McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Community Foundation honored its founding director last night and presented Becky Goss, who is stepping down at year’s end, as the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year.
MCCF Board Chair Trenton Ruxlow Said the award recognizes someone who embraces the concept of philanthropy; someone who donates their time, money, skills, knowledge and experience to create a better world. Goss is an example of such a person.
“She has helped enrich the qualities of lives in our county, as well as countless economic impact in the communities of the county,” Ruxlow explained, adding she is an inspiration and someone he looks up to
Goss, who began with the Foundation when it was first formed in 2001, said in accepting the award it really belongs to others. “All of you should be. I appreciate your recognition, and I never want you to stop thinking you didn’t have something to do with this.”
Goss also thanked the many past and present board members and staff for their contributions, and in closing, her family, who have been very supportive of her work over the past 25 years. She added her involvement with MCCF was very important to her in getting through some difficult times in her life including the passing of her mother shortly after she began her career there.
In addition to community members, those in attendance included representatives of several other community foundations across Kansas,with others providing video greetings during the ceremony. Kansas Association of Community Foundations Executive Director Christy Tustin worked with Goss for many years starting when she was executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation in Great Bend, calling her a close colleague and appreciated her advice and stories over the years.
During the event, the history of MCCF, now in its 25th year was reviewed from its beginnings in 2021, the growth it has seen in the years since. Goss has been serving in a consulting role for the past few months with new President and CEO Michelle Huddle.
