CURRENT NEWS/PRESS RELEASE

DONORS GIVE WESTERN KANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BANNER YEAR
Kansas Health Foundation Challenge Met Early
Includes a $10,000 Regranting Bonus

When the WKCF Board of Directors decided to build community foundation assets by $700,000, they never dreamed it would be accomplished in the span of one year. The initial challenge offered a time period of two years with completion of the goal set for December, 2006. The WKCF participates in a program offered to several community foundations across the state of Kansas which gives them an opportunity to raise endowment funds and receive matching money for reaching their goal. "The initiative first offered by the KHF (Kansas Health Foundation) was a two for one match," said Dale J. Gabel, board president. "Then in late fall came the news that the KHF was increasing their promise to a dollar for dollar match." An exceptional amount had already been deposited for this purpose, but with the overwhelming generosity of new and existing donors, the challenge was successfully met in December 2005.

The GROW Healthy Kansas program offered by the KHF exists to build and strengthen community foundations throughout Kansas over a 10-year period as a way to support leadership development that improves the health and well being of children. Matching money will be placed in the KHF Children's Health Fund to benefit the health and well being of children in the community. Funds held at the WKCF grew $1.4 million dollars with the achievement of this goal! What a tremendous return on local funds designated to help meet charitable intentions in Western Kansas communities. The WKCF is grateful to individuals and businesses for their support and dedication and to the KHF for their tremendous generosity. 2006 marks the tenth year anniversary for the WKCF. The total amount of grants given since inception of the foundation reflects over $500,000 has stayed in Western Kansas for the benefit of area residents. "I think this number is an indication of faith in the community foundation concept and the opportunity for anyone interested to give back to their community," said Michelle Komlofske, Executive Director. "We exist because of our donors and our success is merely a reflection of their wishes. A second grant cycle was added last year due to our continued growth. A very bright future exists for Western Kansas!"

Advisory committees were formed last year in Grant and Haskell counties. Each committee consists of local residents who work directly with people and businesses in the area. Their goal is to help develop charitable funds and receive a matching grant from the WKCF. The program works just like the KHF challenge and will benefit the health and well being of children from each community. Members of the Grant County Advisory Committee include Marlyn Redetzke, chairperson, Eldon Dirks, Chris Faulkner, Frank Hernandez, Judy Keusler, Mike Kimball, Rob Oglevie and Shirley Tillotson. The Haskell County Advisory Committee members are Delaine Stalker, chairperson, Nancy Anton, Ryan Burrows, Mike Cearly, Liana Colson, Jan McLeland and Charles Myers. To learn more about the proposal, contact one of your local advisory members for additional information.

The twenty-two member WKCF Board of Directors includes residents from Kearny, Gray, Grant and Finney Counties. Officers for the 2006 year are Dale J. Gabel, Chairperson, Betty Benson, Vice Chairperson, Carolyn Myers, Secretary, and Tom Walker, Treasurer.