metroMAGAZINE OCTOBER 2019 Issue

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science & heart THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF PEDIATRIC RESEARCH

ConneCting our Community

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Spiritofomaha.Com

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oCtoBer 2019

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in this ISSUE

connecting our community

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special edition

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SCIENCE & HEART the life-changing power of pediatric research

features

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THERE’S A LOT MORE TO KNOW

connecting to our legacies

about quality living, inc.

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THE BIG CONNECTION project harmony/papillion area lions club

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT omaha home for boys

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connecting to our commitments

THE BIG connection

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT the kim foundation

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT omaha’s henry doorly zoo & aquarium

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COMMUNITY SERVICE SPOTLIGHT tim & traci harrison

departments/columns

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28

connecting to our charities

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HE SAID • SHE SAID with pat & jt from parkville media

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connecting to our children

GAME CHANGERS • DEE BAIRD presented by planitomaha

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VIPS: VERY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE our series of continuing inspiring profiles

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HARRISON FINANCIAL SERVICES questions & answers

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ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS being you barefoot

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OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION omaha giving

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metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack

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VW LAW planning matters

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SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. todays savings

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connecting to our future

STEPHANIE VONDRAK impact!

events

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SCENE

connecting to our community service

highlights from recent charity & cultural events

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SAVE THE DATE upcoming charity & cultural events 4

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CRediTs OCTOBeR 2019 • VOL. 31 nO. 5 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.O. BOx 241611, OmaHa, ne 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@spiritofOmaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief andrea L. “andee” Hoig

Creative Collaboration access Consciousness elissa Joy

Editor/Creative Director Rob Killmer

debra s. Kaplan

Community Engagement

Harrison Financial svcs.

COnneCT@spiritofOmaha.com

Jim scholz

Special Thanks Printco graphics

Omaha Community Foundation

Kara schweiss Parkville media swartzbaugh-Farber & associates stephanie Vondrak d.d.s.

VW Law m ichael J. Weaver, J.d.

metromagazine is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. Thank you to all who support this endeavor.

OFFICE/SALES

402.932.3522 | sales@spiritofOmaha.com MISSION STATEMENT aLH Publications exists to inform, inspire and connect those who give back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy, recognizing the ongoing efforts of area businesses, organizations and individuals who better our community.

Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by aLH Publications, inc. in their entirety. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 1990 – 2019 aLH Publications, inc. all rights reserved.

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“We have generations of individuals that have passion, and generations that have need.

When those two meet, great relationships occur. metroMAGAZINE and The Giving Guide & Event Book consistently help connect and foster those relationships.” ~ NATE DODGE PResidenT, nP dOdge COmPany

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words FROM MY HEART

AN

mmagazine • LeTTeR fROm THe puBLiSHeR

amazing COMMUNITY

It’s that time of year…I love the fall season. Cooler temperatures, leaves bursting with color and charity events galore! As we get closer to celebrating 30 years of metroMAGAZINE, I am reminded of why we do what we do…to celebrate the giving spirit of our community! I recently spoke at an event and reminisced about how it all began. Bob Hoig, my dad and founder of Midlands Business Journal, began publishing Metro Monthly in 1990. I bought it from him in 1996 for $1.

(That may seem like a great deal but at the time the “newspaper”—not yet a magazine— was losing money.) I wanted to give it a go. In order to pay my bills I worked part-time at Omaha Steaks and the Visiting Nurses Association. I bartended in the evenings, I gave plasma twice a week and I made sure Metro Monthly got to the printer once a month.

It’s been a wild ride! Over the past 30 years I have met some amazing people, worked with some amazing nonprofits, shared their stories, reported on millions and millions and millions of dollars being raised for the greater good, and I’ve personally photographed hundreds(if not a thousand or more!) charity events.

As we prepare to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Giving Guide & Event Book and The BIG Event, we are asking our amazing community to get more involved in helping us honor individuals and businesses making a difference.

I encourage you all to nominate and vote for your favorite nonprofit event (see the notice displayed below for details!) On January 16th, at The BIG Event 2020, we will be recognizing your choices for amazing charity events and the following as well: • Outstanding Guild • Extraordinary Executive Director • Community Spirit Award for Small Business • Community IMPACT Award • Volunteer of the Year To nominate an event or award candidate, please go to our website SpiritofOmaha.com before October 31st. Voting for The BIG Event will begin on November 15th and runs through December 15th.

Thank you all for everything that you do to make our community such an amazing place to live!

andRea L. HOig ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com

ATE! THE D SAVE AGAZINE’S

M metro EVENT The BIG , 2020 1 ry 6 Janua Center esign D a h m Oma p 8 5pm –

With Ease & Joy, ~ ANDEE

2020

Voting runs November 15 – December 15!

Winners in each category will be honored at The BIG Event 2019!

*

The TOP VOTE-GETTING organization will WIN

Nominations accepted in these Categories through October 31st •BEST EVENT FOOD & SPIRITS •BEST WALK / RUN •BEST EVENT UNDER 500 •BEST EVENT OVER 500 •BEST EVENT OVER 1,000

Nominations accepted in these Categories through Dec. 15th: •Outstanding Guild •Extraordinary Executive Director •Community Spirit Small Business •Community Spirit IMPACT •Volunteer of the Year

•Nominate & Vote at SpiritofOmaha.com 7

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special EDITION

The need for pediatric research is all too apparent as you walk through Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s clinics and corridors. Too many children are battling serious diseases for which there are few therapeutic options and no effective treatments.

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THE breakthrough DISCOVERIES HAPPENING AT CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CHRI) HAVE A GLOBAL IMPACT IN transforming CHILDREN’S CARE. AT CHRI, BY RESOLVING OR FINDING CURES FOR DISEASES affecting THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY, WE SET NEW STANDARDS FOR excellence IN CHILD HEALTH FOR THE REST OF THE PEDIATRIC COMMUNITY; THEREFORE, WE STAND AS A GLOBAL leader IN CHILDREN’S CARE.

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~ LISA RUNCO DIRECTOR, CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

CHILDREN AT

heart

ReseaRch has the poweR to unlock mysteRies and RestoRe childhoods. sometimes it adds yeaRs, and sometimes it adds quality of life, but it’s always changing the lives of Real people foR the betteR. this means that ReseaRch is not a cold oR abstRact concept; ultimately, it is diRect and veRy peRsonal. an investment in pediatRic ReseaRch is an investment in childRen today and foR geneRations to come.

one of only three institutes at unmc. formalizing this collaboration has allowed both institutions to most effectively promote discovery and innovation to improve children’s health in the state of nebraska and become a global leader in child health research.

the purpose of chRi is to focus attention on the needs of children and to address them using the most innovative and collaborating for children transformative ways, driving small and large changes forward the child health Research institute (chRi) is an innovative to improve children’s health everywhere. an incubator and an partnership between children’s hospital & medical center accelerator for pediatric research, the institute is committed and university of nebraska medical center (unmc), launched to attracting and mentoring talent, fostering interconnection to change—and save—young lives. the board of Regents of between outstanding clinicians and committed investigators the university of nebraska established chRi on June 1, 2017, and training the next generation of child health as a university of nebraska medical center institute— researchers—all while advocating for children.

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sTory and iMagery provided CourTesy of CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

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scienceresearch & heart institute CHILD HEALTH c

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

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THE future OF PEDIATRICS LIES IN advancing THE FIELD, GOING TO THE forefront BY DEVELOPING new THERAPIES, TREATMENTS AND CURES.

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~ WILLIAM B. RIZZO, M.D. CHRI SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR

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CHILD HEALTH research institute

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science & heart RESEARCH This is an exciting time for pediatric research, where researchers now can sequence the entire genome from one single-cell to discover new gene defects and deliver effective gene therapies to correct those defects using direct gene editing. Computational health sciences can use large sets of clinical and translational data, along with artificial intelligence, to support precision medicine, personalizing the care and cures for each child, treating them with the right medicines and therapies based on their unique genetic code. CHRI is at the frontline of this cuttingedge research.

Research focus areas Child Health Research Institute researchers are pursuing their passion for discovery and carrying out leading-edge research in the following main areas of emphasis:

• Early Life Origins of Diseases and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities for Children

• Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Innovation for Childhood Cancer

spotlight don coulter, m.d.

CHRI CLINICIAN-RESEARCHER

as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, dr. coulter believes in the profound power of partnerships in pediatric cancer research. he is a researcher behind the development of the groundbreaking new p3 oncology protocol, a system that uses precision medicine, incorporating genomics and real-time tumor analysis into treatment planning.

the vision & mission The Child Health Research Institute has a clear vision, and to achieve that vision, researchers are focused on a single, ambitious mission.

• Innovation in Global Child Health Research • Improve Health and Health Care for Children

Vision: Improving the health of children everywhere.

Mission: To improve the health of children through innovative research, collaborative discovery and community engagement.

and Adolescents with Lifespan Diseases, including Research and Innovation in Children’s Heart Diseases

• Health Services and Policy Research to Improve Health and Health Care for Pediatric Populations

aiming for excellence By leveraging Omaha’s medical research community and its global reach, and by inspiring and supporting people to discover, CHRI researchers believe they can help make a real difference in improving the lives of children and their families. CHRI’s inspirational vison and mission have set the roadmap for high, but achievable strategic goals, including:

• Promoting an environment that attracts and cultivates present leaders while supporting the development of future leaders in child health research.

• Fostering, sustaining and integrating pediatric research across Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, University of Nebraska campuses and the communities they serve.

• Maximizing collaboration and resource-sharing to increase overall impact on child health research.

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core values: To support the vision and shape the culture, pediatric researchers are committed to living out core values:

• Listen • Include • Inspire • Empower • Communicate • Transform • Deliver • Excel

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

through chRi’s membership in the children’s oncology group, investigators are able to access the best and brightest minds in medicine to advance research. dr. coulter’s research also focuses on certain malaria medications and the impact they’re having on pediatric solid-cancer tumors. treating children with cancer is fundamentally different than treating adults. by focusing on decreasing toxicity and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medicine, children can be treated more appropriately with the safest options available, enhancing and increasing abilities to cure.

“MY FOCUS IS ON CANCER— AND ON COLLABORATION. I DON’T THINK RESEARCHERS SHOULD BE DOING ANYTHING IN ISOLATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE DEALING WITH DISEASES IN CHILDREN. WE SHOULD BE WORKING TOGETHER, AS A TEAM, BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT THESE KIDS AND THESE FAMILIES DESERVE.” ~ DON COULTER, M.D.

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special EDITION

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

spotlight chad abresch, ph.d.

spotlight james hammel, m.d.

• EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CITYMATCH

• DIVISION CHIEF, CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

• DIVISION CHIEF, CHILD HEALTH POLICY, UNMC DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS

as a cardiothoracic surgeon, dr. hammel is trained to know precisely how to care for kids undergoing open-heart surgery. to him, investment in research is an investment in outcomes, as clinical improvement is spurred by continuous quality improvement research. dr. hammel and all of children’s cardiac team collaborate with other institutions, partake in national surgical trials, including virtual trials— and feel this participation is integral to improving care. by participating in national databases and by sharing quality information, outcomes and study data, his team continues to advance the greater practice of medicine.

as executive director of citymatch, a program aimed at improving the lives of women, children and communities, dr. abresch’s research is focused on eliminating perinatal mother-to-child hiv transmissions. helping to fuel that progress is the best baby Zone, a project anchored in understanding how neighborhoods have a profound impact on a child’s health. by looking closely at policy and systems through the lens of improving birth outcomes and the ultimate goal of better child health, dr. abresch works to design communities and policies around this shared goal, implementing policy-level, long-term sustainable outcomes and clinical-level enhancements.

dr. hammel is currently using the national database to study best practices about how to improve outcomes for patients following the norwood procedure. he is also studying the efficacy of a surgical technique he helped to pioneer: flowing blood throughout the body during aortic arch reconstruction versus the more conventional practice of using deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest. his work will ultimately help prevent complications and enhance patient outcomes.

“CHRI REALLY THRIVES BECAUSE OF THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER AND UNMC’S DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS. TO BE ABLE TO LEVERAGE THE STRENGTHS OF TWO OF OUR STATE’S FUNDAMENTAL INSTITUTIONS IS IMPORTANT.”

“SURGEONS ARE, BY NATURE, PROBLEM SOLVERS. A RESEARCH SURGEON KNOWS HOW TO CONVERT AN IDEA INTO A QUESTION AND A QUESTION INTO A RESEARCH TOPIC—AND ACTUALLY PUTS THE TIME IN TO ANSWER IT.”

~ CHAD ABRESCH, PH.D.

~ JAMES HAMMEL, M.D.

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CHILD HEALTH research institute

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science & heart RESEARCH

spotlight william rizzo, m.d.

• CHRI SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR

william Rizzo, m.d., the nation’s foremost expert on sjögren-larsson syndrome (sls), is leading a phase-3 clinical study that could revolutionize the way doctors treat this yet untreatable disease. dr.

Rizzo is credited with discovering the cause of sls—an enzyme deficiency—more than two decades ago. the disease causes skin issues, developmental delays, seizures and some degree of leg spasticity. the drug under investigation, adX-102, is delivered in a topical cream to treat the skin conditions. if it proves effective on the skin, an oral preparation will be developed to treat the neurologic symptoms. phase 3, with sites in omaha and at yale university in connecticut, began in the summer of 2018 and is expected to continue until 2021.

“

WHAT’S cool ABOUT DOING PEDIATRIC RESEARCH IS—IF YOU MAKE A positive CHANGE IN A CHILD’S LIFE, IT HAS IMPLICATIONS FOR decades. YOU’VE BENT THE ARC OF history FOR THAT CHILD, AND THAT’S powerful.

”

~ RUSSELL MCCULLOH, M.D. CHRI CLINICIAN-RESEARCHER

“PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES ARE BECOMING MORE INTERESTED IN RARE DISEASES. THEY’RE LOOKING FOR ALTERNATE AREAS TO FOCUS ON. WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.” ~ WILLIAM B. RIZZO, M.D.

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CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

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RESEARCH

spotlight kari simonsen, m.d.

