During the month of October, there is a sense of excitement in Ellsworth County. The Smoky Hills Community Foundation is launching our annual Match Month campaign, giving residents an opportunity to make a significant impact on our community. Thanks to our generous partners, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation, every dollar donated during October will be matched, turning it into $4 for Ellsworth County. A $100 donation will become $400, directly empowering local initiatives and projects.

With our matching partners, we hope to raise $250,000. The funds raised will go to essential community projects, local nonprofits and other critical needs that will help strengthen our community. We believe in the power of local people investing in their home, and we’re making it as easy as possible to be a part of this effort. With eight drop-off locations around Ellsworth County, plus options to donate online, by phone or by mail, anyone can contribute to creating a lasting impact.

In previous years, we kicked off October Match Month with a silent auction, food and dueling pianos to bring the community together and spark excitement.

This year, we’re trying something new. Instead of a kickoff event, we will host a donor appreciation celebration after Match Month wraps up — a chance to come together and celebrate the success of our campaign.

On Nov. 2, we invite our donors to join us for an evening at The Barn in Wilson.

The event will feature complimentary appetizers served by our board members, a hosted bar for beer and wine and some fantastic door prizes like KU basketball tickets and K-State football tickets. It’s our way of saying thank you to the people who make this work possible.

The evening will also highlight grant recipients, showcasing the real impact of these donations.

This event isn’t just about recognition, it’s about showing our donors how their generosity has transformed lives in Ellsworth County. It will be a night out, a chance to see friends, connect with community leaders and hear stories of impact — all in a relaxed and social setting. By focusing on a post-campaign celebration, we want to highlight the outcomes of our efforts and create a deeper connection with those who support us. It’s not just about the dollar amount; it’s about ensuring that Ellsworth County continues to thrive, thanks to the collective effort of our community.

Every contribution in October counts. Whether you can give $100, $10 or $1, your gift will grow fourfold thanks to our generous matching partners. With the funds raised, we’ll continue to uplift our community, addressing pressing needs and investing in a better future for everyone.

We encourage every resident to be part of this transformative opportunity. Your $100 becomes $400 for Ellsworth County — a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together. Let’s make October a month of giving and growing.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.smokyhillscf.org or call us at (785) 810-1235. Join us in making a lasting impact, and mark your calendars for Nov. 2 to celebrate our success together.

Let’s invest in home, and let’s do it together.

Colby Richard is the director of the Smoky Hills Community Foundation, based in Ellsworth. He can be reached at (785) 810-1235 or director@smokyhillscf.org.