FY20 Smoky Hills Annual Report Final

01 | Annual Report 2020

Our Mission

is to help people invest in meaningful ways to
make a difference in the community by building
permanent endowment funds and meeting
charitable community needs.

DIRECTOR'S LETTER

Dear Donors and Friends:

Wow! What a year! Being on the Smoky Hills Charitable
Foundation board and taking over the chair position has been an
honor that is rewarding along with a heavy responsibility and
challenges. This is especially true in these challenging times we
are all facing. In spite of all of this, the work of the board has
continued following current safety measures and meeting by
email, text, phone and Zoom.

Since becoming a board member, I have been pleasantly
surprised at how fairly grants are awarded throughout the entire
county. Grants have been applied for and awarded to nonprofits,
cities and schools from every community in the county. The
grants awarded have been based on the merit of the grant
application, with fairness and equity.

We have realized one great milestone recently. The Foundation
has surpassed the one million dollar mark of grants awarded.
That is the fun part of this job, being able to award money to
worthwhile projects to help all communities. That is also a great
reward for those entities and individual volunteers for their work
to improve the various communities.

The board wishes to thank all of our supporters and those people
working for their communities and Ellsworth County to make
our little part of Kansas a better place.

Sincerely,

Gary Everett
Board of Directors Chairperson

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation was founded
in 2000 to benefit the communities of Ellsworth
County. The foundation is a permanent source of
charitable funds used to meet the current and
future needs of our county.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD ALUMNI

Gary Everett, Chair Heather Barta Lisa Parsons
Roger Pearson, Vice-Chair
Rita Whitmer, Secretary Pat Bender Alice Peterka
Angela Bunch
Sarah Dlabal Melinda Boeken Cherie Sauers
Allison Koch
Amber Peschka Ashley Bohl Don Siemsen
Kendra Jo Ploutz
Cheryl Rathbun Amy Branda Sharon Smith

Marvin Bush Sara Soukup

Malinda Cunningham Lloyd Sprick

Bill Evans Theresa Staudinger

Leland Francis Kimberly Svaty

Judy Gebhardt Frank Toman

John Henley Karen Wacker

Pat Mollhagen Devin Weis

2019 MATCH MONTH SUCCESS

Through a month-long gift matching initiative in October, the
community foundation raised over $130,000 for community grants
and operations. During Match Month, donors make gifts to the
community foundation to support community grants. These gifts
are then matched at 150% by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
Over the last four years Match Month has raised $406,307.

Total Raised $56,517

Total Matched $75,000

Total Benefit $50,000 $131,517 $150,000
$0
$100,000

02 | Annual Report 2020

03 | Annual Report 2020

FOUNDING DONORS

Our founders inspired the creation and growth of the
foundation. We are forever grateful for the support of
these generous donors!

Individuals & Families Business Entities

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Grant Citizens State Bank & Trust Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Hunter H & B Communications, Inc.
Doc & Lu Jarus Kirkham, Michael & Associates, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Kozisek Stumps Charitable Trust
Jon D. & Patricia L. Mollhagen Sundin Trust, Randy V. Mills &

Judy S. Mills Trustees

SUSTAINING DONORS

Sustainers made a significant financial commitment
to the operations of the community foundation.

Individuals & Families Business Entities

Anonymous Carrico Implement Co. Inc.
Arleen Craig Ellsworth Co. Health Care
James H. & Mona J. Guilfoyle
Alice Macek Foundation
Stanley & Kathryn Mollhagen Ellsworth County Banks:

• Bank of Holyrood
• Citizens State Banks & Trust Co.
• First Bank Kansas
• The Lorraine State Bank
• Wilson State Bank
Gil Corp, Inc.
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation
Board of Directors
Wind Capital Group

2019-2020 DONORS

Large or small, every gift contributes to the community foundation’s ability to serve the community. We
have made every effort to include all gifts from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. If you believe there is an error
or need to make a correction, please contact us.