• CHRI CLINICIAN-RESEARCHER, DIVISION CHIEF OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem—and a primary research focus for CHRI investigator Dr. Simonsen. She continues to perform multi-center, industry-contracted, federally-funded, networked clinical trials to help bring new drugs to the market for pediatric use. She also works with a team to optimize care for children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a driver of severe respiratory illness, primarily in premature and other fragile infants. In addition, Dr. Simonsen’s research focuses on health care quality at a systems level by striving to understand why infections occur in hospital settings and what can be done to prevent them. She led a task force to develop policies and procedures to ensure that Children’s is prepared to assess a patient with Ebola.

“ONE OF THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES HERE AT CHRI IS FOR US TO REALLY SERVE AS AN INCUBATOR FOR INNOVATION.” ~ KARI A. SIMONSEN, M.D.

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CHILD HEALTH research institute

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science & heart RESEARCH spotlight

russell mcculloh, m.d.

• CHRI CLINICIAN-RESEARCHER , DIVISION CHIEF OF HOSPITAL MEDICINE, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

dr. mcculloh’s research is focused on ensuring acutely ill children with severe infections receive optimal treatment in order to heal in a timely manner. dr. mcculloh’s team developed a mobile app, pedsguide, a decision-support tool using evidence-based recommendations, to help improve decision-making in this area. using a systemized approach, his research helps providers think through what they should and shouldn’t do in order to make a child feel better. soon the pedsguide app will expand its proven approach to best practices in prescribing antibiotics and asthma care, helping providers make better choices for children.

“A LOT OF WHAT I DO IS FOCUSED ON IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE, WHICH BOILS DOWN TO HOW DO WE GET HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO CHANGE THE WAYS THEY PRACTICE TO BEST ADHERE TO EVIDENCE AND TO OPTIMIZE OUTCOMES?” ~ RUSSELL MCCULLOH, M.D.

meaghann shaw weaver, m.d. m.p.h.

• DIVISION CHIEF, PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

RESEARCH spotlight dr. shaw weaver says patient care compels her research—and research energizes her patient care. as the division chief of pediatric palliative care at children’s hospital & medical center, dr. shaw weaver’s research explores the impact of symptom burden on patient and family perceptions of wellness. her research areas include pediatric palliative care and hospice, patient-provider communication, integrative and complementary therapies, spirituality in health care and more.

“PALLIATIVE CARE RESEARCH, PARTICULARLY QUALITATIVE PALLIATIVE CARE RESEARCH, INTRIGUES AND ENERGIZES ME BECAUSE WE EXPLORE THE IMPACT OF SYMPTOM BURDEN ON PATIENT AND FAMILY PERCEPTION OF WELLNESS.” ~ MEAGHANN SHAW WEAVER, M.D., M.P.H.

RESEARCH spotlight

eric peeples, m.d.

• NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE

as a specialist in neonatal-perinatal medicine, dr. peeples’ research includes newborn brain imaging and monitoring. certain infant diseases are a result of low oxygen or blood flow to the brain at birth. dr. peeples’ research is focused on developing an effective supplemental therapy for such diseases like neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (hie). by doing so, the lives and developmental outcomes of more than 750,000 babies worldwide will benefit. his lab research seeks to decrease the effects of neonatal brain injury at the cellular level, while his clinical research aims to improve family bonding to their infants with brain injury, decreasing stress and improving overall well-being.

“IF WE COULD DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE SUPPLEMENTAL THERAPY FOR HIE, WE COULD SAVE THE LIVES AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES OF MORE THAN 750,000 BABIES AROUND THE WORLD EACH YEAR.” ~ ERIC PEEPLES, M.D. c

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

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spotlight on

• QUALITY LIVING INC.

THERE’S A lot to know ABOUT

PATRICIA KEARNS

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sTORy and phOTOgRaphy COuRTesy Of QUALITY LIVING INC.

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quality living inc.

A NEW REHABILITATION SPACE WILL HONOR BELOVED OMAHA PHILANTHROPIST MONA FAITH. Scoular Company’s charitable contribution to Omaha rehabilitation center QLI has life-changing impact for men and women recovering from catastrophic injury.

In June, QLI celebrated the remarkable legacy of Omaha philanthropist and beloved Scoular matriarch Mona Faith with a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly remodeled community space: the Mona Faith Kitchen at QLI. Thanks to generous support from Scoular, QLI began construction on the Mona Faith Kitchen in late 2018. Referred to by rehabilitation clients and families as a “dream kitchen,” the Mona Faith Kitchen sits within the heart of QLI’s brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation campus. The space’s universal accessibility maximizes QLI’s ability to provide functional therapy, host public and private events, and provide accommodations to families traveling from across the country.

QLI is honored to share the legacy and impact of Mona Faith’s generosity.

Mona Faith influenced QLI very early in the organization’s life, serving as a member of the company’s board of directors as the healthcare provider grew from a local skilled nursing facility to a national powerhouse in rehabilitation.

DR KIM HOOGEVEEN

“Mona always believed in the vision of QLI,” said Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, QLI’s founding president and ceo. “She was everything a fledgling organization could hope for in a board member: wise in her council, gracious with her time, and steadfast in her support. I like to think of the QLI of today as a reflection of our early board members. In the case of Mona Faith, that comparison places QLI in distinguished company.”

ABOUT QLI: QLI, in Omaha, Nebraska, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is nationally recognized as a leader in brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. QLI’s proprietary program combines medical excellence, a relentless culture, and highly individualized therapies to support the rediscovery of life passions and focus on the real-world skills needed to pursue them.

For more, find us online at http://www.QLIomaha.com.

THE FAITH FAMILY 17

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LEAD PHOTO BY JIM SCHOLZ

BIG connection

Project Harmony is a child advocacy center established to support child abuse victims as they are making their outcry. Papillion Area Lions Club has roared in response with an annual fund-raiser, one of many ways its members serve the community.

papillion area lions club: we serve for 13 consecutive years, the PaPillion area lions club has Presented a fun beer-tasting and food event that benefits an organization whose work is very serious. hops for harmony, which most recently took place this past June at werner Park baseball park in Papillion, featured more than 35 beer vendors and 11 food vendors serving more than 900 attendees on a pleasant summer evening. Papillion area lions club coordinates the event, with proceeds benefiting Project harmony, the local child advocacy center that provides support to children who are victims or suspected victims of neglect and abuse. “the success of the event is really the willingness of our food and beer partners to participate, our corporate sponsors, and we have a great committee with the Papillion area lions club,” said bob frederick, who co-chairs the event with fellow lion Mike knier and counts on 50 other lions to help out on event day. “it’s an outdoor event and people enjoy it because it’s low-key, you can mingle, so it’s like a big patio party,” he added, explaining that although it’s a rain-or-shine event, “we’ve lucked out with the weather every year.” hops for harmony started out as the omaha beer fest hosted by the nebraska stroke foundation from 2001 to 2005 with volunteer support from Papillion lions. after the nebraska stroke foundation discontinued the event, the Papillion area lions club took the helm under the new name and with a new

beneficiary. “i think we were the very first beer-tasting event in omaha,” frederick said. “from 2007 through this year, every year the Papillion area lions club does all the organization and puts it on as a benefit for Project harmony.” frederick, who has been with the Papillion area lions club 40 years and served in several leadership roles locally and beyond, said hops for harmony is just one of many activities the Papillion lions engage in throughout the year and one of hundreds of ways they’ve contributed to the community since the club was chartered in 1976.

“our international motto is ‘we serve,’and that pretty well sums it up. i feel humbled just to be part of an organization that wants to serve others. i don’t think pride has anything to do with it,” Molzer said. he added, with a chuckle, “the only way i would use the word ‘pride’is that when you have a group of lions, it’s a ‘pride’of lions.”

lions have long been associated with work for the blind and visually impaired, beginning when helen keller addressed the lions in 1925 and charged them to serve as “knights for the blind.”the Papillion club has been collecting glasses and hearing aids from its beginning, and since 1987 has been working with the decades of service Papillion-la vista school district to provide lions clubs international is an international vision screenings and assistance for children to service organization started in chicago in 1917 obtain eye exams and glasses. the club has

by Melvin Jones and headquartered today in expanded beyond lions kidsight usa oak brook, illinois. there are more than 1.7 foundation’s international program, which million members, called lions, in more than focuses on children age 6 months to 6 years, to 200 countries. include screenings for schoolchildren, said John willoz, current secretary and 32-year member, ken Molzer is a charter member of the Papillion who leads these efforts for the Papillion club. area lions club and has held numerous roles with the organization. “we do eye screenings for area schools and preschools. the numbers are amazing,”he said. “it “our club has grown from its infancy to probably quickly evolved to us screening 6,000 kids per one of the most active clubs you’ll find in the year. if we can catch things like strabismus, ‘lazy state,”he said. today, the club is around 150 eye’, early, it can be corrected so it’s not a members strong, more than five times the permanent lifetime problem.” number it started with. over 43 years, its members have raised around $1.4 million he estimates that as many as 600 local children ($72,000 last year alone) and contributed per year are identified as having impaired vision countless hours to support causes both close to through the screenings, which involve approximately 40 lions volunteering hundreds home and around the world.

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sTORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOgRAPHY COuRTEsY Of PROJECT HARMONY & PAPILLION AREA LIONS CLUB

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roaring in harmony

MEMBERS OF THE PROJECT HARMONY LEADERSHIP TEAM AND PAPILLION LIONS CLUB fROnT ROw: DEB ANDERSON, AMY CHISHOLM, KRISTI BERST, GENE KLEIN BACK ROw: MIKE KNIER, KAREN VAN BRIESEN, TOM VITAMVAS, COLLEEN ROTH, ANGELA ROEBER, BOB FREDERICK, STEVE ANDRASCHKO, AND JOHN WILLOZ

project harmony • papillion area lions club project harmony • papillion area lions club THE BIG CONNECTION

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THE BIG connection

project harmony • papillion area lions club Scholarships are awarded every year to Papillion-La Vista graduating seniors. The Papillion Area Lions Club also sponsors and supports student service organizations called Leo Clubs at the two high schools and two of the middle schools in the district, and also annually recognizes service-minded youth ages 12-18 through International Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards. In addition, the club has been actively involved in the local doing good in the community Lions Clubs are able to choose projects unique TeamMates Program, providing mentoring, financial support and leadership. Since 2011, to their communities. Tom Vitamvas, who Papillion and La Vista fifth-graders in the public joined Papillion Area Lions Club in 1988 and has served in many leadership positions, said, schools and St. Columbkille Catholic School “We see what the community needs are and try receive a keepsake paper copy of the text of the to involve ourselves in those needs, whatever U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, courtesy of the club. they may be. If you look at the international scene, there are eight areas Lions Club “If you just look at the history of what we’ve International is focusing on: vision, youth, done in the community, whether it’s disaster relief, humanitarian causes, diabetes, scholarships for students, whether it’s the eye hunger, childhood cancer and environment. As screenings, whether it’s working Halleck Park a club we take our lead from International and or Veterans Park, or setting up handicap ramps find things we can work with in the Papillion where there was a need; most all of that shows area that hone in on those focused areas.” the importance of what we do and that we’re viable,”Vitamvas said.

A new event called Stepping Up for Vets will take place on October 19 to raise funds for “One of the key things I like about Lions is that it veterans’ needs in the community. Another is totally nonpolitical. We focus on the very recent cause was flood relief. A sampling community,”Willoz said. “We support lots of of activities and projects specific to the different causes but far and away the bulk of Papillion area have included the annual what we do is local to our area. I think we’ve Graduate Safe lock-in celebration for high been fairly successful at that.” school seniors, a popular yearly spaghetti dinner fund-raiser, start-up funding for SumTur Most of the ideas for projects come from the Amphitheater, maintenance for Halleck and Lions themselves.

Veterans Memorial Parks, Walnut Creek Lakearea road cleanup, holiday assistance for Sarpy “If there is a need that is seen but is not being County families, and coat/hat/scarf/mitten addressed, that one or two Lions recognize, we look at what we can do to help,” Knier said. drives for children. of hours every year. Other vision-related activities for the club include assisting individuals with low vision through the Weigel-Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation, supporting Radio Talking Book Service, and assisting Special Olympics’ Opening Eyes project that serves visually challenged athletes.

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“It’s what we’ve given back to the community but also what we’ve given to members,” Frederick said. “We’re large enough that they can hone in on what their interests are; there are so many different areas to get involved in so they can make a difference, not only to the Papillion area but for the state and international.”

‘grrreat’ things happen The Papillion Area Lions Club meets the third Thursday of each month, and board members attend an additional monthly meeting.

Members make sure they have some social time at each meeting in addition to several holiday-related social events each year, and Lions like to make meetings enjoyable occasions, Molzer said. He’s the current “Tail Twister” for the club—something like a sergeant-at-arms but with a spirit of fun.

Molzer is also the person who introduced the club mascot SNOIL (“Lions” spelled backward and an acronym for Serving Never Overwhelms Interested Lions), a large stuffed toy lion who’s been to various district, state and international conventions and carries many mementos of its adventures over several decades.

“It’s been kidnapped by other clubs for ransom.

It’s had so many tokens put on it that we had to put another knapsack on it,” Molzer said.

The club’s banner highlights the fact that the word “lion” is naturally imbedded in the community of Papillion’s name, a coincidence that is nonetheless particularly fitting.

“I am most proud of being part of an organization that is so focused on community

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roaring in harmony service. It feels good but there’s also great fellowship, we’re all together doing great things for people in the community,” Knier said.

“We’re all one club…we’re all Lions,” Molzer said.

“I always tell people that when Lions roar, ‘grrreat’ things happen!”Vitamvas said.

•••

PHOTOgRAPHY BY WILSON

“

i have served as the superintendent of the papillion la vista community schools since 2013, and i am also a PROUD MEMBER of the papillion lions club. the PARTNERSHIP between our school district and our local lions club is simply OUTSTANDING. we’ve partnered on projects ranging from vision screening for students to winter coat and glove drives for needy FAMILIES. i couldn’t be prouder of the RELATIONSHIP we have with the lions. we couldn’t do our job without them. ‘GRRRR!’

“

~ ANDY RIKLI SUPERINTENDENT, PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

“

our papillion area lions club has done a TERRIFIC job leading the charge and working with other organizations like our papillion la vista schools foundation to address IMPORTANT needs of our community as well as TACKLING some NATIONAL issues like hearing, diabetes, environment, pediatric cancer, youth development and more. our lions membership LIVE the lions mission ‘WE SERVE’ in EVERY part of their daily lives and i am proud to be a member.

