VALENTINE, Neb. - Thousands of dollars were raised this weekend at the Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) annual fundraiser in Valentine, with preliminary figures showing around $30,000 collected through auction proceeds and casino chip buy-ins.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by our community," said SAF Executive Director Carolyn Moore. "These contributions will allow us to continue our work in supporting education, encouraging growth, and sustaining generosity throughout Cherry County."

In addition to raising money, the foundation also awarded $93,000 in grants.

The organizations receiving funding and their corresponding award amounts are:

Cherry County 4-H Leadership Program: $ 500

Friends of the Valentine Library/Valentine Book Club: $ 1,000

Sparks Cemetery Board: $ 2,000

Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad: $ 5,000

Valentine Children and Families Coalition: $ 5,000

Valentine Wrestling Club: $ 14,200

Cody Cowboy GRIT: $ 15,300

Heart City Theater: $ 50,000

"These funds will directly benefit our area community, and this larger than usual amount was made possible due to our regular allocation of grant monies together with a portion of the gift from the estate of Michael Davenport, which was received in July,” said Moore.

You can learn more about Davenport and his gift in this News Channel Nebraska video story.