Nemaha County STEP Foundation Celebrates 31st Anniversary!!

Nemaha County STEP Foundation Celebrates 31st Anniversary
 The local community foundation has been serving Nemaha County since
1993.
 Grants and scholarships make a positive impact.
 STEP continues to make Nemaha County a great place to live, work and
give. 2023 grant awards funded several projects in Nemaha County.
o $5,000 – Kelly Ball Association for a new playground in Kelly
o $3,500 – St. Peter and Paul Catholic School for a new playground project
o $4,000 – Nemaha Valley Community Hospital for activities to help inpatients dealing
with dementia
o $1,000 – Spring Creek Golf Course to refinish table tops in the clubhouse
o $700 – USD 115 - iPad mounts for speech generating devices
o $1,150 – Community Healthcare System Eastridge to become music and memory
certified
o $2,381 – Eastridge Nursing Facility to buy a geriatric manikin for completion of their
nursing skills
o $1,500 – Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School (NCEMS) to purchase a molded
bucket swing for students with disabilities to use on the playground
o $3,273 – Northeast Kansas Arts Foundation for a portable sound system
o $1,500 – Sabetha Community Hospital for equipment for the pediatric occupational
therapy department
o $1,854 – Seneca Downtown Impact for a new, mobile friendly website focused on
visitors and tourists
One grant from the CNB/CNB Custody/Invisor Underprivileged Children Fund:

o $4,000 – USD 115 to provide basic needs to low-income students (some examples
include: tennis shoes, backpacks, nap mats, coats, gloves, lice treatment, hair brushes
and other basic hygiene needs)
Five new funds were opened with the Nemaha County STEP Foundation in 2023. The new funds include the Chad Baker Memorial Fund, Seneca Community Fund, Spring Creek Golf Course Improvement Fund, Seneca Knights of Columbus Improvement Fund, and the Northeast Kansas Arts Foundation Fund. These funds are improving the quality of life in Nemaha County and are eligible for Match Day donations.
“STEP’s third Match Day set a new record, receiving over 381 gifts totaling over $234,900,”
reported Tory Jost. The fourth Match Day is set for Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Seneca Free Library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Online giving will be at stepupnemaha.com.

In other business, Tami Mars, Renee Meyer, and Maggie Grier were elected to the STEP
Foundation Board. President Marceil Hasenkamp thanked Elaine Mowder for her service on the STEP Board of Directors. Vice President Dan Heiman recognized longtime board member and president, Marceil Hasenkamp. “We really appreciate all she has done for STEP,” Dan shared. Ms. Hasenkamp’s term expires in January 2024.
“At year end STEP Foundation’s total assets were $2.3 million, an increase of nearly $500,000
over last year. This is a tribute to record giving by the community and strong earnings,”
reported Treasurer Tim Rottinghaus.

A delicious meal served before the meeting was catered by Home Cookin’ of Seneca. A special thank you to Koch and Company for sponsoring the meal.