Coming off a big-time anniversary year, Emporia Community Foundation CEO Linda Kehres-Schmidt says she is looking for more ways to engage area residents.
On KVOE’s New Year’s Eve Newsmaker segment, Kehres-Schmidt says she believes the addition of Sarah Barrett as Program Officer will both bring “fresh ideas, a collaborative spirit and a deep enthusiasm” to the Community Foundation and let the organization reach more people. Another goal is to build the legacy gift program, leading to the “Flint Hills Legacies” program heard around 6:50 am Mondays on KVOE.
Kehres-Schmidt was heartened to see the community engagement visible throughout 2025, the Community Foundation’s 30th year of operation. She’s grateful for the vision of those involved with starting the Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation continues to build momentum through its annual Match Day, which reset its own overall fundraising record by almost hitting $850,000 as announced last month. Kehres-Schmidt says the event is obviously getting big for the participating nonprofit groups, but it has also opened doors for the Community Foundation.
More information about the Community Foundation is available at emporiacf.org. Residents can also call 620-342-9304.
