Today, we talked with GMCF's current Board of Directors Chair, Matt Crocker. We discussed how he became involved with the community foundation the year ahead with the goal of finishing the projects that past chairs Jackie Hartman Borck and Kim McAtee started and laying the foundation for GMCF's next 25 years. GMCF CFAs…

Today, we talked with Dirk Daveline, a recipient of a Catalyst Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who inspire and drive transformative processes around them for GMCF’s benefit. During our discussion, we dove into Dirk's journey, exploring his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, his views on phil…

Today, we chatted with GMCF's president and CEO, Vern Henricks. In the second of our two-part series, we discussed the community foundation's MHK Together Program initiated to combat the COVID business shutdown, GMCF's disaster relief fund, and the childcare and business accelerator. GMCF CFAsBy Vern Henricks

Today, we chatted with GMCF's president and CEO, Vern Henricks. In the first of a two-part series, we discussed the community foundation's 25 years. We covered everything from the initial $200 donation to legalize GMCF as a non-profit community Foundation to our 365 million dollars in assets 25 years later and everything in between. GMCF CFAs…

Today, we chatted with outgoing board chair, GMCF’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors Chair, Kim McAtee. We talked about her getting the philanthropy bug from her parents, getting her children involved in Youth Impacting Community (YIC), and championing the Flint Hills Community Accelerator. Her strategic insights and expertise contributed greatly to GM…

Today, we chatted with GMCF’s 2022-2023 Board of Directors Chair, Jackie Hartman Borck. We discussed how she became involved with the foundation, her year as board chair, and the importance of the arts for community growth. GMCF CFAsBy Jackie Hartman Borck

Today, we chatted with GMCF’s 2021-2022 Board of Directors Chair, Therese Miller. We discussed her time as the board treasurer, her year as board chair reintegrating after the pandemic, starting the Philanthropy Today podcast and the GMCF community arts program, and her passion for affordable housing for our community. GMCF CFAs…

Today, we spoke with GMCF’s 2020-2021 Board of Directors Chair, Bill Bahr. We chatted about his year as board chair, adapting and overcoming challenges during the COVID lockdown, and helping those most impacted by the pandemic in the Manhattan community with the MHK Together program. GMCF CFAsBy Bill Bahr

Today, we spoke with GMCF’s 2019-2020 Board of Directors Chair, Matt Paquette. We chatted about his year as board chair, his personal and professional involvement with the foundation, and his adaptability during the initial months of the pandemic. GMCF CFAsBy Matt Paquette

Today, we spoke with GMCF’s 2018-2019 Board of Directors Chair, Dean Thibault. We discussed his involvement with the foundation from the beginning, his year as board chair, and serving the Manhattan community by volunteering in various charitable organizations. GMCF CFAsBy Dean Thibault

Today, we talked with GMCF’s 2017-2018 Board of Directors Chair, Karen Roberts. We talked about her work through Fairy Godmothers, Karen’s initial involvement with GMCF while working in the USD 383 School District, and her family’s legacy of giving. GMCF CFAsBy Karen Roberts

Today, we talked with GMCF’s 2016-2017 Board of Directors Chair, Neil Helmick. We chatted about being a GMCF trustee, becoming a member of the executive board, and his experience as chair of the board of directors. GMCF CFAsBy Neil Helmick

Today, we talked with GMCF’s 2015-2016 Board of Directors Chair, Jodi Kaus. We chatted about her initial involvement with GMCF, being behind the scenes from the beginning, getting her children involved in our Youth Impacting Community program, and starting the Young Trustee Program here at GMCF. GMCF CFAs…

Today, we chatted with GMCF’s 2014-2015 Board of Director Chair, Neil Horton. We discussed his term as Board of Directors Chair, the various programs started during his year as Board Chair, and the legacy of philanthropy he has built over the past 25 years. GMCF CFAsBy Neil Horton

Today, we chatted with GMCF’s 2013-2014 Board of Director Chair, Jim Gordon. We discussed his second term as Board of Directors President, the hiring of our CEO Vern Henricks, and the impact GMCF has had on the community for the last 25 years. GMCF CFAsBy Jim Gordon

Today, we talked with GMCF’s 2012-2013 Board of Director President, Dennis Mullin. We discussed his influence on the formation of GMCF, the Goldstein Foundation’s impact on GMCF’s growth, his involvement with various non-profit organizations, and an insightful philosophy on hiring practices. GMCF CFAs…

Today, we chatted with GMCF’s 2011-2012 Board of Director President, Terry Arthur. We discussed Terry’s father’s legacy of philanthropy and service to the community, his involvement with various non-profit organizations, and the formation of GMCF’s first supporting organization, The Community Foundation of The Flint Hills, now named The Goldstein F…

