Match Madness raises over $555,000 for area nonprofits
The Greater Salina Community Foundation hosted Salina’s 11th annual Match Madness giving day on Thursday, March 24, at Salina Fieldhouse. In 24 hours, over $555,000 was raised for 89 area nonprofit organizations through donations and bonus prizes.
A total of 920 unique donors contributed a record-breaking total of $556,452.18 through 2,691 gifts. This is the highest total dollar amount and number of gifts raised in the event’s history.
“This day always amazes me beyond belief,” said Jessica Martin, President and Executive Director of the Foundation. “It is humbling to witness the growing generosity of our donors and the enthusiasm of our nonprofits. Our community is blessed to have such a great team working together to make an impact.”
The Foundation awarded $8,630 in bonus prizes to 77 organizations who participated in the Bill Grevas Memorial Nonprofit Free Throw Contest, which was sponsored by the Salina Regional Health Foundation, and the Half-Court Contest, which was sponsored by BeWealth. Each participant was given one minute to shoot free throws, and every shot made was worth $10 for their representative organization. Throughout the day, 13 participants earned the maximum $100 prize for their efforts. The Half-Court Contest provided each non-profit the opportunity to make a half-court shot (in 2 attempts). Each nonprofit that made a half-court shot received $100 plus the opportunity to enter the shoot out for $1,000. Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum, St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Parish, DVACK, At Stake Ministries, KU School of Medicine-Salina, and AMBUCS-Salina AM Breakfast Bandits all received $100 for a made shot and AMBUCS-Salina AM Breakfast Bandits received an additional $1000 as the winner of the shoot- out.
Following the event, three bonus grants were awarded to participating nonprofits. Rolling Hills Zoo “Most Donors-1st Place,” received $750 as the nonprofit who had the most donors. Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank “Most Donors-2nd Place,” received $500 as the nonprofit who had the second most donors. The Temple-Salina Innovation Foundation received “Most Improved,” awarded to the organization who received a higher number of gifts this year than in 2021.
New in 2022, an “Around the World” Booth contest was held to encourage visitors to visit as many nonprofit booths as possible. Each visitor that visited 5 or more booths was entered to win a prize drawn at random. Emily Paige was the winner of the first annual “Around the World” Booth Contest, and received a Match Madness gift basket, plus GSCF doubled all of her donations she made at the Match Madness event!
The Foundation matched gifts proportionally, up to 47%, from a pool of $250,000. Together, Match Madness donations, bonus prizes and matching funds combine for a total impact of $801,582 for the Salina community.
