The Philanthropist of the Year award was originally started at the Volunteer of the Year in 2008. Since that time, the Foundation has named over 45 individuals as a recipient. The purpose of the award is two-fold. One is to recognize the tremendous amount of time and financial support local individuals have given to the community through their service. The second is to provide the organizations supported by the philanthropist a grant for their programs or projects.
Recipients and Organizations:
2025 – Becky Goss, McPherson County Community Foundation
2024 – Hiatus
2023 – Philanthropist of the Year: Jo French; Organization of the Year: McPherson Housing Coalition
2022 – Philanthropist of the Year: Susan Henson-Meng; Organization of the Year: Steps Against Poverty McPherson County
2021 – Jeff and Danielle Black, MP Naz; Terry and Lilly Hedlund, McPherson Opera House; RoJean Loucks, Childcare Center
2019 – Gloria Schroeder, WACCC; Denise O’Connor-Munsey, United Way of McPhe
rson County; and Naomi Ford, Linda Anderson, and Emma Perrara, Galva Historical Association
2018 – Gary and Rosemary Fisher, Moundridge Historical Association; Vaughn Ingram, Mt. Hope Sanctuary; and Harold Schlender, McPherson Opera House
2017 – David J. Nutt, Lindsborg/DN Fund
2016 – Verla Thomason, Community Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinners; Warren Vincent, Honors Flight
June Anderson, McPherson Hospital; Special recognition – School Super Heroes, school supplies
2015 – Scott Achenbach, Bethany Home; Eric Edwards, STEP MC (formerly Circles of McPherson County); Betty Jo Houchen, McPherson Arts Alliance
2014 – Bill Toews, Special Olympics; Pat Bruce, McPherson Hospital; Ralph Vogel, Inman Museum; Steve Burghart, St. Joseph Catholic School
2013 – Bill Parker, Habitat for Humanity; Neisha Dahlstrom, STEP MC (formerly Circles of McPherson County); Delonna Barnett & Ruby Janzen, Angels’ Attic
2012 – LaVon Ediger, ReUse It Center; Sondra Frank, McPherson Resource Council; David Nye, McPherson Opera House
2011 – Jim & Barbara Greischar, Community Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinners; Verla Thomason, McPherson Scottish Society; Bill Roth, The Associated Churches of Lindsborg
2010 – Jeff and Sue Odermann, McPherson Outreach
2009 – Patsy Magelssen, Trash to Treasures
2008 – Jim Loving McPherson Family YMCA; Pink Pajama Party Volunteers (now known as WACCC)
2007 – Glen Snell, McPherson County Community Foundation
2006 – Broncos Tournament Volunteers, Shoes & Coats for Kids Fund
2005 – Keith Janzen, McPherson Family YMCA
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