All Aboard for Gratitude

Last Friday, August 22, our Atchison Community showed up and blew us away with generosity. Sixty four different non-profit organizations serving Atchison County set up informational tables at the Atchison Event Center for a happy hour, and raised nearly $800,000 for their various causes! (I’ve been informed that in journalism, exclamation points are generally discouraged, but this feels like a great time to break that rule). This nearly doubles the amount raised last year, and gives us great momentum to continue this event and to raise more matching dollars in the future. 
    From organizations that serve basic human needs like the Salvation Army and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, to scholarship funds, to community boosting events like the Amelia Earhart Festival and America 250 in Atchison, our funds exhibited the good work that they do and Atchison responded in kind. The Atchison Event Center was full of people from every demographic in town, down to our young students who came to learn about philanthropy and to find places to do service hours. Events like Match Day are a beautiful example of what happens when communities come together for a common goal – there is joy, laughter, and positive work being done. 
    On behalf of the Atchison Area Community Foundation and all of the organizations that we serve, thank you Atchison County! Your kindness and generosity are what make this such a wonderful place to live, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in return.