Philanthropy Today
Philanthropy Today
Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode 330
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We catch up with Leslie White from the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation on the projects, exhibits, and fundraising that keep hands-on learning growing across the Flint Hills. We talk about taking education programs directly to schools, what Bison Beef and Bourbon funds next, and how an upgraded outdoor classroom will handle real Kansas weather.
• the new sculpture’s meaning for the Discovery Center and the region
• the dinosaur exhibit’s final days and why families should go soon
• SPARC program details and how it removes field trip barriers for schools
• the Foundation’s role as the 501(c)(3) fundraising arm
• the next exhibit announcement: Smithsonian Sea Monsters
• Bison Beef and Bourbon plans, ticket availability, and this year’s “Fueling the Future” goal
• how online silent auctions expand participation beyond the room
• outdoor classroom renovation timeline, features, and donor support
Tickets are still available, so you can find them on the Flint Hills Discovery Center website or the foundation's Facebook page are the two easiest places to go to register. But as I said, we're down to those final tickets. So Flint Hillsdiscovery.org is the website.
Welcome And Quick Studio Banter
SPEAKER_00Philanthropy Today is brought to you by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. In this episode, we feature a recently broadcast segment of the GMCF Community Hour, as heard on News Radio KMAN. We are back with the GMCF Community Hour here on News Radio KMAN. Hey Rick, I want to have you do me a favor while you're still here. Would you move back over to your right? Because our our studio camera is right behind you on that shelf under the TV, and all they can see is your back. And that's not, you know, it's not your best side. Thanks.
SPEAKER_01That's all right. You can cover me up.
SPEAKER_00Welcome! Welcome to the GMCF Community Hour. And Leslie White is here. She's the director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation. Welcome back.
SPEAKER_01Thanks
New Sculpture And Dinosaur Exhibit
SPEAKER_01for having me.
SPEAKER_00You know, I drive by the foundation or the uh Discovery Center now, and I see that uh beautiful sculpture and Karen and John McCullough, and you know, what a great contribution to not just the Discovery Center, but uh the community, the arts uh community here. That thing is gorgeous.
SPEAKER_01It is. Um, you know, without Karen John, obviously we wouldn't have been able to do that. And so um for them to support vigilance and the kind of meaning that it brings to the whole Flint Hills region, but to the Discovery Center is truly remarkable. Um, you know, she wanted to dedicate it to Jan. And uh it's kind of funny because Jan was more of a birds um individual, but uh we kind of joke that the bison is a little stubborn and um resilient, and that really embodied Jan. So um we think it's a perfect fit for us and her.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, what a great addition. And and I know also the the dinosaur exhibit is very popular, and you've got limited time to get to go see that.
SPEAKER_01It is. And we'll be leaving here in just about 10, 14 days. Um, and so be sure to get there if you haven't already. But it's been a really fun exhibit. Um, a little scary when you walk by and it roars at you and you weren't ready for it, but it's really good. So um get down there and see it.
SPEAKER_00Cheney, you took the girl to it. Yeah, yeah, okay. Yeah, terrified. Great, great. I don't want to go there and wet my pants. I just you have to be ready for it. Um, good, good. Well, hey, we got a lot of things to touch base here.
SPARC Brings Lessons To Schools
SPEAKER_00Um, Spark program. What's this?
SPEAKER_01So um, this was actually a fund the need. So buy some beef and bourbon is our biggest program that we, or fundraiser, sorry, that the foundation has. And um every year we try to create something that will make the most impact. And so two years ago, we did um it was called the SPARC program. And these dollars were dedicated to our education department to not necessarily bring individuals into the Discovery Center, but to get us out into the Foot Hills region. Um, we are finding more and more that school funding for uh education programs and field trips is being cut. Um, not only because they can't afford the programs itself or the actual field trip, but busing is even an issue. And so um we are we have a 15-passenger van that was actually a bison beef and bourbon fundraiser one year. And so this is getting our education, our educators to go into the Flint Hills region. So um to date, we have reached about 1,500 students. Um, that is in seven districts, which is huge. Um, and we still have funds for it. So um, if educators are listening and want to be a part of this, we can come directly to you. We can do whole school assemblies um or just grade levels, but the funding is available. Um, you can find it on the Flint Hills Discovery Center um website, but that is the best way to kind of sign up for it and we can come to you and teach about the Flint
Foundation Role And Next Exhibit
SPEAKER_01Hills.
SPEAKER_00We may distinguish the difference between the work that you do with what the work is be done be with the Discovery Center because you are the fundraising mechanism.
SPEAKER_01I am so um my office is located in the Discovery Center, which makes it even more confusing. Um, but I am the nonprofit side of things. So everything the 501c3 does is truly to benefit the Discovery Center and what we can do to continue to serve our mission, their mission, and help them to the best of our ability. So a lot of times that does come with the educational component, um, but we also help with adult programming, um, exhibits that can come in and renovation projects, which we are working on right now.
