Letter to the Editor

As the Rooks County Development Director for the Heartland Community Foundation, I see every day how generous our community truly is. That generosity is what makes Match Month such an exciting opportunity for Rooks County.

Right now, we are in the middle of Match Month—a powerful giving campaign that allows local donations to grow through matching funds provided by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Every dollar donated to the Rooks County Legacy Fund helps build a permanent source of support for projects and needs right here at home —today and for generations to come. Our goal this year is ambitious but absolutely achievable: 200 donors from Rooks County and at least $50,000 raised.

Reaching that $50,000 threshold ensures we receive the full match — meaning thousands of additional dollars will stay in Rooks County forever. These funds support community improvements, local initiatives, and the kind of projects that make our towns stronger, more vibrant places to live.

The most important number in this campaign isn’t the dollar amount— it’s participation. Whether you give $25, $250, or $2,500, every gift matters. When 200 of us step forward, it sends a powerful message that we believe in our future.

If you’ve ever cared about keeping Rooks County strong for our kids and grandkids, this is a simple and meaningful way to make a lasting impact.

Together, we can meet this goal. Together, we can secure the full match.

Together, we can build something that lasts forever.

To give, visit Heartland-MatchMonth.org or contact the Heartland Community Foundation.

Let’s show what Rooks County can do.

Deanna Hammerschmidt Rooks County Development Director Heartland Community Foundation