Philanthropist of the Year

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 McPherson 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