SPEAKER_00Okay. Well, there's a lot of neat things that are happening there. Is it time too early to announce what the next exhibit at the Discovery Center is going to be?
SPEAKER_01Nope. So um it will move in on the 11th and open up on the 17th of September. Really? And so it will be sea monsters. So um uh, you know, bringing in the fossil aspect of it. Um, but it is a Smithsonian exhibit, so it will be here in mid-September.
SPEAKER_00That that's always a kind of nice little caveat when you can say Smithsonian.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's nice. It has a little ring to it.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, it does. Yeah, so that brings a lot of credibility to it.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I have not seen the full mock-up yet, I will be honest. Um, that is Roy Garrett. He does the the exhibit installations there, but I think it's gonna be a really neat exhibit um and really uh showcase some of those unique things.
Bison Beef And Bourbon Fundraiser
SPEAKER_00So let's talk about your event bison beef and bourbon.
unknownYes.
SPEAKER_00Last year, how was it?
SPEAKER_01Last year we were right at about $100,000. Right. Um, and that's always kind of our benchmark. It really helps set the tone for the year um and what we can do with that um to, you know, again, education programs expand and so forth. So last year's focus was on our outdoor classroom renovation project, which will be breaking ground here within weeks, which is very exciting. Um, but this year we did kind of arrange our dates. Um October was getting really hard, although we're finding September is a busy month as well.
SPEAKER_00There's no non-busy month.
SPEAKER_01Exactly. So um September 11th, we will be at the Stanley Stout Center, and um, we have about 40 tickets left. So we are down to just the very bare minimum um left of tickets, but we would love to sell out um as we have in years past. So come out, enjoy some great food, some great entertainment. I there's this guy coming to do some entertainment for the evening. Yeah, I don't really know his name, but I think he'll be there.
SPEAKER_00You really don't know his name. Like a blind spot right now.
SPEAKER_01So Dave will be with us that evening and he will bring some entertainment and some good laughter. And uh then, of course, we have a silent and a live auction um at the event as well. And then uh this year we're kind of doing it a little bit different. We're fueling the future. So we have a couple of ideas that we would really like to bring to light for our education department. And so at the end of the night, we're gonna raise that money. And um, if we meet our goals, that will help expand our educational programs that we would like to do. Um, again, like I mentioned, going out into the Foothills region and teaching seems to be a little easier than bringing them in these days. And so that's what we're hoping this fuel the future um quote unquote campaign will do for us that night.
SPEAKER_00So what's the night gonna be like? I mean, what I mean, you're serving some food.
SPEAKER_01Yeah.
SPEAKER_00So um, you know, let's see, bison, beef, and bourbon. What else do you like? Okay, that doesn't qualify in the food category, but but it's so we'll have a full full uh meal service that night.
SPEAKER_01So um we do have the bison and the beef, and then you know, potato, salad, rolls, all the things that you could want. Veggies. I don't know what else I'm forgetting.
SPEAKER_00There's a lot of B-words on your buffet.
SPEAKER_01There really is a lot of B words on our buffet. Um, and then we do have four different bourbon vendors that will be there. Um, the fridge is supporting our wine for the night, and Manhattan Brewing Company is providing the beer. Um, special beer this year. Um, last year for our 2025 live auction, we had a brew, um, a brewing experience with Manhattan Brewing Company. And so they were able to create the specialty brew that will be served at this year's event. So I'm really excited to try it. I haven't I haven't got to yet.
SPEAKER_00So these auctions are a key component
Auctions Go Digital For More Bidders
SPEAKER_00to fundraising.
SPEAKER_01They really are. Um, you know, we try to bring in unique ideas and experiences for our guests, but those live auction items and even silent auction items, I mean, without the community support um and those items being donated, we wouldn't raise any money that night. Um, those auction items truly make it um possible for us to have this event. And so I'm very grateful for everyone in this community that helps support to that.
SPEAKER_00The silent auction, will it be something that everybody can participate um leading up to the actual event and when does it close?
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. So we only opened it a couple of days beforehand. So this year it will be on the 9th that it will open up. You can register if you can't be at the event, you can register to just do the silent auction online. Um, and then it will close at 8:30 on the 11th. So if you aren't present, um I will just connect with you that following week and we will get the item to you.
SPEAKER_00You know, a lot has uh changed in the world of silent auctions over the last really, you know, almost since the pandemic, even a little bit before, with uh, you know, the the apps that are available, the websites that are available, and how you can participate and and monitor from your table as opposed to getting up and having 17 of you huddle around the you know the one piece of paper, wondering, you know, at three seconds left who's going to be the last one to sign. Yeah, it's a little crazy, but but that that it it still adds a lot of excitement to the process.
SPEAKER_01You know, I know there's pros and cons. Some people would rather go back to the paper system. Um, but being able to use the app, like you just said, you can continue to enjoy your night without having to stand over at the auction items. And then my what I love most about it is sometimes you can't be at the event. Um, I know football, um, high school football is happening that night. And so we're having some conflicts. And this gets, you know, people who can't be in attendance but still want to participate. This allows them to do so um from anywhere.