“

~ JOHN ERICKSON PAST PRESIDENT, PAPILLION AREA LIONS CLUB; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PAPILLION LA VISTA SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

“

i am very APPRECIATIVE of the papillion area lions club. they are one of our CRITICALLY important civic organizations that help create ‘community.’ people find a natural CONNECTION to build strong relationships in lions for the BENEFIT of the community. besides what lions TYPICALLY do, the papillion lions have also adopted our veterans park, a SPECIAL place that honors all sarpy county veterans. additionally, their annual HOPS FOR HARMONY event supports local business while raising funds for project harmony which helps children in our COMMUNITY that are victims of abuse. papillion is a BETTER place because of the papillion area lions club’s focus on SERVING the community and MEETING needs of those less fortunate.

“

~ DAVID P BLACK MAYOR, CITY OF PAPILLION project harmony • papillion area lions club THE BIG CONNECTION

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THE BIG connection

roaring in harmony •••project harmony: a new path to healing “PROjECT HARMONY WAS VERY SMALL WHEN I STARTED. I WAS EMPLOYEE NUMBER FIVE. IT WAS STILL AN IDEA AT THE TIME AND HAD jUST STARTED TAKING SOME BIG STEPS FORWARD IN BRINGING MORE AGENCIES INTO THE COLLABORATION,” SAID ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR GENE KLEIN, NOW IN HIS 18TH YEAR WITH THE ORGANIzATION.

Bryan Boeskin, senior director of the National Children’s Alliance in Washington, D.C., expressed similar praise: “Project Harmony is one of the most progressive and innovative children's advocacy centers in the country… they are demonstrating what a world-class children’s advocacy center should look like.”

a better solution It all looks very different now.

“Today we have about 280 professionals that work on our campus. We are a child advocacy center that was established to provide a response to child abuse victims as they are making their outcry. We have a collaborative team of professionals from across multiple agencies that coordinate that response and ensure the victims and their families are supported through the investigative process,” Klein said. “We also have significant effort on early intervention and the prevention of child abuse and neglect and have programs and services in the community in partnership with the schools and behavioral health and social services agencies across the community.”

Project Harmony is now one of the five largest child advocacy centers in the nation. “We share what we’re doing and we borrow from others so we’re constantly learning and evolving and innovating,” Klein said. And now Project Harmony is held up as a positive role model to similar organizations.

“Gene Klein and Project Harmony are the gold standard,” Lisa Mizell, CEO and executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Kansas City, has said. “They are the cutting edge, setting the pace for the rest of us.”

His club supports the organization through an annual fundraiser, Hops for Harmony.

“From where we were at a little over 20 years ago now, it’s a tremendous difference. The level of talent and professionalism of all involved— collaborating together—allows us to move cases forward easier,” Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said. “Which, in turn, has helped bring justice to a lot more families.”

It all started in the 1990s when a group of community professionals and advocates recognized the need to find a better solution for “Project Harmony has done an incredible job,” said Project Harmony Board Chairman Erin how the system managed child abuse and Owen, who’s been a board member since 2015 neglect cases. but was familiar with the organization through her father jim Fogarty’s involvement as a “I think most would agree that the systems communications consultant in the earliest days. weren’t coordinated. Each did their own “The work is hard and heavy, but there are many investigations requiring children to go from agency to agency repeating their abuse outcry. success stories and I feel that kids and families in Omaha have access to one of the best child Families really were stressed going through that process,” Klein said. “Or it didn’t happen; advocacy centers in the country.” the handoff from agency to agency wasn’t occurring and families or children would get A team of law enforcement, social services, lost in the process. So the goal here was really medical and referral professionals work together to create a whole new system for how we work to provide response services in the several areas. across government agencies and nonprofits to The Triage Center, a partnership between Child ensure that victims of child abuse get the best Saving Institute and Project Harmony, provides from all the organizations.” children in crisis with food, clothing and other items needed—all in a supportive, safe Legislative Bill 1184 was introduced in 1992, environment until a caregiver is secured. facilitating the creation of multidisciplinary Secondly, case coordination is managed by teams for the investigation and treatment of specialists who support collaboration between child abuse and neglect. Project Harmony individuals and agencies involved in abuse and launched in 1996. neglect investigations and monitor subsequent treatment and safety plans. A third area, children “The history of Project Harmony is amazing, how the initial board had a vision for what they and family services, encompasses a host of assistive activity including forensic interviews, wanted to accomplish and how that’s developed over the last 23 years,” Bob Frederick, medical exams, family advocacy, mental health a member of the Papillion Area Lions Club, said. support, and services for missing youth.

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project harmony • papillion area lions club PHOTOgRAPHY COuRTEsY Of PROJECT HARMONY

“We don’t like it, but every day in communities across the country, children are victims of abuse and neglect. We know it happens and we are trying to stop it from happening, but in the meantime those children and families need support,” Owen said. “And when crimes happen, children need a safe place to go where they will have people dedicated to their well-being and healing.”

prevention and recognition As Project Harmony has grown, a new objective has emerged: preventing child abuse and neglect.

“In 2007, the board added to the mission statement that we’re here to also end child abuse and neglect. We’re not just an organization that’s responding and coordinating the system, but it’s with a goal toward ending child abuse and neglect,” Klein said. “That’s a pretty bold statement and it did change a lot of the programming that we offer today. At one time 100 percent of the families we were serving were making an outcry of abuse or neglect. Today it’s 50 percent. The other 50 percent are in a prevention or earlyintervention focus, before something’s happened.

PROJECT HARMONY’S PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION® CAMPAIGN

“I think the feeling was, ‘How are we ever going to get ahead of this if we don’t get creative about how we can get upstream with some of these families, before there’s been abuse or neglect?’”

The organization was originally housed in a warehouse building at 71st and F Streets. In 2010, everything moved west to a more suitable and flexible facility.

THERE ARE SEVEN CHILD ADVOCACY CENTERS IN THE STATE AnD 850 CEnTERs THROugHOuT THE COunTRY sERving 350,000 CHiLDREn COLLECTivELY EACH YEAR

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THE BIG connection

project harmony • papillion area lions club PHOTOgRAPHY COuRTEsY Of PROJECT HARMONY

“When we moved to the current property on 120th and Q, immediately the expansion started. We went maybe from 100 people at that other building to 200 at this building, and throughout the last 10 years we’ve just been continually adding to the mix. I would say the growth has been drastic,” Klein said. “The volume of cases that we’re serving has also been growing. In 2002 we were serving 300 children a year. Last year, it was 5,700 children.

Many will ask, ‘Is there more abuse? Why is there such an increase?’Well, the number served includes prevention.”

More cases are also being reported, he added.

PROJECT HARMONY RELIES ON DONATIONS FROM THEIR WISH LIST TO givE KiDs THE iTEms THAT THEY nEED AnD DEsERvE

“We believe they were always there, but the culture has changed around reporting. We’ve done a tremendous amount of training around schools and social services agencies and investigators and responders to know what to look for and to be as competent as we can in responding to a child who may have been abused or neglected. I think our system is much stronger today than it was.”

The “it’s none of my business, let the family work it out” response of the past is diminishing as people recognize the horror of abuse and neglect, Klein said.

PROJECT HARMONY ACKNOWLEDGES DONORS Of $250 OR mORE On THEiR nEw BE sOmEOnE wALL

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“The culture isn’t hiding that message anymore; when that culture says ‘that’s not okay’ enough, children are also empowered to come forward and share what’s going on,” he said. “We’ve seen the impact that keeping this in the dark has had on people and it can be lifelong. We believe that if we can get the help to the family and a child quickly and early in the process and the extent of the abuse isn’t so severe,

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Editor’s note: See additional coverage related to these events and organizations in our SCENE section beginning on page 43 of this issue COnTinuED

• mmAgAzinE

PHOTOgRAPHY BY WILSON

roaring in harmony the resiliency and the recovery is much, much of our own employees so they have the greater. People heal when they’ve seen a good resilience to serve families the next day.” response and they’re connected to the right bringing our best resources.”

Despite all the growth, the fundamentals Ideally, however, abuse and neglect would not behind Project Harmony’s founding remain the happen in the first place, he said. “We still have same as they did in 1996, Klein said. work to do.”

“We have three culture statements that have been there since the beginning. The first is, “Abuse follows a child into adulthood. Even ‘We’re all Project Harmony.’ So even though people who get the help they need through Project Harmony can still have lingering issues. there are multiple agencies, governmental and nonprofits that work under one campus, we’re I think about the kids that don’t have Project Harmony and didn’t get the help, didn’t get a all in this together. The second culture statement is, ‘When it comes to children, we chance to step forward and say ‘something don’t compromise.’We do everything we can to happened to me,’” Owen said. make sure they get the best from everyone.

There are still future goals to achieve, Klein said. And the last statement is, ‘We bring our best every day.’”

“Continuing to get to children and families before maltreatment may have occurred and to Owen emphasized that community members can support Project Harmony in multiple ways: make sure our nonprofit and human services direct donations; attending fundraising events community is able to serve those in the least restrictive manner possible is critical,” he said. throughout the year like Hops for Harmony “We’ve also invested more in data and research (summer), the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day golf tournament (fall), and the Speaking of and technology to get us to be more efficient Children Luncheon & Conference (spring); or and more precise in the work that we do.” joining the organization’s service league. More The people who work for the organization also information is available on the website at projectharmony.com. It’s also important that need continuing support, he added. people recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect, she added.

“We also believe that our work is impossible without really great employees who are trained and engage and empowered to do their jobs “Project Harmony cannot do this alone,” she said.

“Even though we have received wonderful every day, so we put a lot of emphasis on employee development and helping our staff support from the community, we still need manage their own reactions to what they see more people to be aware of the problem.” every day,” Klein said. “It can take a toll on Klein agreed that Project Harmony needs the those who do this work, so significant emphasis is placed on the wellness and health support of the community.

“There are public partners we don’t exist without, from local law enforcement and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ child protective services division to the county attorneys’ offices—they are critical to the processing of these cases and really are the backbone of what we do,” he said. “We’re also fortunate to live in Omaha and be part of a community which is incredibly philanthropic and generous, from the Papillion Area Lions Club—I would call them out; they’ve embraced the mission and work of Project Harmony, as have many service-related clubs—to the many families and individuals who support our events and annual appeals to make sure nothing falls through the cracks for the children who are coming through these doors.

“On any given day we have about 20 children who are walking through the doors with their families, who are going through probably one of the darkest days that they’ve had so far. We are grateful that the community supports and believes in this, so their day when they walk out is a little bit brighter and they’re on a new path to healing.”

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spotlight on

• OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS

• mmagazine

100 years of life-changing journeys • OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS What started as an orphanage for wayward boys in October 1920 has gone on to change and save the lives of thousands of young men and women across the state of Nebraska. Omaha Home for Boys looks forward to celebrating its 100year anniversary in 2020. As this momentous milestone approaches, the Home is taking a look at some of the lives that have been transformed through their connection with the mentors and programs at Omaha Home for Boys. One such individual is Shawnda.

Shawnda’s journey “When I think about my life before I came to Omaha Home for Boys, it was terrible,” said Shawnda. “I don’t even know how to explain it.”

Today, Shawnda is a proud graduate of the Jacobs’ Place program but she hopes to stay involved by continuing to mentor other young women who are walking the same path that she once faced.

“I’ve been through a lot and I’ve seen a lot, so I love to share my stories with the other girls in the program so that they hopefully don’t have to go through the same things,” said Shawnda.

When Shawnda thinks about how far she’s come from the frustrating, unstable life she had just a year ago, a radiant smile spreads across her face.

At just 18 years old, Shawnda had already faced many trials and tribulations. On the brink of adulthood, she was at odds with her family and found herself bouncing around from place to place. She didn’t have a stable place to live and lacked positive mentors in her life. Shawnda struggled to find steady employment, describing her life at the time as stressful and very frustrating.

Shawnda thought things might be better if she moved out of the area for a bit, but she soon realized that her struggles were not defined by geography. When she returned to the Omaha area, a friend from high school who was living at Omaha Home for Boys introduced her to Jacobs’ Place, the Home’s transitional living program. Shawnda’s friend explained to her how helpful the program was, so Shawnda decided to apply to the program. Shortly after applying, she became a resident at Jacobs’ Place.

Omaha Home for Boys’ staff set right to work helping Shawnda set goals, which ultimately included getting her own apartment, gaining steady employment and getting a car. Shawnda began taking small steps every day towards achieving her goals. She completed all of the independent living training classes such as cooking, budgeting, grocery shopping and car care and even completed 100 hours of volunteer work.

Eventually Shawnda was able to achieve one of her main goals when she gained stable employment at a local sandwich shop and she found the Home’s assistance with transportation to be one of the most helpful resources offered to her.

“I’m so thankful that I was able to get rides from the staff if my shift ended after the bus stopped running or get bus passes from OHB when I was running low,” said Shawnda.

With steady employment accomplished, Shawnda set her sights on getting her own apartment. She successfully completed the My First Place course at Jacobs’ Place during which she learned how to budget for and maintain an apartment.

Staff assisted Shawnda in applying for housing assistance and helped her shop at Youth Mart for apartment furnishings. On July 12 of this year another one of Shawnda’s dreams was realized when she was handed the keys to her own apartment.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion the day I moved into my apartment,” said Shawnda. “I tried to keep calm but I was so excited that I was just jumping up and down. I hope the people below me couldn’t hear me!”

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“I feel so much better about myself now,” said Shawnda. “Last year I was a mess.

I’m so much happier than what I was. If I wouldn’t have gotten into this program, I don’t know what I would have done.”

Rich history, bright future Omaha Home for Boys was founded on October 12, 1920, after the Chamber of Commerce recognized the need for a safe place to send orphaned and neglected boys. Tinley L. Combs, a prominent jeweler and Chamber of Commerce president, thought the project would be appropriate for a group he was affiliated with, the Masons. Combs, along with 11 other businessmen belonging to various Masonic lodges, founded a nonprofit, non-denominational safe haven for boys.

