metroMAGAZINE’s mQUARTERLY Fall (AUG/SEPT/OCT) 2016 Issue

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going all in.

TAKING GIVING BACK TO THE NEXT LEVEL

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

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SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

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in this ISSUE

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

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features

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THE BIG CONNECTION! QLI: quality living, inc.

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VIPS: VERY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE 5 in a series of 25 inspiring 25th anniversary profiles

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ROOM WITH A VIEW • FLEX SPACE omaha design center

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TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN omaha restaurant association

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HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME omaha restaurant association

departments/columns

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connecting to our essence

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connecting to our history

GAME CHANGERS • MARGARET HAYNES presented by planitOmaha

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150 YEARS OF THE “Y” ymca of greater omaha

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connecting to our vision

HE SAID/SHE SAID mike & mary from KMTV’s morning blend

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SPOTLIGHT ON: american heart assoc. & american stroke assoc.

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SPOTLIGHT ON:

connecting to our caregiving

susan g. komen

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metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack

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OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION omaha giving

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VW LAW planning matters

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SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. todays savings

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VONDRAK DENTAL impact!

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WAKING WORDS FROM ROB KILLMER we live how we drive

events

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connecting to our charities

SCENE highlights from recent charity & cultural events

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SAVE THE DATE upcoming events in the coming quarter

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connecting to our givers

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AUG/SEP/OCT 2016 • VOL. 28 NO. 3 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

Creative Collaboration

Andrea L. “Andee” Hoig

Leo Adam Biga Sara Boyd Mary Drueke-Collins Daniel Flanigan Roger Humphries Elissa Joy Debra Kaplan Wendy Moore MORNING BLEND’s “Mike & Mary” Jim Scholz Kara Schweiss Mary Vandenack Stephanie Vondrak D.D.S. Michael J. Weaver, J.D.

Editor/Creative Director

Robert P. “ROB” Killmer Community Engagement

Tracy Fisher Dana Carlton-Flint Special Thanks

Counterparts Printco Graphics

metroMAGAZINE /

QUARTERLY 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 – 2016 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

402.932.3522 • CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com

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MAKE THE CONNECTION! “We have generations of individuals that have passion, and generations that have need.

When those two meet, great relationships occur. metroMAGAZINE and mQUARTERLY consistently help connect and foster those relationships.” ~ NATE DODGE PRESIDENT, NP DODGE COMPANY

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words FROM MY HEART

mQUARTERLY • LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

joy

I recently attended a Tony Robbins event in Dallas. It was extraordinary to say the least and life changing for me on so many levels. There were lots of great take-a-ways but there was one thing that Tony said that really got me thinking…”Life is happening for you not to you.” It seems to me that so many of us are at war with life, at war with ourselves. Making lists of things that we don’t like about ourselves – lists of what we think is wrong in the world. Growth, self improvement, and change is important for our evolution, but I believe we can accomplish those things without the constant struggle that often goes along with life. Struggle is an option.

I turned 50 in July and I must say…I am EXCITED for this new decade! I have spent the

past year noticing and observing how life is unfolding before me in ways I never thought possible, as well as how am I responding to life. I must admit that I sometimes have reacted to the conflict, the contrast and the challenges that have arisen; but changing my thought process to “Life is happening for me” vs “to me” is proving to be a game changer for me. I have become more keenly aware of the people that show up and trigger me and when this happens I ask the question “What is this person mirroring back to me? Where is there room for growth on my part? How can I show up in more compassionate and loving ways…applying this first to myself, and– from what I learn about loving myself, passing that love on to others, including my ‘trigger people’?”

ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com

Self love is so important. Having fun in life and experiencing life is so important.

Being ‘ALL IN’ is so important. I also feel that when we declare things to God – to the Universe – there is a lot more power behind it, and that self-love and fun can flow.

As I experience and move through the first year of this new decade I am recommitting…to be ALL IN! This time it comes from a more loving and compassionate place knowing that Life is happening for me…and I commit to revisiting these intentions on a daily basis. The world needs me, the world needs me also to show up 4) Engaging in Meditation. and be fully present, be ALL IN! That is where the magic happens.

