One goal at the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) is to select new board of directors’ members from across its central Kansas service area.
It has once again achieved that goal – in spades.
One new board member, Kathleen Foster, grew up in Stafford County and now lives on a Pawnee County farm. Cora Anderson is originally from Rush County and attends Barton Community College, while Janell Foote is a Stafford County resident.
The service territory is Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties.
“A strong board of directors that represents our entire service area enables the Foundation to be true to our mission,” said Christy Tustin, executive director. “All three of these new members strengthen our board by bringing their own experiences and talents to the table.
“They will build on what other board members have accomplished over the years. These members include Tyler Alpers of Stafford County and Scott Higgason of Rush County; both recently completed two three-year terms. We thank them for sharing their expertise with the community.”
Kathleen Foster
Kathleen Foster, a retired educator, said it is a privilege to serve the Foundation and her community in this way.
“The Foundation is a valued resource to people in all the communities it serves,” Foster said. “Even though each community has unique goals and challenges there are still many similarities throughout the Golden Belt. I am honored to volunteer my time to my neighbors in a positive and meaningful way.”
One of Foster’s goals is to raise awareness about GBCF’s many benefits available to a broad range of individuals and organizations.
“I want to inform others about the vast resources available through the Foundation,” she noted. “My background as an educator puts me in a position to advocate for those in need.
“There are always people with unique needs who sometimes go unnoticed. Maybe I can raise awareness for those facing challenges.”
Foster attended Radium schools and moved back to the farm when she retired from teaching.
Cora Anderson
As a 20-year-old college student, Cora Anderson is eager to serve on the board “because I hope to bring the younger generation’s viewpoint to the Foundation. My insight may allow the Foundation to have even more youth-based opportunities in the cities and counties we serve.
“I am very excited to be involved in my community in this way and want to share great ideas with my colleagues and local and area residents.”
Anderson, an Otis native, is majoring in pre-veterinary medicine and is a member of the basketball team at BCC.
Her background includes serving on executive boards at organizations including 4-H, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kansas Association of Youth and Collegian Farm Bureau.
“I hope these experiences will allow me to lead an effective and efficient committee,” Anderson commented. “In addition, I will share what I learn with the community so that central Kansans realize what the Foundation can do for them.
“There are a lot of grants out there that could really turn a community around.”
Janell Foote
Janell Foote, a Hudson resident, is retired from teaching but still serves as a substitute educator when she can.
“I have worked with young people my whole life at school, in 4-H and at our church,” Foote said. “I will use this background to support the Foundation. It is a great organization that gives back to its communities.
“For example, the Foundation has grants available for local non-profit entities, plays a huge role in Giving Tuesday each year and awards community scholarships throughout the Golden Belt. There also is a variety of funds that donors can choose from. It’s a great resource for many individuals and organizations.”
Foote noted she grew up on a farm near Hudson where her family still farms. Her husband is manager/president of Stafford County Flour Mills.
“Both our boys chose to come back to Hudson after college to raise their families,” Foote said. “We want to do what we can to help make the Golden Belt strong today and in the future.”
At over $30 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.
