NONPROFIT PROGRAMS RECEIVE GRANTS FROM THE WICHITA WAGONMASTERS FUND

In September 2021, Wagonmasters and contestants cooked with their hearts as Wichitans activated our urban core to taste some of the best chili in the Midwest. After a COVID-related hiatus in 2020, the annual Wagonmaster’s Downtown Chili Cook-off made a comeback and raised more than $10,000 for local nonprofits.

WF announced in February 2022 that the Good Life Grants Fund, which is funded solely by proceeds from the Chili Cook-off, would benefit 15 projects. From providing winter wear for the homeless to improving the work environment for adults with disabilities, the grants support a diverse range of local nonprofit programs.

“Wichita's Littlest Heroes fills gaps for families with children fighting medically complex battles. One of these conditions is Cystic Fibrosis (CF). If those with CF come in contact with another individual fighting CF, it’s extremely dangerous,” said Wichita’s Littlest Heroes Director of Operations Matty Donaldson. “Thanks to the Wagonmasters, we were able to purchase purple t-shirts to allow Heroes with CF to attend events worry-free by spotting other CF Heroes.”

Established in 2012, the Fund has distributed more than $134,000 to organizations across the city that enable more people to “enjoy the good life” and promote the idea that Wichita is a great place to live, work and play.

22 Grant Recipients and Their Projects

• Bread of Life Distribution Center – $500 for the Food Distribution Program
• Episcopal Social Services – $500 to purchase gently used winter wear for homeless or low-income adults
• Flinthills Services – $1,000 for renovations to the Andover Day Program’s expanded site
• Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center – $445 to cover scholarships for therapy sessions
• Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas – $250 to support a 10-week program for adolescent girls
• HumanKind Ministries – $500 to purchase blankets and supplies for Emergency Winter Shelters
• Kansas Aviation Museum – $1,000 for the Black Aviators Exhibit
• Kansas Children’s Service League – $500 to assist with the REAL Support for Parents program
• Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped – $500 to enhance the work environment for adults with disabilities
• Midwest Battle Buddies – $1,000 to provide service dogs for veterans
• Passageways – $1,000 for electrical repairs and upgrades to the living center
• Union Rescue Mission – $1,000 to support the Happy Feet program providing foot care for homeless men
• Wichita Family Crisis Center – $1,000 for electrical repairs to light up the facility and shelter
• Wichita Police Foundation – $1,000 for essential household items for the Random Acts of Kindness program 
• Wichita’s Littlest Heroes – $670 to purchase t-shirts to safely distinguish kids with Cystic Fibrosis at events

"Freedom Hooves is incredibly grateful for the support from the Wagonmasters Good Life Grants over the years,” said Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center Executive Director Amanda Hale. “They have served all our clients with disabilities in many ways including providing therapy scholarships for those who are burdened by large medical expenses."