Match Madness Breaks Record with Over $1.19 Million Raised
This year’s Match Madness was truly the “Luckiest Year,” yet, raising a record-breaking $1,191,492 in a single day for 103 local nonprofits.
On March 13, donors contributed an incredible $882,851 to permanent endowed funds held at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Combined $308,640 in match funds and bonus prizes, the total impact set a new all-time high for the event.
“The generosity in our community never ceases to amaze me,” said Jessica Martin, President & Executive Director. “With the current economic climate, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but our community really came through. Not only did they help set a record, but their gifts help ensure our nonprofits are here to meet current and future needs. THANK YOU!”
A Bigger Event Than Ever
For the first time, Match Madness took over the entire Salina Fieldhouse from 7 am to 6 pm. Donors could give in person and explore 73 nonprofits booths set up on the turf at the north end of the building.
“By using the entire Fieldhouse, we gave nonprofits more room to share their stories and created a more engaging experience for attendees,” said Michael Chambers, Vice President of Community Impact.
The new layout allowed each nonprofit their own table, improved acoustics for conversations, and made the space feel more open and less congested.
Future Donors Take the Field
Also on the turf were 610 Saline County fifth graders. Each was empowered with $10 to give to a nonprofit of their choice, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors.
But these students didn’t hand out their dollars lightly! Nonprofits had to answer thoughtful questions like, “If I give you my $10, what will you do with it?”
“I was really impressed with the quality of questions,” said Maddie Donatell Chandler of Salina Family Healthcare Center. “They really wanted to know where and how their money would be spent.”
A total of 66 nonprofits received donations from students, showing their diverse interests. Love, Chloe Foundation and The Salvation Army Salina tied for the top two organizations, followed by Rolling Hills Zoo, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, and K-State Salina.
Ending with a Slam Dunk
The event also featured basketball-themed competitions. Eighty-six nonprofits participated in the Bill Grevas Minute-to-Win-It Free Throw Contest, making 581 successful shots and earning $5,810 in bonus prizes from Bennington State Bank. Salina Presbyterian Manor won the BE Wealth Half Court Shot Contest, securing a $1,000 bonus prize thanks to a successful shot by Sawyer Kramer.
Since its inception in 2012, Match Madness has raised more than $7.1 million to support 117 area nonprofits through endowed giving. Now that’s what we call a slam dunk!
