
Sandhills Area Foundation
Valentine Public Library Receives $4,000 from Sandhills Area Foundation's Wilson-Taylor Endowment
The Sandhills Area Foundation recently distributed $4,000 to the Valentine Public Library Foundation from the Wilson-Taylor endowment. The Wilson-Taylor endowment, administered through the Sandhills Area Foundation, was established to fund educational and community-based programs in the area, with monies periodically going directly to the Valentine Public Library and the Sandhills Area Foundation scholarship fund. Dividends from this endowment fluctuate based on market performance and are disbursed to benefit the local library and community scholars.
The Valentine Public Library, one of the oldest and most important cultural institutions in Valentine, is the cornerstone of community resources, and a center for learning and sharing ideas. This gift will further enhance the library’s ability to serve patrons and meet the changing needs of the community.
Library Director Carrie Graham said, "We are just about to kick off our summer reading program, so the timing of this distribution is fantastic; we have pages of ideas on how this money could be spent."
The Sandhills Area foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization which is committed to "Investing in the Sandhills of Cherry County for future generations to prosper". The foundation has numerous sources of funding including donations and endowments such as the Wilson-Taylor fund and it provides funding to a number of community, educational, civic, health-related, and cultural organizations. The Sandhills Area Foundation received an equal amount of funding from the Wilson Taylor endowment to award scholarships for this year.
To donate to the Sandhills Area Foundation, visit its website sandhillsareafoundation.com, contact any board member or call Executive Director Carolyn Moore at 402-322-0031
Pictured are (l. to r.): Sandhills Area Foundation Board members Monty Neiffer, Gregg Perrett, Talia Benson and Morgan Arnold, Valentine Public Library Director Carrie Graham, Library staff members Janel Schubauer and Nichole Garwood, and SAF Executive Director Carolyn Moore.

Welcome to the Sandhills Area Foundation

Samantha (Millard) Hand of Scotty's Ranchland Foods, speaks at the SAF annual fundraiser about the current amount raised, and some anecdotal information about the "Round-Up for Scholarships" program, while Sandhills Area Foundation President Kim Marlatt looks on.
Scotty's Ranchland Foods Partners with Sandhills Area Foundation to Launch "Round-Up" Program for Scholarships in Cherry County


Pictured are (l to r): Samantha (Millard) Hand, Tammy Millard, Scotty Millard, Sandhills Area Foundation President Kim Marlatt and SAF Executive Director Carolyn Moore on hand at Scotty’s for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Scotty's Ranchland Foods and the Sandhills Area Foundation for the new Round Up for Scholarships Program.
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Cherry County, Nebraska - August 20, 2024 – Sandhills Area Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Scotty's Ranchland Foods to launch a groundbreaking "round-up" program that will benefit Cherry County residents through scholarships for higher education.
The innovative initiative, set to kick off on August 30th, will allow customers of Scotty's Ranchland Foods to "round up" their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with the additional amount going directly to the Sandhills Area Foundation Scholarship Fund. This fund will support local students in pursuing their educational dreams and aspirations.
"We are looking forward to working with the Sandhills Area Foundation to make a meaningful impact in Cherry County," said Scott Millard, Owner and Manager of the family-run Scotty's Ranchland Foods. "By simply rounding up their purchases, our customers can contribute to a cause that will provide additional educational opportunities to Cherry County residents.”
The Sandhills Area Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting students in the region by providing scholarships and educational opportunities. Through this collaboration with Scotty's Ranchland Foods, the foundation aims to expand its reach and make a lasting difference in the lives of more Cherry County residents.
"We are excited to join forces with Scotty's Ranchland Foods in this important endeavor," said Carolyn Moore, Executive Director of the Sandhills Area Foundation. "While a round-up program is not unfamiliar, this one is unique in that it returns benefits locally, directly to residents of Cherry County. Each and every person in our community can contribute small amounts that, when combined, will have a tremendous impact on this great cause, and everyone is able to say ‘Yes, I helped make that happen’. Ongoing information will be disseminated about how much the community has raised and how many additional scholarships will be funded each year as a result of this initiative. Sandhills Area Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually to Cherry County high school students, Cherry County college students enrolled in any accredited trade school, college or university, as well as Cherry County non-traditional students. Together, Scotty’s and the community can create even more opportunities for local residents to access higher education and pursue their academic goals."
The "round-up" program will run indefinitely at Scotty's Ranchland Foods in Valentine, allowing customers to contribute to the scholarship fund with every purchase. The impact of these donations, in the form of additional scholarships, will be felt directly by Cherry County residents/students who are working towards a brighter future by furthering their education.
For more information about the "round-up" program and how to get involved, visit Scotty's Ranchland Foods store beginning August 30, 2024, or call Sandhills Area Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Moore at 402-322-0031.
If you are an area business that would like to join this initiative, contact any Sandhills Area Foundation board member or call 402-322-0031.
Many thanks in advance to the community for your contribution to the Sandhills Area Foundation Scholarship Fund through the Scotty’s “round-up” program.
The Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) is a public charity with a mission to invest in the Sandhills of Cherry County for generations to prosper. The Foundation's focus is to support education, encourage growth and sustain generosity.
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Your contribution is vital to our mission and supports the work we do on behalf of students and nonprofits in Cherry County. Together we are creating brighter futures for our communities.
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The staff and board recently completed a strategic planning process and are making changes to be even better stewards. Please watch for new and exciting programs and events.
Together we are creating brighter futures for our communities!
2024 Grant Recipients
Cherry County 4-H Leadership Program $500 Friends of the Valentine Library /Valentine Book Club $1000
Sparks Cemetary Board $2000
Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad $5000 Valentine Children and Families Coalition $5000 Valentine Wrestling Club $14,200 Cody Cowboy GRIT $15,300 Heart City Theater $50,000​​
$41,185 in 2020
$10,000 in 2021
$35,486 in 2022
$10,000 in 2023​
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$597,981 since 1998
Board
of
Directors
Kim Marlatt, President
Rob Lee, Vice-President
Katie O'Kief, Secretary
Chris Douglas, Treasurer
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Morgan Arnold
Kirk Barnes
Talia Benson
Steve Brown
Kylee Hesseltine
Monty Neiffer
Gregg Perrett
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Carolyn Moore,
Executive Director
402-322-0031
2024
Scholarships
Awarded $35,500 in scholarships in 2024
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$69,500 in 2020
$116,000 in 2021
$113,5000 in 2022
​$35,500 in 2023
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$967,500 since 1998
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©2024 Sandhills Area Foundation