Blues based event, scheduled for September 9th at Prairiewood.  Further information about "The Manhattan" is available at the Kansas Big Brothers Big Sister...

 Today's GMCF Podcast features a visit with Retired Lieutenant Colonel Robert Darling.  Col. Darling was in the White House bunker with Vice President Dick Cheney the day the attacks on America took place, September 11th, 2001.  Col. Darling will be the featured speaker at the 9/11 Day Of Remembrance event, Friday, September 10th at Manhattan City Park.  On this episode of the GMCF Podcast, h...