Larger facilities were soon needed and George W. Megeath approached the board about the use of the Megeath family home at 2137 South 33rd Street. The mansion was donated to the Home and in April 1923 the boys moved into the Megeath House.

In 1943 discussions began regarding another move. A proposal was adopted to build five cottages on a new site located at 52nd Street and Ames Avenue. In 1945, the Home’s residents moved to cottage life on “Inspiration Hill.” Dormitory life gave way to the brand-new brick cottages under the watchful eye of a housemother. 52nd and Ames remains the Home’s main campus location today.

In the 1950s Omaha Home for Boys became a model for other similar organizations when they pioneered the change from single housemothers taking care of the boys to married house parents caring for them in a family atmosphere.

This model continues today.

In 1994 the Home launched its Jacobs’ Place Transitional Living program and in 2010 the Branching Out Independent Living program began operation. Both programs serve young men and women, connecting them with basic life-skills training, education, employment, housing and transportation. Last year alone these programs aided more than 300 young adults.

Today, Omaha Home for Boys continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of youth, young adults and families in Nebraska. Last year saw the launch of two new programs that meet critical needs in our community, Supportive Housing and Clinical Services. Both programs have expanded the continuum of care provided to clients at the Home. mmagazine • OCTOBeR 2019

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game CHANGERS

“

• presented by

called

MY HEART WAS TO THE WORK AND NOW I GET TO DO IT EVERY DAY. NO

regrets.

”

~ SUSAN KOENIG

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stOry by KARA SCHWEISS | phOtOgraphy by JIM SCHOLZ

• mmagazine

Susan Koenig had been a successful attorney for more than two decades when she decided to make a major career shift into a newly emerging field. now she guides others in a whole new way.

SUSAN KOENIG

no regrets PRESENTS

game changers

• SUSAN KOENIG

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no regrets THERE ARE many reasons to make a career change, like nebraska supreme court. those cases for rights of burnout, needing greater challenges and same-sex couples and parents were some of the opportunities, or even wanting to make highlights of my legal career.” more money. but none of those factors applied when susan koenig changed koenig said treading new waters wasn’t easy but careers in 2004. at the time, koenig was she knew it was important work. leading a team of lawyers in a firm she had founded more than 20 years prior, “being true to myself meant being brave and and she still loved her work. sometimes doing things that were not popular, whether it was being an advocate against domestic “i had finally learned how to be successful financially violence or taking a stand for the gay parent 30 and had developed my reputation when i decided to years ago. being willing to be courageous and really move into something no one had ever heard of. and lead from the heart has served me well,” she said. i had no clients,” she said with a laugh. for koenig, “it’s helped me find the right people to partner with the motivation to change careers was simply to in the law firm. now we attract talent that has a lot move from something she loved to something she of heart and a lot of courage, and that’s what loved even more. “my encore career is as an enables us to practice in an area of law a lot of other executive life coach. my heart was called to the work lawyers run from. we have a vision of making and now i get to do it every day. no regrets.” change in the legal experience in a wholehearted, real way.”

Important work after earning her bachelor’s degree at drake university in des moines, koenig, a native omahan, went on to northeastern university school of law in boston for her law degree. she returned to omaha to found the firm that is now koenig | dunne.

Unexpected opportunity koenig said she was always open to the idea of learning more and doing more, even after realizing substantial success as an attorney and doing meaningful work. it led her to an opportunity she never saw coming.

as coach koenig (coachkoenig.com), koenig works with executives, other professionals and business teams to help them determine, set and achieve professional and personal goals; “to empower successful people to reach extraordinary results.” one of those teams is her own law firm. “i’ve coached everyone at the firm from the people who work the front desk to the managing partner. i am really lucky to still get to be a partner in the law firm, and now i get to guide the law firm on its future,” she said. “we’re growing and we’re continuing to be increasingly engaged in the community, and we love being part of little bohemia’s resurgence. this is an exciting time to be part of the firm.” the firm is located on south 13th street; she lives on the second floor and throws the occasional rooftop party where guests enjoy a downtown view. koenig grew up in “little italy,” within walking distance from where she lives and works now. the back of the building features a two-story work by father-and-daughter muralists richard harrison and rebecca harrison. “it has images of the past, present and future of this neighborhood. it’s quite beautiful.”

“the firm started with me as a solo practitioner in 1983 and now we’re a team of 10 lawyers,” she said. “i was attending a professional development course Engaged in the community koenig also supports the arts through organizations when i first learned what coaching was,” she she’s still senior partner, of counsel, today and is from amplify arts to her alma mater omaha south explained. it appealed to her instantly, and after proud of her accomplishments over the decades. some research she sought professional certification high’s drama department. she’s also a trustee for “i am the founder of a woman-owned law firm which through the sacramento, california-based academy the omaha business ethics alliance. plus, she helps several nonprofits through her work. is now the largest law firm in nebraska dedicated to of coaching excellence, an accredited, leading provider in the field. the idea—starting out—was doing divorce,” koenig said. “in my years practicing “i really love coaching nonprofit leaders, so that’s to enhance her law career. law, handling some landmark cases in the area in one way i get to serve the community. that’s lgbtQ rights has been really important; the most something i’d like to do more of; when i look at significant being when the firm was co-counsel with “but once i started coaching people, i loved it so much. and then it was, ‘uh-oh.’ i thought, ‘this is all future career goals i’d like to expand that part of my nebraska aclu (american civil liberties union) on practice,” she said, adding that even at her busiest, i want to do,’” she said. “being then trained as a the freedom-to-marry case for same-sex couples that was brought in nebraska. that was the pinnacle coach, i knew very well how to set goals, so i began she finds a way to give back. “it’s the same principle that guides us in our choices of where we focus our setting goals to transition from being a full-time of a series of cases that our firm handled and that i energy: what gives your life meaning? what brings lawyer to being a full-time coach.” argued in the nebraska court of appeals and the

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• mmagazine

SUSAN KOENIG

“

WHEN I LOOK back, I SEE THAT THE coaching ASPECTS OF LAWYERING WERE WHAT I loved MOST ABOUT DOING DIVORCE LAW.

”

~SUSAN KOENIG

you joy? what are the relationships that matter to you? if you keep asking those questions you’ll see you’re willing to make a choice of where to invest in these opportunities to be engaged in your community.” nebraska aids project is one nonprofit that has a special and personal meaning for her. “for more than 20 years i’ve been a supporter of nap. every year they have their night of a thousand stars fundraiser and i host my own party to support that in memory of my brother tim, who died of aids,” she said. tim died in 1994. in 2011, koenig’s husband John mixan died of cancer. in 2013, koenig was a tedxomaha speaker. the topic? “the energy of eulogy.” “there are seasons of your life,” koenig said, happy to share that she’s found love again and that her relationship with her two grown sons, who live in brooklyn and sacramento, is strong. “i love that they live in great places to visit, and i get them home for the holidays,” she said. “right now i feel like i’m living a charmed life. not every season is like that, so i am so very grateful. a client once shared this: ‘everything will be okay in the end. if it’s not okay, it’s

PRESENTS

This special feature is sponsored by planitomaha. planitomaha is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom but the community.

not the end.’ i try to remember that when times are dark or hard, and it’s served me well.”

“Welcome to now that she’s been in the business for 15 years, koenig said, she sees that executive coaching is not as far removed from practicing law as people might think. “when i look back, i see that the coaching aspects of lawyering were what i loved most about doing divorce law. you ask questions like ‘what is the life you want to have now? what are the action steps you need to take to get there? what support would be helpful? how do you stay true to your values as you’re moving in that direction?’” she said. “these were the values we established our law firm under and that’s what i always loved; it was always about the relationship. the law was a tool necessary to have, but it was really about helping people have the life they want and remembering what’s important, like your children or your integrity… our (law firm’s) mission is to guide with grit and grace, to seek with courage and clarity, divorce with love and logic, and stand with strength and support. that’s exactly what a coach does, so the values are very similar.”

game changers

• SUSAN KOENIG

”

one of the largest and most prestigious meeting planning firms in the midwest omaha magazine B2B winners since 2008 national, regional and local meetings and events nationally recognized as a leader in the meetings & event industry supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitomaha has been providing event and meeting management solutions for twenty years. we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism. while proudly located in the midwest, our crazytalented event team works from new york to la and everywhere in the middle.

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spotlight on

• MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION

• mmagazine

the kim FOUNDATION

the kim foundation A SUPPORTIVE RESOURCE AND COMPASSIONATE VOICE FOR LIVES TOUCHED BY MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUICIDE

THE KIM FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mental illness touches us all in some way at some time. It crosses all socioeconomic boundaries, does not discriminate, and comes with sobering statistics.

One in five adults in America experiences a mental health condition. On average, someone dies by suicide in our country every 13 minutes.

How do we respond as loved ones and as a community? How do we bring light to darkness? It takes a village that’s present, united and compassionate to change how we view mental health, eliminate deep-rooted stigma, and instill hope. That’s the drive behind The Kim Foundation.

Work toward change Larry Courtnage founded the nonprofit organization in 2001 in honor of his daughter, Kim, who lived with mental illness and ultimately took her life. In navigating a then-broken mental health system, he was frustrated by the bureaucracy, red tape and barriers to treatment. He wanted to help others avoid what his family experienced through Kim’s struggle and journey.

With a staff and an active board of directors, The Kim Foundation strives to bring mental health and suicide prevention forward. And through its example, it’s helped to build a collaborative response from the community at large.

Awareness through outreach The Kim Foundation serves as a communication link and educational resource across the Omaha metropolitan area and Nebraska. Through its annual fundraising event, A Voice for Hope & Healing, the foundation delivers presentations to civic and service organizations, churches, and various community groups year-round at no cost.

With key partners, the foundation hosts the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference, offering tools and resources to better serve youth. And a public awareness campaign, “13minutes”, focuses specifically on saving lives through suicide prevention, including work with local school systems, parents and students.

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phone: (402) 891-6911 Strengthening the response The Kim Foundation leads numerous email: info@thekimfoundation.org collaborations, including the Local social: Facebook, Twitter Outreach to Suicide Survivors Team, web: www.thekimfoundation.org which brings immediate support to survivors of suicide, and the Metro Area address: 13609 California St., Omaha, NE 68154 Suicide Prevention Coalition. The foundation also supports crisis response initiatives for first responders.

Looking forward Moving the needle toward greater understanding, compassion and mental health funding are also priorities. Through speaking engagements at national conferences, advocacy in our state and nation’s capitals, and contributions toward research, The Kim Foundation works to shape the mental health landscape in Nebraska and across the country.

Annual event: A Time For Hope And Healing Now in its seventh year, A Time for Hope and Healing raises broad awareness, inspires change, and supports its programs and initiatives. Last year’s keynote speaker was former congressman and mental health advocate Patrick Kennedy.

The foundation’s 2019 event will feature Modern Warrior Live: The Story and Sound of a Combat Veteran’s Journey, to be held November 1 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The autobiographical production complemented by musical performances brings attention to the psychological weight of war, challenges faced after war, and potential for positive growth.

The work of The Kim Foundation is far-reaching and life-changing, and continues every day. Because with help comes hope and with hope comes healing. mmagazine • OCTOBeR 2019

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• mmagazine

spotlight on

• OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM

omaha zoo FOUNDATION When a child watches the amusing antics of ring-tailed lemurs or gazes into the eyes of an Amur leopard, a connection is made that can last a lifetime.

When you support the Omaha Zoo Foundation, you’re helping to ensure connections like these are made each and every day, and that future generations will live in a world that thrives with wild animals. We are deeply committed to helping people learn about animals and to inspiring action on behalf of our world’s vanishing species.

Each year at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, more than 1.9 million guests connect with animals and take part in a growing commitment to help conserve wild animals around the world.

Omaha’s Zoo is a center for environmental education and a refuge for animals that are in danger of extinction. From the majestic African elephant and the northern white rhino to the aye-aye lemur, your zoo is a catalyst for species survival.

Your support will help meet the need to expand our educational impact throughout the region, provide specialized care for animals at the zoo, and even help return endangered animals to the wild. Your generosity will help continue a legacy of connecting people, animals and the natural world.

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omaha zoo foundation THE OMAHA ZOO FOUNDATION SEEKS TO ADVANCE SUPPORT OF OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM

BY RAISING THE FUNDS NECESSARY TO ENSURE A GROWING, VIBRANT ZOO WELL INTO THE FUTURE.

phone: (402) 738-2073 email: info@omahazoofoundation.org web: www.omahazoofoundation.org address: 3701 S 10th St., Omaha, NE 68107

Giving Opportunities • Support our animal care fund by making an annual gift or adopting an animal • Become a Patron Member • Make a gift to help build and renovate exhibits • Support the expansion of educational programs • Participate in conservation initiatives that touch the most remote habitats of the globe • Build the future of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium by supporting our endowment • Become a docent and volunteer to help inspire countless visitors every day

mmagazine • OCTOBeR 2019

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giving together • TIM AND TRACI HARRISON

spotlight on

• mmagazine

• TIM AND TRACI HARRISON

IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE IN NEED, THERE ARE THREE BASIC WAYS TO GIVE: TIME, TALENT OR TREASURE. TIM AND TRACI HARRISON HAPPEN TO BE DOING ALL THREE. Tim and Traci Harrison have served many nonprofit and community organizations in numerous roles over the years, and they consider this service to be part of their family’s legacy and purpose. As they teach their children about the many ways families, couples and individuals can give, they’re also carrying on a giving spirit established by the families they come from.

Tim’s father Lou, for instance, not only encouraged his children to give back, but set an example through service to organizations like Lions Club and the YMCA. His father’s dedication and his gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in his community left a lasting impact on his children, Tim said. And as an adult, he’s adopted a similar philosophy about giving back.

“Giving back is a form of gratitude for what you’ve been given in life,” Tim said. Today he’s the founder and CEO of Harrison Financial Services, a wealth management company. But in the late 1990s he was a young man from modest means working on his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) while holding down a full-time job.

A scholarship aided him in sustaining his efforts.

“It was really helpful and it made a difference. It made me feel like other people were willing to invest in my success,” he said.

Now he believes it’s his turn to empower others.

“If I had to narrow it down, I think it’s just helping people get a hand up—not a handout, if you will—in life and helping them take that next step,” he said.