SPEAKER_00So and it does tie in with a football game the next day.
SPEAKER_01It does. Case date is the next day. Um, so we will be out of the way, out of that parking lot, um, so that everyone can go into your on case state the next day.
SPEAKER_00Is that 11 a.m. kickoff?
SPEAKER_01I think it is, to be very honest.
SPEAKER_00That's gonna be a short night for us.
SPEAKER_01Uh probably not. I don't think there's never an end to it. I really have a hard time kicking people out at the end of the night.
SPEAKER_00So but it is such a fun event. And and and thank you uh for honoring me to come and be uh be a part of it because I'll be serving as the MC. You will and and bringing some games.
SPEAKER_01Yes, we're putting you to work that night. We're very grateful.
SPEAKER_00So it's uh it's one of the things that I get to do. I just love to bring joy to people. And I love to make people smile, make them laugh, make them feel like they're a part of something special. And when you get to be able to raise money for organizations, you know, like this, whatever the need may be, you know, they they all have value. And and and it's it's just uh one of my greatest blessings to be able to work with uh groups like this when I get the chance.
SPEAKER_01Well, you are very remarkable at your job. So we're uh excited to have you that night and um get the crowd going.
SPEAKER_00So you don't have to suck up to me.
SPEAKER_01Well, hey, we we're bringing you back, so you must have done a good job the first time.
SPEAKER_00Well, uh, you know, we've talked about a lot of things, but that you know, the you did talk about the outdoor the outdoor classroom, yes.
Outdoor Classroom Renovation And Tickets
SPEAKER_00Tell me a little bit more about this.
SPEAKER_01This has been a project for a couple of years now um that we have really crafted. And so we're working with Mikhail Gordon, and they should be breaking ground here any day. Um, this is an outdoor space that was first created right after COVID, actually. And it was a way for us to kind of start our programming again. But it's just this limestone wall. Maybe 20 kids can sit out there. Um, and then, you know, if it rains or if it's cold or if it's windy, you know, all those elements of Kansas really affect how we can do our programming out there. So this is gonna give us an actual shade structure over it, some walls um, so that it will protect against all of those elements, but it's also creating a bridge that will go right across the bioswell, which will be really neat experience. So um they are going to break ground in September and we will have a ribbon cutting, hopingly about March, is what we're thinking. So they should probably finish before that, but um, you never know with the winter in Kansas what that can do for construction. So um we're so grateful for all of our donors um who have supported this project and help it come to life. I will make sure and take pictures of when the cedars are cut down. We are all so excited for that part. Yes, that's gonna be the best part of it, is when those cedars come down.
SPEAKER_00Can can can you auction off opportunities to to to break out the chainsaw and you have no idea how many questions we have gotten for this.
SPEAKER_01And I think I could, you know, retire off of it how many people want to help with that. Yeah. Um, but unfortunately, I think there are some rules that we can't allow. Um, you know, they worry about the safety measures. So it is. So I'll just have to take some pictures.
SPEAKER_00Just can't have a liability uh waiver and call it good.
SPEAKER_01We would like to keep the Discovery Center going.
SPEAKER_00So Okay, that's kind of important. We've talked about a lot of things, Leslie. Anything that you that comes to mind?
SPEAKER_01Um tickets are still available, so you can find them on the Flint Hills Discovery Center website or uh the foundation's Facebook page are the two easiest places to go to to um register. But like I said, we're down to those final tickets.
SPEAKER_00So Flint Hillsdiscovery.org is the website. I'm just gonna make a quick shout out. I've got some friends that that can that came in uh here a few weeks ago and they did the Discovery Center and then they did the Museum of Art and Light back to back, and and in between did a little bit of shopping downtown. What a vibe that is. That is what a what a great special place we've been able to see in in downtown Manhattan with those two entities, you know. And and this is what 12th year for the Discovery Center? Something like that? 13, 14th, 14th, yeah. I lose track.
SPEAKER_01Well, I'm so glad they were able to um, you know, that collaboration and partnership kind of with the Museum of Art and Light right next door. It's wonderful how many people can go experience both. Um, we saw that a lot during Sunflower Summer this year, that they can kind of just go back and forth.
SPEAKER_00What a cool program.
SPEAKER_01It is, and then you know, the mall's right there, points is right there, so it's wonderful. Um, you can kind of go explore and get some of that um the opportunity for entertainment aspect, but then you can go down to town, eat, shop.
SPEAKER_00Um, you can go see Spider-Man when you're done.
SPEAKER_01You could get some popcorn.
SPEAKER_00There you go. I'm excited. Leslie, that's a delight. I'm looking I'm so looking forward to working with you on September 11th.
SPEAKER_01We're excited.
SPEAKER_00So Leslie White, director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation here on the GMCF Community Hour. Jaina Ukreshenko is going to be stepping in next, and uh we're gonna go over this extensive calendar that we're working on here with the GMCF Community Hour that we do every Monday morning in the nine o'clock hour on news radio K M A N.