metroMAGAZINE JUL/AUG 2023 Issue

19th Annual – Regional Resource of Nonprofit & Philanthropic Opportunities – 2024 Edition

The Giving Guide & Event

Book

19th Annual – Regional Philanthropic Opportunities – 2024 Edition

Reach our region's most influential business & philanthropic leaders

ALH Media, the publisher of Midlands Business Journal and metroMAGAZINE, is excited to present the 19th annual Giving Guide & Event Book: A Regional Resource of Nonprofit & Philanthropic Opportunities. This publication aims to offer nonprofits a valuable opportunity to gain yearlong visibility within the Omaha metro’s businesses and with influential leaders who are eager to contribute their resources, skills and support to create a positive impact.

Additionally, businesses have the opportunity to showcase their commitment to giving back and communicate their philanthropic message, thereby continuing to shape and improve our community’s future.

Don’t miss the chance to share your message by securing a prominent placement in our upcoming 2024 Giving Guide!

Contact publisher Andee Hoig at CONNECTSPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

Publishes in NOVEMBER 2023

AS A celebrated

COLLEGE FOOTBALL STAR (1970-1972) WHOSE ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDED BREAKING NUMEROUS OFFENSIVE TEAM RECORDS, BEING NAMED TWICE NAMED TO THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICA TEAM, AND WINNING THE WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD AND THE HEISMAN TROPHY, JOHNNY “ THE JET ” RODGERS RECEIVED HIS DEGREES IN BROADCAST JOURNALISM AND ADVERTISING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN. HE WENT ON TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN. RODGERS NEVER ATTENDED METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (MCC), BUT HIS JET AWARD FOUNDATION SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS AT THAT INSTITUTION TO ASSIST LOW-INCOME AND FIRSTGENERATION STUDENTS ENTERING MCC’S CAREER AND TECHNICAL TRADES PROGRAMS.

Rodgers said his recognition of the value of education and careers in the trades stems from his youth. He attended Omaha’s Technical High School, a public high school that operated from 1923 to 1984 with a focus on technical education and was once lauded as the largest high school west of Chicago. “Tech” High certainly had some great athletic teams, Rodgers said, but it was also known throughout the region for solid academic standards and providing students the opportunity to learn a viable trade while still in high school.

JOHNNY RODGERS SCHOLARSHIPS

JOHNNY RODGERS SCHOLARSHIPS create new possibilities for mcc students

The Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Scholarships Metropolitan Community College are named for football great Johnny Rodgers and supported by his Jet Award Foundation. Awarded to students in career and trades programs, these scholarships are providing recipients an opportunity for a better future.

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS • PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN • mMAGAZINE

“I was always interested in doing something electrical,” Rodgers said, adding that although he instead took advantage of the university degree program as a Husker athlete, he saw many of his Tech classmates enter successful careers in the trades. A good number of them were first-generation graduates who were able to rise out of poverty and create lasting security for themselves and their families just a few years out of high school. It was a respectable path, Rodgers said, and effective.

“ You had a future, you were secure in your future because you had something you could really do, ” he explained. “ You could have your own business or you could go get a good job. ”

Metropolitan Technical Community College was founded in the early 1970s and renamed Metropolitan Community College in 1992. MCC today continues to be a primary local provider of vocational education, including for high school students through programming such as concurrent enrollment and dual credit courses.

“ When (Technical High School) closed, that was a travesty, because that was one of the most significant places, ” Rodgers said. “ Metro was a blessing for taking up where they left off. ”

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The Jet Award launched in 2011 to recognize and celebrate the best college football return specialist of the season. The award and associated gala have grown and evolved into an event that also gives back to the community, including providing support

JOHNNY RODGERS mcc

for MCC’s Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Scholarships.

Scholarship recipients can apply the funds toward tuition, fees and books. Eligibility requirements include demonstration of financial need; the pursuit of a certificate, specialist diploma or associate degree in a career and technical education program at MCC; and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater. Scholars are enrolled in a variety of program areas from construction and automotive to health and information technology. While the scholarships certainly remove barriers to higher education, students must still succeed academically.

“ This is only the beginning. Once they get the mindset that goes with the opportunity, they will be unstoppable—and so will their children in the future, ” Rodgers said. “ Just look at me. When I grew up, no one in my family had ever graduated from high school; I was the first. Now, all my daughters have master’s degrees. ”

“One of the best parts about this program is that there are no age restrictions,” said Randy Schmailzl, president of the college. He explained that recipients may be recent high school graduates, working people who need new or better careers, or individuals desiring to wrap up an incomplete educational program.

“Some of them are adult students, some of them are students that had stopped for some reason and are now interested in getting into the trades. It’s one of the few scholarship opportunities that are for all age groups.”

Rodgers said he relates to the MCC scholars as both the first in his family to graduate college and the first to graduate high school. He said he appreciated coaches and other

mentors who emphasized the importance of an education. MCC Manager of Community Relations Tim Clark said that the scholarship students also receive academic advisement to help support their success.

“

It’s that feeling that I have somebody that’s going to take this journey with me,” Clark said. “It’s important, as we look at it, to meet students where they’re at. And it takes a holistic approach, the whole path forward and navigation… It’s about the finish line and how do we help them get to the finish line.”

That finish line, Clark said, is an opportunity to make a good living in an in-demand career field and better the quality of life for individuals and their families. The Johnny Rodgers scholarships helps people move from minimum-wage or limited-opportunity employment to a career with potentially life-changing compensation and benefits.

“ Education is not just part of your life; education is life itself, ” Rodgers said. “ There’s nothing more important than getting an education. ”

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

“ By empowering people through education, we create stronger individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities to live, work and play,” Clark said. “I love the fact that Johnny Rodgers sees this as a focal point to help increase the awareness and educate people about career and technical trades.”

MCC keeps a finger on the pulse of local employers, Clark added, to make sure the

HIGHER education IS IMPORTANT TO ME SO I CAN DO WHAT I LOVE AND MAKE A LIVING WHILE DOING IT. THE JOHNNY RODGERS scholarship HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH BY ALLOWING ME TO ATTEND SCHOOL stress-free, FREE OF TUITION AND BOOK FEES. THE EDUCATION THAT I’M RECEIVING IS ‘TOP OF ITS CLASS,’ AND I’M SO VERY THANKFUL.

FAIZON PORTER, MCC CYBERSECURITY STUDENT

~ FAIZON PORTER, STUDYING CYBERSECURITY, EXPECTED GRADUATION 2024

JOHNNY RODGERS mcc

I STARTED CLASSES IN THE CONSTRUCTION management PROGRAM SO THAT I CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY AND VALUABLE information NECESSARY TO develop AND SCALE A NEW CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. AS A NEW CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS CO-FOUNDER, I LOOK TOWARD HIGHER EDUCATION TO ACCELERATE MY learning AND HELP ME BETTER UNDERSTAND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INDUSTRY. WITHOUT MCC, I WOULD HAVE TO SPEND YEARS TO GAIN THE EXPERIENCE THAT I NEED TO succeed. BY ATTENDING COURSES AT MCC, IT HAS PUT ME ON THE FAST TRACK TO BEGIN GROWING MY BUSINESS.

THE JOHNNY RODGERS CAREER AND TECHNICAL scholarship HAS MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR MY FUTURE CAREER BECAUSE IT ALLOWS ME TO FULLY integrate MYSELF IN A NEW FIELD WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT. SCHOOL IS ALREADY A BIG RESPONSIBILITY, ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS REAL-WORLD OBLIGATIONS. HOWEVER, THE SCHOLARSHIP HAS ALLOWED ME THE freedom TO LEARN WITHOUT AN EXTRA BURDEN; IT HELPS MAKE MY LIFE EASIER NOW AND SETS ME UP FOR SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.

