KPA members take lead on White video donations

Posted March 2, 2016

William Allen White, at his home at Red Rocks in Emporia.

Kansas Press Association members and friends have a chance to take advantage of matching gifts to help underwrite a video on the life of Kansas' most famous journalist, the "Sage of Emporia."

The video on White's life is about to begin production, but it can't start without seed money to underwrite the production expenses.

The goal is to raise $200,000 for the video. The Kansas Newspaper Foundation Board of Trustees has authorized a $20,000 matching gift program through the KNF.

"We're proud that KPA members and friends have been some of the first to step up to the plate to provide the startup funds to begin production of this video," said Doug Anstaett, KPA executive director. "We want to be a part of the effort to capture for all time the inspirational life story of William Allen White.

"KPA members have already donated enough to claim about half the $20,000 match. This seed money is critical to getting this project off the ground."

KNF will match up to the first $1,000 of a contribution from those with a Kansas Press Association affiliation, such as current, former and retired members and inductees in the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame.

The recipient of gifts will be the William Allen White Foundation, coordinated through the KU Endowment Association.

The project is an effort to commemorate the life and times of Kansas' most famous journalist in time for the 150th anniversary of White's birth in 2018.

Make the check payable to KU Endowment - Journalism and designated for the WAW film. Also note you want to take advantage of the KNF's matching gift program.

Send your donation to: Gift Processing Department, KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928.

To read an excellent article on White's life, go here.

To view a Youtube video produced by the Kansas State Historical Society, go here.