The Central Kansas Community Foundation recently partnered with the Patterson Family Foundation to host two community listening sessions in Harvey County, one in Newton and one in Halstead.

The conversations brought together local leaders, educators, business representatives, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to share their perspectives on the county’s future.

Coordinated by Angie Tatro, CKCF CEO; Greg Bongrager, Associate Director for Newton and North Newton; and Macey Mueller, Associate Director for Halstead, the small group discussions were designed to give community members an opportunity to speak openly about the strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing Harvey County.

Representing the Patterson Family Foundation were Megan Crook, Director of Public Policy, and Felicia Tyler, Director of Communications. Their goal was simple: to listen and learn.

Through thoughtful questions and open dialogue, participants explored what makes Harvey County a great place to live and work, what they hope the community will be known for in the next decade, and what challenges must be addressed to achieve that vision.

Conversation topics included workforce development, economic growth, education, healthcare access, quality of life, and the importance of preserving the values and assets that make Harvey County unique. Attendees also discussed opportunities that may be overlooked and shared ideas for retaining and attracting future generations of residents.

The sessions highlighted the passion local residents have for their communities and reinforced the importance of community driven solutions. CKCF appreciates the Patterson Family Foundation’s commitment to understanding local perspectives and investing in the priorities identified by the people who know Harvey County best.

By bringing people together to listen, learn, and share ideas, these conversations help strengthen partnerships and ensure that the voices of local communities continue to guide future philanthropic and community development efforts.

Pictured Above (Left to Right)

• Kendra Davila, Director, Peace Connections
• Leanette Redington, Director, Harvey County Health Department
• Ryan Goertzen-Regier, Director of Operations, Kansas Rural Center
• Dalton Black, Director, United Way of Harvey & Marion Counties
• Felicia Tyler, Director of Communications, Patterson Family Foundation
• Jen Lehman, CVB/Main Street Coordinator, Choose Newton
• Angie Tatro, CEO, Central Kansas Community Foundation
• Diane Moser, CTE Director, Newton USD 373 & Brooks Trade Center
• Zack McHatton, Newton Business Development Director
• Greg Bongrager, Associate Director, Newton/North Newton Community Foundation
• Megan Crook, Director of Public Policy, Patterson Family Foundation

Not Pictured: Halstead Session Participants

• Chad Baalman, Superintendent, USD 440
• Dan Evans, Community Volunteer
• Megan Evans, Community Volunteer
• Ethan Reimer, City Manager, City of Halstead
• Alan Weber, Business Owner and Real Estate Developer
• Tessa Wendling, Business Owner and Attorney
• Alex Williams, President, Halstead Bank Corporation

Lucille Kinney entrusted the community foundation to manage a $445,000 bequest to benefit the Fellowship of John program at the Kansas Christian Home. Lucille lived at the Kansas Christian Home in Newton, KS for more than twenty years.

The Fellowship of John program was established to support residents who have exhausted their financial resources.

Mrs. Kinney was an assistant to the president of a retail school supply company. Her husband, Warren, was a stock broker in Wichita.

Since established in 2001, The Warren R. and Lucile M. Kinney Memorial Endowment Fund has granted $370,843.33 to assist residents with financial needs in the Tilsey Manor Units.

George Trimble was a simple man who led a simple life but left a living legacy.

Born on a farm near Burns, Kansas, George graduated from Peabody High School. He lived the rest of his life, as a single man in a small house in El Dorado, except for three years while serving in the Navy during World War II. George worked his entire adult life at the E Dorado Refinery.

He was a man who lived frugally with nothing to show for his accumulated wealth. From the mid-forties until his death, George invested in the stock market.

Shortly before he died, he consulted a local attorney to draw up and Will and Trust. George died on October 15, 1991. His will was promptly probated, and his assets placed in the George E. Trimble Trust. Since 1992 his Trust has been used to provide scholarships for deserving graduates of El Dorado and also as a “Special Needs Trust” for charitable organizations in El Dorado as well as for individuals in real need of funds, such as a house burning down. This Trust continues under the guidance of Trustees, as well as Central Kansas Community Foundation.

Since 2020, The George Trimble Special Needs Scholarship has awarded $33,295.

CKCF held their Annual Kids FUNd Grant Award Ceremony on August 28 at the Newton Public Library.

This fund, established by a bequest from Lena Marie Haun, supports children’s charities across South Central Kansas and has awarded $298,027 since 2012. Haun, a former teacher and longtime Wichita State University employee, left more than $600,000 to create the fund, which continues to make a lasting impact on children’s welfare, education, and family support.

