Julia Rabe, Solomon Valley Community Foundation Director, was surprised with a We Kan! award June 24 in downtown Beloit.
The presentation was made by Karly Frederick of the Kansas Sampler Foundation with help from Mandy Fincham and Emily Benedick, who helped plan the surprise. Locals from around downtown Beloit gathered as part of the surprise. Julia had wondered why Emily was making more coffee than usual for that morning’s meeting.
The short presentation included a colorful round plate with the words “Catalyst for Rural Investment” engraved on it. The artist was Stacy Barnes of Greensburg. Pictures and snacks followed the ceremony.
Frederick said, “Julia has a passion for connecting people and creativity and taking big ideas and making them happen. In the time that we at Kansas Sampler Foundation have known Julia we have admired her leadership, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness that have been a catalyst for investment in the future of Beloit and Mitchell County.”
The Kansas Sampler Foundation, an Inman-based non-profit, has been choosing recipients every year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture. KSF's We Kan! Network is made up of community leaders, doers, entrepreneurs, volunteers and rural advocates who desire to help rural communities be the best they can be at being themselves.
Julia Rabe is the first of ten Kansans who will receive the We Kan! award in 2026.
To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to https://kansassampler.org/wekan/wekan-awards.