~ RAHEEM SANDERS, STUDYING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, EXPECTED GRADUATION 2023

SCENES FROM THE shoot

JOHNNY RODGERS mcc

THE JOHNNY RODGERS CAREER AND TECHNICAL scholarship IS LIKE A TOOL FOR US CRAFTSMEN. ITS PURPOSE IS TO AID IN GETTING THE JOB DONE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY. IT EASES THE LOAD BY ALLOWING ME TO FOCUS ON MY education WHILE MAXIMIZING MY potential AND OUTPUT.

I HAVE PARTNERED WITH ANOTHER (JRCTS) RECIPIENT TO FORM GARNER & SANDERS CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND LOGISTICS. WE envision BUILDING A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOCUSING ON COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS, EMPLOYING STUDENTS FROM MCC AS WELL THE SURROUNDING AREA AND TO CONTINUE TO ADD VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY BY GIVING BACK TIME, MONEY AND knowledge. THE JOHNNY RODGERS career AND technical SCHOLARSHIP IS IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY NOT ONLY TO ME AND MY FAMILY, BUT ALSO FOR THE NEXT CLASS OF DREAMERS, VISIONARIES, BUSINESSPEOPLE AND EMPLOYEES.

~ ANDTWAN GARNER, MAJORING IN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SCIENCE WITH A FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, EXPECTED GRADUATION 2026

JOHNNY RODGERS SCHOLARSHIPS

JOHNNY RODGERS mcc

RAHEEM SANDERS, MCC CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT STUDENT

JOHNNY RODGERS SCHOLARSHIPS

ANDTWAN GARNER, MCC CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT STUDENT

JOHNNY RODGERS mcc

I AM PURSUING HIGHER education BECAUSE I WANT TO BE A SOURCE OF inspiration AND A ROLE MODEL FOR MY DAUGHTER, AND I ALSO WANT MY PARENTS TO BE PROUD OF THE PERSON I HAVE BECOME. I WANT TO BE AN advocate ONE DAY FOR OTHER PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY IMMIGRANTS, TO SHOW THEM THAT EVEN WITH A LANGUAGE BARRIER, WITH perseverance AND FAITH SOMEONE CAN ATTEND HIGHER EDUCATION.

I ALSO KNOW THAT HAVING THIS HIGHER EDUCATION WILL PREPARE ME MENTALLY AND SKILLFULLY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE. FINALLY, HAVING THAT HIGHER EDUCATION WILL INCREASE MY CAREER STABILITY AND SATISFACTION AND THE ABILITY TO IMPACT THE LIFE OF THE PEOPLE I SERVE… EARNING THIS scholarship WILL DEFINITELY MAKE EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE TO ME.

~ NATHALIE DAMKAM, REGISTERED NURSE PROGRAM, EXPECTED GRADUATION 2024

education and training the college offers aligns with their needs and helps create a skilled workforce that’s readily employable.

“When you hear—whether you’re in the seventh grade or you’re 50—that there’s an opportunity that you can go back and make yourself better, secure your position in life—and somebody’s really going to help you in your community— then you’re really appreciative,” Rodgers said. “And once you get people that haven’t been successful to be successful, it sets off a different pattern in their whole life altogether. They get a sense of possibly being unstoppable. You can become unstoppable. Because you’ve got an education. I mean, you just clicked into a whole new deal.”

Rodgers knows unstoppable even beyond his years on the football field. He was named the University of Nebraska’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. The following year, he authored his first book; “An Era of Greatness: Coach Bob Devaney’s Final Four Seasons in University of Nebraska Football (1969-1972),” and in 2016 he co-authored a second book, “10 Minutes of Insanity,” a frank look at his early years and how he rose from poverty and adversity.

“Johnny is an iconic example of giving back to the community. He does a lot for Metro, he does a lot of speaking, and he is an ambassador of Metro Community College,” Schmailzl said. “Even if you’re not an athlete, what Johnny learned in athletics he’s able to give back—others can benefit from those stories. When you look at Metro, it’s a series of stories. It’s stories about where you came from, where you’re at, where you’re going. And when you put all those stories together, you really do form the community known as Metro Community College.”

JOHNNY RODGERS mcc

education IS NOT JUST PART OF YOUR LIFE; EDUCATION IS LIFE ITSELF. THERE’S NOTHING MORE important THAN GETTING AN EDUCATION.

~ JOHNNY “THE JET” RODGERS

ONE OF THE best PARTS ABOUT THIS program IS THAT THERE ARE NO AGE RESTRICTIONS.

~ RANDY SCHMAILZL, PRESIDENT, METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

JOHNNY RODGERS SCHOLARSHIPS

WHEN (TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL) CLOSED, THAT WAS A travesty, BECAUSE THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST significant PLACES [WHERE] YOU WERE SECURE IN YOUR FUTURE BECAUSE YOU HAD SOMETHING YOU COULD REALLY DO. YOU COULD HAVE YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR YOU COULD GO GET A GOOD JOB.…METRO WAS A blessing FOR TAKING UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF.

~ JOHNNY RODGERS

Jet Awards

Honoring Football Standouts and Raising Scholarship Funds

The Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers Jet Award Foundation and Trust (thejetaward.com) named wide receiver and return specialist Derius Davis of Texas Christian University as the recipient of the 12th annual Jet Award, which honors the best college football return specialist of the season. Davis was recognized at the annual Gala & VIP After Party, which took place April 13 at Baxter Arena.

Net proceeds from the annual Jet Award Gala directly support the Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Education Scholarship at Metropolitan Community College (see UNSTOPPABLE, page 6).

This year’s gala was the largest event in the award’s history and is designed to be the largest college football awards ceremony ever. The Award has garnered national attention from coaches and players alike, since its inception in 2011, as one of the nation’s most prestigious football awards.

This year’s gala also marked the 50th Anniversary of Johnny Rodgers winning the 38th Heisman Trophy Award. Outland and Lombardi trophy winner Rich Glover was in attendance to help celebrate this milestone with Rodgers and gala attendees. Rodgers played college football for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the early 1970s, serving as a punt return specialist, pass receiver and running back. He played professionally in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes and in the National Football League with the San Diego Chargers. Rodgers was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

NFL Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow was the evening’s keynote speaker. Trev Alberts, Vice Chancellor, Director of UNL Athletics, was the guest speaker and Damon Benning, Voice of the Huskers, was emcee. Huskers head football coach Matt Rhule and former head coach Tom Osborne were also in attendance.

Football legends who attended the event included Mike Rozier, Tommie Frazier, Eric Crouch, Rick Upchurch, Mike Garrett, Tony Veland, Jerry Murtaugh, Vershan Jackson, Tyler Lockett, and Russel Harrison.

Previous Jet Award recipients include current NFL greats Marcus Jones, Dante Pettis, Adoree Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, and Tyler Lockett.

The annual Legacy Award was also presented during the gala to Ryne Robinson of Miami University Ohio and Aaron Lockett of Kansas State University. Tyler Lockett returned to the Jet Awards for the third time to support his uncle’s Legacy Award achievement.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE JET AWARDS

Community Engagement

ALH Media is a strong and growing company supporting strong and growing communities. We value the ability as a media organization to enrich and support the nonprofit community through the following ways:

Each year our media company donates tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits through our Community Engagement packages, programs and sponsorships.

