Foote Family gift to support planning and growth in Sheridan County

The Sheridan County Community Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of a new donor-advised fund, made possible by a generous $100,000 donation from Scott and Michelle Foote. This fund will support strategic community development initiatives in Sheridan County, reinforcing the Footes’ long-standing commitment to the betterment of the places they call home.

Scott and Michelle have been dedicated members of the Hoxie community since moving to the area in 2000. Over the past 25 years, they have played an integral role in fostering growth and progress in Sheridan County. Michelle, a founding board member of the Sheridan County Community Foundation, has contributed significantly to local philanthropy and community planning. Together, the Footes have been active supporters of education, healthcare, economic development, and numerous civic initiatives.

The newly established fund is designed to invest in the future of Sheridan County by supporting projects that align with the community’s long-term growth and sustainability. Specifically, the fund will assist in hiring professional planners, engineers, and consultants to help shape strategic improvements in the areas of education, healthcare, business development, housing, and infrastructure.

“Our community has seen tremendous progress over the past 25 years, but we must continue to think ahead and plan for the future,” said Scott Foote. “Michelle and I are honored to make this gift in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary, and we hope it will help lay the foundation for an even stronger Sheridan County.”

The Footes’ passion for rural Kansas extends beyond Sheridan County. In addition to their $100,000 gift, they have also committed $50,000 each to the communities of Oakley, Dighton, and Oberlin for similar planning and development efforts. Their generosity underscores their belief that small towns in rural Kansas are vital to the state’s economy, culture, and overall prosperity.

“Scott and I love this community, and we want to see it continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Michelle Foote. “We hope this fund will inspire others to think about the future and take actionable steps to ensure Sheridan County remains a vibrant and welcoming place for families and businesses.”

About the Foote Family

Scott and Michelle Foote have raised their five children—Andrew, Molly, Charles "Charlie," Maxwell "Max," and Mary Colleen—in Hoxie, fostering in them a strong sense of community and service. As young adults, Andrew and Molly have begun carving out their own paths while remaining engaged with their hometown values. Meanwhile, Charlie, Max, and Mary Colleen are actively involved in local schools, athletics, and civic programs, carrying forward the family’s tradition of leadership and engagement. The Footes are deeply committed to creating a lasting legacy that benefits not only their own family but also the entire community of Sheridan County and beyond.

Foote Family Enterprises

The Footes have significantly contributed to the local economy through various business ventures:

Foote Cattle Company: Founded in 1985 by Bob Foote, the company has grown over the past four decades, adding multiple feedyards, farms, and a wide range of other investments.

PSI Transport: PSI Transport is a vital part of Foote Family Enterprises, providing reliable and efficient transportation solutions for agricultural and livestock needs. Specializing in hauling cattle, grain, and other agricultural products, PSI ensures that producers and businesses have access to timely and dependable logistics services, reinforcing the strong agricultural economy in the region.

Outdoor Bank: Combining cutting-edge technology with personalized service, Outdoor Bank offers expert lending, business banking, and personal finance solutions to help clients grow.

“The Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to Scott and Michelle Foote for their vision and generosity,” said SCCF Executive Director Karl Pratt . “We are eager to work with the schools, hospital, city, and county leaders—along with passionate residents and stakeholders—to create a bold, forward-thinking vision for the future. Together, we can lay the groundwork for a stronger, more vibrant Sheridan County, ensuring that our communities continue to thrive for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Pratt continued, “This is an incredible opportunity - with the support of this generous gift from the Footes - to dream big, plan wisely, and shape a future that honors our past while embracing new possibilities.”

For more information about the fund or how the Foundation can assist you with your philanthropic goals, please contact SCCF at 785-677-5090 or director@growsheridancounty.org.

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.