Philanthropy Today

Today we caught up with Brett Hubka and Jacob Lohrmeyer from Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation.  In our conversation, we found out a few details about Brett and Jacob, the mural projects happening in and around Clay Center, and their match day fundraiser.  GMCF CFAs

Today we caught up with Dale Bradley, retired banker and GMCF Executive Board of Trustees member. In our conversation, we found out about Dale’s history as an educator, his transitions to banking, and his philanthropic journey.  #GMCF #Leadersofthefoundation GMCF CFAs

Today we caught up with Dr. Eric Higgins, Investment Professor at Kansas State University and GMCF Investment Committee Chair, as we talked about his philanthropic journey. We discussed the importance of mentorship, and giving your time to the causes you care about. GMCF CFAs

Today we caught up with Penny Wika, as we talked about the start of her and her husband’s philanthropic journey. We talked about her history of public service as an educator, the formation of her family’s trust, and the Noris & Penny Wika Trust Scholarship. GMCF CFAs

Today we’re talking to entrepreneur and philanthropist Russ Briggs. In our conversation, Russ talks about how he started his car dealership business and how he first got involved with the YES! Fund. To learn more about the YES! Fund, visit  www.yesmanhattan.org   GMCF CFAs

Today we’re talking to educator and entrepreneur Bob Debruyn. In our conversation, Bob recounts never before heard stories about the formation of the YES! Fund, statistics on Manhattan students, and reasons why the YES! Fund is so important.  GMCF CFAs

Today we’re talking to the USD 383 School District superintendent Eric Reid. Eric Tells us about how he became a superintendent, how the community rallies during tough times, and the YES! Fund's impact on the district’s after-school programs.   GMCF CFAs

Our guest today is a Manhattan legend who at the age of 101 still has a passion for philanthropy. Today we have the pleasure of interviewing C. Clyde Jones. We talked about his history and involvement with the YES! Fund and the impact after-school programs have on our local youth.  GMCF CFAs

Today we're catching up with Debbie Mercer & Dirk Daveline to talk about the YES! Fund, short for Youth Empowerment for Success. A fund that supports after-school programs. We talked about the YES! Fund's history, Dirk and Debbie's philanthropy experience, and the new direction under their leadership. Find out more about YES! Fund #GMCF  #YouthEmpowermentforSuccess #YES GMCF CFA...

On this episode of Philanthropy Today, we spoke with CFA Youth Volunteer of The Year, Eli Conley, to talk about his experience with GMCF's Youth Impacting Community (YIC) program. Eli spoke about his role as President of YIC, going to college, and taking the leadership experiences learned through YIC into the next chapter of his life. Find out more about YIC HERE . #YIC #GMCF #YouthVolunteeri...

On this episode of Philanthropy Today we sat with long-time Manhattan residents and 2023 Philanthropist Of The Year  Bob and Tracey Debruyn to talk about their philanthropic journey, The Master Teacher Institute For The Arts, and the Museum of Art & Light. Bob and Tracey passionately share the origins of this interactive museum, its groundbreaking exhibitions, and the lasting impact it will ha...

In the latest episode of Philanthropy Today, we learn about the recent acquisition of Wenger Manufacturing by Marel Food Processing Company. Wenger Manufacturing has a long history of making a significant impact on the community of Sabetha, Kansas, which is known for its food processing plant. We had the opportunity to sit down with John Pierson, Chief Financial Officer of Wenger, Leslie Scoby, Di...

Mary Vanier, one of the founding members of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, has played a crucial role in fostering a spirit of giving and compassion in the Manhattan region. However, Mary's connection with the GMCF is only a small part of her history in philanthropy. Her parents and grandparents have a long history of giving back, and they set a good example for her and her siblin...

For people 60 years of age and over residing in Riley County and the Manhattan region, the Manhattan Senior Center offers services and activities. Fitness and social events, educational programs, informational assistance, and referrals are just a few of the services and activities offered. Director of the Manhattan Senior Center, Liz Nelson Stopped to tell us all about what they do for Manhattan&a...

We talked to the Hiawatha Community Foundation’s president, Virginia Freese, to find out all about the third annual Hiawatha Community Foundation Give Back to Move Forward Match Day. The Hiawatha Community Foundation is an affiliate of the GMCF, meaning we provide administrative support to help fulfill their mission for their community. Virginia joins us to discuss the HCF's third annual Give...

Shepherd's Crossing is an excellent illustration of what happens when localities band together to take care of their neighbors' needs. When local pastors and churches realized how many people in Riley County and St. George were struggling financially, they created this group. They were able to develop a program that meets the basic necessities of individuals in need while also giving eac...

Food insecurity is a major issue in many communities, and Common Table is doing its part to help those in need. Michael Gassmann, a representative from the program, recently sat down to discuss how Common Table is making a difference in the lives of people struggling with hunger. According to Gassmann, Common Table is a program that provides free, nutritious meals to anyone in need. The organizati...

We recently had a conversation with CFA Trustee Volunteer Awardee Tom Phillips about his reasons for volunteering, his political career, and his life in Manhattan, Kansas.  Tom has been an active member of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for many years, serving as a trustee for the Foundation for over 10 years.  Tom served as a city commissioner and mayor of Manhattan, Kansas before he...

We recently had a conversation with CFA Rising Star Jill Sherman about her reasons for giving back, her upbringing in the church, and the charities that are most important to her. She is enthusiastic about changing lives and assisting people. Jill has experience working with numerous organizations that assist kids and teenagers. She also enjoys working with nonprofits that offer assistance to low-...

CFA Business Philanthropist awardee Dr. Emilie Smith  Talks to us about her background, her journey, and family.  Emilie is the proud owner of Tooth Story, a dental practice that specializes in providing top-notch dental care to children in the community.   Dr. Smith's commitment to helping others extends beyond her work as a dentist. She is also deeply involved in philanthropy, working with...

Grow Green Match Day is a significant event for nonprofits in the Manhattan area.  GMCF Director of Program Development, Kendra Kuhlman, tells us how the event has grown over the last 10 years, and how you can make your contributions grow through matching dollars from the Howe Family Foundation. Make your plans to participate on April 21! growgreenmanhattan.com mcfks.org #Foundation #MatchDay #GMC...

Here's a delightful interview with siblings, Mark and Brenda Butler, as we learn more about the Butler Family Foundation.  Started by Pizza Hut franchise owner, Bernie Butler and his wife, Sherry, Mark and Brenda tell us about their mission, and we'll hear some of the gifts they've been able to make in their home communities in Manhattan, Seattle and Minneapolis.  At the end...enjoy...

Bruce McMillan has worn many hats in the Flint Hills region.  Whether it's his work as an architect, advisor, visionary or philanthropist, Bruce's fingerprints can be seen throughout the region.  Bruce has recently become a Trustee with the GMCF.  Hear his story of education, inspiration and generosity.  We're lucky to have him! #GMCF #Foundation mcfks.org mcmillanarchitects.com GMC...

Learn more about a new opportunity through the Kansas Association of Community Foundation from its Executive Director. Lori Huber.  She and KACF Board Member, Marla Brandon, of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, describe a matching grant program for rural community foundations in Kansas and Eastern Missouri from the Patterson Family Foundation.  The matching grants are available on a firs...

Philanthropy Today enjoys telling stories of Manhattan area residents that are making a difference by sharing their time, talents and treasures.  This episode features visits with 4 CFA finalists. Jill Sherman: CFA Rising Star finalist.  Jill works with McCown-Gordon Construction.  She shares how her faith leads her in her volunteer work. Joy Hall: CFA Distinguished Volunteer finalist.  Joy has an...