With the recently launched Buy One-Give One program, this allows local businesses to donate ad space to their charity of their choice during selected months each year.

In 2023 Midlands Business Journal will select a nonprofit each month to highlight through our Making a Difference advisory board.

Highlighting charity events has been at the forefront of ALH for over 30 years. Our event sponsorship program allows nonprofits to celebrate their successes through a visual and informative platform.

A variety of our targeted media throughout the year helps market nonprofit organizations to our influential and connected audiences.

Nonprofit Community Engagement packages allow for discounted annual plans that help reach both the business community and individuals.

For further information contact Andee Hoig at CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com

Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala

For 30 years, it has been the place of incredible legacies and guaranteed inspiration. The Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala, which includes a hors d’oeuvre dinner reception, induction ceremony and dessert, was initiated in 1993 as part of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s centennial anniversary. Proceeds support the permanent Omaha Business Hall of Fame exhibit at The Durham Museum and the Greater Omaha Chamber’s efforts to attract and retain young professionals. The original 1993 gala honored an inaugural class of Business Hall of Fame standouts that included Rose Blumkin, Warren Buffett, John A. Creighton, Robert Daugherty, Peter Kiewit, and V.J. Skutt. That tradition of excellence is continued year after year.

The 2023 Class: They have elevated some of Omaha’s most iconic companies and institutions; this group of five distinguished individuals’ specialties range from marketing and communications to finance, government, business ethics, and the food industry.

The 30th annual class of Omaha Business Hall of Fame inductees includes: Ron Carson, Founder and CEO, Carson Wealth; Greg Cutchall, Founder and CEO, Cutchall Management Company; David Karnes, President and CEO, The Fairmont Group Inc., Of Counsel at Kutak Rock LLP; Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., Founder, Business Ethic Alliance, Robert B. Daughterty Chair in Business Ethics and Society, Creighton University; Mary Ann O’Brien, Founder and CEO, OBI Creative. The 2023 class will bring the number of Business Hall of Fame inductees to 182.

Ron Carson Founder and CEO, Carson Wealth

Ron Carson is founder and CEO of $22 billion firm Carson Group, which serves financial advisors and investors through its businesses Carson Wealth, Carson Coaching, and Carson Partners.

The organization is celebrating 40 years in business in 2023. Throughout the past four decades, Carson has always believed in fulfilling a deep-seated purpose to be the most trusted for financial advice. As one of only two independent advisors inducted into BarCarson’s inaugural Hall of Fame, he has also been recognized as an InvestmentNews Innovator, and acknowledged as an Inc. 5000 CEO five times.

Carson is actively involved in several nonprofits and his personal mission is to “do the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.” He and his wife, Jeanie, co-founded the nonprofit Dreamweaver Foundation. Beyond this, Carson is focused on making a global impact through partnerships focused on ending world hunger, providing clean water and supporting mental wellness.

Greg

Cutchall

Founder and CEO, Cutchall Management Company

Greg Cutchall (1952-2022) was born in Tucson, Arizona. He graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1970, then enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1971. That same year, he began his restaurant career at Kentucky Fried Chicken as a manager, also serving as catering manager, marketing director and vice president.

For 50-plus years, Cutchall owned hundreds of restaurants and franchises starting with Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1971 and had over 44 restaurants in five states at the time of his death, including JAMS American Grill, First Watch Daytime Cafe, Paradise Bakery, Domino’s, Lettuce Express, SpudNutz, Kasai Japanese Steakhouse, Sonic, Mouth of the South, Lo-Lo’s, River City Star, Dam Bar, CaterOmaha, Salty Senorita, and Oklahoma Joe’s.

The annual CMC Charity Golf Tournament benefitted 12 nonprofit organizations and generated over $40,000 in donations to them, respectively.

Married for 19 years to Molly McQueenCutchall, Cutchall had three children and five grandchildren.

ron carson greg cutchall

greater omaha chamber inducts five business leaders into business hall of fame

greater omaha chamber of commerce business corner

omaha business hall of fame

David Karnes

President and CEO, The Fairmont Group Inc., Of Counsel at Kutak Rock LLP

David Karnes (1948-2020) was president and CEO of The Fairmont Group Inc. and of counsel to Kutak Rock LLP, leading its Governmental Affairs group. He was a former United States senator and White House Fellow.

Karnes was appointed by President Reagan to the U.S. Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations. He was a former chair and director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, and a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Commercial Space Transportation and the Omaha Airport Authority Board.

He also served Omaha as founder of Liz’s Legacy and co-founder of Kicks for a Cure, and in leadership roles at Boys Town, the Scottish Rite Foundation, Omaha Children’s Museum, and more.

Karnes received his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Nebraska. He was married first to the late Elizabeth Lueder Karnes and second to Kristine Dorn Karnes and had six daughters and 11 grandchildren.

Beverly Kracher, Ph.D.

Founder, Business Ethic Alliance, Robert B. Daughterty Chair in Business Ethics and Society, Creighton University

Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., Robert B. Daugherty Endowed Chair in Business Ethics & Society at Creighton University, has spent her career bringing positive, practical ethics education to business. Best known in greater Omaha as the founder of the Business Ethics Alliance, she tapped into the preexisting moral values of community leaders, creating awareness and providing tools for keeping ethics front of mind while they manage profitable businesses that grow the economy. Kracher has brought business ethics to life through products, workshops, and regional and national keynotes; has worked internationally in such countries as China, England, Uganda and Singapore; and has published extensively.

A professor for 30-plus years, Kracher has shaped future ethical leaders through classroom instruction. She is an avid volunteer, lending her expertise to boards and advisory committees that currently include Firstar, The Durham Museum, Better Business Bureau, and (Children’s Hospital & Medical Center) Children’s Ethics Committee.

Kracher earned her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Mary Ann O’Brien Founder and CEO, OBI Creative

As founder and CEO of OBI Creative, Mary Ann O’Brien has been entrusted by some of the most successful brands in the world to steer their strategic direction, evolve their brand positioning, and guide their marketing and communication efforts.

She has led national and global strategic initiatives for Intel, Microsoft, Sony, Lenovo, Gateway, and ViewSonic. She authored the O’Brien Voice of the CustomerTM and Voice of the EmployeeTM studies, which have repeatedly been the foundation for incredible business success stories.

O’Brien serves on community boards and champions women, diversity and ethical growth. She considers winning an Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau as one of the defining moments of her career.

O’Brien is a devoted wife, mother, entrepreneur, and published author of the Forbes’ book, “Ask and Deliver: Discover the Heart of Your Business by Listening to the Voice of Your Customers.”

mary ann o’brien

DaviD Karnes beverly Kracher, Ph.D.

WOMEN WHO WOW

After years in consultative sales, Chris Mensinger made a professional shift to commercial real estate. It was a “bit of a risk,” as she put it, but has paid off in an interesting and rewarding career trajectory.

Chris Mensinger is in her element as the co-chair for the CRE Summit (attendcresummit.com), an annual real estate conference taking place this year on August 25 at Omaha’s CHI Health Center. It’s expected to attract over 900 commercial real estate (CRE) industry professionals this summer, and since its inception in 1990 has become Nebraska’s biggest and most recognized event of its kind. Mensinger also serves as Senior Vice President, Nebraska, for Brokerage Services at Colliers, a global leader in real estate services and investment management.

