Thank you, Manhattan! At the conclusion of a reconciliation process following an annual 24 hours of giving sponsored by Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, event organizers proudly announced three eye-opening numbers. The 12th annual Grow Green Match Day on April 22 attracted 7149 gifts to 91 non-profit organizations totaling $1,773,601.69!

Meadowlark Foundation participated in a new way this year, joining two GMCF staff members and three GMCF Trustees to host a donation station at Prairie Star Restaurant. Becky Fitzgerald, Development Director, is excited to share an update regarding numbers that were printed in the April 25 Messenger. With a couple of gifts arriving to GMCF by mail after April 22, the number of donations to our Foundation increased to 96, which is more than were received any previous year. Our donation total is $31,888.73, putting meadowlark in 18th place among the participating organizations in total giving. In addition, combined donations of $15,000 will be matched at 50%, giving a maximum of $7,500 in matching funds to any one organization. The generosity of Meadowlark’s donors has ensured that our organization will receive the maximum match amount of $7,500.

This year, matching dollars were provided by three donors. The Butler Family Charitable Foundation matched donations for Arts & Humanities-related organizations, an anonymous donor matched contributions given to the Kansas Family Stroke Foundation, and late Phil Howe and Howe Family Foundation provided matching dollars for all other organizations.

As was previously announced, donations to our Foundation on Match Day will benefit Meadowlark's Nursing Scholarship Program. GMCF soon will send Meadowlark at check for the contributions, which will assist Meadowlark employees who would like to further their education to become licenses practical nurses or registered nurses. Our matching dollars will be deposited into Meadowlark's endowed fund managed by GMCF. This fund, part of our long-term savings, ensures we continue to develop our services and meet our future needs.

But wait, there's more good news! Fitzgerald learned that an additional donation, prompted by Match Day and the donors' desire to support the scholarship fund, should arrive directly to Meadowlark Foundation in the near future. Add this gift to donations received on April 22, and the amount generated by Grow Green Match Day is expected to surpass $40,000! 

The tremendous generosity of our community members is truly a blessing. Thank you, Meadowlark family!