Talented at helping people save and spend their money wisely, five local and area financial advisors are inviting us to join them in investing in the future of Meadowlark residents. These generous professionals are contestants in a HOG & Kisses Contest and are asking their friends, family, coworkers, colleagues and Meadowlark stakeholders to help them raise money for the Good Samaritan Fund. The contest is a feature of the 5th annual HOGTOBERFEST, set for Thursday, Oct. 25, at Cox Bros. BBQ. The kissing candidate who receives the most votes, in the form of dollars, will kiss a live (young) hog shortly after 6 p.m. at the barbecue restaurant, operated by Bud and Bobby Cox, sons of Meadowlark resident Ellie Cox. Vote for your favorite candidate by placing cash or checks in his or her donation jar, located across from the Meadowlark Hospitality Desk. Another option is to vote online with a credit card at www.meadowlark.org. Click the HOG & Kisses Contest button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page. Donations/ votes are tax-deductible; gift receipts will be given to anyone providing a name and address with a contribution.

   The Good Samaritan Fund assists persons in Meadowlark Hills healthcare households who have depleted their financial resources. The Fund allows them to continue to receive the same quality of service, care and life enhancement as those with funds still available. About 50 people benefit from the Fund. Several “votes” have already been received, and as of Oct. 10, Dave Nelson is in first place, with Melissa Gamino in second. The five candidates or a representative for the candidate introduced themselves at recent Town Hall meetings, sharing biographical information and their hog-kissing qualifications. Please continue reading to learn more about our enthusiastic participants (in alphabetical order by first name).

David Nelson, financial advisor, Edward Jones of Wamego

Dave Nelson was born in Manhattan and hasn’t left the area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from K-State, where he was a member of Farm House fraternity. Since 2000, he has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. His office is in Wamego. A member of Meadowlark Foundation’s Board of Directors, he serves on the Investment Committee. He previously served as president and board member for Wamego Chamber of Commerce, and is a Manhattan Community Foundation trustee and a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manhattan board member. Dave and his wife, Mary Jo, have three grown children and two grandchildren. Their older daughter, Kinzie Jo, is a former Meadowlark employee. His mother-in-law, Naomi Berber, lives at Meadowlark’s Lyle House.

Dillon Mack, financial associate, Thrivent Financial

Dillon Mack earned a bachelor’s of general studies from Pittsburg State University in 2015 and has been a Thrivent Financial representative since 2016. A former pitcher in the Jayhawk Conference, Dillon has been an American Legion baseball coach for four year. He and his wife, Shannon, attend Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. In addition to saying “yes” to Meadowlark Foundation’s giving request, Dillon also supports Habitat for Humanity, Manhattan affiliate, American Legion Post 17, Manhattan, and The First Tee of Manhattan.

Lucy Williams, vice president and trust officer, The Trust Company of Manhattan

Lucy Williams, a Penn State grad, is also a longtime Steelers fan who keeps a Terrible Towel in her glove box. Allegedly. Lucy joined The Trust Company after serving as a trust officer and manager of Commerce Trust Company. She serves on the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce board as Chair, Manhattan Konza Rotary board, Leadership Manhattan, and Konza United Way board. Lucy and her husband, Jeff, a faculty member at Kansas State University, have two grown children. The other HOG is Lucy’s life currently, besides Happy the HOGTOBEFEST mascot and the live HOG she hopes to kiss, is Trusty, pictured with Lucy on the cover. Trusty is a gift from a mystery man who approached the reception desk at The Trust Company, recited a poem about kissing a pig, and left the little cutie to help Lucy in her quest for votes. Are you the mystery man? If so, please fess up to Lucy. She’d like to thank you!

Matt Paquette, financial advisor, Edward Jones of Manhattan

A native of Chicago, Matt Paquette has lived in Manhattan for 19 years and has held his current position with Edward Jones Investments for the same length of time. Matt married Amy, who’s from Lawrence, Kan., 20 years ago, and the couple have two boys, ages 15 and 13, and girl, 8. He’s a former member of Meadowlark’s Board of Trustees, and currently, he is an investment manager for a portion of the Foundation’s assets. His community service includes membership on the Friends of McCain Auditorium board.

Melissa Gamino, vice president of cash management, KS StateBank

Melissa Gamino’s hometown is Marysville, Kan., home of the black squirrels, and she’s lived in Manhattan for 18 years. She’s worked at KS StateBank for 11 years and and has spent the past decade building the Cash Management department and servicing commercial clients in our local community. Melissa has worked with the Finance Team at Meadowlark for more than 10 years. “It’s been a pleasure to work with such amazing people within the organization,” she said. Happy posed with Melissa at the Westloop location’s ATM machine. Could Happy have revealed where she does her banking? Melissa and her husband have twin boys and three dogs. They enjoy many outdoor activities.

To receive updates about the contest and HOGTOBERFEST, like Meadowlark’s Facebook page.