OLATHE, KS (September 24, 2020) – Heartstrings Community Foundation today announced that it received a $50,000 Loves Takes Action Award from the New York Life Foundation to further its mission to provide unique employment opportunities for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities within local business communities.

“We’re grateful that this has come at a particularly crucial time when COVID-19 has negatively impacted the income typically generated by our in-person fundraising events, Goody Delivery® clients and Sacks on Santa Fe sales,” said Bunny Higgins, Executive Director. “By shifting our fundraising strategy to a virtual platform and adjusting our sales and service models, we’ve started to regain momentum. This grant gives us an extra boost for supporting person centered planning, vocational (on the job) training, recreational activities and volunteer opportunities.”

“We are grateful for the New York Life Foundation’s investment in our organization and for Kerry Matson, a New York Life employee for recognizing Heartstrings Community Foundation for our work in the community during COVID19, which brought about this grant, and will change many lives for the better,” said Anne Hull, Founder of Heartstrings Community Foundation. 

The Love Takes Action Award program awards $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Thirty-five community members from across the nation embodying Love Taking Action, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be honored. Each honoree selected a nonprofit to receive a $50,000 general support grant from the New York Life Foundation.

Heartstrings will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary on December 1, 2021 and has grown considerably since its inception. See our Success Packet for a detailed timeline and accomplishments.