In what was our 14th year of participation, the Match Madness event has once again proven itself both a blessing and a friend to Saint Francis Ministries. SFM will receive $19,622 in prizes and matching gifts, exceeding the $18,500 goal once again.
Inaugurated in 2012, Match Madness is the Greater Salina (Kansas) Community Foundation’s one-day-only giving day celebration that raises money to provide long-term support for local nonprofits. The event generates gifts to endowment funds for local charities for long-term support, and over the years, Saint Francis has used the funds to support essential programs.
The GSCF matches the donor’s gift, up to 50 percent, as an instant cash grant to the charity for current needs. The charity may use the match however they choose, including special projects and basic operating costs. Funds garnered from this year’s event will support SFM’s Youth Emergency Shelter in Salina.
Saint Francis Chief Financial Officer Matt Fuqua made all 10 of his free throw shots, which earned another $2,460 from Alley-Oop donors. Saint Francis received donations from 26 unique donors, including five new to SFM and nine new to Match Madness giving. SFM also re-engaged three lapsed donors.
“Match Madness is always one of our favorite days of the year,” said Executive Director of Development Ginny Ellis. “It’s exciting to share the mission of Saint Francis with community members in Salina and the 5th graders from across Saline County who come through the event. We’re excited that this year’s match was over 30 percent, amplifying our donors’ impact and putting those funds to work for the new Youth Residential Center. We’re so grateful to our donors for making it all possible, and we’re especially thankful for Matt’s skills at the free-throw line and for all the staff who showed up to cheer him on and truly brought the energy.”