Today, we caught up with GMCF’s 2009-2010 Board of Director President, Don Wissman. In our conversation, we discussed Don’s thoughts on GMCF’s affiliate program, the move to change the foundation's name from Manhattan Community Foundation to The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation during his term, and his admiration for how well community leader…

Today, we chatted with GMCF’s 2007-2008 Board of Director President, Tom Fryer. We discussed the economic downturn during his year as the president, his work raising money to get one of the Kansas Health Foundation matches, and how leaders with integrity help bridge trust between the community and the foundation. GMCF CFAs…

Today, we caught up with another of GMCF’s past presidents, Sue Maes. We discussed her year as the president, her volunteerism, and the formation of the Youth Impacting Community Program. GMCF CFAsBy Sue Maes

Today, we caught up with another of GMCF’s past presidents, Jim Morrison. We discussed the factors that led to the formation of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, his year as the president, and the legacy of philanthropy he has built as a leader in the community. GMCF CFAsBy Jim Morrison

Today, we caught up with another of GMCF’s past presidents, Dirk Daveline. We discussed the foundation's formation, his year as the president, and Steel & Pipe's philosophy on community involvement. GMCF CFAsBy Dirk Daveline

Today, we caught up with another of GMCF’s founders and past presidents, Jim Gordon. In our conversation, we discussed the foundation's formation, GMCF’s early years, his year as the president, and his advice to people who want to make a difference in their community. Related Podcast: Philanthropy Today Episode 127 Ed O’Malley President and CEO of …

Today, we caught up with another of GMCF’s founding members, Mark Knackendoffel. In our conversation, we discussed the inception of the community foundation, the necessity for non-profits to plan for the future, and educating the community about philanthropy. GMCF CFAsBy Mark Knackendoffel

Today, we caught up with another of GMCF’s founding members, Neil Horton. In our conversation, we discussed Bayer Construction Company’s philanthropy legacy, learning to be philanthropic from mentors, and finding the next generation of leaders for the Manhattan community. GMCF CFAsBy Neil Horton

Today we caught up with one of GMCF’s founding members, Marty Vanier. In our conversation, we talked about her motivation to fund GMCF, the importance of GMCF to smaller communities, and her advice to anyone wanting to get involved in philanthropy. GMCF CFAsBy Marty Vanier

Today we caught up with one of GMCF’s founding members, Mary Vanier. In our conversation, we talked about her motivation to fund GMCF, getting advice from her mother on foundation matters, and GMCF’s early years. GMCF CFAsBy Mary Venier

Today we caught up with Karen McCulloh, one of GMCF’s founding members. In our conversation, we talked about her involvement in philanthropy, her motivation to fund GMCF, and her experience being on GMCF’s Board of Directors during its early years. GMCF CFAsBy Karen McCulloh

Today we caught up with the President and CEO of The Kansas Health Foundation, Ed O’Malley. In our conversation, we found out about the Kansas Health Foundation's contribution to getting GMCF started, Ed’s views on philanthropy, community activism, and the three major goals the Kansas Health Foundation has set for its future. GMCF CFAs…

Today we're catching up with Sara Hackett. She oversees the Rural Community Foundation Match Program for The Patterson Family Foundation. We discussed Neal and Jeanne Patterson's background, how the Patterson Family Foundation was founded, its core principles, and the effects the rural community foundation match program has had on Kansas and Wester…

Today we're catching up with GMCF Executive Board member and Grants for Greater Manhattan Chair Eileen Hinkin. We talked about and learned about her time as a nurse, her volunteerism, and the causes tugging at her heartstrings. GMCF CFAsBy Dave Lewis

Today we chatted with Beth Smoller, GMCF's Lincoln & Dorothy Deihl Fund Committee Chair. In our conversation, we found out about Beth's legal and insurance background, what tugs at her heartstrings, her involvement with Girls On The Run, and her motivations for getting involved in philanthropy. GMCF CFAs…

Today we chatted with Linda Cook, GMCF's Marketing Committee Chair. In our conversation, we found out about Linda's marketing and PR role while working for General Motors, her years as Chief of Staff and Director of Community Relations at Kansas State University, and her motivations for getting involved with GMCF. GMCF CFAs…

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 CFAsBy Dr. Eric Higgins

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 CFAsBy Dave Lewis

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 #YouthEmpow…

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…

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 e…

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, C…

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 t…

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…

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 jo…

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 i…

The Manhattan community has been greatly impacted by Jamie Coones, who is truly a fantastic young man. throughout our interview, He revealed his path to winning the CFA Young Trustee of the Year, which was defined by a strong dedication to community involvement and a love for his business. The entire time we spoke, Jamie underlined his dedication t…