Volunteering as a team Traci Harrison (formerly Sayers) graduated from UNO with a bachelor’s degree in international business in 2000. Although her and Tim’s time at UNO overlapped briefly and they both were in the business program, they didn’t have classes or activities together (“At least we don’t think we did,” Traci said.). They met outside of college and married in 2003.

They recall volunteering together for the United Way early in their relationship, the first of many joint efforts. “We’ve been involved with the Salvation Army, as a couple, for years,”Tim said, explaining that they’ve put in time as chairs and committee members for various projects like the D.J.’s Hero Awards, the Red Kettle Run, the Tree of Lights Campaign, and most recently, the William Booth Society.

They’ve served UNO both together and separately on scholarship and alumni boards and the 2009 centennial celebration. Another common cause is childhood cancer, also a cause championed by Harrison Financial Services and the entire Northwestern Mutual family. The Harrisons have been part of Sammy’s Superheroes advisory board and raised money through various events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Pediatric Cancer Network, The Kim Foundation and other groups.

Individually, they’ve donated time, board service and support to organizations as diverse as Iowa Western Community College, JDRF, Catholic Charities, Boy Scouts, and Completely KIDS. “These causes are mostly based on education, giving people a hand up in life, and providing opportunities that others who have had misfortune in life may not have had otherwise,”Tim said.

The next generation Ten years ago, the couple founded the annual Tim & Traci Harrison Scholarship at UNO. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in the College of 34

Business Administration; have a concentration in investment science, finance or accounting; demonstrate financial need; and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater. Preference is given to candidates who are working through college, like both Harrisons did.

“I needed a hand up in life in college myself...and I was able to use this opportunity to create what we have today. Sometimes one thing, one opportunity at the right time can make all of the difference. We want to pay it forward and spread this gift with others,”Tim said. The Harrisons have met past scholarship recipients and are enjoying seeing them launch careers and serve the community.

The couple’s daughter Lauren and son Blake, now 14 and 12, have not only learned about giving back through their parents’ example, they’ve personally helped out, too, by ringing bells, collecting food items, stuffing backpacks, cleaning up park grounds, even selecting and wrapping presents for an “adopted” family during the holidays.

“You start off small when they’re younger,”Traci said. “I think they enjoy it, and I think they’ll eventually find their own things to be a part of.”

“For families, giving is teaching the next generation gratitude and to serve others,”Tim said. “But it is often things like writing a nice note to someone who needs a few kind words or giving someone a compliment; these things are easily taught but go a long way in teaching kids the gift of gratitude and kindness that once learned is a lifelong learning that never goes away.”

In good company The Harrisons’ personal philanthropy and community service is echoed in Harrison Financial Services, which has a long history of giving back. The company engages and supports its employees in a variety of giving activities for many causes, like granting time off for board or committee service and other volunteerism, providing financial support, and even hosting fundraising events in which employees can participate.

“Tim’s work team is just as involved. We all have different interests, and we try to all support each other,”Traci said.

The company also supports the nonprofit community through its work.

Seven clients are foundations, and Tim Harrison and Director of Financial Planning JoAnne Reynolds both carry the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) credential.

“A lot of our clients are leaders in their community and we’re helping them be stewards of their own wealth. In that role it’s sometimes vetting organizations—knowing how to select a good organization, getting inside and seeing how things are either well-run or not so well-run— that’s helpful in helping people make better decisions with their own money,”Tim said. “That ties in to what we do on the business side.”

Tim often says that giving is “viral” in a good way and that good works spread good from one to many.

“Our purpose at HFS is ‘To Help Families Live a Better Life, Legacy and Community.’ Our purpose in our philanthropy is the same; they completely align and my business allows us a way to synthesize what we do in the community and to share our purpose with others,”Tim said. “It should be built in to the way we look at our responsibility to the community. If everyone did their part and everyone gave back some, the world would be a better place…People are naturally good and want to do good, but sometimes they just need to see a model of what good can be done, and they often follow the lead and eventually lead themselves.”

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story by KARA SCHWEISS | photography by JIM SCHOLZ

TIM AND TRACI HARRISON

• mmagazine

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THE power OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

andee hoig

A SPEAKER WITH inspiration AND impact!

TAKE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S community service EFFORTS TO the next level!

“

ANDEE IS AN enthusiastic AND knowledgeable SPEAKER. ANDEE’S EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH BOTH THE NONPROFIT AND CORPORATE SECTORS OVER THE past 25 years WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING OUR AGENTS LEARN innovative WAYS TO TAKE THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES TO THE next level. GIVING BACK IS A must FOR EVERY BUSINESS AND ANDEE delivers WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING ORGANIZATIONS CREATE AND implement STRATEGIC GIVING PLANS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERSHIPS.

”

~ MIKE RIEDMANN President, nP dOdge residentiAL sALes divisiOn

• Devise a fresh new approach to step up your community involvement and impact • Create and implement a powerful giving strategy • Connect with the community with greater purpose and impact Andee will show you how to connect with the community on a deeper level, and create greater impact in the community while creating an exceptional giving culture that engages employees and clients through THE power OF COMMUNITY SERVICE!

“

I believe THAT BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS (BOTH LARGE AND SMALL) HAVE AN incredible OPPORTUNITY TO create THE GREATEST impact IN BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES THROUGH GIVING BACK. I LOOK FORWARD TO serving YOU AS YOU SERVE OTHERS .

”

~ ANDREA ‘ANDEE’ HOIG President & CeO, ALH PUBLiCAtiOns, inC.

to speak to both large and small audiences or provide one-on-one consulting.

• Andee Tois available learn more or to schedule your event with Andee call: 402-706-8260 or Email: ahoig@spiritofomaha.com Request a full bio with all of Andee’s speaking topics

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sarah grandinetti

Sarah Grandinetti, Certified Facilitator

tipping the scales in your favor

• ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS

being you … barefoot “Make sure you have your shoes on before you go play “right” way of being , the reason why changed. After doing some asking outside!” I said, in a bit of a stern voice. “But, why?” said around, I found that during the Great Depression of the 1930s, shoes were a my-then-6-year-old son. The kids were heading out to signOF of affluence.

If you hadTHAT shoes onMAKE your feet,GOOD it meant that you were doing THERE ARE A LOT QUALITIES LEADERS. play and like I had always done in the past, I was better than most.

Having your kids put their shoes on was a projection of PRACTICING MINDFULNESS CAN CULTIVATE THESE QUALITIES. reminding them about appropriate attire. Or was it safety? your social economics or, better yet, a man’s pride.

Or was it something else? ~ William Shakespeare This was the first time when my son asked me “why?” that I actually stopped and asked myself the same question. Why was I asking him to put on his shoes? Why did I always make that so imperative, so much so that I would slow down excited kids from going out to play?

It was in asking myself that question that I heard it: I heard his voice. It was my dad’s voice. Every time I wanted to go outside as a child, I knew that if I didn’t have my shoes on, I was asking for trouble. Shoes on our feet were a big deal to my dad when I was growing up. I’m not sure I ever asked “why?” as questioning my father was not allowed. In this moment, I was so very grateful that I had raised my kids to question anything and everything! I always told them that as long as they did so respectfully, an adult should be able to give them a reason for what he or she was asking of them. Well, today, that adult was me.

None of these things were true for me in the early 2000s, so why was I still handing this “way of being” down to my kids? What I know to be true now is that when we learn right from wrong and good from bad at a very early age from our parents and teachers and grandparents and whoever else cares about us, we often buy it as what is true for us without ever asking a question.

Like taking a society’s status symbol of middle class and using it 75 years later to control my kids in the name of safety.

We don’t just do this with our parents. We do it all the time in our lives without even knowing it. We will buy a point of view or a way of being from someone close to us, or someone we look up to and decide that that’s how we have to be and will start to create our lives based on what other people judge as good or right, instead of asking what it is we would like to create for our life, living and relationships.

If you notice yourself doing this, a tool you can use is to ask the question, Those of you who are parents can probably relate to having heard your “Who am I being right now?” When you’re willing to ask a question about the parent’s voice coming from you from time to time. This is a pretty common things that you govern your life by, you start to become more clear about occurrence. So, what was so different about this situation? I actually stopped what is actually true for you. and looked at what point of view I had bought about my kids requiring shoes to be outside.

If you ask these questions and don’t have an immediate awareness of who the My dad always told me that I required my shoes on for safety reasons. Was it person is that you are being, it doesn’t mean you have to keep choosing it just because you can’t find the point of view’s original creator. Once you become safety that I was concerned about? No. Did I even have a reason for asking this of my kids? The answer was also no. What I found even more interesting aware that it’s not something that is true for you, you can just UN-choose it was the fact that I found out that my dad was also told as a boy to put on his and choose again! What if the creation of our lives was about the JOY of shoes before leaving the house. While I totally get that this is not a strange living them and not about getting it right by anyone else’s standards? What request, what I discovered was that as each generation passed down this would be possible to choose then?

Launching in November! podcast

with ANDEE Hoig 37

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Kali Baker, Vice President of Community Investment

omaha giving

• omaha community Foundation

UNDERSTANDING THE community THROUGH ITS residents Two years ago, the Omaha Community Foundation engaged in a listening campaign in targeted areas of the community to better understand the lives of more than 1,600 residents. We worked both in person through nonprofit partners and online through www.TheLandscapeOmaha.org. From that process, six priorities emerged: importance of social and support networks; access to arts, culture, and recreation; vibrant neighborhoods; financial stability; confronting segregation; access to public transportation.

Our listening work continues, and while we continue to partner with local nonprofits, this fall we’re moving the conversation back online to a site called Voices of The Landscape. Voices is a community story-sharing site for residents to voice their experiences living in Omaha and Council Bluffs. It’s an opportunity for members of the community to share their experiences and invite people from all over the city to weigh in.

The questions are meant to be universal—anyone can answer them.

This project is an extension of www.TheLandscapeOmaha.org, which is an approach for knowing the community and understanding how to invest in its future. On The Landscape, you’ll find eight areas of community vitality broken down into graphs, charts and statistics, which is helpful when understanding needs. But we know that data only tells part of the story. The rest must come straight from the community, from people like you.

Through this online exchange, we hope to better understand one another’s lives and experiences, and gauge how you view our community, your challenges and frustrations, and your hopes and dreams.

• Do you feel welcome here?

• Have you experienced discrimination?

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• Are you proud of your neighborhood?

• Are you hopeful for your family’s future?

These are a few of the questions we’re asking to help us better understand what’s working for our friends and neighbors, and what might not be. Maybe it’s a simple yes-orkali baker no answer, but maybe you have a larger story to tell and share with the community.

After submitting your response, you can share it on social media and your story becomes a piece of a larger collection hosted on www.YourVoice.TheLandscapeOmaha.org, a network offering unique points of view of life. The more stories and responses that are shared, the more we can understand how we each experience life in the Omaha and Southwest Iowa region.

We will report back on what we learned to those that participated, to local nonprofits and funders, and all those that care about making the community a better place for all our residents to thrive.

We’re all looking to get more involved in our community; to better understand and know our neighbors, and to contribute to the vibrancy and opportunity that make the OmahaCouncil Bluffs area so full of potential.

We hope you’ll join us online this fall to discuss your experiences, exchange stories and get to know your fellow residents a little better.

To add your voice today, visit www.YourVoice.TheLandscapeOmaha.org, or to learn more about The Landscape, call the Omaha Community Foundation at (402) 342-3458.

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maRy e. VandenacK Mary Vandenack, while a lawyer by profession, has studied extensively in mind/body areas of fitness and wellness. She is Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Power Pilates certified and ACE certified.

MAKE THE first APPOINTMENT OF THE DAY WITH yourself THERE AREtime A LOT OF QUALITIES THAT MAKE GOOD LEADERS. I have two friends who rise early enough every morning that they have PRACTICING MINDFULNESS CAN CULTIVATE THESE QUALITIES. to meditate before starting their days. While I often will get up early and run to the gym for a spin class, I have typically chosen to meditate at different points ~ William Shakespeare in the day. I am one of those who wakes up in the morning ready to engage in my day.

One of my early-morning meditator friends challenged me on whether I might be better served to consider meditating in the morning. While I listened to her and encouraged her to continue doing what worked for her, I concluded that my original practice of later meditation was the best practice for me.

At some point while we were having conversations about the best way to take care of ourselves while engaging in busy careers and personal lives, my schedule moved into one of those periods where it was out of control. I followed my own advice and made an appointment with myself to devise a plan to move back to manageability.

I engaged in my longtime practice of identifying my current life priorities. I had a long list of “I want more time for…” One of the items on that list was more time to reflect and meditate and think. And I noticed that finding that time was becoming a real challenge. As a result, I considered my friend’s suggestion that I make the first appointment of each day with myself as a time to just be with myself.

Rather than engaging in vigorous exercise, I decided that my appointment would be time where I would connect with myself and engage in thinking activities that were important to me. The time has become time that I might use to meditate, to engage in a gratitude practice, to read a magazine that I haven’t had time to read, or to plan how I could function through the day so that I could reduce frenzy and stress. Sometimes I use the time to stretch and engage in balance exercises.

After years of literally getting up and getting out the door as quickly as possible, I actually found it difficult to choose to start the day with myself; however, I have learned to value that first appointment as a way to keep my life objectives in order throughout the day. As my friend pointed out, “Once you head into your day, your life often becomes about everyone else and everything else.”

Preserving the first part of the day for me ensures that I have some time to provide for myself in a way that when I do move into the rest of my day, I have taken care of myself in a way that ensures I have sufficient me to engage in activities in a positive manner rather than resenting the absence of space for me.

ENVISION YOUR FUTURE: PREVENT DISEASE DISCOVER HEALTH! YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE!

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak • Dr. Ashley Rainbolt Vondrak Dental (402) 289-2313 info@drvondrak.com

THE CHOICE IS YOURS! 39

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planning matters

• with Vw law

planning: LIFE, ESTATE,

ASSET PROTECTION, BUSINESS, transition Often in conversations about estate planning, someone will make a statement that assumes “estate planning” is about having a will. Estate planning is actually about more than just having a will; estate planning involves life, death, family, divorce, creditors, taxes, assets, aging, incapacity, business succession, and life transitions. Most of those doing estate planning should reconsider the use of the word “estate,” because that word does result in the thought that the issue is really about death.