Mensinger didn’t start out in the real estate sector, however. She worked in sales, including medical sales, prior to joining Colliers. And years before that, she had envisioned herself in a very different career field altogether as she studied biology and anatomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“ I actually thought I was going to be in mortuary science. That’s what my family did, they were funeral directors, ” she said. “ So, I thought that’s where my path was going to take me. ”

Through work experience, she found another path that suited her better.

“ I realized that I really liked sales, ” she said. “ I like the long-term relationship in consultative sales roles. I enjoy that I’m providing a service…you’re really working as a consultant to make sure that clients are getting the best results. ”

Second act

After her years in sales, starting with Colliers as a commercial real estate broker in 2011 was a “ big career shift, ” she said.

“ My kids were getting to the age where they were almost out of school. Commercial real estate was a big change for me, it was a bit of a risk, ” she said. “ I was really just looking for something new, kind of the second act. I wanted to do something that I was really interested in, with a strong community focus. I could make my own path; the harder I work, the better/the bigger my results. Knowing that I had some control over my destiny was a big part of why I picked real estate. ”

Mensinger’s people skills and sound ethics transitioned well to her new career.

“ Most clients that I work with will only buy, sell or lease a couple of times in their career. It’s really consultative; you can help them through these big commitments for their companies; again, they may only make these decisions a few times in a career, ” she said. “ It’s really awesome to watch people take these big jumps, moving their companies into different spaces, or a young company making these big investments—and figuring out what works best for them. ”

She added, “ The people within the organization is why I picked Colliers, and the reputation that they had in

town and a long history of being in Omaha. One of the things that I love best about it is just being so tied to the community. ”

More diversity

Mensinger said she’s seen some evolution in the sector over a dozen years.

“ There weren’t very many women here when I got here, ” she said. “ In the last couple of years, we’ve seen more young people, and a lot more women; it’s been really exciting to watch the change. I am occasionally still the only woman in the room. But you’re seeing a lot more diversity in the industry right now than ever before. ”

As a senior vice president with Colliers today, Mensinger is among several women in leadership roles with the Omaha office. She’s now in a position to support others as she has been supported in her own career development.

“ I’ve had some really great mentors along the way, including my mother, Sue Twit, who has been a terrific example of a successful woman in the workforce. People have been willing to take a risk with me… coming in with no experience in real estate, colleagues invited me into partnerships with their clients and their buildings, ” she said. “ We have great partnerships within our office. And one of the most impactful relationships that has come to me within commercial real estate is CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women),

STORY

chris mensinger

making her own path

WOMEN WHO WOW Sponsored by

BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN • mMAGAZINE

Omaha Metro, which is a network of commercial real estate women. I got involved right from the start. We’ve grown to nearly 200 members. I worked through their board and I was president one year.

“ That probably has been the biggest key to my success in this industry: being involved with other women in the industry, whether they’re attorneys, other brokers, developers or in construction. That group of women has probably been why I feel so comfortable in my work today. ”

Outside of commercial real estate, some of her community activities have included supporting various youth-serving and woman-based organizations.

Family support

Mensinger said she now sees opportunities for women in commercial real estate from an even broader perspective.

“ Last year was a huge year; my daughter, Lizzie, joined me as a broker here at Colliers, ” Mensinger said. “ I feel really, really lucky to have her here every day. And I’m very proud of her. It’s a big leap

to take. She’ll be phenomenal. She’s got a great focus on the community. And being able to work with her every day is the highlight of my career in commercial real estate. ”

Mensinger said 2022 was a standout year for another reason: she and her husband, Jerry, were happy for their son Jack’s move nearer to home after his recent relocation to Lincoln for a position with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. He previously worked in California and Colorado, so while everyone isn’t in the same community, the family is at least in much closer proximity. “ It’s awesome, ” Mensinger said.

While on the topic of family, Mensinger also praised her husband’s support as she built her career.

“ My husband Jerry and I, we’ve always had a great partnership, ” she said.

“ We’ve been married for 30 years, and he’s always provided the stability that allowed me to take some risks in my career that I probably wouldn’t have been able to do if we didn’t have the partnership we have. ”

This special feature is sponsored by planitinc.

planitinc. is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom, but also the community.

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national, regional and local meetings and events

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supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitinc.

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~ CHRIS MENSINGER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NEBRASKA, FOR BROKERAGE SERVICES, COLLIERS

I AM OCCASIONALLY STILL THE ONLY woman IN THE ROOM. BUT YOU’RE SEEING A LOT MORE diversity IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW THAN EVER BEFORE.

GIVE YOUR brain WHAT IT NEEDS: movement

More than 85% of Americans sit during work hours. The repercussions of a sedentary job are more significant than just a sore back. Research shows your mind craves movement as well as your body. Your focus, creativity and problem-solving skills increase when you are active.

So, how can you increase physical activity while meeting the demands of a desk job? There are simple ways to add movement to your day:

Look for opportunities to stand up. For example, introduce yourself in person instead of sending a welcome email to a new employee. Store your lunch in the breakroom to get some steps before eating. Opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand while on video calls.

Challenge yourself at your desk. On busy days, look for the chance to move while sitting. Engage your core by sitting on an exercise ball. Try a standing desk or treadmill desk while answering emails.

Make it a group effort. Schedule walking meetings with coworkers. A side-by-side format increases creative solutions by 60% and can

make difficult conversations much less intimidating. Create a Slack or Teams channel where colleagues can share their favorite desk exercises. Start team meetings with a five-minute stretch.

deana bennett

Use technology to your advantage. Apps on your phone enable you to work while moving. Identify blocks of time where you can participate on the go. For example, can you answer Teams messages while doing a few leg lifts, or get a few steps in while answering emails?

A sweaty workout may come to mind when you think of exercise. But getting regular movement during your day also benefits your body and mind. Do you need more motivation? Ask a colleague (or your team) to join you. There is a good chance this will lead to more creative ideas back at your desks.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’

A framework FOR ACHIEVING A HIGHER LEVEL OF actualization

Seeking the actualized side of self

To understand the concept of actualization, it is useful to consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a model that establishes levels of needs that a person focuses on and must meet before moving to the next need in the hierarchy. The hierarchy of needs can be considered both on an individual level and the business level.

The most basic level is physiological needs. The needs are basic survival including employment and income sufficient to provide for basic needs. The second level of needs is security. Security can be about physical safety, emotional safety, fair work practices and such things as benefits. While it might be easy to ignore these two basic levels in the workplace, there may be employees whose needs at these levels need to be met.

The third level of needs is that of social needs. For social needs to result in actualization, it is important to surround one’s self—whether at work or outside of work—with those who accept us for who we are so that a sense of safety is achieved. This isn’t always possible at work. The fourth level is esteem needs. At this level, the focus is on self-respect, achievement, recognition and appreciation.

At the top of the hierarchy is self-actualization. A self-actualized person has achieved such status through internal growth and development. Self-actualization is the process of becoming or actualizing one’s highest self and or potential. Self-actualized people connect deeply to a sense of purpose beyond the normal day-to-day. They are grateful, humble and fulfilled. A person who is self-actualized is more resilient and operates from abundance and strength rather than scarcity and sphere.

An actualized person will function as a good friend, co-worker, leader or boss. Where things go wrong is when a person is functioning from such person’s shadow side. When the shadow side prevails, a worker may be unproductive and relationships may be negatively impacted.

Seek and train for intense self-actualization

A person who is self-actualizing is living to his or her highest potential. The self-actualized don’t let their shadows drive their personal or professional life. The self-actualized person makes a commitment to confronting and managing the shadow side of self. Rather than succumb to fears of conflict, looking bad or failure, self-actualized persons train themselves to be objective and address challenges proactively with a problem-solving mindset.

