The Community Foundation of Dickinson County celebrated another year of generosity, service and community impact during its 2026 Annual Meeting, held July 23 at Sand Springs Venue.
The evening brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, elected officials and community partners from throughout Dickinson County to recognize the people and organizations helping build a stronger future for the region.
The program opened with a welcome by Board President Bryce Koehn, and prayer was offered by Foundation Board member Tony Geiger.
Executive Director Elizabeth Weese shared that the Foundation had grown to more than $28 million at the end of 2025 and currently holds $30 million in charitable assets.
During 2025, the Foundation received more than $2 million in contributions from 1,378 donors, including 269 first-time donors. It also distributed more than $2.17 million in grants, awarded $293,250 in scholarships to 51 students, and established 30 new funds in 2025.
“These numbers are impressive, but they represent much more than dollars,” Weese said. “They represent meals served, students encouraged, businesses strengthened, parks improved and people who chose to invest in the future of Dickinson County.”
The Foundation recognized Steve Flynn as its Volunteer of the Year for more than 15 years of planting, protecting and caring for trees at Brown’s Park and throughout Abilene. Flynn, chairman of the Abilene Tree Board, was nominated by Tim Holm.
Curtis and Sandy Rein received the Quiet Hero Award in recognition of their longstanding and often unrecognized service to others. Their nomination was submitted by a local teenager, demonstrating the lasting impression their generosity has made on the next generation.
The program also featured young community leaders Mason Kuntz and Beau McWilliams, who shared projects supported through the Foundation’s Youth in Action grant program.
Outgoing Board President AJ Jones was recognized for her leadership, while Ray Wyatt and David Rempe were honored for completing nine years of service on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Wyatt previously served as board president, and Rempe continues to provide leadership as chair of the Investment Committee.
As part of the evening’s celebration, guests participated in a drawing that awarded four $250 grants to local nonprofit organizations. Dickinson County Food 4 Kids was selected by John Hultgren; Community Meals was selected by Debbie Howie; Grace and Knowledge was selected by Justin Kuntz; and the Navarre Community Center was selected by Clifton Ascher.
The evening concluded with an emotional reflection from Weese about the Foundation’s growth, its responsibility to future generations and the power of people working together. Guests responded with a standing ovation.
“I have had the privilege of serving this Foundation for eight years, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust this community has placed in us,” Weese said. “The Foundation does not belong to one person, one board or one generation. It belongs to everyone who believes that what we do today can improve the lives of people we may never meet.”
The Annual Meeting closed with a toast by Sarah Geiger, reflecting on the past and toasting the future of the Foundation.
The Annual Meeting was made possible through the efforts of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff, along with Lucinda’s Katering, Gina Dalton and the team at Sand Springs Venue, Wildflowers Floral in Herington, and Keller Photography with Cory Keller.
“The story of this Foundation is still being written,” Weese said. “Together, we are building something that will continue serving Dickinson County for generations.”
About the Community Foundation of Dickinson County
The Community Foundation of Dickinson County connects donors with charitable causes, supports nonprofit organizations and provides leadership to strengthen communities throughout Dickinson County. Through endowed funds, scholarships, grants, impact investing and planned giving, the Foundation helps individuals and families create meaningful legacies that benefit the region today and far into the future.
