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Match Madness returns to Saint Francis

March 2024 · Forward in Hope

Yes, a full year has passed, and here at Saint Francis Ministries, we’re gearing up for the 13th Match Madness event in Salina, Kansas, on March 21.

Sponsored by the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF), Match Madness generates gifts to endowment funds for local charities for long-term support. Saint Francis Ministries has participated for the last several years, using the funds to support essential programs.

And this Match Madness looks to be one of the best ever. Since 13 is the lucky number of a certain music icon and Kansas City Chiefs fan, we’re hoping it will be “The Lucky One” for Saint Francis Ministries. The GSCF has special stuff in store this year for “Swifties” and everyone who supports helping local nonprofit organizations.

Here’s how Match Madness works:

  • GSCF matches the donor’s gift proportionally up to 50 percent in the form of an instant cash grant to the charity to use for current needs.
  • The charity may use the match however they choose, including special projects and basic operating costs. Some charities also opt to put the match back into their endowment to meet future needs.

But you must give on March 21!

Donations will be accepted all day! You can contribute in person at the Salina Fieldhouse, 140 N. 5th , from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or online from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Live outside of Salina? Can’t make it in person? You can still help!

  • Donate online at www.matchmadnessgscf.org – 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
  • Mail cash or check donations (with a completed donation form) to the community foundation at PO Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876. These must be postmarked March 21, 2024.

But giving in person is much more fun!

Come by the Saint Francis booth and say hi, then get yourself something good to eat from one of the food trucks. Wander the Fieldhouse and visit booths, enjoy free snacks, and visit the donation station.

Then watch Rose Jackson shoot free throws at 4 p.m. and take her half-court shot at 5 p.m., on behalf of SFM. Rose has played basketball since the age of seven. By the end of her high school career, she was the all-time leading scorer at Greenwood High School with just under 2,000 points. After high school, Rose played for Lindsey Wilson college in Columbia, Kentucky, from 2017-2021.

Best yet, Rose is our Saint Francis colleague, serving at Salina West as a training coordinator.

She’s our rep in the Bill Grevas Memorial Free Throw Contest, sponsored by Salina Regional Health Foundation, and will try to make 13 free throws in 60 seconds for an additional $130. She’ll also participate in the BE Wealth Half-Court Shot for Charity and try to bring home an extra $1,000.

These funds will be used to support Saint Francis programs, especially those at our Salina West campus where children and youth dealing with trauma and behavioral challenges receive the help and treatment they need.

But you’ve got to give on March 21! Please keep Saint Francis kids in mind as we approach the date. And, if you’re able, come out to say hi and watch Rose shoot baskets on the special day.

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