Spearville Senior Living Campaign Begins; Feist Donation Announced

This architectural rendering depicts the skilled-nursing residence that will be built in Spearville.

The next big step in taking the plans of Spearville Senior Living Inc. (SSL) from the drafting table to reality is now underway.
         The “Caring for Our Elders” capital campaign begins in earnest this month, with the goal of raising a half million dollars, said SSL Board of Directors Chairman Ron Temaat.
         All proceeds are earmarked for the construction and operation of a skilled-nursing unit that offers 12 private rooms, each with a private bath. A 12-unit assisted-living apartment complex also is included in the $5.1 million project.
         “Our board members and ambassadors are just now beginning to contact folks who may want to consider a donation,” Temaat noted. “We encourage potential donors to talk to their financial advisors about the tax benefits of contributing to our 501c3 non-profit entity.”
         Temaat wanted to remind donors of the “extraordinary opportunity” generated by state tax credits.
         Last summer, SSL received a $250,000 tax-credit award from the Kansas Department of Commerce. This means a donor receives a tax credit equal to 70 percent of the gift. In some cases, a federal tax deduction also applies.
         For example, say an individual or business gives $10,000. The Kansas tax credit comes to $7,000 and the federal tax deduction could be $3,000.
         “While donations certainly will be accepted anytime, some potential donors may be wondering about the best time to contribute,” Temaat said. “If we have a donation in hand by Dec. 31, it can be included in their 2019 tax planning.
         “These tax credits supplement our local support by allowing a significant part of a donation to offset tax liability. This makes contributions much more attractive.”

Feist $1 million gift        

The actual goal of the capital campaign was set at $1.5 million. However, the Tom Feist Foundation has already donated two-thirds of that amount.
         “I cannot tell you how grateful we are to the Tom Feist Foundation for its $1 million contribution,” Temaat said. “Its vision for the future of Spearville and surrounding area is appreciated by all of us at SSL.
         “The Foundation recognizes the benefits that our project will provide. Without its support, this would be a much greater challenge. The Foundation’s foresight and generosity, as well as the tax benefits, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal. The community is encouraged to offer additional support with donations of any size.”
         Ron Herrman, president of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, said he and his fellow board members know there is definitely local interest in having long-term-care residences in Spearville.
         “Surveys were conducted and meetings were held with the Spearville community,” Herrman said. “We learned about this need and are just trying to help facilitate the project. We understood it required an influx of capital.
         “This project will go a long way to eliminating the need for seniors to look to other communities for the care they need,” he noted. “It also will ease the burden on families. This will be much more convenient and less stressful.”
         The Foundation’s expertise is helping projects that need to get off the ground, Herrman added. “We want to help make money available for community projects that might not otherwise be possible.”
         Herrman, Dodge City, worked in Spearville for 30-plus years and his wife grew up there.