By Rhys Baker

Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation’s annual match day is nearing, with the live portion of the event scheduled from Noon to 8 p.m. on September 19th. One of the 47 eligible organizations includes The Clay Counts Coalition, whose mission is “to promote social, physical, and mental well-being for the residents of Clay County, emphasizing reduction of youth substance abuse and to foster a thriving environment in which to live, learn, work, and play.” Clay Counts Community Mobilizer Lori Martin says, “If you ever attended a meeting, a training, or any community event, you know that if you feed them, people will come.” She adds, “Most of the programs we can offer through Clay Counts are grant-based,  so folks may wonder why Clay Counts would need funding? The truth of the matter is that we don’t hold a single grant that allows us to purchase food.” The organization’s goal is $6,000, including purchasing food for Courageous Conversation nights, feeding students at 5th quarter events after home football games, and for refreshments during Clay Counts trainings and speakers.

The Patterson Family Foundation, Kansas City, and United Bank and Trust, Clay Center, have contributed money enabling the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation to match fifty percent of donations with a maximum of two thousand dollars per organization. Funds collected during match day are an outright grant and may be used as needed. Nonprofits may choose to establish their endowments, use them for day-to-day operating expenses, or purchase food.