“Growing up in Southeast Kansas, I have seen firsthand that rural communities are a vital piece of our nation’s social and economic fabric.”
“For me, a thriving rural community is one where people feel connected, supported, and valued. It’s a place where neighbors connect with one another, opportunities are.”
“Rural communities are beautiful places inhabited by resilient people, but they are also fragile in a way. Almost a quarter of America’s elderly and one in five children live in rural areas. I want the people who live in rural communities to know that they are important to America’s past and future.”
“To me, a thriving rural community is one where people have the opportunity to build the life they want in the place they love.”
“A thriving rural community is one where local assets are leveraged to ensure every person reaches their full potential — socially, economically, spiritually, and physically.”
“I believe providing access to quality healthcare and education is essential to supporting rural Missouri and Kansas.”
“Rural communities matter to me because they represent resilience, connection, and a deep sense of purpose.”
“I believe rural communities deserve recognition and advocacy because of the crucial contributions they make to society.”
“Thriving rural communities empower residents to paint visions for the next generations.”
“As a veteran, I commit myself to being a champion for positive change for all, and I am honored to be with an organization of committed, capable doers aligned to that mission.”
“Twenty percent of Americans live in rural America, but only six percent of philanthropy reaches them. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves with our rural partners to improve the future of rural life.”
“I’m proud to work with a team that’s supporting meaningful, lasting change in rural communities today and for future generations.”
“A thriving rural community is one that can sustain and strengthen its way of life. It can adapt without losing its grit or values, and its people can take pride in the legacy they carry forward.”
“To me, thriving means people lifting one another up, traditions enduring alongside innovation, and a shared resolve to create a place where the next generation can belong and prosper.”
“Thriving rural communities are built on strong relationships, shared values, and local pride. I’m committed to supporting the people and places that make rural life vibrant, resilient, and full of possibility.”
“A thriving rural community is one where people feel connected and supported, local traditions are valued, and opportunities allow families, farms, and businesses to grow and succeed together.”
“I believe that a thriving rural community is one where people have both the opportunity and the support to build meaningful lives across generations.”
The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.