Tips for training greater self-actualization

Your daily self-actualization workout could incorporate any or all of these to establish

and reinforce the self-actualized muscle memory.

• Know your shadow’s triggers. Identify the situations—including people— that seem to trigger you and develop a plan to avoid being triggered.

• Be objective and accepting, not defensive, about your struggles. We all struggle with something. Accepting the existence of the struggle allows you to focus your energy on devising a strategy for success.

• Boost your solution-focused mindset. When things go wrong, the temptation to blame colleagues, yourself or circumstances can be irresistible at times. Try looking at things as a challenge or a process problem rather than seeking to blame a particular issue on another person.

• Prioritize self-care. Never compromise self-care. Block it out in your calendar with the highest priority and don’t ever reschedule.

• Schedule strategically for resilience. Resilience is built by self-awareness, mindfulness, self-care, positive relationships and intentionality. If you need time to yourself in the morning to read, do yoga and run, take it. If reviewing email before going to the office means you can be fully present for others, do that. The point is to identify what is and what isn’t working for you and fix the latter. The same goes with people. It’s not that you want to surround yourself with sycophants, but you do want to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being and are positive about you as a person.

How to get out of your shadow now

Even though you have built your self-actualization muscle and stamina, there will be the proverbial “bad” day. Practice strategies to build your self-actualization muscle but also your emergency self-actualization.

• Create a time-out. If you are in a tense situation, find a way to take a break. It may be as simple as saying, “I’d like some time to reflect so I can give you my best thinking.”

• Breathe—deeply. As you breathe, shift your focus entirely to the breath, the present moment. Think about how your body feels as the tension dissipates and the fight-or-flight instinct dissolves. Now you can have a shadow-free conversation.

• Choose cordial over shadow. Grace matters the most in tough moments. Exercising positivity when everything is great is easy. Learn to practice cordiality when you don’t want to, like when you know you are right or the other person’s shadow is triggering yours.

• Focus on what you can do. To achieve that focus, eliminate distractions, practice mindfulness, take a break. Train your brain on a regular basis.

• Reduce reactivity with curiosity. Step back and assess your belief about the person or situation. Ask questions without injecting conclusions. Assume you are missing facts and that others have the best of intentions.

BASIC ESTATE planning FOR YOUNG adults

As we all know, life can be unpredictable. As an estate planning attorney, I have found in my practice that clients prefer to not think about—let alone discuss with an attorney—the worst issues life has to offer: death and taxes.

Many young adults, especially single people, delay thinking about estate planning until later in life. I have found that most of them either think 1) “I do not have enough assets to worry about it now.” or 2) “I will worry about it later, once I get married, have children, etc.” The issue with this way of thinking is the unpredictability of life. It is important for everyone, especially young adults, to have a simple estate plan in place in case the worst were to happen.

Estate planning attorneys typically recommend that someone revisits their estate plan every three to five years, so young adults should think that about the initial estate planning in terms of a current

snapshot in time rather than a lifelong comprehensive plan. Here are some helpful tips for young adults to consider when thinking about estate planning.

TOD, POD and Beneficiary Designations

One easy way to take a proactive step in planning for possibility of death would be to designate someone as a transfer on death (TOD), also known as payable on death (POD), beneficiary of your bank and investment accounts. Also, for life insurance and retirement accounts, make sure your primary beneficiary is up to date with your current wishes. These assets will pass to your chosen beneficiary without having to waste the time and expense of probating these specific assets.

This step can be accomplished by simply requesting and completing a form from your bank, financial institution, or life insurance company. While this can create a strategy, it is important to be aware that there are a lot of limitations to relying on this approach.

Powers of Attorney (POA)

Every adult should have both a general durable power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney.

A general durable power of attorney, also known as a legal and financial POA, authorizes another person to make financial and legal decisions for you. The person you appoint to act on your behalf is often referred to as an “attorney-in-fact.” General durable power of attorney authorization is typically effective immediately upon signing. If you are uncomfortable with giving someone the power to act as your agent while you are young and heathy, consider getting a “springing” power of attorney that will only be effective if you were to become incapacitated. It is important that you choose someone trustworthy to act as your attorney-in-fact.

A healthcare power of attorney allows you to designate someone else (“attorney-in-fact”) to make health care decisions for you when you are unable to make them for yourself. Please make sure when choosing someone to act as your attorney-infact to discuss with them honestly what actions you would like them to take if you were to become incapacitated.

Parents should consider getting a healthcare power of attorney for their adult children when they go off to college. We have seen many situations where a parent is unable to discuss a medical issue with the adult child’s physicians because of HIPAA restrictions.

Simple will

If you were to die without a will, you die “intestate” and the laws of your state govern how your assets will be distributed. If you want to avoid having the state mandate how your property is distributed, it would be beneficial to have a simple will. A will allows you to choose how you want your property distributed after death and allows you to select a personal representative, also known as executor, to handle your estate. Most importantly, if you have children, you can name a guardian.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy and older adults. These steps are a cost-effective way to ensure that your wishes are honored and provide you peace of mind if the worst happened. More young adults should take time to think about the future and get a basic plan in place.

“

A journey OF learning

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” - Albert Einstein

Education has always been a core value in my practice. As long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep desire for intelligence and the power that comes with understanding complicated things. School, however, did not come easy. I remember my college advisor recommending “a different path.” Based on my ACT alone, I was advised that dental school was not in my future.

So, I worked, and I struggled. I found a new advisor and I paved my way. Accepted to dental school on the first try, I found success.

As a health-centered dentist, I draw from my educational experiences in how I teach others to care for their dental and airway health. I believe in asking questions, in understanding the true needs of the individual and in co-diagnosis when treatment planning. Co-diagnosis is a mutual treatment planning process between the doctor and patient focused on individual needs and goals. It sharply contrasts with the “expert” model (“I am the doctor/expert; do as I say”) taught in dental school.

For me, co-diagnosis makes perfect sense. In my educational journey, a different approach or explanation often helped me find the right answer or master a concept. Simply being told

what to think without the why or how didn’t cut it. I wanted more.

And with this want, I have continued to learn, completing over 1,000 hours in post-doctorate study powered by a fascination with the dental-airway connection. I have learned how to use specialized retainers to guide craniofacial growth that helps kids breathe and sleep better, how to treat sleep apnea with dental appliances as an alternative to CPAP for adults, and how to heal TMJ joints and sore facial muscles to eliminate pain and improve lives. But most importantly, this educational pursuit has expanded my communication skills. I have practiced how to effectively explain treatment options, giving patients the power to choose what is best for them.

I am both humbled and excited to go to work every day. I have the unique opportunity of watching my patients thrive as I see them use their educational experiences from my office to breathe better, get out of TMJ pain or simply change home-care habits to avoid future decay.

My life has always been about learning. The journey is intentional, and the pursuit is real. My hope, moving forward, is to give back the things I know, surround myself with those who know more than me and question anyone who thinks that they know it all.

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.

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

Boosters Bash

Boys Town: 56th Annual Booster Banquet

Name of Organization: Boys Town

Event Name: 56th Annual Booster Banquet

When: May 2, 2023

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center

Why: The Booster Banquet brings Boys Town and the Omaha community together to recognize Boys Town’s student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms and other necessities.

