Give Fest Boosts Local Nonprofits with matching Funds

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Heartland Community Foundation held its second-annual Give Fest on Friday across ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties. The event aimed to encourage giving to local nonprofits.

For 24 hours, every donation made to participating organizations was matched, thanks to a $150,000 pool. Each county had $50,000 dedicated to matching gifts.

A total of 58 organizations took part in the Give Fest.

Fifth graders throughout Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties participated in the 5th Grade Give Bucks initiative. They received money to donate to a nonprofit they chose.

Sponsors provided funds so Ellis County students each received $15, while students in Rooks and Trego counties received $10.

Students attended give Fest events to meet representatives from the nonprofits, learn about their work, and decide where to donate their Give Bucks.

“This taught young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy,” the Heartland Community Foundation stated in a press release.