Mediation is so powerful – I have experienced its power. I know that spending time alone, connecting with my higher self, with God, with the Source energy that creates 1) Practicing gratitude. worlds – each and every day – will dramatically change my world! I also know that I wake up early each morning (weekends included) and I don’t taking time out to just be while requiring myself to do nothing is also important to my immediately jump out of bed rushing to get ready for the day. I instead curl up underneath the covers (surrounded by kitties) and give thanks for everything! From the emotional, mental and spiritual well being. most seemingly insignificant things – like how soft my sheets are – to BIG PICTURE items like all of the opportunities coming my way for me to speak, write, inspire and connect with the world. This includes giving thanks for of all of the beautiful people in my life – past, present and future – who have touched me in positive ways (and at times not so positive). They all have had a reason for showing up.

5) I allow & embrace healthy, positive, nurturing relationships in my life.

It has been really easy for me to keep myself so busy that I have no room for fulfilling relationships. Healthy relationships are also important to my personal overall well being and can also bring about great JOY!

2) Practicing Self Love.

I choose thoughts and actions that empower me! No more negative self talk, no more 6) Having FUN. Experiencing JOY every day!

Somewhere on my path I got it in my head that work and fun did not go hand and hand. self judgement…loving myself exactly where I am…and if I find myself doing the I now am a believer that work and fun (and JOY) must go hand and hand. If it’s not fun opposite, I quickly forgive and move on. Whenever I have a bad moment or day or feel and it doesn’t bring me joy I am not going to do it. I don’t want to put energy into a frustrated I will relax, breathe and find a better feeling or thought…knowing that the product, publication or message that I am not putting out into the world joyfully. discomfort will pass.

It’s a new day…a new decade and new beginning on my journey. I know that Life can

3) Practicing Self Care.

Moving my body each day in ways that I love! Yoga, biking, walking, hiking…no forcing myself to do things that I hate or that don’t feel good.

be Magical and IS Magical when you show up and are fully present for it. I also know that the JOY is in the Journey…And what a JOYFUL JOURNEY this is. I AM ALL IN! ~ Andee

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2017

For events presented between June 1, 2015 & May 31, 2016 Nominations accepted from August 1 – September 15!

• Go to www.SpiritofOmaha.com/BigEventNOMS

Nominations accepted in these 11 Categories: Best Event: 1st/2nd Annual • Best Event: Under 500 • Best Event: Over 500 Best Event: Over 1,000 • Best Event: Family Festival • Best Event: Heath & Wellness Best Event: Theme • Best Event: Education • Best Event: Food & Wine • Best Event: Walk/Run • Best Event: Speaker/Guest PLUS: • Outstanding Guild Award

5 Finalists in each category will be announced in our NOV/DEC/JAN 2016/17 issue!

Voting runs November 1 – December 15th in August!

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

*

The TOP VOTE-GETTING organization will WIN the

Go to www.SpiritofOmaha.com/BigEventNOMS

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THE BIG

proudly omahan, qli has become a defining national resource in rehabilitation as a result of expertise, culture and community.

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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF QUALITY LIVING INC.

• mQUARTERLY celebrating 25 years in 2016!

here.

YOU COULD BUILD A hundred DIFFERENT QLIs IN A HUNDRED DIFFERENT cities, BUT NONE OF THEM WOULD SUCCEED WITHOUT OMAHA’S unique CULTURE AND THE support THIS CITY PROVIDES. ~ PATRICIA KEARNS PRESIDENT AND CEO, QLI

CUTTING-EDGE GAIT TRAINING TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENTS QLI’S CLINICAL EXPERTISE

BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD injuries FOIST HARROWING LIMITATIONS ON THOSE INJURED Expertise and Innovation — FROM COMPLETE PHYSICAL PARALYSIS TO IMPAIRED COGNITIVE FUNCTION. THE EFFECTS OF SEVERE AND TRAUMATIC INJURIES NOT ONLY CREATE SEEMINGLY PERMANENT BOUNDARIES FOR AN INDIVIDUAL’S LIFE, BUT CAN ALSO CREATE A SYSTEM OF DEPENDENCE THAT FORCES LOVED ONES TO BECOME CAREGIVERS AND LIFE-LONG PASSIONS TO BECOME BYGONE, UNATTAINABLE MEMORIES. It is at QLI’s 65-acre campus, nestled quietly on the corner of 72nd and Sorensen Parkway, where the men and women and families affected by injuries come to redefine their lives. Over the last 25 years the center’s sphere of influence has experienced immense growth, treating injuries from over 37 states, including Nebraska, each year. Major hospital networks and healthcare providers nationwide look to QLI as an unrivaled specialized resource when managing the most catastrophic of cases — the ultimate connection point between urgent trauma and medical care and a client’s return home.

