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Mayor’s Children’s Fund distributes grants to 15 charities after $171,545 fundraising year, board chair says
Summary
Debbie Newton, board chair of the Olathe Mayor’s Children’s Fund, reported the 2024 campaign raised $171,545.25 and that the fund handed out more than $160,000 in grants to 15 local charities supporting children’s basic needs.
Debbie Newton, board chair of the Olathe Mayor’s Children’s Fund, told the City Council on March 4 that the fund’s 2024 campaign raised $171,545.25 and that the board presented more than $160,000 in grants that evening to 15 local charities.
"We've really had a great year," Newton said. She told the council the fund defines basic needs as food, clothing, shelter, health and education and lists grant-supported activities such as weekend snack bags, backpacks of school supplies, clothing closets and mobile food pantries.
Newton identified several fundraising highlights and donors: the Extravaganza event raised $20,736.82 this year; the first annual pickleball tournament brought in more than $8,000; and the city’s Pennies for Shoes campaign through Olathe Public Schools raised $35,968.44. Newton said the fund has, since 2011, raised $363,559.09 through Pennies for Shoes.
Newton thanked corporate and community partners including Garmin, Walmart, Enterprise Bank, United Office Products, First Watch, CC Produce, Andy's Frozen Custard, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, Boone Brothers Roofing and Olathe Community Prayer Breakfast. The board presented grants to 15 charities listed during the presentation, including Center of Grace, Boys & Girls Club, Catholic Charities, the YMCA, El Centro and others.
Mayor John Bacon and council members thanked Newton and the fund volunteer board for their work. The presentation was informational; no formal council action was required.
