Local Donors Empower Area 5th Graders with $10 Each to Give to Nonprofits During Give Fest

HAYS, Kan. — In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, the Heartland Community Foundation is proud to announce a special initiative for Give Fest 2024: Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will receive $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 in Ellis County, and Solutions North Bank in Rooks and Trego counties, all 5th grade 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, Plainville, and WaKeeney to meet participating nonprofits, learn about their missions, and choose where to allocate their $10 voucher. 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.”

Solutions North Bank, which is sponsoring the initiative in Rooks and Trego counties, shares the same commitment. “Helping young people connect with their community in this way teaches them that even small contributions can make a big difference. It’s an investment not just in today’s nonprofits, but in the future of philanthropy,” said Shana Coleman at Solutions North Bank.

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 2024, 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 44 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 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

· Ellis County: The Strand Event Center, 1102 Main St., Hays

· Rooks County: Letha’s Events, 211 Mill St., Plainville

· Trego County: VFW, 400 N. Railroad, WaKeeney

How to Give:

· Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org from midnight on October 4 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.

###