In 2006, a group of women got together with a mission to answer the call in their community, plain and simple! Currently, in Manhattan, KS, there are over 700 women that make up the organization, Fairy Godmothers.
When we are young we learn about Fairy Godmothers who are just waiting in the wings to arrive in our lives at the exact moment we need them. We know it is magic, but thanks to Disney we are taught to believe in them. I mean, there is Tinkerbell, who helps protect and guide Peter Pan. Sleeping Beauty, has her three Fairy Godmothers who raise her as her parents try to find and destroy every spindle in the kingdom to prevent the wicked witch's curse. Then, the tooth fairy, I mean how else does money show up under your pillow in exchange for your tooth?
As you grow up the thought of having a real Fairy Godmother disappears, but not here, not in Manhappiness. Fairy Godmothers are alive and well walking amongst you ready to answer the call when needed. Don't believe me? I can prove it because I am proud to be one of them! In 2006, a group of women got together with a mission to answer the call in their community, plain and simple! Like all true Fairy Godmothers, they did not want notoriety, credit, or praise, they just wanted to be there when they were needed.
Currently, in Manhattan, KS, there are over 700 women that make up the organization, Fairy Godmothers. Every year we continue to follow our purpose of granting wishes to women in our community. In 2021, we were able to help 101 local women. Our grants cover needs from car repairs, beds, dental work, and more. When the need arises a woman can reach out or is sometimes even directed to us for assistance.
We do not do this alone, beginning in 2020, we partnered with Shepherd's Crossing to help us screen our grant applications. Shepherd's Crossing works with the women to process their information, get estimates, and then complete the application. Once the application is completed it is forwarded to the grants committee for approval and Shepherd's Crossing takes care of the rest.
All of this makes the entire process incredibly quick, which has always been important to us as an organization. After all, Bippity, Boppity, Boo is like magic and magic happens quickly! Payments are made directly to the vendors so that there are no extra steps in between that might delay things for those we serve.
The funds to support the Fairy Godmothers mission have been raised over the years through, private donations, fundraisers, golf tournaments, memorial contributions, memberships, and more! We are no different than any other organization, fundraising continues to remain a top priority so that we can continue to grow and give!
The funds to support the Fairy Godmothers mission in Manhattan, KS have been raised over the years through, private donations, fundraisers, golf tournaments, memorial contributions, memberships, and more! We are no different than any other organization, fundraising continues to remain a top priority so that we can continue to grow and give!
As the organization has expanded we now offer education assistance with a new grant called, The HUG Grant. The Hand Up Grant (HUG), provides education assistance for local women who need help either with books, tuition, or additional certifications. The HUG Grant has been beneficial in many women's lives as they wish to improve their lives and those of their families.
In addition to Shepherd's Crossing and our various community partners, we could not do what we do without the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. The Community Foundation assists us and many other local organizations with the management of our funds. It provides shared services so that more of our funds can go right back into the community we ALL serve!
I could go on forever about this amazing group of women I have had the absolute pleasure of sharing a common mission with, but I want to leave some of the mystery as well. If you are interested in learning more, please go to our website or feel free to ask me. We are women who believe in helping straighten each other's crown and know that any of our lives can change in a second so we are here to be the hand in need that reaches to you, pulls you up, and then vanishes into the crowd!