The most significant aspect of any discussion about estate planning starts with a discussion of objectives. Discussions should involve some of the following questions: Retirement planning: What are your objectives for the remainder of your life? If you are working, how long do you plan to work? Do you want to retire? Can you?

What type of health care do you want? Where and how can you get that? Do you

have the resources and estate structure to ensure that you can live where you want to and receive the care that you want to receive? Do you have a spouse? Have you given thought to where to live, how to pay for it, whether there is insurance or other assets to provide for you? mary e. vandenack

Incapacity planning: What happens when you become incapacitated? Who is going to handle your affairs and ensure that your legal and health care matters are attended to as you want them to be? Do you have sufficient protections in place that you have low susceptibility to your assets being misused during a period of incapacity? What if your spouse becomes incapacitated? If you have a spouse with a protracted illness that is likely to result in significant expenditures of the spouse’s assets, will you have sufficient resources if a spend-down is required at some point?

Disabled or special needs beneficiaries: Do you have a child or other person in your life who has special needs or is disabled? Do you want to provide protection for such a beneficiary? If so, what does that look like?

Asset protection: Have you considered how to protect your assets from the growing threat of identity scams, from creditors, from divorcing spouses, from divorcing spouses of your children? Historically, creation of a thirdparty spendthrift trust provided significant asset protection for beneficiaries, but that protection is being eroded over the last several years.

Health care planning: Have you given serious consideration to what you want in the event of illness? It is difficult to think about being very ill or having a bad outcome from a surgery or other health care procedure.

However, it is very important to consider and plan for the possibility before an event occurs.

Business planning: If you own a business, what is the long-term plan for the business?

Do you have children or relatives who will take it over? Will you sell it? A business is an important asset for many. Succession planning should take place early.

Providing for what will happen at your death and reducing tax burdens at death are important topics, but it is very important to consider and plan for, as part of the estate planning process, what happens during your life.

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• swaRtzbaugh-FaRbeR & associates, inc.

todays savings

impact!

IT’S ALL

• youR dental health

IT’S A ENVISION two-way YOUR

about

timing mary drueke-collins

THE ANNUAL open enrollment period for health insurance purchased on the individual market will be here before you know it! You have a very limited time period when you can make changes and actually enroll for the upcoming year. For 2020, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2019 through December 15, 2019, with the policy effective January 1, 2020. The individual market includes both policies purchased through the health insurance marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) and directly from insurance companies.

If you are self-employed, your employer does not offer coverage, or if you think you can obtain lower cost coverage, open enrollment is your time to do so. If you are eligible for premium tax credits (lower premiums) and cost-sharing assistance (lower copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses), you will need to apply for coverage through the marketplace. Both Nebraska and Iowa utilize the federal marketplace (www.healthcare.gov).

You might be eligible for premium tax credits if you meet certain conditions: your employer does not offer you a medical plan that meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements, you are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, and you make less than four times the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2019 (the threshold used to determine eligibility for tax credits this upcoming year), the FPL is $12,140 for a one-person household and $25,100 for a four-person household.

If you are purchasing your plan through the individual market, there are critical dates within open enrollment you need to know: • November 1, 2019: Open enrollment begins. If you would like to enroll in a health plan or change the health plan you had in 2019, you can make those changes now.

Any plan changes or new enrollments will be effective January 1, 2020.

• December 15, 2019: This is the last day for enrollments to be effective January 1, 2020, and the last day to elect an ACA medical plan for 2020.

For most people, open enrollment is the one time a year to enroll in health insurance through the marketplace or the individual market. Generally, if you miss open enrollment, you cannot enroll in coverage again until open enrollment 2021. Some individuals may be eligible for a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP). A SEP occurs if you lose coverage or experience a change in your family structure such as losing employer-sponsored coverage, getting divorced/married, having a baby/adopting a child, or losing coverage through your parents’ plan on your 26th birthday. You have 60 days after a SEP to enroll in individual market coverage.

There are plans available that do not meet the ACA coverage standards, often called short-term medical plans. These short-term plans are more affordable, but often exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions and limit the amount of services you can receive. If you are just in between jobs, these plans are great, affordable protection for those unexpected medical claims. You can enroll in these plans at any time during the year. However, these short-term plans might not be the best solution for everyone.

If you are purchasing your health insurance this year on the individual market, make sure you review your options during open enrollment. It’s all about timing; this could be your one chance this year to get the health insurance you need!

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’. This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider. Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber and Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

street! scaredy

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

cat!

AND I have to admit I didn’t know who Shep was until I came across WOW! this amazing quote: “Realize that every interaction you have is the opportunity to make a positive impact on others.” ~ Shep Hyken As a relationship-driven, health-centered dentist for past 17 years, it’s crazy to look back at how my profession has changed and how deep the impact has grown.

In 2002, as new dental school graduate, I thought the totality of my impact was defined by my technical skills. I focused intently on the precision of my crown preparations and the accuracy of my radiographic diagnosis. I studied and strived to be the best technical clinician possible. As worthwhile as my efforts have proven to be, the rewards of dentistry have proven to be so much more.

These words were never more true than the impact of kindness I have experienced from my patients over the last year. Faced with many challenges in my personal life including my mother’s heartbreaking ALS diagnosis, I have been humbled by the outpouring of support.

You see, I always believed the doctor-patient relationship was more about me, the doctor, about how I, the DDS, could help my patients. I have given lectures on the power of individualized care and have created a practice that offers more than your average general dental office. I have advanced my education to become a leader in the treatment of TMJ pain, airway management for the treatment and prevention of sleep apnea, and functional orthodontics for normalized craniofacial growth in the growing child.

Humbly, my personal challenges have shown how the reverse is true. These people, my patients, have proven that dental treatment has not been the measure of our doctor-patient relationship but the tool for bringing us together to positively impact one another.

I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and work with a wonderful team. I am blessed to have my education, for it has brought such amazing people that I call “my patients” and “my team” into my life. I love the opportunity to help my patients become “as healthy as they choose to be.” But perhaps more importantly, I am honored to learn from these individuals every day, to experience the power of their positive impact and know my life is better because of them.

Dedicated to Wendy, Karen and the amazing, talented women of Vondrak Dental.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea with sleep apnea appliances.

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WHEN YOU SEE THE “BIG RED” LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2019!

PAPILLION AREA LIONS CLUB PROJECT HARMONY • HOPS FOR HARMONY

OMAHA FASHION WEEK

YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES DANCE FOR A CHANCE

CASA FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY SUPERHERO FESTIVAL & 5K RUN

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR GRAND FINALE

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF GREATER OMAHA

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES IN OMAHA • WINGS & WHEELS GALA

HEART MINISTRY CENTER HOLY SMOKES

inspiring 2019 Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, charitable events! and metroMAGAZINE will donate 10% back to that organization.

Join us in giving back! Enter the code “GIVE10” on the checkout page of your shopping cart.

• please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make our promotion of these important events possible 43

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Photos courtesy of Project Harmony

YOU ARE THE

Solution

Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center Speaking of Children Luncheon & Conference GENE KLEIN, LANA SAYRE AND ERIN OWEN

GENE KLEIN, DANA HARRAH AND ERIN OWEN

When: April 3 & 4, 2019 Where: CHI Health Center Downtown Omaha Why: April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. “April provides an opportunity for all of us, individuals and organizations alike, to take action by learning more about prevention and supporting organizations that support children,” said Project Harmony Executive Director Gene Klein. “A cause is only as strong as the people who support it and together we can end child abuse.”

FEATURED SPEAKER SASHA JOSEPH NEULINGER

GENE KLEIN, LAKEISHA PHELPS AND ERIN OWEN Special Guests: Sasha Joseph Neulinger shared his autobiographical story about surviving multigenerational child sexual abuse Sponsors: Premier Sponsor: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and United States Attorney’s Office - District of Nebraska, Presenting Sponsors: The Hawks Foundation, Barnhart Press, Heider Family Foundation, PenFed Credit Union, Valmont, and Weitz Family Foundation

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PROJECT HARMONY SPEAKING OF CHILDREN COMMITTEE Attendance: 1,300 in attendance for the luncheon and over 600 for the conference.

Amount Raised: $91,000 Mission: To protect and support children, collaborate with professionals and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect.

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About: Project Harmony is the resource for child abuse services and training in the Omaha metro area and surrounding communities. We help community members protect and support the most vulnerable among us - restoring courage, facilitating healing and empowering community members to be someone in the life of a child.

For more information: (402) 595-1326 | www.ProjectHarmony.com

EVENT CHAIRS DEANNA FOLEY AND JANIE HOCH

SASHA JOSEPH NEULINGER WITH HONORARY CHAIRS WALLY AND BARBARA WEITZ AND GENE KLEIN 44

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Photos courtesy of Papillion area Lions Club | Photos by Wilson

ADVOCACY

Infusion

Papillion Area Lions Club Project Harmony Hops for Harmony When: June 12, 2019 CAPTIONS

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Where: Werner Park Why: Benefit for Project Harmony and Papillion Area Lions Club Sponsors: Supported by 28 corporate sponsors Caterer: 11 food partners and 35 beer partners Event Planner: Papillion Area Lions Hops for Harmony Committee

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Attendance: Over 900 attendees Amount Raised: $47,000 Mission: “We Serve.”

For more information: HOPSFORHARMONY.COM

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Photos courtesy of Omaha Fashion Week

RUNWAY Fever Omaha Fashion Week Dance for a Chance When: August 18-24, 2019 Where: Omaha Design Center

HANNAH THOMAS

MALEK R.

Sponsors: Absolut Elyx, Allure Health & Med Spa, Develop Model Management, KETV NewsWatch 7, Pretty in Patina, Surface Hair Health Art, Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery | Dreams MedSpa, Xenon Academy Caterer: Save the Date Catering, Jams American Grill, Elegant Edge Events Attendance: Over 3,000

CRYSTAL BRAKHAGE DESIGNS

OFW BEAUTY ALLIANCE

BORRIS POWELL

LITTLE JO DESIGNS

Mission: On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, we are the Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence!

About: Omaha Fashion Week has proudly grown into the nation’s fourth-largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region! Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous redcarpet event for a good cause, showcasing the work of more than 65 designers each year on the runway. They nurture the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, education opportunities and a professional platform to showcase their work.

For more information: (402) 937-1061 | www.omahafashionweek.com

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OFW BEAUTY ALLIANCE

AIDA STENHOLM 46

VIVI DESIGN STUDIO

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Photos courtesy of Youth emergency Services and Debra S. Kaplan

BREAKING

Records Youth Emergency Services Dance for a Chance DANCERS AND INSTRUCTORS (L-R): REBECCA HAMATA, HANNAH BOLTE, CALLIE GREENE, LUCAS VARGAS, TINA HRUSKA, MICHAEL MISRA, TERRY VARGAS, MELISSA MARVIN, NICKI CLEVELAND, DEREK PAQUALETTO, EMILY WILLIAMS, MATT FELLER, REBEKAH PASQUALETTO, MARNIECAPTIONS CORSARO, DAVID VIECELI, MARIA VAZQUEZ, LEAH CHAVES AND MIKE PRICE

When: August 1, 2019 Where: Omaha Design Center Why: 11th Annual Fundraiser for Youth Emergency Services Sponsors: C&A Industries, Lindsay Corporation, Lincoln Financial Group, First Data, D.A. Davidson Caterer: Brandeis Catering Multimedia: Alpha Rentals Attendance: 500 Amount Raised: Nearly $145,000 Mission: To serve homeless and at-risk youth by providing critically-needed resources which empower them to become self-sufficient.

INSTRUCTOR REBEKAH PASQUALETTO AND MATT FELLER CAPTIONS MOST VOTES RECEIVED

HANNAH BOLTE AND INSTRUCTOR REBECCA HAMATA

MOST “BAHE-SOME” DANCER (AND INSTRUCTOR) CAPTIONS LEAH CHAVES AND MIKE PRICE

NANCY COHEN, MARY FRASER MEINTS AND SHELLEY CALLAHAN

PHOTO BLOCKS BENEATH THIS TY AD BOX YES BOARD MEMBERS: KELLIE HARRY, ROBERT SCHARTZ, ABRAHAMS, DAVID ORTMAN, KELLY STAUP, CAPTIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARY FRASER MEINTS, BRYAN PETERSON, JEFF ZIEMBA AND MATT HRUSKA 47

About: Forty-five years ago, YES began as a grassroots effort to shelter a few dozen youth. Today, we are proud to be a nationally recognized, multi-service agency serving nearly 4,000 youth every year through our four main programs: Emergency Shelter, Street Outreach Program, Maternity Group Home and Transitional Living. We also partner with the Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) to aid survivors of human trafficking through the Indigo Program. YES is the only agency in Omaha solely focused on serving homeless and near-homeless youth ages 12-21.

Dancers: Hannah Bolte, All Makes Nicki Cleveland, Lincoln Financial Group Marnie Corsaro, First Data Matt Feller, C&A Industries/Aureus Group Callie Greene, Mod Salon Tina Hruska, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Melissa Marvin, Bank of Bannington/Community Volunteer Dr, Mike Price, Koca Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Maria Vazquez, Metropolitan Community College Emily Williams, Lindsay Corporation Instructors: Leah Chaves, JCC Dance Department Rebecca Hamata, Independent Michael Misra, Vintage Ballroom Derek Pasqualetto, Vintage Ballroom Rebekah Pasqualetto, Vintage Ballroom Lucas Vargas, Vintage Ballroom Terry Vargas, TV Dance David Vieceli, Vieceli’s Dance Studio For more information: (402) 345-5187 | www.yesomaha.org

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First OF ITS KIND Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha & Angels Among Us Grand Opening When: May 11, 2019

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WELCOME TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES IN OMAHA

Why: Families traveling to Omaha in search of pediatric medical care will no longer have to worry about where they’ll stay during their child’s treatment. With the completion of a $10.3 million expansion, Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC) will be able to accommodate 40 families every single night, doubling their capacity and allowing them to incorporate new programming from collaborative partners to better serve the families in need.

WHERE WE FOCUS ON MAKING THE EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY.

