Courtesy McPherson Sentinel's Sentinet

LINDSBORG - Bethany College donors took full advantage of two matching gifts to the college last fiscal year, increasing their unrestricted giving by more than $50,000 and $150,000, respectively.

In January, several Saline and McPherson County residents challenged locals to increase their giving to the college, offering to match new, renewed and increased gifts up to $40,000.

Of the 436 individuals, families, businesses and organizations from Saline and McPherson Counties who donated to the Bethany unrestricted annual fund last fiscal year, 209 increased their unrestricted annual giving compared to last year. Their increased gifts totaled $53, 314, exceeding the challenge by more than $10,000.

In April, Great Bend physician L.T. Fleske challenged all other Bethany supporters, offering to match new, renewed and increased gifts from non-local donors up to $50,000.

Of the 1,322 non-local individuals, families, businesses and organizations who gave to the unrestricted annual fund, 571 increased their giving over last year, for a total of $154,220 in new giving to the unrestricted annual fund, exceeding the challenge by more than $100,000.

“I am very pleased, but not surprised, that Bethany donors answered these challenges and left nothing on the table. Bethany's alumni and friends believe in the college and its mission, and they support it generously and passionately. I am very proud to be associated with such a community, and grateful that so many stretched their giving for the sake of Bethany students,” said Edward F. Leonard III.

Leonard is president elect of Bethany College. He will begin his tenure as president Wednesday.

Those contributing to the $40,000 local challenge include: Those contributing to the challenge include John Altenborg, Lindsborg; Don and Dorene Anderson, Lindsborg; Roy and Donice Applequist, Salina; Florence Applequist, Salina; Virgil Augustine and Noni Strand, Salina; Leon and Judy Burch, Lindsborg; Maleta Forsberg, Lindsborg; Bill and Carol Gusenius, Lindsborg; Stephen and Jennifer Kinzel, McPherson; Greg and Susan Lundstrom, Lindsborg; Joyce Pigge, Lindsborg; Ron and Marsha Rolander, Lindsborg; Ken and Marilyn Sjogren, Lindsborg; and Robert and Sally Vogel.

The pre-audit total for the 2006-2007 unrestricted annual fund is $1,002,538. All giving to Bethany for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, including unrestricted and restricted annual-fund gifts, gifts to the endowment, undesignated estate gifts, and private scholarships, totaled $2,081,094. Bethany's fiscal year ended June 30.

The Bethany College unrestricted annual fund is used at the discretion of the college to support yearly educational expenses, such as student financial aid, classroom and library resources, and faculty and staff salaries.