Chris Abercrombie Warner Hickman Robson's Card & Gift Shop
American Legion Post 174 Hoffhines Marketing & Clint & Dimity Rogers
Anonymous Donor Karen Rudiger
Michael Appel Communications Vern & Karen Schepmann
Paul & Jenifer Bahr Darin & Cynthia Holecek Bradley & Kathleen Schiermeyer
Berkeley Capital Management Edward & Anita Hoffhines Bryan & Brenda Schurle
Robert & Kathey Berndt Holm Automotive Center J. C. & Judy Scritchfield
Kaydee Bowie Jeffrey & Barbara Holm Don & Carol Siemsen
David & Cheryl Brownback Homolka Grain & Supply, Inc. Patrick Siemsen
Karen Britton Hopkins Agency M & J Sittner
Barbara Faye Bunch Darcy Hubka Sons of the American Legion Post #200
Russell Bunch Charles & Marilyn Huslig Sara Soukup
H.P. & Carolyn Burmeister Ideal Real Estate St. Bernard Catholic Church
Caleb D. Schultz Agency, LLC Carl Isern St. Ignatius Loyola Parish
Daniel O. Carr Robert & Margie John Keith & Theresa Staudinger
Kathleene Carreon Etha Johnson Stumps Charitable Trust
Carrico Implement Co., Inc. George & Ann Jones John & Melinda Svaty
Cashco, Inc. K & D Revocable Trust Ron & Pat Svaty
CB's Salina Wholesale Liquor, LLC Kanopolis Sunflower Civic Club SWCCW Altar Society
Thomasa Cisneros Agnes Kepka Tax Associates, Inc. dba H & R Block
City of Ellsworth Kirkham Michael Tethys Biofuels, LLC
City Plumbing, Heating & Air Kiwanis Club of Ellsworth The Ellsworth Coop
J.F. Knott The Lorraine State Bank
Conditioning, Inc. Allison Koch Shaun & Jenny Thornton
Coach & Four Bowling Lanes, Inc. Jessica Kootz Torkelson Chiropractic, P.A.
Roger P. & Deanne Corn Donald & Ilene Kozisek Victor Bros. Auction & Realty, Inc.
Dane G. Hansen Foundation Kyler & Son Karen Wacker
Elizabeth Dohrman Dirk Larsen Todd & Tracy Wacker
Eagle Broadband, Inc. Leiker Orthodontics, LLC David & Billye Ann Weihe
ECF Employee Wellness Fund Alice Macek David & Genifer Wesseler
Ellsworth Animal Hospital Eugene Malir Whitmer Insurance & Financial Planning
Ellsworth Correctional Facility Martin's Pro Auto John & Rita Whitmer
Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter Mary Hanzlicek Memorial Scholarship Dr. Ronald & Joann Whitmer
Ellsworth County Medical Center Wilson Telephone Company, Inc.
Bill Evans Trust Walter & Shirley Young
Gary & Mary Everett Mason & Lesta May
Eyecare Associates of Salina, LLC Cynthia McAtee Honorariums
F & M Drug, LLC Shawn & Gina McGowan
Finke's Retail Liquor Store Jason & Katie McWillams Erika Jones
First Bank Kansas Lowell Meier
Fort Harker Days Mens Club Miss Czech Slovak Kansas Pageant MEMORIALS
William & Patricia Frees Diane O'Connor
Gamma Tau Michael & Dawn Olson Constance Appel
Gerry & Judy Gebhardt Orozco's Portales Cafe Robert Kubick
Gene's Heartland Foods Parsons Funeral Home June Pacey
Derril & Roberta Gwinner Mark & Lisa Parsons Alvin Sveloda
Dr. G. Kyle Gwinner, OD, LLC Roger & Teresa Pearson
Jon & Stacey Halbgewachs Michael & Karen Peschka FUNDS FOR THE FUTURE
David Hand Randall & Nancy Peschka
Darcy Hansen Ryan & Amber Peschka Dorothy Bettenbrock Thomas
Patricia Harms Peterson & Staudinger, LLC Scholarship Fund
Arlie & Carol Haymond Shawn & Kendra Jo Ploutz
Larry & Elaine Henne Charles & Yvonne Raber Larry & Sara Soukup Fund
Mark & Tracy Herzog Robert & Shirley Raney Frank & Judy Toman Fund
Kenneth & Alice Robson

05 | Annual Report 2020

EXPANDING A
CLASSROOM LIBRARY

USD 327 teacher Sarah Kueser believes book choices drive
reading. "When we want to read, our attitude and willingness
change," she said. Due to staffing concerns and scheduling at the
time, the school library was not always available to students.
Kueser took matters into her own hands by building a classroom
library of her own for students. The Smoky Hills Charitable
Foundation supported Kueser's project by awarding her funding
to purchase additional literature for her library.