During the ceremony, this year’s grant recipients were recognized. These organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in Central Kansas. The recipients include the City of Hillsboro, Equality El Dorado, Mirror Inc. – STAND, Families and Communities Together, Family Life Center of Butler County, Peace Connections, Kansas Children’s Service League, Families And Communities Together, Inc., Fountain of Life Ministries, Safehope, Douglass USD 396, KIPCOR, Lincoln Elementary (Fredonia), USD 262 Valley Center, Augusta Public Library, Special Olympics, Westminster Woods Camp, Friends of Valley Center Library, and Partners in Education Foundation. These organizations were honored for their significant contributions to their communities.

Melvina Killion, A Gracious Philanthropist Throughout Her Life

Melvina Killion of Phoenix, AZ made the largest single gift in the history of the Central Kansas Community Foundation. Melvina, left a bequest from her estate totaling $1.6 million. She and her husband Lyle owned gas stations throughout Wichita in the 1950’s. Her gift created the Melvina C. Killion Charitable Endowment.

Since establishment, this fund has granted a total of $1,135,393.44!

Four nonprofit organizations share the annual income distributions from the permanent endowment, including Kansas Christian Home in Newton. Other recipients include the Arizona State University Foundation for the benefit of its public television station; The Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home; and Family Time Training Inc. in Littleton, Colo.

Mrs. Killion was a generous and compassionate philanthropist throughout her life. Her gift is a true blessing that will positively impact many for years to come.

Contact CKCF to learn more about legacy gifts!

As CKCF commemorates our 30th anniversary (1994–2024), we continue to align our vision with long-term growth and progress. Our focus remains steadfast—creating opportunities that empower local generosity and sustain meaningful change. In alignment with our commitment to Inspiring Growth, we have welcomed 10 new team members, 9 of whom filled brand-new positions across our service area. These additions strengthen our capacity to serve as the host foundation to 19 affiliate foundations, furthering our mission of Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving.

Please enjoy this 2024 Annual Report as it gives you a glimpse into the work of the past year and the impact we made as we inspired growth – as we all know, our work is not only for yesterday and today, but for tomorrow.

CKCF held its’ third annual Spring Soirée on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Son Wray Ranch in Newton, KS, to a SOLD OUT crowd, raising around $20,000 in net proceeds! The purpose of the evening was to recognize Volunteers and Philanthropists of the Year throughout our service area, while raising dollars for CKCF’s operating fund to go towards its mission of “Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving.”

Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, board members, and attendees for making the event such a success!

Please take a moment to explore the honoree program and browse the online photo gallery.

CKCF held its Affiliate Summit March 6th at the Sand Creek Event Center in Newton. The event brought together board members, staff, and community members from 17 (out of 19) affiliate community foundations.

Attendees enjoyed learning from two exceptional speakers: Cari Cullen from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), and Mike Lamb, EMBA, CFRE. Both speakers provided invaluable insights with dynamic presentations on disaster preparedness, resiliency, and legacy gifts. Their sessions highlighted how crucial planned gifts are for organizational missions and that aligned perfectly with the goals of this funding.

We are thrilled with the positive feedback from attendees and the impact that the summit is already having on preparedness and donor engagement within their foundations. The knowledge gained from this event will undoubtedly continue to benefit the foundations and their communities in the months and years ahead. Information from the summit can be found ONLINE.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 3 – 7.

Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF) and their affiliates have community-based Community Response Funds that include weather related response efforts.

The Community Response Funds are listed to help you direct your charitable gift to a community of your choosing. The purpose of these funds is for support of 501 (c) (3) or other qualified tax-exempt organizations, i.e. city and county government, educational institutions and faith institutions.

Weather related needs may include funds directed toward severe weather preparedness education for students and families. Funding basic needs such as food, rent and utilities. Grants may also be available for repair or to support the weatherization process.

If your organization is assisting in the response effort, please contact the local affiliate community foundation in your area for application information. Learn more on the CKCF website.

Check out this Severe Weather Information Packet as it is a wonderful resource when planning for bad weather!

It’s scholarship season!

Visit our SCHOLARSHIPS page and pay close attention to when the cycles open and close within the different affiliate service areas. If you have questions, contact Brandi Garnica, CKCF Program Officer – Scholarships, at brandi@centralkansascf.org.

Last year, CKCF and affiliates together granted $111,150 to 100 students from 58 competitive scholarship funds in the 2024 scholarship cycle.

Your generosity makes a world of difference as you will see in the note below.

“I am writing to express my gratitude for awarding me the Richard Leah May Ross Memorial Scholarship. I am honored and appreciative to have received this scholarship. This scholarship will help ease the financial burden of my education. It will help me to pursue my academic and career goals with greater confidence. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and to uphold the values and standards that this scholarship represents. I look forward to contributing positively to my community and to making a positive impact in my chosen field. I will be attending Fort Hays State University in the fall. I plan to major in social work and work towards my master’s degree. I am planning on living on campus so this scholarship will help me pay for housing. Once again, thank you for your generosity and support. Your investment in my education is truly invaluable. I am very grateful for your belief in my potential.”

Sincerely, Addison Rogers