Match madness with GSCF

By Savannah Koga / Staff Writer 

For the past 12 years, the city of Salina hosts Match Madness. 

Through the Greater Salina Community Foundation, it is a day of giving to local nonprofit businesses that impact our community. 

This year is year number 13 of Match Madness, so fittingly the theme is “The Lucky One.” 

What is Match Madness?

Friends of the River Foundation 

The Friends of the River Foundation is working towards a more sustainable foundation by increasing the endowment. The goal of the foundation is to restore to Smoky Hill River that runs through Salina. They raise money to complete projects along the river that are not covered by sales tax, for example, the new path behind the YMCA. They strive to restore the river as it is an important part to Salina in recreational, economic and aesthetic ways.

“I think the Friends of the River Foundation is a really great foundation. Truthfully didn’t know a lot about it but I think what they are working for on rebuilding the smokey hill river is a really good idea and will turn out really nice,” said Kori Arnold, a freshman from Hillsboro. 

“I think the Friends of the River Foundation is a really great foundation. Truthfully I didn’t know a lot about it but I think what they are working for on rebuilding the smokey hill river is a really good idea and will turn out really nice.”

New path along the Smoky Hill River behind the YMCA, renovated by the Friends of the River Foundation

Kansas Wesleyan University’s Part 

KWU does participate in Match Madness, asking for donations that help give scholarships to students. But this year KWU participated in other ways as well. Paul Greens’ Media Publication class took the time create a promotional video in support of the Friends of the River Foundation. The students fully created, produced and edited the video to give back the Friends of the River Foundation and help promote their part in Match Madness 2024. “Making the video was fun, the creative process was good to take part in and it was for a good cause.” said Lily Roberts, a Senior from San Francisco, California. 

“Making the video was fun, the creative process was good to take part in and it was for a good cause.”

Match Madness

The lucky day this year is Thursday, March 21, 2024.

You can donate in 3 different ways depending on your preference.

In person at the Salina Field house from 7 am to 7 pm. 

Online at www.matchmadnessgscf.org from 12 am to 11:59 pm. 

Mail cash or check donations to the community foundation 

The event will be held at the Salina Field house from 7 am to 7 pm on March 21st with plenty of activities throughout the day. This includes: Donation stations, food trucks, nonprofit booths, free throw and half court shot contests, and free snack. 

Other participants in Match Madness 2024. 

Match Madness save the date poster