"I want to spark and nurture a love of reading through the
collection and display of a large library of literature which appeals
to students," said Kueser. The purchase of additional literature
allowed Kueser to serve more students' needs. "This group is far
more motivated to 'talk books' because they are integrally
involved in choosing and working with what they are reading,"
said Kueser.

"All the students were able to become self-motivated and
problem-solve without the constant aid of a teacher.
Students were able to speak up for themselves and let
their ideas be known."

KARLA KIPLINGER

ROBOTICS
EQUIPMENT

Wilson Jr./Sr. High School was in need of more equipment for
their growing robotics program. The community foundation
awarded the district funding to purchase three new robots. With
the help of this grant, three to four students at a time were able to
work with a robot, engaging in more team building and
brainstorming for students.

"There was time to discuss how to properly speak to one another.
All the students were able to become self-motivated and
problem-solve without the constant aid of a teacher. Students
were able to speak up for themselves and let their ideas be
known," said grantee Karla Kiplinger.

ELLSWORTH
CHILDCARE
CENTER UPDATES

Recently, the Ellsworth Childcare and Learning Center was awarded a
grant from the community foundation to convert all of their
fluorescent lights to LED. This conversion will improve energy efficiency
and reduce operating costs for long-term sustainability.

Since the conversion, there have been many positive comments, and
even the students have noticed. "Our classroom is so much more
welcoming with brighter lighting,” said infant classroom teacher, Jami.
"By seeking these cost savings, the monthly operating costs of the
center can be reduced, leading to a more efficient workplace and
savings that can be allocated in other ways, such as better
programming, curriculum, increased wages for the employees, or
additional supplies," said grantee Cory Rathbun.

KANOPOLIS
BEAUTIFICATION

The Kansas Strategic Group’s goal is to help beautify and clean up the
town of Kanopolis. Since 2017, they have participated in community
cleanup programs including painting and picking up trash and old tires.
This year, the group wanted to repair and paint an old Quonset that is
owned and used by many community organizations.

With a grant from the community foundation, the group was able to
repair, paint and install a new door to the building so it can continue to
be utilized by community organizations. "Without the Smoky Hills
Charitable Foundation grant, this project would not have been possible,"
said grantee Jan Bontrager. Now the community has a building that not
only is more appealing, but is able to be used for years to come.

"Without the Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation grant,
this project would not have been possible."

JAN BONTRAGER

06 | Annual Report 2020

07 | Annual Report 2020

Home Is... WHERE PEOPLE SHARE
THEIR GIFTS

"The collection, the only one of its kind, is now secure and
protected. The cabinet has also provided a handy location for
students, staff, and patrons to access the archives."

DAWNAE BUNCH

ALMOST 100 YEARS OF
ELLSWORTH SCHOOL HISTORY

Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School has one of the most complete collections of printed history of the school in the
area. Dawnae Bunch, who has been the journalism and photography teacher for more than 30 years, has been
adding to the collection since starting at the school. "In my time here, I have curated that collection, adding to
it yearly, as well as seeking out missing copies of both publications whenever and however I could. As a result,
the collection now houses 78 issues of the school's yearbook, the Elkan, including the very first issue dating
from 1911, and almost 100 years of the student newspaper, The E.H.S. Bearcat, beginning with the November 23,
1921, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 copy," said Bunch.

With this large of a collection of history, it is important to keep it in the best shape possible, for future
generations to enjoy and look back on. The community foundation granted USD 327 funding to purchase a
fireproof cabinet to keep these archives in. Aside from the collection being safe from possible weather and
wear, now the collection is in a centralized location for all to enjoy. "The collection, the only one of its kind, is
now secure and protected. The cabinet has also provided a handy location for students, staff, and patrons to
access the archives. Many people visit the journalism room each year to use books and papers in our collection
to look up information. They are now able to pull up a chair and easily find the volumes they're searching for,"
said Bunch.

