What’s on Our Minds

The Wichita Autumn Trails MS Bike Ride is a two-day fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the event. The 150 mile, two-day ride began and ended in Derby, with optional overnights in Winfield, and the route passed through the towns of Mulvane, Belle Plaine, and Udall. There were three route options on the first day (40, 75, or 100 mile-century). Cyclists participated as an individual or a …

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In 2003, the Adopt-a-School Organization was foundedas a “call to action” campaign to gather the Wichita private business sectors’ support for our schools through donations of time, service and money.  Over $500,000 has been raised helping 600 teachers purchase supplies and books for their Kansas area classrooms.  This year, KMAZ contributed to the program by donating  and delivering bottled water for the Tournament and donating reusable water bottles for the teacher gift bags.

Although The Salvation Army may be most widely recognized for its Christmas Assistance Programs, its reach extends far beyond the holiday season.  KMAZ employee Starla Clithero has been a soldier (member) of The Salvation Army since she was 14.  Throughout the years she has donated endless hours to the organization, donating time to everything from ringing bells during the holidays to volunteering for various children’s programs.  For the past 4 years, between January and May, …

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  Dress for Success (DFS) is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide disadvantaged women re-entering the workforce with interview and office appropriate clothing.  A DFS client receives at least one interview appropriate business suit allowing her to participate in her job search feeling confident and reassured.  Dress for Success Wichita (DFSW), an affiliate of the national DFS organization, goes above and beyond just providing a suit for its clientele.  DFSW’s primary goal …

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  Wichita Riverfest, like KMAZ, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011.  In 1971, Wichita Festivals Inc. organized the Wichitennial River Festival and Traders Day Celebration, which by 1974 grew into the 10day annual event now known as the Wichita Riverfest. The Riverfest continues to achieve its original goal of bringing our community together, building community pride and focusing onWichita’s great natural resource, theArkansas River.  The Riverfest depends upon a score of community volunteers, and KMAZ …

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The Kansas Aviation Museum hosts a United States Air Force B-47 plane that was retrieved from the Oklahoma state fairgrounds in 2007. The plane was assembled during the summer of 2010, but has needed a finished paint job before it is officially restored. On June 4, KMAZ gathered at the Kansas Aviation Museum along with regular museum volunteers to roll a fresh coat of paint onto the old war plane. KMAZ also donated the paint …

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In 1981, six Wichita police officers came to then Chief Richard LaMunyon with an idea that would unite local law enforcement agencies andthe community for a special cause:  Special Olympics Kansas.  Decades later, Law Enforcement Torch Run has ignited into the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics worldwide.  Each year, law enforcement officers relay the Flame of Hope across the globe in support of a very special population.  The runners blaze …

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Colon Cancer Coalition hosts Get Your Rear in Gear, a race held nationwide to promote awareness and raise research funds to fight colon cancer. Held on a cool summer evening, the race featured a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5K timed run, and a 5K walk.  Well over 600 participants and observers attended the race inWichita.  KMAZ served as an event sponsor, providing funds to get the event up and running.  A group of KMAZ participants …

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In May, Joplin experienced a three-quarter mile wide tornado. The tornado was one of thedeadliest this nation has experienced. The tornado caused over 100deaths, thousands of injuries, anddamage to numerous homes and businesses. Countless volunteers, organizations, and state and federal agencies immediately extended a helping hand towards Joplin, including KMAZ. KMAZ donated and KMAZ volunteers handed out basic supplies, such as bottled water and toothbrushes, to victims and other volunteers. While in Joplin, the volunteers …

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KMAZ participated in its first Sedgwick County Tour de Cure on Saturday, May 21, 2011 atSedgwickCountyPark.  The Tour de Cure is a bicycle ride raising funds each year to support the essential efforts of the American Diabetes Association.  Each dollar raised supports diabetes research, treatment, education and advocacy for adults and children, touching their lives in critically important ways.   KMAZ set up a booth at this year’s Tour de Cure, handing out bottled water to …

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