The Emporia Community Foundation went “Back to the Future” as it celebrated 30 years of positive impacts for Emporia, Lyon County and neighboring counties.
The Community Foundation held its anniversary celebration at the Emporia Granada Theatre, looking back at its origins through the work of Elvin Perkins, Bobbie Agler, Steve Davis, Carl Didde, George Osborne and Barbara White Walker; through its directors like Perkins, Ken Calhoun, Shirley Antes, Becky Nurnberg and current leader Linda Kehres-Schmidt; and the significant growth in both assets and community impact. Kehres-Schmidt says it was a great celebration of what has happened and what’s to come.
Audio PlayerWhile it tracked its origins and development, it also unveiled its next concept: the Next Generation of Leaders Initiative. Details are under development, but longtime Finance Officer Loni Heinen says this is a good step for the Community Foundation.
Audio PlayerKehres-Schmidt also says this comes with a wealth transfer coming as baby boomers are giving funds to their children or grandchildren or assets to places like the Community Foundation, so the initiative is well-timed. She also says the Community Foundation will use social marketing and media to engage younger leaders as these financial conversations develop.
Probably best known for the annual Match Day fundraiser, which set a record of almost $770,000 raised last year as part of over $3 million generated for community groups since 2013, the Community Foundation now manages about 400 funds with about $45 million in assets. It has also disbursed almost $500,000 in grants since it began.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
