Big Give Expanding to Southwest Nebraska

By Isaac Nielsen

McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. - Plans are already being put in place for the eighth year of the Big Give effort in McCook. Formerly named Big Give McCook, the event is now known as Southwest Nebraska Big Give. McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF) coordinator Ronda Graff says that the reason for the name change is that it “better encompasses who the project serves. While McCook has the most nonprofits participating in the Big Give, the day of giving has always included organizations serving southwest Nebraska. So Community Chest, which organizes the event, decided to make the change to recognize that all of southwest Nebraska benefits from the Big Give.”

Applications are now open for new nonprofit organizations to be part of Big Give. Prospective participants can visit swnebiggive.org to apply until July 31. Organizations must have 501(c)3 status and have a presence in southwest Nebraska to participate.

Southwest Nebraska Big Give is set for Thursday, Nov. 2, and includes 24 hours devoted to philanthropy to help area nonprofit organizations reach their goals.

The event is reinforced thanks to generous sponsors, which often match funds and incentivize giving with “Power Hours” held throughout the Big Give.

The lead gift has been given by the Graff Charitable Foundation, which donated $50,000 earlier this month toward the Big Give, but event organizers emphasize that “every donation - large or small - makes a difference.” Organizations and individuals who would like to help sponsor the Big Give can contact Melissa Stritt or Lisa Felker at MNB Bank (308)345-4240.

Due to the recent name change, Big Give has created a new Facebook page and website under its new name, Southwest Nebraska Big Give. Both pages will be up-to-date with information as the 2023 event draws closer.

Community Chest is a sub-account of the MCFF, which is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.

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Jan. 2026 Volunteer of the Month Devoted to Church and Community

By Ronda Graff • January 22, 2026

To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.