Saint Francis Ministries scored more dollars than ever in its 13th year of participation in the Greater Salina Community Foundation’s (GSCF) Match Madness event. Inaugurated in 2012, Match Madness is a one-day only giving day extravaganza 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 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.

This year, SFM exceeded its goal of $18,610 to bring in $22,498.90 in gifts, matching funds, and prizes. IT Manager, Angie Hall, shot free throws at noon on behalf of Saint Francis, making four baskets. Employees pledged $119.25 per basket, so with the pledges and free-throw bonus, Angie brought in an additional $517.

This year’s matching funds and prizes will contribute towards the construction of an outdoor play space for kids at the Salina West residential facility.

The inspiration for the playscape project stems from a deep understanding of the transformative power of nature and play in the healing process. Children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and face multiple co-existing mental health conditions often struggle with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Traditional therapeutic settings, while beneficial, sometimes lack the dynamic and holistic environment that outdoor play can provide. The idea is to create a safe, engaging, and therapeutic space where youth at Salina West can reconnect with their innate sense of joy, curiosity, and resilience. SFM hopes that the project will create a play space that also serves as a sanctuary for healing, growth, and joy.

“This event gets better every year,” said Executive Director of Development Ginny Ellis. “We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the financial health of our organization by adding to our endowment, but also to a current need – the outdoor play space at our Salina West residential facility. The highlight of the event was visiting with donors at our table throughout the day. I love how the Salina community has embraced the idea of collective action and support of local nonprofits.”