1ST LT. KEVIN GASPERS SCHOLARSHIP

1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers

The Hastings Community Foundation is honored when a family asks us to help remember a loved one by establishing a special fund in their memory. This was especially the case when John and Pam Gaspers wanted to establish a scholarship in their son Kevin’s name.

1st Lt. Gaspers was killed in the line of duty in Iraq in 2007. He had just turned 26. Kevin grew up in Hastings, graduating from St. Cecilia High School in 2000, and UNL in 2005 (ROTC). He was awarded numerous service medals including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

The 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers Scholarship is awarded annually to three students, one each from Hastings High School, St. Cecilia High School, and Adams Central High School. It is one of 14 scholarships currently administered by the HCF.

When Kevin died, we received memorial money from the community of Hastings and other communities.  We did not feel this money was for our own use and therefore created the 1st. Lt. Kevin Gaspers Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Mike Walenz, Foundation President at the time, told us about the Hastings Community Foundation and how they handled scholarships, etc.  John and I knew that they could help us with creating this scholarship and direct it towards the purpose that we intended.  We have been very happy with the Foundation and how well they have handled Kevin’s memory.

Pam and John Gaspers

 “IN LOVING MEMORY OF KEVIN”

Adams County Veterans Monument

Driving around the Hastings area, you can see many projects to which the Hastings Community Foundation has lent a helping hand.  The Foundation has been involved as fiscal sponsors for the Prairie Loft Barn Renovation, the Highland Park Arboretum, the Heartland Pet Connection, Duncan Field Renovation, and other special and worthwhile projects. We are especially honored for the opportunity to provide fiscal sponsorship in support of the Adams County Veterans Monument located at Parkview Cemetery.

“When hundreds of caring citizens came to Parkview Cemetery on November 11, 2007 for the dedication of the Monument, tears were shed by those who were listening to every word that was coming from the podium. This day was made possible through the thousands of contributions from the public, and the support and fiscal sponsorship of the Hastings Community Foundation. Without dedicated, ongoing support for this project we would be, as my father Bill Jarvis would say, ‘in a world of hurts.’ 

Currently the monument has over 3,000 names, with additional names continually being added. Of the names on the monument, 173 have a “star” beside them, indicating that they are our “Fallen Heroes . . . paying the ultimate price for our freedom.” 

With continued encouragement from the Hastings Community Foundation, the Veterans Monument now has an endowment, which will serve to maintain the monument in perpetuity.”                                       

-Kim Wilder, Chairman, Adams County Veterans Monument

Children in Need

The Children in Need program began through the support of the Hastings Community Foundation. Through a Donor Advised Fund, a loyal and caring donor has generously supported this project, helping many children in need!

“This grant allowed us to have a budgeted amount of money that we could use to help youth in our program get things they need. Keep in mind most of the families we work with live in poverty, and most foster parents receive less than $300 a month foster care stipend.  Within the first year of the Children in Need funds, we were able to buy a prom dress so a senior could go to prom, wrestling shoes for a youth who ended up going on to state, a portion of the cost for senior pictures, winter coats, boots, and mittens, a water park pass, food for a funeral (parent killed himself and family had no ties to a church), and various camp registrations.”  CASA

“I really appreciate you getting me tennis shoes. I feel very lucky. Thank you for making my day a little bit brighter.”

 “Thank you for your help with the waterpark pass. It has been a blessing and we enjoy it almost daily.”

The Hastings Symphony Orchestra

When the Hastings Symphony Orchestra needs extra money for a guest soloist or curriculum guides for its Educational Outreach Concerts, they can thank friends of the Symphony who had the foresight to endow a fund for the symphony’s benefit in 1992.  The Symphony was the first of the 23 organizations who currently have endowed funds with the Hastings Community Foundation and we are especially proud of our long association.

Historically, the Hastings Symphony was among many community partners that saw the Hastings Community Foundation spring to life. Since that time, several patrons have designated a portion of their individual contributions to the HSO Endowment Fund held by the Hastings Community Foundation. These gifts thoughtfully honor an outstanding ensemble that has provided music in this community for eighty-seven years. The Hastings Symphony is proud of our affiliation with the Hastings Community Foundation, and grateful for their services in providing support for us and numerous other community outreach projects. There is no doubt that our mutual partnership has touched thousands of lives in positive and enlightening ways.

Dr. Byron W. Jensen
Conductor/Artistic Director
Hastings Symphony Orchestra

CASA

The Hastings Community Foundation is a valued partner in community problem solving! When donors give to the Community Grant Fund, their permanent gift can meet ever-changing community needs.  One of the community groups that we often team up with is CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Hastings Community Foundation has been a tremendous support for CASA of South Central Nebraska.  Thanks to generous financial support we have been able to help many abused and neglected children in our community.

     The Hastings Community Foundation allowed us to renovate a room within the Adams County Courthouse that youth and their families can use while they are waiting to testify.  Before the room, youth had to wait, sometimes for hours, before they were called to the witness stand.   Anxiety would often take over and the children would melt down by acting out, crying, or refusing to talk.   We purchased 2 chairs, a TV, posters for the walls, books, CD’s, a radio, colors and coloring books, and some board games, a PlayStation with several games and a cabinet to store everything in.    Now, they have a safe and secluded spot where they can go, get their minds on something else and reduce some of their nervousness.  As the director of CASA I can tell you from personal experience this room has helped many children and families struggling through a tough time.   RuAnn Root