Donor Spotlight

Marty Vanier and Bob KrauseMarty Vanier & the Late Bob Krause Donate $750,000 to FHDC Foundation

In 2017, the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation received a gift of $750,000 from Marty Vanier and Bob Krause. $500,000 of the gift was earmarked for the City of Manhattan, $220,000 established a semi-endowment fund for upkeep of the Flint Hills Discovery Center's Immersive Experience Theater, and $30,000 supported the Foundation in fundraising efforts.

"The FHDC Foundation is thrilled to facilitate this generous contribution which recognizes the critical value of the creation and construction of these wonderful exhibits by the City of Manhattan," mayor Bruce Snead said at the time. "These donors see the great regional benefits of the FHDC and especially the Immersive Experience effects on visitors and residents."

The Flint Hills Discovery Center's Immersive Experience Theater is named in honor of this generous gift.

Prairie PlayscapeCarl and Mary Ice Prairie Playscape

The Carl and Mary Ice Prairie Playscape is an interactive, hands-on exhibit for kids. It features three themed areas where children can learn about the Kansas Flint Hills. With 13 new interactive stations, the Carl and Mary Ice Prairie Playscape will provide endless entertainment and education for children of all ages.

"Prairie Playscape was created to help children celebrate the Flint Hills," Bruce Snead, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation President, said. "The Foundation will be forever grateful to donors who made this project possible".

Donors

  • Carl and Mary Ice
  • Dan and Beth Bird
  • BNSF Foundation
  • Deihl Foundation - Greater Manhattan Community Foundation
  • Phil Howe
  • Roger and Kathleen Lanksbury
  • John and Karen McCulloh
  • Sunderland Foundation
  • Wallace Family Foundation
  • Weary Foundation
  • Flint Hills Leadership Children's Endowment Fund
  • January and Frank Lyons
  • Richard and Mary Jo Myers Family Foundation
  • Bank of the Flint Hills
  • Central National Bank
  • Downs Farms LLC
  • Kent Glasscock and Janna Williams
  • Richard Porter
  • Roberta "Bo" and Robert Swanson
  • Mitch and Susan Adams
  • Beach Family Foundation
  • Paul and Christine Benne
  • Nelson and Marilyn Galle
  • James and Debra Gordon Family
  • Dennis Hemmendinger and Sue Maes
  • Karen and Gordon Hibbard Family
  • Tom and Vera Hintz Family
  • KanEquip Inc
  • Lowell and Stacy Kohlmeier
  • Caroln S Kruse Foundation
  • Jack and Lindy Lindquist
  • M.R. Metzger Family Foundation
  • Charles and Sharon Reagan
  • John and Mary Beth Reese
  • Chuck and Sue Rice
  • Bill and Erma Riley
  • RK Cattle Company
  • Derrick and MaryKris Roberson Family
  • Brad and Susie Shaw
  • Warren and Carol Weibert

Development Committee

  • Susan Adams
  • Stephen Bridenstine
  • Zac Doyle
  • Roy Garrett
  • Lesley White
  • Mollie Wold
  • McCownGordon Construction
  • Dimensional Innovations
  • BBN Architects
  • Orazem and Scalora Engineering