THE KITCHEN IS THE HEART OF OUR HOME IT’S A PLACE WHERE FAMILIES ENJOY MEALS PREPARED BY VOLUNTEERS, A PLACE WHERE PARENTS SUPPORT EACHOTHER, A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN UNWIND AND ENJOY A HOT MEAL

Where: Ronald McDonald House at 620 S 38th Ave.

NO HOUSE IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A BACKYARD OUR’S IS DESIGNED TO LET IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD.

THE NEW EXPANSION CREATED NEW COMMUNAL LIVING ROOMS FOR FAMILIES TO ENJOY AT THEIR HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME

RMHC & Angels Among Us hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming many of their donors to celebrate the opening of the expanded facility. Among the speakers during the program were Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert; Dr. David F. Mercer, M.D., Ph.D. of Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center; Stefanie Christensen of the CL Werner Foundation; RMHC Executive Director Lindsey Rai Kortan; and Angels Among Us (AAU) Executive Director Susie Nelson. Angels Among Us is another nonprofit that offers financial assistance to families battling pediatric cancer, and they have now moved their offices into the RMHC facility so that they can better serve families.

The expansion project doubled the size of the House, adding approximately 20,000 square feet of space, including 20 more guest rooms, which will eliminate a waiting list that forced RMHC to turn families away roughly 1,600 times over a two-year span. In addition to the guest rooms, RMHC incorporated several new support spaces, including one that has never been seen in any other Ronald McDonald House: an in-House treatment center to be independently operated

by RMHC’s medical partners.

The House also has a salon, volunteer room, glass-encased toy room, contemplation room, and many other areas strategically designed to create a comprehensive healing community capable of serving the entire family. That includes bringing in partners like Angels Among Us, Completely KIDS, WhyArts, and others to provide programs for every individual who walks in the doors.

Attendance: Approximately 200 For more information: (402) 346-9377 | www.rmhcomaha.org CAPS

WHERE FAMILIES VISITING RMHC IN OMAHA STAY ALL MATTRESSES DONATED BY TEMPERPEDIC 48

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Photos courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha

CARS & Planes Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha Wings & Wheels Gala When: September 6, 2019 Where: Signature Flight Support

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Why: Our award-winning Gala is an event unlike any other, hosting approximately 400 guests each year who spend the night mingling with exotic cars and private planes, indulging on divine local small bites and cocktails, enjoying entertainment provided by models exhibiting pieces by local designers, live music, a live auction, raffle prizes, and so much more. The Wings & Wheels Gala benefits the families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha while their children receive life-changing medical care.

Special Guests: Honorary Co-Chairs: Dr. Edward Kolb, Chief Medical Officer, Director, Boys Town National Research Hospital; Dr. David W. Mercer, Chairman of General Surgery, Nebraska Medicine Sponsors: Nebraska Medicine, The David Spence Cancer Foundation, AM 590 ESPN Omaha, WOWT Channel 6, AOI Corporation, Midwest Medical Transport, Methodist Health Systems, Glovebox Greetings, Silverleaf Wealth Management, Option Care, Johnstone Supply, Valmont, Boys Town National Research Hospital, The Italian Vine, Chieftain Distribution, Deion Bass with Howard & Fine, The Winery, Coors Light, Herbe Sainte, Mode de Vie, Diamond B, Greenbelly, Bob’s Donuts, Early Bird, Magnolia Hotel Omaha, Family Fare, Omaha Design Center, Silverhawk Aviation, AD Delgado Designs by Agustin Delgado, Develop Model Management Caterer: Herbe Sainte, Mode de Vie, Diamond B, Greenbelly, Fat Sam's BBQ, Magnolia Hotel Omaha Multimedia: Dog & Pony Productions, AAA Rents & Event Services Attendance: 440 Amount Raised: More than $155,000

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Mission: The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC) is to create and operate programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. We strive to do so by providing opportunities that strengthen children and families during their most difficult and challenging times. The specific purpose of the Ronald McDonald House Charities is to support access to care, reduce financial burden, provide psychosocial support keeping families together, enhance clinical experiences and outcomes and help families resume normalcy.

For more information: (402) 346-9377 | www.rmhcomaha.org

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Photos courtesy of CaSa for Douglas County

HEARTLAND

Heros!

CASA for Douglas County Superhero Festival & 5K Run When: August 24, 2019 Where: Stinson Park CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS Why: The CASA Superhero Festival & 5K Run is an effort to raise awareness about children in foster care and how CASA lifts up their lives and voices through the advocacy of volunteers.

Sponsors: Union Pacific; Mutual of Omaha; Gavilon; Herzberg & Olsen Wealth Management Group; Jimmy John's; First National Bank; Access Bank; Clark Creative Group; Anderson; Bressman, Hoffman & Jacobs; Art Jetter & Company; Sarpy Chiropractic

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Caterer: Jimmy John's, Jones Bros. Cupcakes, Oklahoma Joe's BBQ, Cornhusker Beverage Multimedia: Rental City, Resource Rental, Fun Services Attendance: 250 Amount Raised: $24,000 Mission: Training, empowering, and inspiring volunteer advocates to improve the lives of abused and neglected children.

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About: Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers who advocate for a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity, and to flourish in the care of a loving family. There are over 1,500 children in foster care in Douglas County. These children are removed from everything that is familiar to them. CASA Volunteers advocate for the best interest of these children, with a priority placed on safety, permanency, and well-being.

For more information: (402) 932-5683 | www.casaomaha.org

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Photos courtesy of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

GRANDEST OF THE Grand The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale

JILL SAND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD

CANDIDATES: BACK ROW- GUY RUDLOFF, KEVIN MALONE, JUSTIN HORN, JILL SAND AND DENNIS NICHOLSON. FRONT ROW- DR. SACHIT PATEL, KATHRYN SCHUBERT, RISA ZIMMERMAN (NOT PICTURED JULIAN CALDWELL AND MARQUE SNOW)

When: May 11, 2019 Where: Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center Why: End of the 10 fundraising competitions to determine the winners of the Man & Woman of the Year Special Guests: Emcee Scott Voorhees Sponsors: David Spence Cancer Foundation, Simmonds Family Foundation, Nebraska Medicine, Valmont, Methodist Women's Hospital Perinatal Center, Children's Hospital, UMB Bank, Morrissey Engineering, HDR, BCDM Architects, Neonatal Care, PC Attendance: 530 Amount Raised: $330,000

JUSTIN HORN VOLUNTEERISM AWARD

WINNERS: RISA ZIMMERMAN, LILY DOTSON, GAVIN NORTON AND DR. SACHIT PATEL

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For more information: (402) 401-7468 | www.lls.org

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Photos courtesy of American Cancer Society

TAKING

Action!

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greater Omaha When: July 13, 2019 Where: Stinson Park in Aksarben Village Why: The Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.

LEMON FRESH DAY

Special Guests: Entertainment provided by Lemon Fresh Day Sponsors: 89.7 The River, Nebraska Medicine, Methodist Health System, Nebraska Cancer Specialists, American Laboratories Inc., General Growth Properties, Public Service Credit Union Caterer: Mangia Italiana Attendance: 148 cancer survivors, 47 teams, over 500 participants Amount Raised: $150,000 goal For more information: (800) 227-2345 relayforlife.org/greateromahane and cancer.org

LUMINARIA CEREMNOY

Savor the experience Voted Best of Omaha eight Years in a Row

402.558.3202 cateringcreations.com 52

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Photos courtesy of gesu Housing

LINKED TO

Giving Gesu Housing

Help Build A House Golf Event When: July 29, 2019 Where: Champions Run Special guests: Brother Mike Wilmot, S.J., founder of Gesu Housing BRO. WILMOT WITH MANCUSO TEAM WINNERS

Sponsors: Nebraska Cancer Specialists, Public Risk Management, HallMarq Construction Event Planner: Sarah Smith Attendance: 125 Amount raised: $50,000 Mission: Build quality, energy efficient, affordable homes to assist families in realizing a safe, secure, stable living experience while strengthening and revitalizing their neighborhoods.

For more information: Dale Barr, Executive Director of Gesu Housing | (402) 614-4776

PUBLIC RISK MANAGEMENT FOURSOME

SANLEY FOURSOME

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Photos courtesy of Heart Ministry Center

BUILDING

Power

Heart Ministry Center Holy Smokes When: August 9, 2019 Where: 75 North

JUDY HANEY

HEART MINISTRY CENTER TEAM MEMBERS

Why: Holy Smokes assist the Heart Ministry Center with its annual operating expenses. The funds raised assist in providing services to people affected by poverty in the Omaha area.

Special Guests: Honorary Chairs Emily and Sam Wageman Caterer: Subby, Don and Michael- Friends of the Center Multimedia: United Rental Attendance: 588 Amount Raised: $302,000 Mission: Providing food, healthcare, and a way forward for people severely affected by poverty.

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MARK DAHIR WITH HONORARY CHAIRS EMILY AND SAM WAGEMAN AND ERIC CRAWFORD

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For more information: (402) 451-2321 | www.heartministrycenter.org

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Photos courtesy of great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force

Storm

CHASERS

Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force 11th Annual Boxer 500 More than 600 people were expected to participate in this year’s 5K Walk/Run at Werner Park for the 11th annual Boxer 500. Unfortunately, heavy rain and lightning posted safety concerns for the event.

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According to Jeri Engen, event Co-chair, a call had to be made for the safety of the runners and walkers and she felt it was best to cancel this year’s run event.

Fortunately, the tent area at Werner provided shelter from the storm and participants enjoyed a pancake breakfast, awards for best boxers and largest fundraising team, and live music by colon cancer survivor Stephen Moore.

The most important aspect of the day wasn’t dampened by bad weather, Engen said. “We still got the word out to remind people that colon cancer is treatable and beatable if caught early.”

Sponsors: Nebraska Medicine, Colon & Rectal Surgery, Methodist Health Systems, Midwest Gastrointestinal Associates PC

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For more information: coloncancertaskforce.org

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Photos courtesy of JDRF nebraska-Southwest iowa Chapter

STRIKING OUT

T1D

JDRF NebraskaSouthwest Iowa Chapter JDRF One Walk, Omaha-Council Bluffs 2019 When: August 24, 2019 Where: TD Ameritrade Park Omaha LOUIE & JILL ROTELLA

JOEL FALK, WALK CHAIRS STEVE, SAM & MAJKEN SHIRMANG WITH LEIGH, SADIE AND JACK CHELOHA

Why: More than 1.25 million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1D), and those numbers are rising. It is estimated that by 2050 more than five million are expected to have T1D. JDRF One Walk funds research that is delivering life-changing therapies to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

Special Guests: Congressman Don Bacon; Event Emcee, Jennifer Griswold from KMTV 3 News Now; Event Chairs, Majken & Steve Shirmang Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor, TD Ameritrade; Media Partners, KMTV 3 News Now and Z-92; Community Partners, Hy-Vee and Lazlo's; V1P Sponsor, Aflac Attendance: More than 5,000 Amount Raised: Approaching our goal of $675,000

JERICHO’S JOURNEY WALK TEAM

LAUREN SCHLATTER (BOTTOM LEFT, SEATED) AND FRIENDS

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For more information: (402) 397-2873 | jdrf.org/omaha

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WRAPPING UP

Summer Metro Area Youth Foundation

13th Annual Summer Bash for Childhood Cancer

MISS NEBRASKA ALLIE SWANSON

HONORARY CHAIRS SID AND DAWN DINSDALE

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SUMMER BASH CHILDHOOD CANCER AMBASSADOR AND FAMILY

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When: August 24, 2019 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Convention Center Why: The bash heightens public awareness of the financial hardship experienced by families with a child battling cancer.

Special Guests: Miss Nebraska Allie Swanson Sponsors: Honorary Chairs Sid and Dawn Dinsdale Caterer: Embassy Suites La Vista Attendance: over 300 Amount Raised: over $100,000 Mission: Funds raised are used to help support those families and also assist organizations that provide free camp for kids with cancer.

About: The Metro Area Youth Foundation is supported by Optimist Clubs from Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.

For more information: www.summerbashforccc.org

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BREWING TO

Build

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Brew Haha When: September 5, 2019 Where: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village SAMPLING SANGRIA FROM JAMS

BREW HAHA GUESTS AND VENDORS

Why: Brew Haha is a casual cocktail hour event with music, beer tasting and food from many of Omaha’s fine restaurants. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

Sponsors: CSG, First National Bank; Hawk Investments, JE Dunn Construction, OrthoNebraska, PVS Structures Attendance: 2,000 Amount Raised: $250,000 Mission: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

For more information: (402) 457-5657 | habitatomaha.org

SHENANIGANS PERFORMS DURING 2019 BREW HAHA

OMAHA HABITAT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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Leave all the event planning details to us so you can enjoy spending time with your guests. · Premiere space for up to 500 · Central location with free parking · Exceptional catering that will impress · Professional, experienced sta · In-house audio/visual services audi

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New Look, New Facilities, Same Great Service

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G

GET EXCITEDABOUT

IVINGBACK! CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

FROM THE PUBLISHER OF

15 thedition annual Join these great nonprofits & businesses in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020!