QLI’s unique hybridization of formal intensity and flexible customization equates to a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Its description of services stretches to almost exhausting lengths, with teams strategically dividing individual therapy goals into targetable charts of progress.

But unlike other rehabilitation providers, QLI’s program preoccupies itself with helping injury survivors master functional skills sustainable beyond the walls of a therapy gym and beyond the dependence on direct support. QLI estimates its therapists take clients on more than 3,000 trips into the Omaha community each year.

Where formal therapy has its limits, real-world exercises shatter physical and cognitive boundaries otherwise established by injury. “We might work on an individual’s range of motion or strength and conditioning in the gym,” said Michala Witas, QLI’s director of physical and occupational therapy services, “but the real test is whether this person with a spinal cord injury can still lift their child onto their lap or from out of a car seat. Or even if they can perform something as simple as navigating a hill or over uneven ground.”

“QLI exists in a unique position,” QLI President and CEO Patricia Kearns said. “We are a post-acute rehabilitation “We actively utilize real-world opportunities to confront center. That means we’re not a hospital, but can still the same challenges we would in traditional therapy. By provide an incredible level of continual, complex medical using this method, our team can build routines and support. Our program is intensive enough to provide techniques the client can use to perform tasks well what is essentially 24 hours-a-day of hands-on inpatient beyond their rehabilitation. And the client rebuilds their rehabilitation, while also being flexible enough to tailor confidence to know they can still do these normal things therapies to the needs and goals of the individual client.” without so much assistance,” Witas said.

QLI • quality living inc.

TAKING THERAPY INTO REAL-WORLD SITUATIONS MAXIMIZES A CLIENT’S POTENTIAL FOR RECOVERY

AT QLI, REHABILITATION GOES BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF INJURY

LEARN MORE AT TEAMQLI.COM

CONTINUED

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THE BIG connection

QUALITY LIVING INC. qli

Building a Life Path One of the essential components of QLI’s program harnesses the individual characteristics of each respective client. Taking a client’s passions — the very elements which define that person’s identity — and incorporating them directly into therapy helps QLI transcend the limitations of an injury.

To accomplish this, QLI’s Life Path Services team connects those meaningful and relevant passions, and their underlying importance, to empowering avenues of participation. Perhaps an individual loves bowhunting both for the thrill of the activity and for the opportunity to be around family and friends, or perhaps an individual drove race cars as part of their career path before injury.

Perhaps an individual fears they can’t fulfill their duty as a parent, thinking themselves incapable of pushing their child on a swing or even helping care for their newborn.

The organization’s Life Path Services department collaborates directly with all of QLI's clinical teams to engineer practical solutions to these problems, creating what QLI’s Adaptive Sports Specialist Ed Armstrong calls “rehabilitation rocket fuel.” An allterrain powered wheelchair allows the hunter to navigate off-road paths, and a specialized mount allows them to safely aim and discharge their bow; a community partnership gets the race car driver back on the track with therapist supervision; an accessible playground reconnects an injured parent to valuable time playing with their children.

QLI’S LIFE PATH SERVICES TEAM USES CLIENTS’ PASSIONS AS THE BASIS FOR THERAPY

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“Getting people back to the things they love becomes a hugely motivating part of what drives them through therapy,” Armstrong said. “It’s a cycle that perpetuates itself. If they can do the things they love with the people they love, they’ll work harder in therapy. After working harder in therapy, they’ll eventually be better and stronger at doing the things they find meaningful and inspiring.”

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LEARN MORE AT TEAMQLI.COM

• mQUARTERLY

here.

Excellence in Culture The organization does not thrive on its industrychanging product alone. Instead, the company cultivates a workplace culture to ensure the success, growth and continued engagement of each of its 370-plus employees. Since 2005, QLI has been named a Best Place to Work in Omaha six times, a distinction repeatedly earned as a result of its workforce’s infectious and undeniable enthusiasm for the corporate mission.

OUR STAFF’S commitment TO QLI COMES FROM OUR ORGANIZATION BEING TRULY invested IN THEIR SUCCESS IN WORK AND IN life. ~ ALICIA ELSON VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES QLI

“Our staff’s commitment to QLI comes from our organization being truly invested in their success in work and in life,” said QLI’s Vice President of Human Resources Alicia Elson.

