Kansas governor donates $150,000 from inauguration fund to nonprofits

Eight Kansas nonprofit groups are sharing more than $150,000 left over from Gov. Sam Brownback’s inaugural festivities.

Brownback wanted to use his inaugural ball in January to raise money for charity, then discovered that state law required any leftover funds go to upkeep of the governor’s mansion, Cedar Crest. The Legislature changed the law during this year’s session.

Of the slightly more than $150,000 raised but unspent, Brownback’s office says $50,000 has been donated to the Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved, while $35,000 went to rescue missions in Topeka, Emporia, Salina and Wichita.