Local Donors Empower Area 5th Graders with $10 and $15 in “Give Bucks” to Give to Nonprofits During Give Fest

In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, the Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back a special initiative for Give Fest 2025: Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive at least $10 to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice! Thanks to the generous support of Insurance Planning, Inc. and the Fred & Jean Berger, Insurance Planning, Inc. Charitable Fund and Sunflower Bank, all 5th graders in Ellis County will each receive $15 to donate to the organizations of their choice. Thanks to First Federal Bank, a Branch of Lyons Federal Bank, of WaKeeney in Trego County, and the William H. Andreson Charitable Trust in Rooks County, all 5th grade students in Trego and Rooks counties will receive $10 each to donate to the organizations of their choice. All students will have the opportunity to
learn firsthand about the power of philanthropy.

On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest events in Hays, Stockton, and WaKeeney to meet
participating nonprofits, learn about their missions, and choose where to allocate their “Give Bucks”
– vouchers distributed to them in $5 increments. This initiative is designed to foster an early understanding of charitable giving and community support among young people.

“We believe in the importance of starting early when it comes to charitable giving,” said Andrew Rupp at Insurance Planning, Inc. “By giving these students the opportunity to choose where their donation goes, we hope to empower them to feel the impact of their gift and to understand the importance of supporting local causes.”

Aaron Satran, Branch Manager at First Federal Bank in WaKeeney: “These students are the future
leaders of our communities, and we are honored to help them learn the importance of giving in
such an awesome way. It’s our hope that empowering these students to give to the local nonprofits
that resonate with them the most will spark an interest in philanthropy for many years to come.”
Since Trego County has fewer 5th graders than the other counties, First Federal Bank is also
sponsoring the 4th graders, giving even more students the opportunity to give.

In the days leading up to Give Fest, representatives from the Heartland Community Foundation will
visit area schools to introduce students to the idea of giving back. “We’re excited to talk with
students about what it means to be a nonprofit and why supporting local organizations matters,”
said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of the Heartland Community Foundation. “It’s inspiring to
see young people get involved and understand that, no matter their age, they can make a real
difference in their community.”

Give Fest 2025, happening on October 10, is a celebration of philanthropy, community spirit, and
cultural heritage with an Oktoberfest twist. The event spans Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties,
offering in-person opportunities for donors to meet local nonprofits, enjoy Oktoberfest food and
entertainment, and make a meaningful impact. With 58 participating organizations, there’s a cause
for everyone, from education and healthcare to animal welfare, emergency response, and more.

All donations made to participating nonprofits during the 24-hour giving period will be matched up
to 100% by the Heartland Community Foundation, thanks to a $150,000 match pool. Donations will
go directly to the nonprofits' endowed funds at the foundation, ensuring a stable financial future,
while match dollars provide immediate support for current needs.

This year's festivities will feature in-person events at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Ellis County: Hays Rec Center Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury, Hays
• Rooks County: Rooks County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm, Stockton
• Trego County: Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th and Russell, WaKeeney

How to Give:

• Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org from midnight on October 1 through 11:59 p.m. on
  October 10. Online gifts will be eligible for matching funds for a full week!
• In-Person: Drop off donations at the Give Fest events or the Heartland Community Foundation
  office, 1200 Main St., Hays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 10.
• Mail: Send donations to Heartland Community Foundation, PO Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. They
  must be received by October 10.
• Out-of-Town Donors: Send your gift directly to the nonprofit, and they will bring it to be counted.
  Checks should be made out to Heartland Community Foundation with the charity’s name in the
  memo, along with a donor form.

For more information about Give Fest and the participating nonprofits, visit
www.HeartlandGiveFest.org.