Heim Family establishes new Donor-Advised Fund to benefit Sheridan County

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) is honored to announce the creation of the “Gerald W. and Helen M. Heim Family Fund,” a new donor-advised fund established by the Heim family to support charitable efforts across Sheridan County.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible charitable giving vehicle that allows donors to make a tax-deductible contribution to establish a fund, then recommend grants from the fund to qualifying nonprofit organizations over time. Donors can be actively involved in their giving during their lifetime, while also having the option to name successor advisors to continue recommending grants in the future—or leave the fund in the hands of the Foundation to steward in perpetuity.

Created through SCCF's locally administered “Hansen Matching Fund Initiative,” the fund reflects Gerald (“Gerry”) and Helen Heim’s longstanding commitment to their community, family, and faith. Their generous investment into Sheridan County’s future will be permanently endowed, ensuring long-term, flexible support for causes they care about most.

“Gerald and Helen have consistently demonstrated what it means to build not just a business, but a better community,” said Karl Pratt, SCCF Executive Director. “We are humbled by the Heim family’s desire to create a philanthropic legacy that reflects their deep roots in Sheridan County.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Gerry and Helen Heim are perhaps best known locally as the co-founders of Hoxie Implement Co., Inc., which began in 1962 as a small local dealership and has since grown into a multi-location, multi-generational family business serving northwest Kansas. But their contributions extend far beyond agriculture. Through quiet generosity, mentorship, and steadfast support of local causes, the Heims have helped shape the heart and character of Sheridan County for more than 60 years.

Today, their children—including Ed, Mike, and Pat Heim—lead and operate the business with the same humility and forward-thinking spirit their parents instilled. Grandchildren and extended family members are actively involved in many areas of the company, continuing a tradition of hard work and service. Their immediate children also include daughters Karen Torluemke and Cheri Mense, both of Hoxie.

A Matched Gift That Multiplies Impact

The creation of the Gerald W. and Helen M. Heim Family Fund also marks a powerful example of how local families can take advantage of the Community Foundation’s current Matching Fund Initiative to increase their impact. By making an initial $3,000 gift to establish their fund, the Heims activated a $2,000 match from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and an additional $1,000 match from SCCF.

“The Heims are setting an example for others who want to give meaningfully and intentionally,” added Pratt. “This initiative offers a unique chance to build a lasting legacy while benefiting from generous matching partners. It’s truly a win for everyone involved.”

The Foundation invites other individuals, families, and businesses to consider creating their own fund through this special matching opportunity. Whether to honor a loved one, support a specific cause, or simply give back to the community they love, the Matching Fund Initiative offers a meaningful way to plant the seeds of long-term impact.

To learn how to start a new fund of your own, please contact Pratt at (785) 677-5090, email director@growsheridancounty.org or visit www.growsheridancounty.org/new-fund-match.

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.