Shining Bright: Giving the Basics Wins a Philly Award for Spring Showers for Dignity!
November 5th, was a night to remember at the historic Vox Theatre in Kansas City, Kansas—a venue that’s no stranger to celebrations, with its vintage charm and buzzing energy. Under twinkling lights and surrounded by KC’s nonprofit finest, Giving the Basics took home a Non Profit Connect Philly Award for our Spring Showers for Dignity Hygiene Drive in the Marketing Campaign category. A “Philly” is our city’s fun shorthand for philanthropy—22 years of toasting outstanding nonprofit marketing, communications, and fundraising.
This win isn’t just about a shiny trophy (though it does look great on our shelf); it’s a heartfelt nod to the incredible community that turned a simple idea into a tidal wave of generosity. Back in April, we launched Spring Showers for the first time, challenging companies, groups, and individuals to rally around a cause that’s close to our hearts: providing essential hygiene items to local students so they can show up to school with confidence, focus, and dignity. And wow—did you deliver!
A Splash of Success: 270,175 Reasons to Celebrate
What happens when hundreds of generous hearts, dozens of dedicated organizations, and one powerful mission collide? You get 270,175 essential hygiene items collected and distributed to Kansas City youth! From deodorant and shampoo to toothpaste and pads, these everyday basics became game-changers for thousands of students facing hygiene poverty—a reality where 1 in 3 low-income families struggle to afford what most of us take for granted. Our Hygiene Challenge pitted 25 groups and businesses against each other in friendly competition, crowning champions who went above and beyond:
- Community Champion: Spring Hill Volunteer Club
- Division I Champion: The Kincaid Group
- Division II Champion: John A. Marshall Co.
- Division III Champion: Guest Worldwide
Shoutouts to our other stellar participants: Single Source Printing, Fervor, Oasis Senior Advisors, Perspective Consulting, Moonshot Solutions, The Miller Group, Arch Insurance, American Digital Security, KCEA, Ally, Veterans United, KBP Brands, Seaboard Corporation, and Harrah’s Casino Kansas City. Your generosity made this drive unforgettable and set the bar sky-high for 2026.
Why Spring Showers Matters: Dignity in Every Drop
This award spotlights more than numbers; it celebrates the why behind them. Access to hygiene isn’t a luxury—it’s foundational to a kid’s ability to learn, socialize, and thrive. Thanks to you, thousands of KC students can now:
- Walk into class with a fresh smile, free from worry.
- Stay focused on lessons, not hygiene hurdles.
- Build friendships and join activities without holding back.
- Feel the dignity every child deserves.
At the Vox Theatre event, hosted by Nonprofit Connect, we shared laughs, stories, and gratitude for the amazing Kansas City community. Emceed with flair (as always), the evening reminded us that great marketing isn’t about flash—it’s about forging connections that fuel real change. We’re honored to stand among KC’s nonprofit trailblazers, and this Philly feels like a collective high-five to our entire community.
A Heartfelt Thank You—And an Invite to Keep the Momentum Going
To every donor, volunteer, leader, group, and sponsor who made Spring Showers a success: THANK YOU. Whether you dropped off one item or orchestrated a warehouse-worthy haul, you were the heartbeat of this success. Last night’s win is yours too.
Inspired to dive back in? Here’s how you can join the fun and keep the dignity flowing:
- Volunteer: Help sort and distribute at our Hygiene Hub—sign up at givingthebasics.org/
volunteer.
round.
Let’s carry this award-winning energy into next year’s Spring Showers Campaign —signups start
in January!