Speaker: Zach Miller

Attendance: 950 supporters, 265 student-athletes

Amount raised: Over $290,000

Mission: Changing the way America cares for children and families.

About: For more than one hundred years, Boys Town has been a safe haven for abused and neglected children and for those with behavioral problems and mental health challenges. Boys Town lifts girls and boys out of heartache and provides life-changing care by giving them a stable and secure environment where they have access to specialized health care and learn the skills they need to become successful students and productive citizens.

For more information: http://www.boystown.org/boosters

Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Godfather’s Pizza

Event Summary: The Boys Town Boosters were formed 56 years ago to ensure that any child who is at Boys Town has the opportunity to play sports. Every year, the Booster Banquet brings Boys Town and the Omaha community together to recognize Boys Town’s student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms and other necessities. This support of Boys Town athletics guarantees youth have an outlet where they can have fun and learn valuable life lessons.

FORMER NFL TIGHT END, NEBRASKA-OMAHA MAVERICK, HUSBAND AND FATHER ZACH MILLER INSPIRED AT THE 56TH ANNUAL BOYS TOWN BOOSTER BANQUET

ZACH MILLER SPEAKS TO THE STUDENTS OF BOYS TOWN

GODFATHER’S PIZZA WAS THE PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE BOYS TOWN BOOSTER BANQUET

BOYS TOWN SUPPORTERS MEET GUEST SPEAKER ZACH MILLER

THE VOICES OF BOYS TOWN ENTERTAINED THE AUDIENCE OF NEARLY 1,200

FATHER STEVEN BOES AND ZACH MILLER HONOR ANTWON WITH THE OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOYS TOWN

Celebrating Community United Way of the Midlands: UWM 100-Year Celebration Concert

Name of Organization: United Way of the Midlands

Event Name: UWM 100-Year Celebration Concert

When: May 18, 2023

Where: Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha

Why: To recognize 100 years of UWM serving the metro and say thank you to the community for the support and caring spirit that makes our work possible.

Attendance: More than 2,500

Mission: United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.

About: For 100 years, United Way of the Midlands has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors to create a Circle of Support that helps our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a better future. UWM’s funded programs and direct services address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation and job training.

For more information: (402) 342-8232, www.UnitedWayMidlands.org

Sponsors: 100-Year Presenting Sponsors: HDR, Nebraska Medicine, NP Dodge, Physicians Mutual, Werner Enterprises. Supporting Sponsors: American National Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, CHI Health, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Farm Credit Services of America, FNBO, KPMG, Lamson Dugan & Murray, Lincoln Financial Group, Lindsay, Meta, Mutual of Omaha, Noddle Companies, Pacific Life Foundation, Scoular, Security National Bank, Tenaska, Union Pacific, Valmont.

THERESA AND BOB GUNIA ENJOYING THE TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY RECEPTION AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

THE SHENANIGANS PERFORMING AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

LESLIE DEBOER AND HER FAMILY ENJOYING THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

2022-23 UWM CAMPAIGN CHAIRS TIM AND TERRI BURKE WITH THEIR GRANDSON AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

OMAHA CITY COUNCILMAN PETE FESTERSEN AT THE UWM TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY RECEPTION AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

CHILDREN WAITING FOR THEIR SPECIAL GIFT CREATED BY THE BALLOON ARTIST AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

COMMUNITY MEMBERS DANCING TO THE MUSIC AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

GRANT AND SHAWNA FORSBERG WITH THEIR CHILDREN, LONDON AND DEVON, AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

PAM BEALL HILL AND BRYAN HILL ATTENDING THE TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY RECEPTION AT THE UWM 100-YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT

PHOTOS BY CARA YATES AND INTREPID VISUALS

Awarding Potential

Kids Can Community Center: Can Do Awards Luncheon

Name of Organization: Kids Can Community Center

Event Name: Can Do Awards Luncheon

When: May 4, 2023

Where: Scott Conference Center

Why: The Can Do Awards luncheon honored local individuals exhibiting “can do” spirit and making a difference in the Omaha community.

Attendance: 400

Amount Raised: $119,000

Mission: At Kids Can Community Center, our mission is to educate, engage and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences.

For more information: (402) 731-6988, www.KidsCan.org

Event Summary: This year’s Can Do Awards event was a fantastic celebration of individuals making great impacts in the community. Attendees were greeted by our early childhood students and the luncheon began with special performances by our after-school students at Mandela Elementary. All proceeds benefited Kids Can Community Center, celebrating its 115th anniversary this year.

BRYLEE BAILEY, CAN DO JUNIOR AWARD RECIPIENT

DULCE SHERMAN, ROBERTA WILHELM, AND CRISTINA CASTRO-MATUKEWICZ

CARY MOHIUDDIN, MEGAN ADDISON, NICOLE EVERINGHAM

CANDICE PRICE, CAN DO MORE HERE AWARD RECIPIENT

MARK DAHIR

STUDENTS FROM NELSON MANDELA ELEMENTARY

CAROLINA PADILLA & KATIE WEITZ

ASHLI CARLOCK, CAN DO PROVIDER AWARD RECIPIENT

ROBERT PATTERSON

PHOTOS BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

Y OU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING NONPROFITS IN THE 2023 EDITION OF The Giving Guide & Event Book

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Golf Partners Autism Action Partnership: Annual Swing for the Spectrum Golf

Name of Organization: Autism Action Partnership

Event Name: AAP’s 3rd Annual Swing for the Spectrum Golf Event

When: May 8, 2023

Where: Shadow Ridge Country Club

Why: Each year, Autism Action Partnership’s Guild hosts the annual golf fundraiser to raise funds to support programming and services that fill critical gaps in the autism community.

Special Guests: Co-chairs: Lisa and Mike Meridith, Jill and Jimmy Barger

Attendance: 120

Amount Raised: $42,000

Mission: To improve the quality of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their families.

About: Autism Action Partnership serves Nebraska’s autism community through targeted programs that promote support, inclusion, and prosperity. SUPPORT: We are committed to connecting individuals and families to needed resources over their lifespan and opportunities to connect. INCLUSION: Our inclusion efforts aim to create more understanding and increased opportunities for the autism community. PROSPERITY: We help to answer the question of “what’s next” as autistic individuals enter adulthood through Prosper Workforce Services and Prosper Academy. For more information: (402) 763-8830, https://autismaction.org/

Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Four Corners Aviation, Food & Beverage Sponsor: J.R. Barger & Sons, Flagship Sponsors: SEi, The Bull & Bear/Pauli’s, and QuikServe Solutions

JILL BARGER, LISA MERIDITH

AMBER GODSEY, JENN NEILAN, CARA SIMON

JULIE FELTZ, DAN FELTZ

JOHN LUND, JERRY SLUSKY, SID MERIDITH

MIKE MERIDITH, SHEA MERIDITH, JULIA KARMAZIN, KELLY KARMAZIN

PROSPER ACADEMY STUDENTS

PAT D’ANGELO, JUSTIN DOUGHERTY

VANITA LUND, JANET SLUSKY, SARA MERIDITH

GAIL WERNER-ROBERTSON, JARED ROBERTSON, CLEIGHTON ROBERTSON, SCOTT ROBERTSON

PHOTOS BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

High School Heroes

The Salvation Army: DJ’s Hero Awards Luncheon

Name Of Organization: The Salvation Army

Event Name: DJ’s Hero Awards Luncheon

When: May 9, 2023

Where: CHI Health Center

Why: Fundraiser for Salvation Army youth programs in Omaha.

