Back in an in-person format for the first time in three years, the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation recognized local philanthropy Monday with its 8th annual Community Foundation Awards (CFA’s).
In addition to the annual award ceremony, the event also is the board meeting where leadership changes take place. Jackie Hartman Borck was introduced as the 2022 Board of Trustees Chair by outgoing Board Chair Therese Miller.
A total of 12 awards were handed out at Monday’s event, which was also live streamed on the GMCF Facebook page. Taking home the coveted Rising Star Volunteer of the Year Award was Crystal Bryant-Kearns, who since moving to Manhattan in 2004 has volunteered at a number of organizations including Girl Scouts and Girls on the Run.
“What an honor to be here. You guys get it, everyone in this room gets it. So we are blessed to live in Manhattan. We have so many wonderful people giving time, talent, and treasure. Keep rocking it,” she said.
Nancy Knopp, who serves on the Sunset Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Trust and the advisory board for Boys and Girls Club, received the Distinguished Volunteer Award.
“None of the work that all of these agencies do would be possible without the funding behind them. Thank you so many of you who have opened up your pockets when some of us ask a lot. I just really appreciate the support,” she said.
The Manhattan Lions Club received the Civic Philanthropy Award. President Dave Schafer thanked the foundation for the honor.
“It is an honor. Our club in Manhattan (has existed) for 84 years from 1938. We’ve tried to, and now tried to carry on a tradition of many leaders in our community over those years,” he said.
The Lions are currently in the process of scheduling the annual community Easter Egg Hunt, which Schafer estimates has been a Lions Club tradition for easily 50 to 60 years or longer.
Fairy Godmothers Chair Karen Roberts received the Trustee Volunteer of the Year Award.
“I want to say thank you for this award. This is just incredible. All, all those things that Vern mentioned, I have loved being a part of, and that’s what makes it so special. I also want you to know that there’s so many of you out there that could be standing up here right now. And I thank you for all you do,” she said.
Taking home the Lifetime Contribution Award was the Caroline Peine Foundation, with Karen McCullough accepting the award.
“On behalf of Caroline, I’d like to say thank you very much. She was a feisty woman who was Dean of students, assistant Dean of students and the head of women’s resources at K state. And she had a very definite feeling for where women should be in life, in society and at the university. And I might say, I just feel, I have to say this. You guys need a few you more ladies on your board,” she said.
Awards were also handed out to some youth volunteers who have made an impact in the community. This year’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award went to Manhattan High’s Claire Shamburg.
“I’d just like to say a big, thank you, to Vern, just for creating this great group. Um, Y I C is a group of high schoolers from all over. We have Riley county Manhattan, um, and we get to give grants and volunteer throughout the community. And I just love this group so much. Thank you so much,” she said.
Other awards handed out Monday included:
Young Trustee Volunteer of the Year – Ashley Urban
Nonprofit Service Award (2 winners) – Morning Star Inc. and House Cafe in Ogden
Professional Advisor of the Year – Duane Blythe
Business Philanthropy – Midwest Concrete Materials
Philanthropist Award – Bramlage Foundation
