By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“As of noon today, our collections are at the $9,000 mark.”

Heartland Community Foundation Executive Director Tammy McClellan had a big smile on her face as she tallied the morning’s donations for the first HCF “Match Madness.”

The one-day event is designed to generate new gifts to HCF endowed funds for local non-profit organizations in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties. Donations from the public are being matched proportionally by HCF from a total match pool of $9,000.

“It’s a great way to stretch your gift,” McClellan added.

“Many of the 16 participating organizations worked ahead to gather donations and the program directors have brought those in to us today in one bunch,” she said.

McClelland accepted in-person donations until 4 p.m. this afternoon at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St. Other volunteers were at Heritage Insurance Group, 416 Main St., Stockton; First State Bank, 120 W. Mill St., Plainville, and TWI & Dietz Insurance, 120 N. Main St., WaKeeney.

Donations may also be made online at until midnight tonight at www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.   All donations are tax deductible.

Non-profit funds participating in Match Madness include: Hays Arts Council Fund, Hays Area Children’s Center Fund, Damar Community Historical Foundation, Hays Recreation Commission Youth Programs Fund, USD 489 Foundation Fund for Educational Excellence Fund, Plainville Community Foundation Leadership Fund, Plainville Community Foundation Youth Fund, Hays Dog Park Fund, Coronado Area Council of Boy Scouts of America Fund, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Ellis County Fund, Leadership Hays Fund, Leadership Hays Children’s Fund, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Development and Civic Engagement Fund, First Care Clinic Fund, Hays Community Theatre Fund, and the Stockton Community Fund.

McClellan said HCF is “hoping to make ‘Match Madness’ an annual event.”