Attendance: 1,100

Amount Raised: $668,000

For More Information: (402) 898-7538

Sponsors: Presenting sponsors: David and Peggy Sokol, CQuence Health Group/Mike and Elizabeth Cassling

Event Summary: The 2023 DJ’s Hero Awards Luncheon honored 17 Nebraska high school seniors for overcoming adversity and serving their communities in the spirit of DJ Sokol, the person the event is named for. The event was held May 9 at CHI Health Center Omaha and featured keynote speakers Michael and Achea Redd. A record-setting $668,000 was raised, all in support of local Salvation Army youth programs. The event was made possible thanks to the outstanding generosity of David and Peggy Sokol.

EACH HERO WAS GIVEN A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE BY SALVATION ARMY LEADERSHIP

EVENT KEYNOTE SPEAKERS MICHAEL AND ACHEA REDD DISCUSSED THEIR EFFORTS TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS NATIONWIDE

17 HEROES WERE HONORED AT THE EVENT—EACH BEING AWARDED A $12,000 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

EMCEES ROB MCCARTNEY AND QUANECIA FRASER FROM KETV NEWSWATCH 7 EVENT CO-CHAIRS MIKE AND ELIZABETH CASSLING

PHOTOS BY JODI HAUPTMAN-DRANNEN

PHOTOS BY ELISSA DEFREESE-MARKING AND DEBRA S. KAPLAN

Adoption Milestone

NCHS: 130th Anniversary Celebration

Name Of Organization: NCHS

Event Name: NCHS 130th Anniversary Celebration

When: April 29, 2023

Where: A View West Shores

Why: To mark 130 years of serving the children and families of Nebraska alongside friends and supporters of NCHS.

Attendance: 300

Amount Raised: $211,000

Mission: To provide safe and loving care to children of all ages.

About: NCHS is a nonprofit organization established in 1893 as Nebraska Children’s Home Society that serves children and families throughout Nebraska. The organization puts “children first,” meaning that services are childcentered, focusing on the child’s best interests. Through three core services—adoption, foster care, and family support—NCHS strives toward its vision of “a safe and loving family for every child.”

For more information: (402) 451-0787, nchs.org

Event Summary: Supporters of NCHS gathered to celebrate the agency’s landmark 130th anniversary. Attendees enjoyed a social hour, silent auction, dinner and an inspirational program hosted by Julie Cornell. Adrian McLemore delivered a moving keynote about foster and kinship care. Jim and Dr. Melinda Winterscheid accepted the Biart Philanthropy Award while Nebraska State Senator Tony Vargas received the Van Oort Friends of Children Award. The evening ended with an energetic “Raise the Paddle,” which brought in over $30,000.

Sponsors: Social Hour Sponsor Clark Wealth Strategies, Keynote Sponsor Randy and Darlene Mueller

SOCIAL HOUR ATTENDEES

DAVE AND BETHANY CLARK

LANA TEMPLE-PLOTZ, SEN. TONY VARGAS AND HARRIS VAN OORT

ADRIAN MCLEMORE AND EVENT ATTENDEES

LANA TEMPLE-PLOTZ, JIM AND DR. MELINDA WINTERSCHEID

LESLIE FONDA, DARLENE AND RANDY MUELLER

Rite of Spring

Santa Monica, Inc: Annual Spring Fundraiser

Name of Organization: Santa Monica, Inc

Event Name: Annual Spring Fundraiser

When: April 22, 2023

Where: Scott Conference Center

Why: Support our mission of empowering women to live productively drug- and alcohol-free.

Attendance: 320

Amount Raised: $30,000

Mission: Provide a continuum of care that empowers women to live productively drugand alcohol-free.

About: Santa Monica provides a full continuum of care for adult women with substance misuse, mental health and trauma. Our step-down process provides long-term residential services supporting women into recovery all the way to independence.

For more information: (402) 558-7088, www.santamonicahouse.org

Sponsors: The Durham Foundation, Builder Trend, Bat Logistics

Blue Jean Dreams

Make-A-Wish Nebraska: Blue Jean Ball: Wishes Are Forever

Name of Organization: Make-A-Wish Nebraska

Event Name: Blue Jean Ball: Wishes Are Forever

When: April 29, 2023

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista

Why: The 2023 Blue Jean Ball was a celebration of granting wishes in Nebraska for 40 years. This event also helped raise money to ensure we can continue granting wishes for many years to come.

Attendance: 745

Amount Raised: $532,000

Mission: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

For more information: (402) 333-8999 or info@nebraska.wish.org

Sponsors: Title Sponsor: Lindsay Corporation

STUNNING SILENT AUCTION AND PICCADILLY AUCTION ITEMS BRING OUT THE COMPETITION FOR A GOOD CAUSE

GUESTS GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY AND HOPE TO WIN BEST DRESSED TABLE

WISH ALUM JEREMIAH AND HIS FAMILY HELPED MAKE-A-WISH NEBRASKA CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF GRANTING WISHES AT THE BLUE JEAN BALL

WISH KID HOLIN WHO SPOKE ABOUT HER WISH JOURNEY AND SANG A SPECIAL SONG CALLED “A LIGHT IN THE DARK”

BLUE JEAN BALL EMCEES, SARAH FILI, KETV NEWSWATCH 7, AND WISH ALUM SAM, WHOSE WISH TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD WAS GRANTED IN 2016

LEFT TO RIGHT: BRIAN AND LISA KETCHAM WITH LINDSAY CORPORATION, BRIGETTE YOUNG, PRESIDENT/CEO OF MAKE-A-WISH NEBRASKA, CANDACE AND RANDY WOOD, HONORARY EVENT CHAIRS

PHOTOS BY COLENE BUSHON PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS BY ELWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND HERB THOMPSON

Carol Joy Holling Camp: Tenth Annual Heart of Camp Gala

Name of Organization: Carol Joy Holling Camp

Event Name: Tenth Annual Heart of Camp Gala

When: April 1, 2023

Where: A View West Shores (Waterloo)

Why: Each year the Heart of Camp Gala celebrates the work done at Carol Joy Holling Camp through Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) and ensures this work can continue for years to come. NLOM promises that no camper will be turned away due to their ability to pay and the funds raised at the Heart of Camp Gala makes this possible.

Special Guests: Les Robbins, recipient of the Heart of Camp Vocation Award for living out his authentic calling as NLOM’s Volunteer CFO for the last eleven years; Partnership Award recipient, Papillion La Vista Community Schools, for their commitment to providing educational opportunities for children to grow in the outdoors

Catered by: A Catered Affair

Attendance: 620

Amount Raised: $315,000

For more information: (402) 944-2544, www.CarolJoyHolling.org

Dog Days

Nebraska Humane Society: 2023 Dining with Dogs

Name Of Organization: Nebraska Humane Society

Event Name: 2023 Dining with Dogs

When: June 9, 2023

Where: A View on State

Why: Dining with Dogs helps to support the Critical Care Fund at the Nebraska Humane Society.

Attendance: 510

Amount Raised: $389,000

For More Information : (402) 905-3483, www.nehumanesociety.org

LES ROBBINS RECEIVES HEART OF CAMP VOCATION AWARD

PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS RECEIVES HEART OF CAMP PARTNERSHIP AWARD

OUR ARMY OF VALET BARKERS HELPED THORUGHOUT THE EVENING

ONE OF OUR GUESTS ENJOYING THE “BARKCUTERIE” PROVIDED BY WOOF & WHISKERS

READY FOR DINNER!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAROL JOY HOLLING CAMP

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY

Foursomes for Hope

Goodwill Industries, Inc.: 24th Annual Goodwill Golf Classic

Name of Organization: Goodwill Industries, Inc.

Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa

Event Name: 24th Annual Goodwill Golf Classic

When: June 12, 2023

Where: The Players Club at Deer Creek

Why: The purpose of Goodwill’s Golf Classic is to raise funds for Goodwill Omaha’s mission programs. The event improves our efforts to help unemployed and underemployed people with disabilities and disadvantages find gainful employment and increased independence.

Special Guests: UMB Bank, Vincentini Plumbing, Arthur J. Gallagher

Attendance: 192

Amount Raised: $103,835

For more information: (402) 341-4609, https://goodwillomaha.org

Sponsors: UMB Bank, Arthur J. Gallagher, Vincentini Plumbing, C2 Building, Egan Supply, Bridges Trust, CFO Systems, FNIC, JJT Transportation, Outlook Enrichment, Rumi Apparel, Triple M Construction, Wilson Marketing, Scheels, and many more

Chipping in for Children

Children’s Square U.S.A.: Chipping in for Children

Name of Organization: Children’s Square U.S.A.

Event Name: Chipping in for Children

When: May 18, 2023

Where: Topgolf Omaha

Why: Chipping in for Children is one of three fundraising events for Children’s Square.

Catered by: Top Golf

Attendance: 145

Amount Raised: $24,000

Mission: To teach, every day, the values and life skills essential to a successful life—one full of caring, contribution and commitment.

Empowering each with: The Vision to See—and the value of setting an ideal for which to reach; The Courage to Try—and the value of accepting each obstacle as a challenge to meet; and The Will to Succeed—and the value of making the commitment to persevere.

For more information: (712) 828-7464

GOODWILL OMAHA CEO TOBI MATHOUSER (RIGHT) ENJOYING A DAY ON THE COURSE WITH HER GOLF TEAM COMPLETE SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONS STRIKING A POSE ON THE GREEN, WITH GOODWILL’S OWN LOSS PREVENTION COORDINATOR MICHAEL BRUNNERT ON THE LEFT

REPS WITH THE EVENT’S HOT SHOT SPONSOR, SCHEELS, CHAT WITH GOLFERS AND HAND OUT SWAG ON THE COURSE

YOUTHBUILD PARTICIPANTS AND STAFF AT THE HOLE OF FORTUNE STAFF: TYLER SWAIN (MIDDLE, HOLDING YELLOW TUMBLER), ASHLEY DANCY (RIGHT OF TYLER), MICHAEL ANDERSON (GREEN SHIRT)

A LARGE CONTINGENT FROM TS BANK SUPPORTED CHIPPING IN FOR CHILDREN

MUTUAL OF AMERICA’S TEAM HIT THE LINKS AT TOP GOLF

A GROUP FROM MIDSTATES BANK ENJOYING THEMSELVES

IOWA STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOSH TUREK TRIES HIS LUCK AT PUTTING FOR WINE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, INC.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DWYER

Engaging Imagination

Release: 2023 Release Annual Gala - Imagine

Name Of Organization: Release

Event Name: 2023 Release Annual GalaImagine

When: April 28, 2023

Where: Hilton Omaha

Why: Fundraising

Event Planner: Limelight

Attendance: 325

Amount Raised: $95,000

About: Release works with youth and families involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare/ foster care system. We employ a multidisciplined approach using therapists, social workers, chaplains, mentors, and foster care parents. We follow nationally recognized best practices offering trauma-informed services. We are locally known in the field for working with clients that have exhausted all other options. Our number one desires is to see youth and families in Omaha become safe, together, healthy, and free.

For more information: (402) 455- 0808

Woman Power!

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha: Women’s Power Luncheon

Name of Organization:

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha

Event Name: Women’s Power Luncheon

When: May 19, 2023

Where: Hilton Omaha

Why: Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s Women’s Power Luncheon celebrates the service of the women who power Habitat Omaha to build community by providing safe, energy-efficient and affordable homes. This was the 26th year for the annual event. A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to this year’s Women’s Power Luncheon and to our sponsors.

Special Guests: Those who were honored and recognized included Power Women of the Year

Danna Plummer and Pat Manion; Honorary Chairs

Dan and Kelly Houghton, and Power Partners

Cristina Castro-Matukewicz and Spencer Danner

Sponsors: Union Pacific, Bill and Jodie MacKintosh Foundation, Constance Ryan, American National Bank, Ashley and Clark Horgan, Cushman & Wakefield, Lund Company, Metropolitan Utilities District, Owen, FNBO, Lamp Rynearson, Northern Natural Gas, OPPD and a host of corporate sponsors

DAVE WININGER THANKS THE EVENT’S HONORARY CHAIRS COURTNEY AND DAVE MARTIN

THE AUDIENCE VISUALLY EXPERIENCED RICHARD HARRISON, A MIDSUMMER’S MURAL, BRING A PAINTING TO LIFE DEPICTING THE INSPIRATION OF THE SPEAKER, DR. CURT THOMPSON

GUESTS WERE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE A FUN SILENT AUCTION WHICH RAISED $16, 465.00

VOLUNTEERS READY TO GREET GUESTS AT THE 2023 WOMEN POWER LUNCHEON

KETV REPORTER WAVERLE MONROE, EMCEE FOR THE EVENT, SHARES HER CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF HOME

POWER PARTNERS OF THE YEAR: SPENCER DANNER, FNBO, CRISTINA CASTRO-MATUKEWICZ, WELLS FARGO

POWER WOMEN OF THE YEAR HONOREES DANNA PLUMMER AND PAT MANION, AND HABITAT OMAHA CEO AMANDA BREWER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVE WININGER SHARED HIS GRATEFULNESS TO THE SUPPORTS TO ALLOW THE WORK OF RELEASE TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND SINCE 1998

Diamond Derby

Champagne and Diamonds

Name of Organization: MICAH House Shelter

Event Name: Champagne and Diamonds

When: May 6, 2023

Where: Mid-America Center

Why: To raise funds for MICAH House clients

Attendance: 350

Amount Raised: $112,104

Mission: To provide a safe and nurturing environment with support services for families and individuals experiencing the crisis of homelessness. For more information: (712) 323-4416 x 2111, mlarsen@themicahhouse.org

Bremer Buddies

Chris Bremer Foundation

Annual Golf Event

Name of Organization: Chris Bremer Foundation

Event Name: Chris Bremer Foundation Annual Golf Event

When: June 5, 2023

Where: The Players Club Omaha

Why: To support mental health and suicide prevention

Attendance: 260

Amount Raised: $125,000.00

Mission: Advocating connectedness and fostering resources for mental health and the prevention of suicide

For more information: www.chrisbremerfoundation.org

RCMC Celebrates the ‘70s

RCMC Summer Concert

Name of Organization: River City Mixed Chorus

Event Name: RCMC Summer Concert: Our Own Kind of Music

Date: June 10, 2023

Location: Holland Performing Arts Center

Purpose: RCMC performs a major concert each June as part of local and national Pride celebrations.

Number of people in attendance: 1,200

Mission: Creating exceptional musical experiences to support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities.

For more information: (402) 341-7464, https://rcmc.org

THE PINNACLE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY AETNA IS A MAJOR STOP OF THE KORN FERRY TOUR

BRINGING OUR MUSIC AND OUR JOY

PHOTO BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS BREMER FOUNDATION

PHOTO BY CORRIE SUHR PHOTOGRAPHY