Halstead Community Foundation

HCF Match Month: July 10th – August 10th 

This summer, the Halstead Community Foundation is working to raise $200,000 to unlock a generous $100,000 matching gift from the Patterson Family Foundation, creating an extraordinary opportunity to support local nonprofits, award scholarships and invest in projects that make Halstead stronger, more vibrant and more connected.

Starting July 10, every dollar you give to the HCF fund* of your choice will be matched at 25% until we reach our $200,000 goal or until the campaign ends August 10 (*donations to donor advised funds cannot be matched).

The remaining 25% of matching dollars will support HCF’s Impact Fund, used to make grants to community organizations and projects, and the HCF Operating Endowment, helping ensure we can serve Halstead well into the future. Matching funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring gifts receive the full available match.

Click here to see a list of HCF funds

Click here for more information about HCF’s match month

Help HCF “Grow the Glow” in Riverside Park

Building on the overwhelmingly positive response after the 2025 holiday season, we are inviting donors to help us “grow the glow” as we leverage our upcoming matching opportunity to expand the Christmas light display in Riverside Park. Gifts designated to the Halstead Community Improvement Fundwillreceive an additional 25% match, meaning your contribution will be matched at 50% until we reach $50,000 in total donations or max out our $200,000 goal. Whether you choose to give as an individual, family, business or organization, there are opportunities at every level to help grow an attraction that strengthens community pride and draws visitors to Halstead.

Click here for more information about sponsorship levels and opportunities.

HCF Presents Community Awards

The Halstead Community Foundation concluded its 12 Days of Christmas in July with the Tinsel & Cheer Community Celebration on Tuesday, July 21, where it honored Claire Clifford as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year and Myrla Haury as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year.

The annual awards celebrate individuals whose service, generosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Halstead community.

Claire Clifford Named Volunteer of the Year

Communities thrive because of people who willingly give their time and talents to make life better for others, and Claire Clifford embodies that spirit of service.

As Halstead High School’s vocal music and drama teacher, Clifford inspires students every day. What sets her apart, however, is her commitment to creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. She continually finds meaningful ways for students to engage with the community, plans enriching educational experiences – including leading a group of 30 students to New York City to perform – and encourages every student to discover and achieve their full potential.

Her dedication to Halstead continues long after the school day ends. Clifford leads a thriving summer youth theater program, works tirelessly on the Old Settlers Committee, is an active member of P.E.O. Chapter AK and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed.

Through her leadership, creativity and servant’s heart, Clifford has enriched the lives of countless young people while helping strengthen the fabric of the Halstead community.

Myrla Haury Named Philanthropist of the Year

Philanthropy is about more than financial giving. It is about investing in people, believing in your community and inspiring others to make a difference.

For more than two decades, Myrla Haury has lived out those values through her unwavering commitment to Halstead. She has shared her time, talents and resources with countless organizations, including the Kansas Learning Center for Health, where she has served on both the board and gala committee. She is a longtime member of the Halstead Lions Club and P.E.O. Chapter JH, has faithfully served on numerous committees within the Halstead United Methodist Church, represents Halstead on the Central Kansas Community Foundation Board and currently serves on the Halstead Community Foundation Board, where she has played an instrumental role in the foundation’s successful match month campaigns over the past three years.

Haury is known not only for her own generosity, but also for her ability to inspire others to give. Whether organizing a fundraiser, championing a community project or quietly supporting a worthwhile cause, she consistently works to ensure local organizations have the resources they need to succeed. As more than one person has said, “you can’t tell her no.”

In 2024, Haury and her husband established a public charitable fund through HCF to benefit the Halstead United Methodist Church. The fund has since become a successful model, inspiring other organizations in the community to establish lasting charitable funds of their own.

Celebrating Community Leadership

The Volunteer of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year awards recognize individuals whose dedication strengthens local organizations, inspires others to serve and helps build a stronger future for Halstead.

“Claire and Myrla exemplify the generosity, leadership and spirit that make our community so special,” said Macey Mueller, HCF associate director. “Their willingness to invest in others has created a ripple effect that will continue to benefit Halstead for years to come.”