BILL SELF AND FRANK MARTIN HEADLINE FUNDRAISER IN ELLSWORTH COUNTY. FUNDS TO GO TO SMOKY HILL CHILD CARE FOUNDATION.
Now you know why I suggested you keep October 24th open…
The following is from Rob Fillion, director of Smoky Hills Development Corporation:
As you know, a shortage of child care in Ellsworth County continues to be a growing problem. Without affordable and consistent child care our families, businesses, and community suffer. It is time for us all to step up and give back to the community that has done so much for us. This is going to be a fun event, but more importantly will be a great step in raising the funds to see a child care center come to fruition in Ellsworth County.
If you would like tickets or have questions please contact me at (785) 472-4136. I would be very appreciative if you would send this on to your friends, colleagues, sports fans, and those interested in helping children wherever they live. What a great opportunity Ellsworth County, now let’s take advantage!
The Smoky Hill Child Care Foundation is proud to announce an upcoming fundraiser featuring the head basketball coaches from Kansas State University, Frank Martin, and the University of Kansas, Bill Self. Martin and Self are attending the fundraiser on their own time, this is not a university sanctioned event, in an effort to raise funds to help the foundation open a child care center in Ellsworth County.
“We are excited to have these two prominent figures in Kansas step up and help our organization build a child care facility so we can provide a safe, secure, and consistent learning environment for the children of Ellsworth County and the surrounding area,” said Mark Parsons, President of the Smoky Hill Child Care Foundation. Parsons continued, “This fundraiser is a major step towards obtaining the necessary funds to see this project come to fruition and we welcome all individuals and businesses that are willing to support our efforts.”
The event will be held Sunday, October 24th at the Ellsworth American Legion starting at 6:00pm. The cost to attend the banquet is $200 and includes dinner, drinks, and a live auction. For $500 guests will attend a VIP reception with the coaches before the banquet.
“This is going to be a fun event. With basketball right around the corner we will hear from the coaches on their expectations for the upcoming season and knowing both their personalities, probably some friendly banter as well,” said Parsons.
The Smoky Hill Child Care Foundation was recently founded in an effort to curtail the looming child care problems facing families and the community of Ellsworth County. A survey of parents showed a significant need for a child care facility as in-home providers were no longer meeting the growing demands.
“Consistent and affordable child care is becoming a major problem throughout rural Kansas. When child care is not available it not only affects the family and children, but the employers in the business community as well,” said Rob Fillion, Executive Director of the Smoky Hill Development Corporation. “Our organization, the economic development arm of Ellsworth County, is thrilled our community is moving forward to address this critical issue. Finding the funds to build a child care facility is difficult and we feel this fundraiser is a big step in the right direction” continued Fillion.
The Smoky Hill Child Care Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization meaning the purchase price of tickets and auction items are tax deductable. “We hope to sell as many tickets as possible and need the help of not only Ellsworth County residents but those in the surrounding counties as well. This is going to be a great event with the coaches, but we have to remember this is for the kids who will benefit from the facility,” said Parsons.
For tickets and more information contact Rob Fillion at 785-472-4136.

































