Derby Community Foundation

06/02/2026

The Community Garage Sale with a Purpose: No Child Goes Hungry is almost here—an incredible example of neighbors helping neighbors right here in Derby. 💚
Stop by June 4–6 at 222 E. Madison to shop great finds, grab lunch from Panther Pac, and enjoy fun for the whole family (including Mascot Mania on Saturday!). Every purchase supports local students and families.

Want to make an even bigger impact? Volunteers are still needed—sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E45A8A62EA5FF2-62490812-garage #/ and be part of a truly community-wide effort.

Events like this are what make Derby special. Let’s show up, support our schools, and make an impact together.

The Community Garage Sale with a Purpose: No Child Goes Hungry is almost here!

➡️ By request, we are offering ONE additional drop-off opportunity on Tuesday, June 2, from 5-6PM. Please note that at this drop-off, we will accept all items except additional clothing. With the rain in the forecast for the next few days, it's a great time to clean out those closets!

➡️ Then it’s time to shop! Join us June 4-6 at 222 E. Madison in Derby to find some great new-to-you treasures. We also have volunteer opportunities available during the sale: https://bit.ly/2026SaleVolunteers.

➡️ Garage Sale Hours:
• June 4: 6:30AM-6PM
• June 5: 6:30AM-5PM
• June 6: 6:30AM-4PM

Panther Pac will be cooking burgers and hot dogs each day of the sale from 10:30AM-2PM.

We also have an additional clean-up day on Sunday, June 7. Any remaining clothing is being brought to Cooper Elementary to again set up the "Cooper Boutique" and provide free clothing to families in the Oaklawn community.

➡️ Mascot Mania: Join us on Saturday, June 6, 11AM-12PM, for a fun family activity where kids can meet all the Derby Public Schools mascots and special mascots from McConnell AFB and Culver's, along with free Culver’s custard (donations appreciated). Bring the kids by during the community garage sale, grab lunch from Panther Pac and/or custard from Culver's and stick around for the smiles! 💚

💲 Did you know? Even if you can’t make it to the garage sale, you can still support the cause by donating online to the Community Assistance School Lunch Program. Every $1 helps! https://bit.ly/DollarCampaign

Please help spread the word by sharing this post.

05/29/2026

At the Derby Community Foundation, we are honored to serve as a vehicle for philanthropy—walking alongside generous individuals to help turn their vision into lasting impact.

We are grateful to partner with Vicki Decarsky on a remarkable commitment supporting the continued growth of Spero at the Barton School of Business. Through this investment, Spero will expand its workforce and entrepreneurship programming—creating more pathways to employment, innovation, and long-term economic opportunity across our community.

This is philanthropy in action—neighbors investing in neighbors, and together building a stronger future.

If you’ve ever thought about making a difference, we’d love to walk alongside you and help you start a fund to bring your vision to life.

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has received a $500,000 commitment from Vicki Decarsky via Derby Community Foundation in support of Spero, a workforce and entrepreneurship initiative designed to expand opportunity across Wichita.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the courageous individuals who gave their lives in service to our country. At the Derby Community Foundation, we are reminded of the power of community, service, and sacrifice. We are grateful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to all who continue to carry their legacy forward.

05/15/2026

🎓 Celebrating the 2026 DCF Scholarship Recipients! 🎓

Last week, we had the joy of honoring an incredible group of Derby students at the Derby Community Foundation Scholarship Reception. Surrounded by families, educators, Board members, BOE members, and supporters, we celebrated not just academic excellence, but character, leadership, resilience, and the bright futures ahead.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and fund holders, the Foundation proudly highlighted 15 scholarship programs, awarded 23 individual scholarships, and invested $114,000 into the futures of our students. Nearly 200 applications were thoughtfully reviewed by 13 scholarship committees made up of 50 dedicated community volunteers. We are deeply grateful for the time and care they poured into this process.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! Here’s to new beginnings, bold dreams, and the amazing journeys ahead for each of you. 💚✨

Photos by: Kelly Breckunitch, The Derby Informer

05/04/2026

Last week, three Derby High School seniors—Ella Davidson, Jerome Mwarema, and Jayce Johnson (not pictured)—and their families were surprised with the news that they’ve been selected to receive a Decarsky Foundation Scholarship.

These moments recognize the hard work and commitment these students have shown throughout high school, along with the support of their families.

Thank you to the Decarsky Foundation for continuing to invest in Derby students and their future plans.

More scholarship recipients will be announced soon—stay tuned.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients—we’re excited to see what’s next for each of you.

04/20/2026

What started back in 2019 finally culminated with an official introduction this week, as the latest of the Derby Community Foundation’s bronze statues — one of the last pieces created

04/20/2026

Thank You, Derby!
What a wonderful celebration and meaningful moment as we officially unveiled MEMORIES, the newest bronze statue in our community, located at the new Derby Senior Center (southwest side of the building). We are so grateful to everyone who joined us—community members, Derby Community Foundation Board members, and City leaders—and for being part of this special occasion.

A heartfelt thank you to Bill and Reba Smith, whose vision and generosity commissioned this beautiful piece, created by artist John Parsons, whose talent brought MEMORIES to life.

We appreciate the continued support of public art in Derby and the many partnerships that make projects like this possible. Thank you for helping us celebrate connection, storytelling, and community.

✨ If you haven’t already, we invite you to visit MEMORIES at the Derby Senior Center and enjoy this special piece of public art. ✨

Photo credit: Barney Tull

04/14/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Derby Community Garden at Refugium—a space where community, sustainability, and connection take root. 🌿

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Derby Community Foundation was proud to support this project through a Community Enrichment grant—helping bring this vibrant community space to life!

This FREE event includes:
🌻 Garden tours & plot rentals
🌻 Master Gardeners on site
🌻 Kids activities
🌻 Local vendors like Botanica, Heartsong Collective, DRC, Coffeehouse Coffee, Kansas Honey Association producers, Renata’s Plant Bus, Shawarma Urs Food Truck, Scouts, and more!

This is more than a garden—it’s a place to grow together. We hope to see you there! 💚

04/10/2026

Join us for the unveiling of a new bronze sculpture, an addition to Derby’s longstanding public art tradition!

Bronze sculptures have long been an important part of Derby’s landscape - telling stories, honoring individuals, and enhancing our shared spaces. Join community leaders, donors, and residents as we officially unveil the newest addition and recognize the generosity and vision that made it possible.

April 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
At the new Derby Senior Center
1315 S. Rock Rd.
Southwest side of the building
Please park along Woodbrook Lane for direct access to the unveiling site.

03/25/2026

💛 Thank You, Ziggi’s Coffee! 💛
We’re excited to share that Ziggi’s Coffee – Derby generously donated 20% of their proceeds to support our Career Technical Education (CTE) Endowment Fund!

Ziggi’s selected the CTE Fund during their Grand Opening, and we are thrilled to see their continued commitment to strengthening opportunities for Derby students. Their support helps provide hands-on learning, training, and pathways that truly make a difference in students’ futures.