Planning Today to GIVE TOMORROW

Supporting  CREATE YOUR LEGACY
your community,  THROUGH YOUR WILL!
organizations, and
causes you care Including the community foundation in
about is an your will or trust is a simple, significant way
important part of to support one or many causes close to your
your life and heart, forever.
core values. When you make a planned gift to the
community foundation, you plant an
What if you could continue to investment that will continue to grow over
provide donations to those time and benefit your community, far
organizations after your beyond your lifetime!
lifetime? What if you left
something meaningful to the IT’S EASY AND
charities that you are most ANYONE CAN DO IT.
passionate about?
Giving through your will is easy and you
don’t have to be wealthy to do it. Whether
your nest egg is large or small, your gift will
ensure the good work of charitable
organizations continues in your name.

To learn more about leaving a gift in your will or trust,
contact your professional advisor or call us at 785-823-1800!

08 | Annual Report 2020

09 | Annual Report 2020

2019-2020

Grant Recipients

The following organizations received either donor-directed or
competitive grants from funds at the community foundation:

Central Kansas Mental Fort Hays State University
Health Center Geneseo Public Library
City of Ellsworth Immanuel Lutheran Church
City of Kanopolis J.H. Robbins Memorial
City of Lorraine Library
Ellsworth Child Care & Kanopolis Sunflower Civic
Learning Center Club
Ellsworth County Cancer Kansas Kiwanis Foundation
Fund Kansas State University
Ellsworth County Cares Lang Memorial Library
Ellsworth County Economic Paul Aylward American
Development Legion Post #174
Ellsworth County Fair St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Association Altar Guild
Ellsworth County Historical University of Kansas
Society USD 112 - Central Plains
Ellsworth County Senior USD 327 - Ellsworth
Center Wilson Economic
Ellsworth First United Development Corporation
Methodist Church Wilson Heritage Museum
Feeding the Children of Wilson Tourism Hub, Inc.
Central Kansas, Inc.

IMPACT NUMBERS

In 2020, $162,941 total grants and scholarships were awarded to 61
organizations and students throughout the fiscal year. Since inception
$1,165,197 has been awarded on the behalf of generous donors, making our
community a better place to live!

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED PER FISCAL YEAR

$200,000

$1,165,197

$162,941

$150,000

$100,000 $76,802

$50,000 $11,799 2015 2020

$7,900 2010

$0
2005

2019-2020

Scholarship Recipients

The following students received scholarships through the community
foundation’s competitive scholarship program with funding from the
Caryle Jean Bender Memorial Scholarship, Charles & Velma Westerman
Scholarship, Dawn L. Pruitt Memorial Scholarship, Eleanor Hunter
Scholarship, Fran Malir Memorial Scholarship, Geraldine L. Anschutz
Memorial Scholarship, Jack R. Janousek Memorial Scholarship, Lila Jean
(Warta) Young Memorial and Mary Hanzlicek Memorial Scholarship.

ALEXA HUTCHINS-TALBOTT JORDYN COONROD

Barton County Community College Kansas State University

BRANDALYN THYFAULT KARA RODRIGUEZ

University of Kansas Kansas State University

CODY SLECHTA MASON PRESTER

Cloud County Community College Kansas State University

HANNAH WILSON MICAH BOLTON

Fort Hays State University Kansas Wesleyan University

HAYDEN ROGERS SARA KLEIN

University of Kansas Hutchinson Community College

JANAE SCHULTE WESTIN HUGHES

Kansas State University Washburn University

JOHN CRISWELL

Cloud County Community College

THANK YOU

None of this would be possible without people like
you! Your support makes a meaningful difference in
the Ellsworth Area, both now and in the future.

10| Annual Report 2020

11 | Annual Report 2020

FOUNDATION FUNDS

Endowed funds produce charitable income every year and help donors create a legacy of giving.

This list contains funds opened prior to July 1, 2020. If you believe an error has been made, please contact the foundation.

