Submitted by Leslie Scoby

Fourteen board members, two ambassadors and one fund representative were present at the monthly meeting of Greater Sabetha Community Foundation (GSCF) on Tuesday, March 14. The meeting was opened with a prayer by President Dr. Bill Simpson, and the board read and agreed to accept the minutes of the February meeting.

Kasha Rebant was present representing the organization she is a part of, Playground Partners. This organization is working to bring to the Library Park a new and innovative playground that will be “inclusive.” Inclusive has several meanings, which she explained to a very interested group. The playground equipment will incorporate equipment that is accessible to children with physical or developmental disabilities, and will house equipment that will serve children as young as infants up to 12 years old. 

The surfaces will be easier and safer for grandparents and the playground will appeal to the community as a center for parents, families and those from out of town to enjoy the shaded area of the park. Rebant said the equipment that is now in the park will be evaluated for safety and if deemed that it is still in good condition, will be moved to a new park area at the park on Sixth Street. Rebant and her board are seeking funding from grants and from others who care about investing in the “community” that a park brings to our town.

Last fall, Playground Partners was listed on the Give to Grow Match Day and received $20,641.03 in donations, $3,817.24 in matching funds for a total of $24,458.27. The Playground Partners organization plans to gear up for another successful matching campaign for Give to Grow Match 2024.

The GSCF board voted to be a silver sponsor for the SHS yearbook and provide a yearbook for a student who might not otherwise be able to purchase one. They also voted to sponsor Project Prom with a donation of $100.

President Simpson reviewed the committee list and plans that are on hand for each. There will be a meeting on March 30 at noon for the Give to Grow Committee. Leslie Scoby shared information about the Patterson Foundation grant for match days for rural communities. GSCF director Scoby also updated the board on progress being made on the Wenger Marel Charitable Grant application that will soon be available on the website. The first grant cycle will result in grants announced on Oct. 1. Scoby announced three new funds: the Nemaha County Free Fair, the Leland Snyder Memorial Scholarship and the Donald Wenger Memorial Scholarship.

The next meeting will be at noon Tuesday, April 11, in the East Room at Buzz Café. Guests are welcome to join us and learn about what the community foundation is all about.