That investment takes its form in a myriad of ways, ranging from financial planning courses to help staff manage retirement funds to powerful mentoring relationships designed to augment an employee’s leadership ability among coworkers. QLI’s supervisors and executives even pen personalized notes of gratitude and pride to the spouses and parents of staff.

“We aren’t afraid to brag about their great work on their behalf,” Elson said.

Flat Systems and “Re-recruitment” Small appreciative touches go far in executing what QLI coins the “re-recruitment” process — the effort to retain the incredible talent the company has curried within the Omaha area. But the bulk of re-recruitment happens during day-to-day operations as staff and clinical teams coordinate together to plan client rehabilitation strategies.

The collaboration necessary to make QLI’s mission so successful requires a flat system of leadership, a system that minimizes the importance of seniority in favor of creativity, innovation and sound problem-solving.

FOR QLI, A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEGINS WITH A COMMITMENT TO TEAM SUCCESS IN WORK AND LIFE QLI • quality living inc.

LEARN MORE AT TEAMQLI.COM

CONTINUED

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THE BIG connection

QUALITY LIVING INC. qli Every team member contributes an equal voice in discussion. Actionable plans come not always from the most senior part of the company, but rather from the entire team’s desire to do what is right for the client and their individual clinical need.

“Everyone sets their ego aside,” said Todd Schmitz, an adaptive tech repair specialist at QLI. “We put the client first, and everyone works toward the same goal. It doesn’t matter who the good idea comes from — since we all work with the intent of helping this person recover, we’re going to take that good idea and it’s going to make a difference.”

A popular adage at QLI, and one of the company’s foremost principles of leadership, reads “Good staff have the right to work with good staff.” In building teams of individuals dedicated to helping their coworkers succeed, each link in the proverbial chain is as strong as the next.

Each employee has the opportunity to lead and the opportunity to take ownership over significant decisions across the company.

QLI’s workforce is so proud because, in point of fact, QLI belongs to its staff. The employees are the protectors of its culture and the shepherds of its success.

QLI, MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT, AND OMAHA PARKS DIRECTOR BROOK BENCH HELP OPEN THE OUTDOORS FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ANY ABILITY

Doing It Together “The facilities we have at QLI are simply bricks and mortar,” Kearns said. “You could build a hundred different QLIs in a hundred different cities, but none of them would succeed without Omaha’s unique culture and the support this city provides.”

Indeed, QLI openly credits the empowering loyalty of the Omaha community with strengthening its medical programming and providing a wealth of opportunities to the families who seek out QLI’s services.

UNO’S PARTNERSHIP WITH QLI DIRECTLY IMPACTS MEN AND WOMEN GETTING BACK TO LIFE

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To best deliver real-world therapy experiences, QLI relies on numerous community partnerships. Sports and recreation resources like Omaha’s DiVentures, Approach Rock Climbing Gym, and the Heartland Equine Therapy Riding Academy (HETRA) coordinate directly with QLI’s clinical teams to maximize therapy goals, and, simply, offer important experiences unavailable on QLI’s campus.

On the other end of the clinical spectrum, QLI utilizes an ever-expanding nucleus of employers and vocational resources to assess a client’s potential for returning to work. From Omaha’s Heart Ministry Center to Wenninghoff’s Farm, from the Hot Shops Art Center to Creighton University’s School of Dentistry, partnerships across the city contribute direct benefit to the recovery of an individual affected by injury.

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LEARN MORE AT TEAMQLI.COM

• mQUARTERLY

here.

Just as QLI’s workplace culture celebrates and encourages the success of all its individual staff members, its investment in the Omaha community reflects a similar philosophy. A regular participant and sponsor for many of the area’s most exciting events, including Maha Music Festival and Sand in the City®, the organization devotes enormous effort into helping cultivate a proud and vibrant Omaha community.

Held once every two years, An Evening at the Fair requires months of planning by numerous committees composed of select community partners. The event itself is run in its entirety by QLI staff, allowing guests to build a direct connection to the organization and the men and women who help rebuild lives each day.

[AN EVENING AT THE FAIR] IS fun, IT’S DIFFERENT, BUT IT’S ALSO THE SOURCE OF A LOT OF OMAHA PRIDE. IT MAKES US ALL proud THAT QLI AND OMAHA – OUR CITY – DO SO MUCH FOR SO MANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE country.