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS FIELD OF
INTEREST FUNDS
Enable donors to recommend grants to the
charitable organizations or programs of Enable donors to support a designated cause or
their choice. geographic area. (e.g. the arts, a specific
community, etc.)
Helen & Will Shanelec Fund
Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation Sundin Trust Fund Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund
Joyce Nagel Health, Education & Recreation Fund
DESIGNATED FUNDS Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Smoky Hills
Smoky Hills Healthy Living Fund
Provide annual support for specific USD 112 Central Plains Fund
charities selected by the donor. USD 327 Student Benefit Fund
Wilson Forever Fund
Geneseo Public Library Fund
Gladys M. Wagner Memorial Designated Fund ORGANIZATION FUNDS
Kansas Health Foundation Operating Fund for
Provide annual income for nonprofit organizations
Smoky Hills in support of their charitable work.
Miss Czech Slovak Kansas Pageant Designated Ellsworth County Cancer Fund
Ellsworth Childcare & Learning Center Fund
Fund Ellsworth County Historical Society Fund
Ellsworth Senior Center Fund
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS J. H. Robbins Memorial Library Fund

Assist and encourage promising students, UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
including those challenged by
educational costs. Supports foundations community grantmaking.
Caryle Jean Bender Memorial Scholarship Fund Smoky Hills Community Fund
Charles & Velma Westerman Scholarship Fund
Dawn L. Pruitt Memorial Scholarship Fund FUNDS FOR THE FUTURE
Eleanor Hunter Scholarship Fund
Fran Malir Memorial Scholarship Fund Dorothy Bettenbrock Thomas
Geraldine L. Anschutz Memorial Scholarship Fund Scholarship Fund
Jack R. Janousek Memorial Scholarship Fund Larry & Sara Soukup Fund
Lila Jean (Warta) Young Memorial Scholarship Frank & Judy Toman Fund

Fund
Mary Hanzlicek Memorial Scholarship Fund

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS

Supports foundation operations.
Smoky Hills Administrative Fund

FINANCIAL ASSET GROWTH SINCE 2005
OVERVIEW
As of June 30, 2020, the foundation's total
None of this would be possible without people like you! asset size reached $3,496,954 with 30 funds.
Your support makes a meaningful difference in Ellsworth
County, both now and in the future.

COMPETITIVE GRANTMAKING SINCE INCEPTION $4,000,000

$500,000

$3,496,954

$400,000

$3,000,000

$300,000 $2,000,000
$200,000
$1,864,251

$1,000,000

$100,000 $657,508
$0
$486,841

Community ADretsvel&oCpulmteurnte $0 2010 2015 2020
ParHkus P&muaREbnleidcScrueecHSraaevaittfaiicleoottenysnh 2005
Hardship

$275,533

was donated from 174
generous donors in the
2020 fiscal year.

12 | Annual Report 2020

GIVE. GROW. GRANT.

By creating a permanent fund at the community
foundation, you can accomplish your charitable
goals, now and forever. As your partner in giving, we
will always take special care to honor your wishes
and protect your gift’s value.

Your gift to the community foundation will grow over time, just like a tree! Whether
you plant a seed by starting a new fund or help a fund grow by giving to an existing
fund, every gift to the community foundation helps provide “fruit” for the community
through grants and scholarships.

Today... After 15 years... After 25 years... After 50 years...
You decide to make Your gift has grown to Your gift has grown to Your gift has grown to
a permanent gift of $15,000 and given $18,600 and given $51,000 and given
$10,000. $10,000 to charity. $19,000 to charity. $35,000 to charity.

OUR AFFILIATION

We are a member of the Greater Salina KATY KITCHEN
Community Foundation’s affiliate
network in north central Kansas. Director of Regional Affiliates
[email protected]
This network helps us effectively pool resources with other
foundations for community growth. We benefit from ANGELA KERNER
experienced investment and administration services,
marketing support, ongoing training and technical assistance Affiliate Operations Coordinator
from GSCF staff. Our local advisory board provides leadership [email protected]
on decisions that directly impact our community!

Community Foundation for Cloud County
Heartland Community Foundation
Jewell County Community Foundation
Osborne County Community Foundation
Ottawa County Community Foundation
Post Rock Community Foundation
Republic County Community Foundation
Russell County Area Community Foundation
Smith County Community Foundation
Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation
Smoky Valley Community Foundation
Solomon Valley Community Foundation
Washington County Community Foundation

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AFFILIATION
visit www.gscf.org
or contact one of our affiliate staff members

P.O. Box 265 · Ellsworth, KS 67493
785-823-1800 · [email protected]
www.smokyhillscf.org · Find us on Facebook!