Jim Gordon sits down to discuss his 26 years of community impact through the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Awards, which honor those who give their time, talent, and treasure.

• Jim Gordon, co-founder of GMCF and title sponsor of the CFAs, shares how the awards began
• The CFAs focus on celebrating volunteers who contribute time and talent alongside those who give financially
• Starting with four title sponsors (Kansas State Bank, Steel, and Pipe Supply, Trust Company of Manhattan, and Sink Gordon), the event now attracts 500-600 attendees
• The awards spotlight lesser-known community programs, introducing new volunteer opportunities to attendees
• Jim Gordon advises finding a charity you're passionate about and turning that passion into action
• His philosophy: "You can't wait to make a difference" – take opportunities as they come to serve the community

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Leslie White, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, shares her passion for supporting the Discovery Center through fundraising for exhibits, educational programs, and community events while making learning accessible to everyone in the region.

• The annual Friend of the Flint Hills award will honor Carl and Mary Ice on April 11th for their contributions to protecting the Flint Hills ecosystem
• This year marks the final Symphony in the Flint Hills event on June 14th, which White describes as "a truly remarkable experience" worth attending
• The Foundation is developing an outdoor classroom with all-weather shade structures, informational panels, and prairie landscaping expected to open by fall 2026
• Community tax credits are available for donations of $250+ toward the outdoor classroom project
• The "Stepping into the Prairie" immersive exhibit showcases all four seasons and was developed with grant funding from Kansas Tourism and Commerce
• The Discovery Center offers engaging experiences for all ages, from young children to grandparents
• Grow Green Match Day donations support the youth education endowment fund

Visit flinthillsdiscovery.org for information about events and donation opportunities.

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Greater Manhattan Community Foundation founder Mark Knackendoffel shares how recognizing philanthropy drives more charitable giving and strengthens the community. The GMCF has exceeded all expectations in its 25-year journey, providing structure, discipline, and support to local organizations while avoiding direct competition in fundraising.

• Community Foundation Awards bring visibility to worthy causes and inspire others to contribute
• GMCF was created to provide structure and discipline to philanthropic efforts, not to be a direct fundraiser
• The foundation reached its "10 in 10" goal ($10 million in 10 years) in just 7-8 years
• Trust Company actively encourages staff to take leadership roles in community organizations
• Community involvement provides leadership development opportunities that benefit both organizations and businesses
• Foundation affiliation gives nonprofits credibility with donors and ensures good stewardship

We love this town.

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The Kansas Honor Flight pairs area veterans with high school students for life-changing journeys to Washington D.C. memorials, creating powerful connections between generations and providing long-overdue recognition for those who served.
• Created in 2012 as one of five national hubs pairing veterans with student guardians
• 309 veterans have participated across 13 completed flights at no cost to them
• Student guardians are selected through the National Honor Society and essay applications
• Program provides healing experiences, especially for Vietnam veterans who received negative homecomings
Veterans interested in applying for future flights should visit www.honorflight.org or contact Wamego High School directly. The public is invited to the homecoming ceremony on April 30th at 10:30 am in the lower gym.

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We explore the dynamic partnership between MATC and GMCF, focusing on workforce development and community engagement. Jim Jeanette shares insights into how local philanthropy creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone.

• Conversations around the role of philanthropy in education 
• The impact of MATC and GMCF collaboration in workforce training 
• Stories of individuals benefiting from local scholarships and support 
• Emphasis on giving, regardless of the size of contributions 

Your support matters! Reach out and find out how you can contribute to local initiatives that spark change. 

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Heather Peterson, Jim Franke, and Greg McCune from the Manhattan Optimist Club share their initiatives to uplift the community's youth through various fundraisers and programs. Driven by a shared mission, the club highlights its upcoming events and its vital role in fostering a positive atmosphere.

• Discussing the Optimist Club's efforts to engage the community 
• Highlights of their annual fundraising events, including the spaghetti dinner 
• Emphasis on empowering local youth through various programs and activities 

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This segment of the Community Hour delves into GMCF's strategic planning process and its implications for the community. Board Chair Matt Crocker and Chair Elect Beth Smoller, discuss the importance of clarity, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful abandonment in shaping GMCF's future efforts.

• The transition of GMCF from a funding conduit to a community leader 
• Engaging with stakeholders for collaborative planning and input 
• The role of nimbleness in addressing emerging challenges 
• Measuring impact through rigorous metrics to showcase effectiveness 

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On this episode of the Community Hour Show we  highlight the transformative work of the Armed Forces Community Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of military families through community support. Kevin West shares insights on fundraising successes and future initiatives.

• Overview of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation's role 
• The mission and achievements of the Armed Forces Community Foundation 
• Importance of community events like Stand-To-Match Day and their impact 

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On the GMCF Community Hour, Michelle Haub, the Special Programs Leader at Meadowlark Talks about the Memory Program Art Mingle, which celebrates the connection between art, memory, and community support while highlighting the importance of creativity for cognitive health. Michelle also discusses upcoming events, and the invaluable resources available for caregivers and individuals facing cognitive challenges.

• Introduction to the Art Mingle event and its impact 
• Importance of creativity on memory and cognition  
• Overview of Meadowlark Memory Program's offerings 
• Educational opportunities for cognitive health 
• Event ticket details and auction items 
• Acknowledgment of community sponsors and support

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This episode highlights the role of the Manhattan Public Library in promoting community engagement and literacy through diverse programming and events, including an upcoming book sale. Eric Norris, the library director, discusses membership benefits, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of community support in maintaining accessible library resources.

• Eric Norris shares his experiences as the library director  
• Overview of engaging library events and discussions 
• Opportunities for community involvement and volunteering 
• Focus on local history through Humanities Kansas initiatives 
• The library as a resource for all ages and backgrounds

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