By: Ryan Duey
Endow Waterville will once again partner with the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation (KRCF) of Wamego for the “Forever for Kansas” Match Event from November 1st through the 16th. During the Match Event, donations will be matched thanks to $75,000 in matching funds.
Ann Walter, Endow Waterville Fund Manager, said she started the partnership with KRCF in 2012, to secure and manage the funds for Endow Waterville. Walter explained how Endow Waterville has helped the community over the years.
“We’ve had five major projects funded. Our first one was a gazebo in our park in Waterville. We also purchased new benches for our children’s playground. We purchased a sun shade that went over the baby pool at our swimming pool. And most recently, which we’re very excited about, is we helped fund what we call the Waterville Welcome Event and Advertising LED Sign and that has been a real asset to our community. It’s placed on the corner of 77 and 9, and it advertises everything going on in our community. It can be viewed by people coming and going. So, we’ve been very, very pleased to be able to help the WCC to purchase that sign.”
This is the second year of the “Forever for Kansas” match event. This match event will match donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000 when funds are donated between November 1st and 16th. Walter said they hope to use this year’s funds to help with the beautification of downtown, and more.
“The big plan right now is the renovation of our Lake Idlewild, and as of November, we will have a hiking and biking trail constructed around the lake, and then we hope to have funds available for beautification of the picnic areas to accommodate families camping and having picnics.”
“Every small community has to keep moving forward and so these projects that the Endowment funds are for the beautification, recreation, economic, and education development of Waterville.”
Donations during the match event can be made by mailing a check to KRCF or online at www.thekrcf.org/donate-online. Donors must designate the Endow Waterville fund on their check. More information can be found on the KRCF Facebook page.
