GCCF Sets New Record Of $337,000

Grant County Community Foundation hosted the Grant County Chamber of Commerce Coffee November 21 at Bear Creek Coffee, and had a new record to share.

Sabrina Gaddis executive director said big numbers were expected by some in the community for attendance at the coffee.

“As I was coming in this morning to finish setting up for you all (at Bear Creek)," Gaddis said.  "Nathan Engleman said, 'Wow Sabrina! You are probably going to draw a crowd today!'”

As people kept coming in and as the crowd was growing, Gaddis responded to Engleman,  “I said, 'Oh Nathan, it’s not me, money speaks!'"

At the coffee, Gaddis announced they had raised $358,074.89 for Grant County Gives 2025. Since that time, to date, the unrestricted fund is sitting at $337,000.

There was a total of 37 local organizations given from local match fund donors - the business sponsoring events throughout GCG. 

"We did beat our last year’s by almost $40,000," Gaddis said.  "Last year’s amount for GCG was $320,000.  Our Match fund donors was $53,250.00."

Gaddis expressed appreciation to the Patterson family, for their "record breaking donation."

The Patterson Family Trust Donated $100,000 this year, of the funds $50,000 was match fund and the other $50,000 was for Community foundation unrestricted funds for nonprofits to apply for grants. 

"We are surprised each year with their donation," Gaddis said. "We never know the amount that will be donated.  The Patterson family trust donated $70,000 last year.  Thank you so much."

In the 14 years of Grant County gives, according to Gaddis, more than $2 million has been raised.

"And we were able to break this year’s record," she added.  "This is pretty impressive! When you take 14 years - Grant County gives with scholarships and other things - we are almost at $3 million that has been invested in Grant County."

Gaddis thanked everyone for being here and being part of Grant County Gives.   

"Thank you for trusting in the event and the process in the foundation, we really appreciate everyone," she said. "Thank you for giving so generously of your time, your talents and your resources for the betterment of Grant County, because after all this is what it’s all about.  Thank you to all the businesses that Hosted special events through Grant County week; all on the envelope who could donate too.  We’re excited to have 37 businesses this year."

Gaddis took time to recognize the board members who were in attendance.   

"Thank you to all the board members who have put so much time in Grant County Gives as well as all the foundation events throughout the year," Gaddis said.  "We also have some outgoing board members Becky Zerr has served on the foundation board for many, many years.  She is retiring off the board this year; however, 'she still will be Grant County gives Chair next year'.” 

Gaddis said Zerr's efforts have been appreciated.

According to Gaddis, Slater Heglin and Cindy Borthwick will be going off the board this year. 

"Thank you for everything you have done as board members," she said.  "Newcomers are Kyle Stringham and Diana Giagos and George Devora - these are three new board members coming on in January 2026 to help us keep moving with our efforts."

Gaddis said thank you to to Grant County gives committee members: Becky Zerr, Kristi Frazee, Ken Keusler, Taunya Lindahl and Cindy Davis. 

"Thank you all for your help for putting on the event and all your help," she said.  "Thank you to Ellen for everything you do.  Thank you, Dixie Flowers, for our new home.  It has been a really great and exciting year for us. Thank you, Laura and Marcus Matkin, for providing all the goodies today. Grant County Gives is the biggest event this year.  This is 14 years old and still going strong. A special Thank you to everyone, we couldn’t do this without all your help."

What do some of the businesses who have received Grant County Gives Donations, use the funds for? And, how long have they been with Grant County gives?

Compass Behavior Health

Received $26,557.98. According to Christy Wooley office manager, “The funds are being used to purchase supplies for the children’s programs and what they need, they also purchased TVs and sensory items.”  They have been with GCG for several years.

Core Community

Ulysses

Received $45,367.69. According to Director Cheryl Baldwin,  “We have classes for families for 20 plus week classes; they purchase books and supplies.  We have people who also help us, also with food and their time.” They have been with GCG for two years.

BWM Hospital

Auxiliary Volunteers

Received $93,966.35.  President Dolores Currier President said they give money for scholarships to High School, College or individuals, who are working toward a medical degree or wanting to advance in the medical field.  They gave out 10- $1,000 scholarships last year. They also donate funds.  They have been with GCG since it started.