• The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020 Print Editon and Digital Edition • The Giving Guide online at WWW.SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM/THE-EVENT-BOOK/ • Enter, update and search 2020 events 365/24/7 at WWW.SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM/METRO-MAGAZINE/COMMUNITY/CALENDAR/ FULL PAGE NONPROFIT PROFILES AIM Institute Aksarben Foundation American Cancer Society American Heart Association American Midwest Ballet American Red Cross Angels Among US - Invoice Nov/Dec Assistance League of Omaha Autism Action Partnership Bluebarn Theater Boys Town CASA for Douglas County CCRC CHI Health Foundation Child Saving Institute Children’s Hospital and Medical Foundation Children’s Scholarship Fund Children’s Square U.S.A. Collective for Youth Completely KIDS Cross Training Center Do Space Dreamweaver Foundation The Durham Museum First Responders Foundation Girl Scouts The Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force

Grief’s Journey Habitat for Humanity Heart Ministries Center Heartland Family Services Historic General Dodge House The Hope Center for Kids Immigrant Legal Services JDRF Joslyn Art Museum Kids Can The Kim Foundation Lauritzen Gardens The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Nebraska Chapter Lolo’s Angels Lutheran Family Services Make-A-Wish Methodist Hospital Foundation Metro Area Youth Foundation Nebraska Children’s Home Society Nebraska Humane Society Nebraska Medicine Guild Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. Ollie Webb Center Omaha Children’s Museum Omaha Community Foundation Omaha Community Playhouse

Omaha Home for Boys Omaha Outward Bound School Northstar Foundation Omaha Performing Arts Omaha Public Schools Foundation Omaha Symphony Omaha Zoo Foundation Open Door Mission Opera Omaha Outlook Nebraska Partnership for Kids Pottawattamie County Community Foundation Project Houseworks QLI Rejuvenating Women Ronald McDonald House Salvation Army Siena/Francis House Smart Girl Society Stephen Center Susan G. Komen Great Plains VNA WELLCOM Women’s Center for Advancement Youth Emergency Services

HALF PAGE NONPROFIT PROFILES

BUSINESSES GIVING BACK

VENUES

Gesu Housing The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska Omaha Public Library Foundation

All Makes Bergman Incentives Centris Federal Credit Union Cobalt Credit Union Gallup Jet Linx NP Dodge Pinnacle Bank Printco Graphics SHAREOmaha Vandenack Weaver Attorneys at Law

Embassy Suites LaVista The Empire Room Founders One • Nine Hilton Omaha Omaha Design Center Omaha Marriott Omaha Performing Arts Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Scott Conference Center

EXEMPLARY GIVERS Baxter Auto C & A Industries Cox Communications Harrison Financial Services Xcel Roofing

RESERVE

YOURSPACE:

EVENT SERVICES Abraham Catering Best Buy Signs Catering Creations Cinderella Dress Rentals Dog & Pony Productions The Downtown Club The Omar Building planitomaha Scott Conference Center STEP Group Terryl’s Flower Garden VIP Limo

Call ANDEE at 402.706.8260 Email us at CONNECT@SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

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the information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. alh Publications, inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

community CALENDAR

save the date

FROM THE GIVING GUIDE & EVENT BOOK 2019!

October 10 • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

featured

an eVening With naPa Valley Featuring stag’s leaP Wine Cellars

VENTS

Team Jack Foundation Happy Hollow Club, 1701 S 105th St., Omaha

Complete information for the following events is available at metroMAGAZINE’s SpiritofOmaha.com CALENDAR PAGE or each organization’s website.

$200 | 531-772-8027 | www.teamjackfoundation.org/napavalley

learn more details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at metroMAGAZINE’s website: http://www.spiritofOmaha.com/metro-magazine/Community/Calendar/

October 10 • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 9th annual Climb higher eVent

October 2 • 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Omaha Outward Bound School

PurseOnalities Child Saving Institute Guild Board

CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St., Omaha

Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St., Omaha $75 | (402) 504-3664 | https://childsaving.org/newsevents/purseonalities.html

$100 for Individual tickets $50 for Young Professional tickets (ages 35 and under).

October 2 • 6:00 PM

October 10

immigrant legal Center’s FiFth annual FOOd truCk WOrld tOur Immigrant Legal Center

Pure insPiratiOn

$250 for Patron tickets | (402) 614-6360 | www.outwardboundomaha.org

Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus , 5370 N 30th St., Omaha $75 | (402) 898-1349 | www.immigrantlc.org

Boys Town Boys Town, 14100 Crawford St. Boys Town (531) 355-1490 | Email: helpkids@boystown.org

October 3 hOmegrOWn Nebraska Children’s Home Society

October 10 • 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Nebraska Children’s Home Society, 4939 S 118th St., Omaha (402) 451-0787 | Email: events@nchs.org

Arthritis Foundation Nebraska

October 4

$150 | (402) 262-0144 | http://arthritis.org/nebraska

tgiF! Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA)

October 12 • OktOberFest 2019 First Week OF OCtOber tbd

46th WOman OF the year gala Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Circle, Omaha

Lolo’s Angels, Inc.

3801 Harney St., Omaha (402) 345-6555 | Email: info@wcaomaha.org

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Carolyn Scott Rainbow House Toy collection from MLK Day to President’s Day

October 5 • 5:00 PM

(402) 203-7392 | Email: PWH2003@hotmail.com

Vintage aFFaire Xi Autism Action Partnership

October 13 • 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista (402) 763-8830 | www.autismaction.org

grieF’s JOurney’s COmFOrt FOOd ClassiC Fundraiser Grief’s Journey

October 6 • 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Hiltion Omaha, 1001 Cass St., Omaha

nebraska mOre than Pink Walk (FOrmerly raCe FOr the Cure) Susan G. Komen Great Plains

$90 | (402) 502-2773 | https://griefsjourney.org/events/

Baxter Arena. 2425 S 67th St., Omaha (402) 502-2979 | www.komengreatplains.org

October 18 • 5:30 PM

October 8

Bethlehem House

aWards gala WELLCOM

Omaha Marriott Downtown Capitol District, 222 N. 10th St., Omaha

bethlehem hOuse Fall gala

$125 | (402) 502-9224 | https://bethlehemhouseomaha.org/get-involved/events/

Weitz Community Engagement Cntr. Rm 219, 6001 Dodge St. Omaha (402) 934-5795 | Email: info@elevatingwellness.org

October 18 - 20 • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM kids & Clays sPOrting Clays tOurnament

October 10 • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha

the gOOd aPPle aWards Nebraska Appleseed

Oak Creek Sporting Club, 2890 West Rd, Brainard $850 / team of five | (402) 346-9377

The Livestock Exchange Building Ballroom, 4920 S 30th St., Omaha $75/ticket or $750/table | (402) 438-8853 x110 | www.neappleseed.org/goodapple

www.rmhcomaha.org/fundraising-events/kids-clays-sporting-clays-tournament 60

mmagazine • OCTOBeR 2019

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Connect@SpiritofOmaha.com

recruit us TO MAKE YOUR walk/run ONE OF OUR

M.A.D. 25 EVENTS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2019!

October 18 • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

november 1

OutlOOk nebraska VisiOn beyOnd sight banquet Outlook Nebraska

gObble 4 gOOd turkey dOnatiOn driVe nOVember 2019 Stephen Center, Inc.

Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel & Conference Center - La Vista (402) 614-3331 | http://outlookne.org

Stephen Center, Inc., 2723 Q St., Omaha (402) 715-5476 | Email: marketing@stephencenter.org

October 19 • aksarben ball

november 5 - 7

Aksarben Foundation

hOliday OPen hOuse at ClarksOn giFt shOP & COrnerstOne giFts Nebraska Medicine Guild

CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St., Omaha (402) 554-9600 | www.aksarben.org

Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha

October 24 • 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

(402) 559-4150 | Email: guild@nebraskamed.com

mOnster bash 2019 Leap-For-A-Cure

november 6 • Home tours: 4 PM - 6 PM | Social and dinner: 6 PM

Relevant Community Center, 21220 Elkhorn Drive, Elkhorn $30 Adults; $20 Children 3-11; Free under 3 | (402) 333-9370 | www.LeapForACure.org

Christmas CaraVan PreVieW Party gala Assistance League® of Omaha

October 25 • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Champions Run, 13800 Eagle Run Dr., Omaha $100 | alomaha.org

hOPs & graPes Fall FestiVal Partnership 4 Kids

november 7

Hiltion Omaha, 1001 Cass St., Omaha $75 | www.p4k.org

Christmas CaraVan Assistance League® of Omaha

november 1 • 7:00 PM

Assistance League® of Omaha, 3569 Leavenworth St., Omaha (402) 342-4288 | Email: alo@alo.omhcoxmail.com

the kim FOundatiOn Presents, a time FOr hOPe & healing With mOdern WarriOr liVe The Kim Foundation

november 7 tree OF lights kiCkOFF The Salvation Army

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha VIP Ticket $175, Reception & Performance Ticket $100,Performance Only Ticket $50 (402) 891-6911 | www.thekimfoundation.org

The Salvation Army, 10755 Burt St., Omaha (402) 898-7700

november 1

november 8 • 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM

grieF aWareness COnFerenCe Grief’s Journey

rOaring 20s gala Omaha Home for Boys

Grief’s Journey, 7811 Farnam Dr., Omaha (402) 502-2273 | Email: kmorris@griefsjourney.org

Embassy Suites - La Vista, 12520 Westport Pkwy., La Vista $200 VIP; $125 Individual; $75 Young Professional (402) 457-7014 | https://omahahomeforboys.org/omaha-home-for-boys-events/roaring/

november 1 natiOnal diabetes aWareness mOnth JDRF Omaha Council Bluffs Chapter

november 9 • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Children’s hOsPital & mediCal Center gala Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter, 9202 W Dodge Rd., Ste. 304, Omaha (402) 397-CURE (2873) | Email: omaha@jdrf.org

CHI Health Center, Omaha, 455 N 10th St., Omaha $185+ | (402) 955-6852 | www.Childrensomaha.org/gala

november 1 JOslyn art museum assOCiatiOn lunCheOn leCture – nOVember, 2019 Joslyn Art Museum

november 14 • 5:30 PM aim teCh CelebratiOn AIM Institute

Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St., Omaha (402) 933-8220 | Email: jsunderland@joslyn.org

Founders One Nine, 1915 Jackson St., Omaha Free, $100 suggested donation | AIMInstitute.org

1st sunday of november november 15

hOney sunday Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

JasOn aWards – Fall 2019 Children’s Square U.S.A.

1941 S 42nd St., Ste. 122, Omaha (402) 346-5220 | Email: lbeck@olliewebbinc.org

(712) 322-3700 | Email: jshaw@Childrenssquare.org 61

mmagazine • OCTOBeR 2019

COnTinued

60-64-STD-1019.qxp_- 9/24/19 7:35 PM Page 62

E the information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. alh Publications, inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

community CALENDAR

save the date

learn more details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at metroMAGAZINE’s website: http://www.spiritofOmaha.com/metro-magazine/Community/Calendar/

november 22 • 6:00 PM sentimental JOurney The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum $175 and up | www.durhammuseum.org

Taking Clean To The Next Level • Water Damage:

november 28

• Mold Remediation Services:

turkeyFest The Salvation Army

Everything from a major flood to backed up pipes.

Your indoor air quality and your respiratory health are at stake.

We’ll get you on your way back to normal and you’ll be extremely satisfied. Serving the Omaha area since 2004.

The Salvation Army, 10755 Burt St., Omaha (402) 898-7700

december 1 Winter Wine FestiVal Nebraska Humane Society Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort St., Omaha (402) 905-3470 | Email: pwiese@nehumanesociety.org

december 2-3 adOPt-a-Family radiOthOn The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, 10755 Burt St., Omaha (402) 898-7700

The sooner we get there, the better. Call Extremely Clean 24/7.

Extremely Clean | www.ExtremelyClean.Com | 402.932.3257

december 3 giVing tuesday CASA for Douglas County CASA for Douglas County, 2412 St. Mary’s Ave., Omaha (402) 932-5683 | Email: kthomas@casaomaha.org

december 4 - 6 substitute santa Child Saving Institute Child Saving Institute, 4545 Dodge St., Omaha (402) 553-6000 | Email: awilley@childsaving.org

december 4 PrOJeCt elF Nebraska Children’s Home Society Nebraska Children’s Home Society, 4939 S 118th St., Omaha (402) 451-0787 | Email: events@nchs.org

december 7 • 6:00 PM Christmas enChantment Children’s Square U.S.A. Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home, 1221 N 16th St., Council Bluffs, IA Free | www.Childrenssquare.org

DON’T miss!

October 2, 5; december 4 • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM PrOsPeCtiVe VOlunteer/PubliC tOur Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, 10130 S 222nd St., Gretna Free | (402) 359-8830 | http://hetra.org 62

mmagazine • OCTOBeR 2019

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the information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. alh Publications, inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

• mmagazine LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2019!

October 5 - 13 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

november 2 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

november 9 • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Omaha Farmers market – aksarben Village Vic Gutman and Associate’s

hOOFing it FOr herOes stiCk hOrse 5k run/Walk

bensOn barstOOl OPen United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska

Victory Riding Academy, Zorinsky Lake Shelter 5, 3808 S 156th St., Omaha $35 Adults, $15 Kids 10 and under (402) 618-1222 | www.victoryride.org/5k

Downtown Benson, Omaha Early Bird Registration begins September 16 $160/team of four golfers.

(402) 502-3572 | www.ucpnebraska.org

Aksarben Village, 67th and Center Streets, Omaha Free | (402) 345-5401 | https://omahafarmersmarket.com

October 6 • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Walk/run FOr the kidz: tangier shrine’s 5k Tangier Shrine Zorinsky Lake, Shelter 1, 156th and F St., Omaha $20 before Oct. 3; $25 day of the event | (402) 392-0404 | http://tangiershrine.com

October 6 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM herOes’n Wine tasting Heart Heroes Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, 140 Regency Pkwy., Omaha $50 | (402) 875-0231 | https://my.superheroheartrun.com/event/heroesn-wine-tasting/e243553

October 12 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CaregiVer’s resPite retreat Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, 10130 S 222nd St., Gretna Free | (402) 359-8830 | http://hetra.org

October 17 • 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM sPirit OF st. FranCis dinner New Cassel Foundation Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St., Omaha $100 per ticket | (402) 390-5308 | www.newcassel.org

October 19 • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM hallOWeen COstume run Project Houseworks Miller’s Landing, 151 Freedom Park Rd, Omaha $35 | https://runsignup.com/Race/NE/Omaha/StridesforSeniors5KCharityEvent

October 19 • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM healthy FOr a liFetime Lifestyle Health Alliance CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St., Omaha $49.50, reduced price for students | (402) 556-7072 | www.healthyforalifetime.org/

november 2 • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM night OF ChamPiOns Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, 222 N. 10th St., Omaha $125 Early Bird, $150 Regular Price

november 7 - 10 2019 autumn FestiVal, an arts and CraFts aFFair Huffman Productions, Inc. Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St., Ralston Adults $9, Seniors $8, Children Under 10 Free (402) 331-2889 | www.hpifestivals.com

november 9 - december 14 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

PrOsPeCtiVe VOlunteer/ PubliC tOur HETRA Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, 10130 S 222nd St., Gretna Free | (402) 359-8830 | http://hetra.org

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