Becky Fitzgerald

Blog Posts by Becky Fitzgerald

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on February 15, 2024
An oil landscape titled "Riverlight," by Lisa Grossman of Lawrence.

On Feb. 14 about 25 years ago, Meadowlark resident Marion Pelton, a retired professor of music at Kansas State University and longtime supporter of the arts, walked into the chief executive officer’s office with a rose and an envelope. According to then CEO Steve Shields, his first thought was that Pelton, a friend and mentor, was bringing him a Valentine’s Day remembrance, but when he opened the envelope, he found a signed check.

“What is this for?” Shields asked.

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on December 20, 2023
7.5-foot pre-lit tree at Meadowlark Market's November sale

“This is Our Happy Place.” A custom-made, wooden sign crafted by Meadowlark resident Steve Hall hangs at Meadowlark Market, and the words seem to aptly describe the feelings of those associated with the monthly fundraiser. Happy donors, happy customers, and happy volunteers have helped to create another successful year in terms of awareness of and funds raised for Meadowlark Foundation’s Good Samaritan Fund.

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on December 14, 2023

The Meadowlark Travelers' holiday-themed getaway last week included one ark, two eye-catching light displays, three entrees at a private, catered dinner, and more decorated trees than we could count. Twenty-six residents and Passport members, as well as friends and family members joined Monte Spiller, Resident Services Leader, and Becky Fitzgerald, Development Director, on a six-day tour with meal, hotel, and/or attraction stops in six states: Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. 

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on October 5, 2023
10-year HOGtoberfest logo

Oink! Now that the calendar has flipped to October, temperatures are cooling, but activities to benefit Meadowlark Foundation are heating up. It’s HOGTOBERFEST season, and here are a few squeal-worthy announcements! 

No. 1 – The 10th annual HOGTOBERFEST, an awareness and fundraising event to benefit Meadowlark Foundation’s Good Samaritan Fund, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27! 

No. 2 – Meadowlark’s Prairie Star Restaurant and Event Venue is this year’s celebration location! 

No. 3 – 10 days of food specials are planned to mark the event’s 10-year anniversary! 

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on May 24, 2023

After an absence in 2022, Art Mingle, the primary fundraiser for Meadowlark Memory Program, returned to Meadowlark Foundation’s opportunities calendar this spring. Prairie Star Restaurant and Event Venue was lively with the sounds of music, conversation, and laughter during a 5th event on April 28.

Art Mingle: Wonder & Whimsy attracted about 140 guests and volunteers, several of whom had not seen the event venue and/or had not been to a prior Art Mingle.

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on May 11, 2023

Hip! Hip! HOORAY!! The 11th annual Grow Green Match Day, hosted April 21 by Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, was Meadowlark Foundation’s best ever in terms of the number of contributions received. According to the Leaderboard at growgreenmanhattan.com, 88 friends of Meadowlark contributed a whopping $51,667 to benefit our Nursing Scholarship Program.

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on April 19, 2023

Art you ready to Mingle? In addition to fabulous food, live music, and an ARTFul Memories exhibit, Art Mingle: Wonder & Whimsy features tempting live and silent auction items, as well as a raffle prize. The event committee began preparations last fall and look forward to a fun and successful evening next Friday, April 28, to benefit Meadowlark Memory Program.

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on April 13, 2023

Kristin Goering

Kristin Goering of Fairway, Kan., was inspired to pursue art from a young age. She received her Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in printmaking from Bethel College in 1992. Her early career was spent as a freelance artist and illustrator with the Mennonite Press and Hearth Publishing in Newton, Kan. Her stylized brushstrokes and an intensified palette move beyond simple representationalism, conveying an inherent energy that extends the viewer’s concept of the natural world.

The following statement appears on Goering’s website:

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on April 5, 2023

Meadowlark Foundation has enthusiastically accepted an invitation to grow our “green” by participating in the 11th annual Grow Green Match Day on Friday, April 21. On that day, donations made through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation to participating nonprofit agencies will receive a 50% match! Meadowlark Foundation is joining 93 other local organizations in urging our donors to participate.

Written By Becky Fitzgerald on March 29, 2023

After a hiatus in 2022, Meadowlark Foundation’s art-related fundraiser returns this spring. Mark your calendars for Friday, April 28! Meadowlark staff have joined with several Manhattan community members to present Art Mingle: Wonder & Whimsy, which benefits the Meadowlark Memory Program. The fun begins at 6 p.m. at Prairie Star Restaurant and Event Venue.