“You make a gift. We make it grow.”

These two sentences, long associated with Grow Green Match Day, could have special meaning for Meadowlark Foundation’s Match Day donors. Not only do Grow Green contributions grow in value because of a 50% match, but also Grow Green donations “grow” opportunities for Meadowlark employees and “grow” the pool of talented nurses who care for Meadowlark residents.

Just ask Nathalia Da Silva, Laura King, Lilly McHugh, and Heather Sanders. After an application and interview process, these four Meadowlark employees learned last month that they will benefit from the generosity of previous Grow Green donors.

Nathalia Da Silva, a member of the Home Health team, started working at Meadowlark in 2020 when she was 17 years old. She is currently enrolled in an online registered nurse (RN) program through Nightingale College in Utah and is set to graduate in December.

Laura King, a certified medication aide (CMA) in Wroten House, has worked at Meadowlark since 2021. She has been accepted into Manhattan Area Technical College’s licensed practical nurse (LPN) program, beginning her coursework in August.

Lilly McHugh, a Lyle House certified nursing assistant (CNA), started working for Meadowlark after graduating high school in 2023, and she’s currently finishing prerequisite courses at Fort Hays State University. She’ll begin the RN program at Washburn University in August.

Heather Sanders, an LPN in Stolzer House, also started work at Meadowlark in 2023. She plans to begin her RN coursework at MATC this August. 

Supporters of Meadowlark Foundation have the opportunity to impact the lives of future healthcare professionals by participating in the 13th annual Grow Green Match Day, set for Tuesday, April 22. On that day, donations made through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation to 100 participating nonprofit agencies will receive a 50% match

Gifts to Meadowlark Foundation, which appears as Meadowlark Hills on the Grow Green giving form and on GMCF’s website, will support scholarships for current Meadowlark employees who would like to further their education to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. Now in its seventh year, Meadowlark’s scholarship program rewards the initiative of talented current employees, while, in the future, providing Meadowlark’s licensed care households with highly trained staff in what appears to be a perpetual nurses shortage. Employees who receive a scholarship agree to work at Meadowlark for at least two years following graduation.

Donations to GMCF-affiliated non-profits may occur in person, online, or by mailing a check, and this year, there’s again a fourth option. Give in person at Meadowlark! Meadowlark Foundation’s Grow Green Match Day donation station will be operated from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Prairie Star Restaurant. Two GMCF team members will be available to accept donations by check, cash, or credit card. Donation forms and a table at which to complete one’s form will be provided.

GMCF Trustees who live at Meadowlark — Tom Fryer and Jo Lyle — will welcome donors at our Match Day event, and Prairie Star plans to join the fun by offering several "green" specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy an Italian Chopped Salad or Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab, for example. Several other Grow Green specials will be offered in addition to the regular menu. 

Here’s how you may help us attract and retain nurses:

Meadowlark residents and Passport members who will be out of town on Match Day may still participate. Complete a donation form located at the Hospitality Desk and write a check made to GMCF. Even if giving to more than one organization, write only one check for the total amount. The form you submit indicates to GMCF how you’d like your gift divided. You may leave the form and check at the Hospitality Desk, and it will be submitted to the Grow Green team on Match Day.

Thank you for considering this opportunity! If you have questions, please contact Becky Fitzgerald, Development Director, at (785) 323-3843.