In this episode, Dave Lewis sat down with Penny Wika, who, alongside her late husband Norris, has devoted her life to enriching education and fostering philanthropy in Wamego. Penny's inspiring transition from a career in journalism to becoming a beloved teacher at Manhattan High School, the story behind the creation of the Norris and Penny Wika Scholarship, a $1,000 renewable annual award initiated in 2015 that helps students throughout their undergraduate studies. Additionally, they chatted about the expansion of the Penny Wika Journalist of the Year Award, which now grants a $5,000 scholarship to talented student journalists, promoting excellence and dedication in the field. As well as the formation of her family’s trust, and the Noris & Penny Wika Trust Scholarship.

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Today we talked with Linda Fincham, Vice President of the Frankfort Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Haley Stevens, a former scholarship recipient. Linda provides a heartfelt account of her parents' memorial funds and their dedication to supporting local students pursuing medical careers. Peek into the lives of those who juggle work, school, and family, and learn how a strong support system can make all the difference. Haley shares her inspiring journey emphasizing how the scholarship played a critical role in her academic and professional growth. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of community bonds and the transformative power of philanthropy. We also explore the Frankfort Community Foundation’s initiatives, such as Match Day, and their significant contributions to community generosity.

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Today, we talked with GMCF’s President and CEO Vern Henricks, and Gants & Scholarships Coordinator Edee Nichols about the impact of GMCF’s scholarship initiatives, from the heartwarming origins fueled by donor interests and memorial funds to the tangible success stories from students in the community of Clay Center, Atchison, Dover, Wamego, and Manhattan, Kansas. You'll learn how these scholarships address critical educational needs in communities without local universities.
Discover the strategies behind establishing and managing scholarships. Vern and Edie reveal secrets on determining criteria, thoughtful naming, and the difference between endowed and non-endowed scholarship funds. Avoiding the pitfall of scholarships going "underwater" during the years of the scholarship and the expertise of the Community Foundation in managing these funds ensuring donors see the positive impact on students’ lives are just a few insights you’ll gain.

How to Start a Scholarship Fund

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Today, we talked with Jason & Jill Selland and Trey Lockwood about the inspiration behind establishing a scholarship to honor influential educators Jay Logan and Larry Potroff and discover how these teachers shaped the Sellands' lives and inspired them to give back to their community. Jason & Jill share touching stories of past recipients who have gone on to positively impact their communities, including a passionate horticulturist who returned to inspire current students. They also reflect on their own educational experiences, emphasizing the empowering effect of community support and mentorship. Trey Lockwood provides his perspective as a recent scholarship recipient, offering a glimpse into the real-world impact of the Potroff-Logan Scholarship. In this episode, we navigate the journey of creating a scholarship promoting vocational education in South Brown County. Hear about the challenges and successes faced along the way and the pivotal role played by the South Brown Community Foundation.

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Today, we chatted with Ken Culbertson Monroe Say, about the motivation behind establishing the Home Care and Hospice Employee Education Fund scholarship. Ken opens up about the journey that led to the creation of this scholarship, fulfilling his wife Rhoda's final wish to support the compassionate hospice staff. Over the past eight years, this scholarship has paved the way for ten recipients, including Monroe, to achieve their educational and career aspirations, underlining healthcare providers' critical roles in offering holistic patient care and grief support.
Join us as we explore the broader impact of this scholarship on the community and its significant legacy. Ken discusses his family's unwavering dedication to growing the fund to enhance its reach and sustainability.

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To wrap up our GMCF Cornerstone Award Series, we chatted with Vern Henricks GMCF’s President and CEO about his interviews with the 25 GMCF Cornerstone Award winners. We dove into the impact of the individuals who have envisioned and shaped the foundation’s legacy throughout our 25-year history. Learn how the foundation has navigated initial challenges and evolved to create lasting positive change. We also shine a light on the transformative power of significant gifts that have propelled GMCF’s growth, such as the Goldstein gift. You'll hear stories of dedication and community involvement that highlight the unique close-knit nature of Manhattan. From visionaries to influencers, catalysts, and lasting legacies, their contributions and dedication have been pivotal in making Manhattan a beacon of community spirit and generosity.

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Today, we chatted with Mark Knackendoffel, the recipient of the Vision Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who saw the potential of what a community foundation could do for Manhattan. During our discussion, Mark shared his journey from leading the trust department at First National Bank to founding his own company and becoming a key player in forming the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Mark's first interaction with philanthropy in his early days with the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program inspired his lifelong efforts with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Get ready to be inspired by his personal stories of influence from his wife Ann and various mentors, along with his love for cooking, sports, and community involvement.

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Today, we chatted with Jim Morrison, the recipient of the Vision Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who saw the potential of what a community foundation could do for Manhattan. During our discussion, we uncovered the story behind his 53-year journey in Manhattan, from his roots in Clay Center to his impactful roles in organizations like The Breadbasket, Meadowlark Hills, and The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Jim shares candid insights about the influential figures in his life and his love for fishing in Saskatchewan, Canada. He paints a vivid picture of the man behind the accolades, Jim illustrates the power of dedication and community spirit.

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