Community Scavenger Hunt Awards $1,500 to Local Nonprofits

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) wrapped up its second annual Golden Stars Surprise Grant Scavenger Hunt during Fair Week 2025—bringing together fun, exploration, and philanthropy in a one-of-a-kind community celebration.

Throughout the week of July 14–19, golden stars were hidden at various public locations around Hoxie. Each day, a new clue was posted on the Foundation’s Facebook page, inviting the public to participate in the hunt. The first person to find each star not only won a book of tickets to the Hoxie Home-Owned Carnival but also earned the opportunity to award a $250.00 surprise grant to a local nonprofit of their choice.

“Our goal was to spark excitement and community spirit while also supporting the incredible organizations that help make Sheridan County strong,” said Karl Pratt, SCCF Executive Director. “It was heartwarming to see kids, families, and adults of all ages joining in to give back while having fun.”

2025 Golden Stars Recipients

Sheridan County 4-H Council

  Star Location: Hoxie Walking Park

  Chosen by: Trevyn Pratt

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic (Hoxie) CYO & Jr. CYO

  Star Location: Hoxie Baseball Diamonds

  Chosen by: Gordon & Savannah Heim

Sheridan County Public Library

  Star Location: Kiddie Park

  Chosen by: Nevaeh Etherton

Sheridan County Amusement Company

  Star Location: Sheridan County Historical Society & Mickey Museum

  Chosen by: Camden & Bentley Slaubaugh

Hoxie Christian Church

  Star Location: Hoxie Schools Practice Football Field

  Chosen by: Rhett Baker

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery Project

  Star Location: Hoxie Carnival Grounds

  Chosen by: Paisley Sauvage

In total, the Foundation awarded $1,500.00 in unrestricted surprise grants to area nonprofits through the program.

“Every one of these nonprofits plays a vital role in enriching life in Sheridan County,” Pratt added. “We’re proud to partner with the community to recognize and support their efforts in such a fun and meaningful way.”

The Sheridan County Community Foundation thanks all participants, volunteers, and local supporters who made the 2025 Golden Stars Surprise Grant Scavenger Hunt a shining success.

To learn more about the Foundation’s grant programs and community initiatives, visit www.growsheridancounty.org or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.