The Flint Hills Breadbasket is transforming food assistance in Manhattan with its upcoming move to a spacious new facility on Skyview Drive, which will open in early May. Executive Director Karla Hagemeister shares how this expansion will create a dignified shopping experience while nearly doubling its weekly service hours.

• New location will feature a grocery store-like environment with polished concrete floors and tall ceilings
• Moving from cramped quarters to a space designed for dignity, comfort, and accessibility
• Service hours expanding from 14.5 to 26 hours weekly
• Volunteer opportunities available, including preparing 15,000 bags for the upcoming letter carriers' food drive
• The current Yuma Street location will transfer to the City of Manhattan for community use
• Grow Green Match Day funds are crucial for operations, as federal program cuts impact fresh produce options

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The Flint Hills Volunteer Center coordinates over 925 volunteers serving in 85 different opportunities across Riley County. It helps seniors age with dignity in their homes while creating meaningful service roles for community members.
• Operates the medical transportation program with volunteers driving 57 clients to medical appointments in Manhattan
• Facilitates the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, providing leaf removal, snow clearing, and other home maintenance services
• Coordinates 69 volunteers who deliver meals through the Friendship Meals Program
• Supports 248 volunteers helping with Harvesters and local food pantries
• Celebrates volunteers of all ages, with the oldest currently being 100 years old
• Plans community events, including an annual 9/11 commemoration and "Heart for the Holidays" fundraiser
• Works to meet the increasing needs of seniors, who will outnumber children under 18 by 2035
• Provides weekly email updates about volunteer opportunities
• Creates meaningful relationships between volunteers and those they serve

Support the Flint Hills Volunteer Center during Grow Green Match Day at GrowGreenManhattan.com or visit flinthillsvolunteercenter.com to become a volunteer.

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Doncha McDonald shares how Morningstar's unique peer-led approach transforms lives by creating power balance among those with mental illness. Through her personal journey with schizoaffective disorder, she reveals how finding purpose through community support was more healing than medication alone.

• Morningstar's "secret sauce" is that everyone who works there has lived experience with mental illness
• Doncha struggled with delusions for years, including symptoms of anosognosia—the inability to recognize one's own illness
• Depression was more painful and dangerous than delusions for Doncha
• Connecting with others at Morningstar who had mental illness helped her develop self-love and purpose
• EMDR therapy has helped address underlying trauma behind depression
• Morningstar offers free daily groups and activities at their location by Goodwill on East Poyntz
• Success stories include individuals moving from homelessness and addiction to stable housing and family reunification

Visit morningstarmentalhealth.org to learn more or arrange for Doncha and Richard to speak at your organization about mental health.

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The Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan prepares for its 26th annual Casino Night fundraiser on April 4th at the K-State Alumni Center, featuring a prom theme and introducing their first-ever dance floor to the event.

• Now operating in 13 locations across Ogden, Manhattan, and Wamego
• Early Learning Center serves over 80 infants and toddlers with room to grow
• New dedicated Teen Center fulfills 30-year dream, serving over 30 teens daily
• Casino Night fundraiser proceeds ensure program access for all families regardless of ability to pay
• Live auction includes game day package with Gene Taylor, Cancun vacation, and private game show experience
• Silent auction features Bobby Witt Jr. signed jersey, Chef fast pass, and various sports memorabilia
• Steel and Pipe Supply returns as presenting sponsor alongside Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
• Tickets available at bgclubmanhattan.com with discounts for full table purchases

Join us on Friday, April 4th at the K-State Alumni Center for a night of gaming, auctions, and dancing while supporting life-changing programs for local youth. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

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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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