The Greater Salina Community Foundation hosted Salina’s 8th annual Match Madness giving day on Thursday, March 22, at Salina Fieldhouse. In 24 hours, over $325,500 was raised for 72 area nonprofit organizations through donations and bonus prizes.
A total of 751 unique donors contributed a record-breaking total of $319,444 through 2,011 gifts. This is the highest total dollar amount and number of gifts raised in the event’s history.
“This day always amazes me beyond belief,” said Jessica Martin, president and executive director of the foundation. “It is humbling to witness the growing generosity of our donors and the enthusiasm of our nonprofits. Our community is blessed to have such a great team working together to make an impact.”
The foundation awarded $4,630 in bonus prizes to 67 organizations who participated in the Bill Grevas Memorial Nonprofit Free Throw Contest, which was sponsored by the Salina Regional Health Foundation. Each participant was given one minute to shoot free throws, and every shot made was worth $10 for their representative organization. Throughout the day, 13 participants earned the maximum $100 prize for their efforts.
Following the event, three $500 bonus grants were awarded to participating nonprofits. The Nature Conservancy in Kansas was named “Most Valuable Player,” awarded to the nonprofit who raised the most dollars. K-State Polytechnic received “Most Improved,” awarded to the organization who received a higher number of gifts this year than in 2018. Salina Area Technical College received “Most Spirited,” awarded to the organization who creatively promoted Match Madness prior to the event.
The foundation will match gifts proportionally, up to 50%, from a pool of $150,000. Together, Match Madness donations, bonus prizes and matching funds combine for a total impact of $475,574.12 for the Salina community.
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ORIGINAL: It was a record day in Salina Thursday. Donors at the Salina Community Foundation’s Match Madness event set a record amount of one-day giving.
According to the organization, after all of the donations were tabulated, a total of $318, 974.12 was collected. That money will be matched from $150,000 in matching available funds.
Foundation Executive Director Jessica Martin tells KSAL News Match Madness is one of the biggest days of the year to help boost non-profit and service organizations around Salina. She said it is important for a couple of reasons.
Donors were able to give in person from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Salina Fieldhouse, where about 50 of the participating charities set up booths and displays.
There were 72 participating non-profit organizations. Donors could choose to give to any of the organizations. Here are the top 10 on the final “leader board”:
Martin said the event has grown exponentially from a modest start eight years ago.
All donations will go to the participating organization’s endowed fund held at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. These funds are permanently invested to produce a steady stream of income charities can count on every year, which eases the pressure to raise annual funds.
Since its inception in 2012, Match Madness has generated over $1 million for local charities.
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