This unique twist on the traditional philanthropic gala reflects QLI’s mission to forge personal connections to Omaha’s community and young professionals, as well as cultural leaders.

Likewise, a parallel effort is poured into innovating and impacting the city, its landscape, and its professional talent. In 2014, QLI worked closely with Kinghorn Gardens and the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation “[An Evening at the Fair] is fun, it’s different, but it’s also department to reimagine Glenn Cunningham Lake, the source of a lot of Omaha pride,” said QLI Board helping kickstart an extraordinary multi-phase redesign Member Lori Scott. “It makes us all proud that QLI and of the lake’s amenities and accommodations. Included Omaha – our city – do so much for so many people in the additions: a universally accessible kayak launch across the country.” dock, which allows individuals of all physical ability to enjoy the waterfront from the previously inaccessible This September, QLI’s one-of-a-kind event finds a new lake shoreline. home in UNO’s Baxter Arena. Just across the street from Aksarben Village, QLI’s event will be proudly QLI’s partnerships with the Avenue Scholars Foundation hosted in one of Omaha’s most modern and welcoming and the University of Nebraska Omaha create similar cultural hubs. positive ripple effects throughout the community. As Only in Omaha Omaha continues to lead the nation as an ambitious, entrepreneurial metropolitan city, QLI has helped Multiple significant expansions to QLI’s campus in 2016 cultivate and develop professional talent dedicated to — a cutting-edge gait and mobility technology lab, an causes and impact. on-campus lake for sports and recreation, and Suzanne Scott Family Housing at QLI (a 13,500-square-foot Fair Play residential complex for families) — represent the hope One of the most exciting ways in which QLI connects QLI instills in those whose lives have been shaken by with the Omaha community is an event truly unlike any traumatic or severe injury. And yet, those same other — QLI’s An Evening at the Fair. expansions also represent a defining truth about QLI’s role in the Omaha community and Omaha’s place in the “[An Evening at the Fair] was something we wanted to national healthcare landscape. use to educate people about QLI,” said Dawn Dinsdale, a member of QLI’s board of directors and a former QLI’s presence — its innovation and industry-leading honorary chair of the event. “A lot of effort went into sophistication — makes Omaha the definitive blending our fun environment with relevant information destination for the brain and spinal cord injury about QLI’s services and the kinds of injuries QLI treats.” population nationwide. And, in turn, Omaha’s continued support — culturally, collaboratively and The event, designed in 2005 as a corporate “friendraiser,” philanthropically — spurs QLI’s growth as a boundarytrades as much on spectacle as it does on fun. Set shattering rehabilitation powerhouse into the future. against the backdrop of country fair decor and a towering indoor hot air balloon, An Evening at the Fair’s It is the sort of mutually beneficial connection QLI guests receive unlimited access to the night’s games, couldn’t imagine having anywhere else. obstacle courses, food and drink for only the price of their ticket. Attendees are guaranteed to walk out “Because of Omaha’s culture, pride, hospitality and carrying armfuls of prizes. But they also have the tradition for work ethic,” Kearns said, “the individuals we opportunity to leave with something more: knowledge serve can reaccess their passions. Because of Omaha, the and passion for QLI’s mission. individuals we serve can get back to life.”

QLI • quality living inc.

~ LORI SCOTT BOARD MEMBER, QLI

A GUEST CONCENTRATES ON WINNING A PRIZE AT QLI’S AN EVENING AT THE FAIR

AN EVENING AT THE FAIR HOSTED NEARLY 1000 ATTENDEES IN 2014

LEARN MORE AT TEAMQLI.COM

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VIP

VIPS

• VERY inspirational PEOPLE

SILVER ANNIV. MEMBER

SHE’S NOT THE KIND of person who does only one thing at a time.As a college undergrad, Megan Hunt studied radio, intercultural communications and German. She’s an entrepreneur, running bridal design company Princess Lasertron from 2005 to 2012 and online women’s wear retailer Hello Holiday since 2012. She’s a civic activist and nonprofit volunteer. She’s a single mother to five-year-old Alice. Hunt is also a longtime blogger and writer, tackling issues from equality and justice to politics at all levels and Midwestern “brain drain,” and in 2014, she published her first book, Fabric Blooms: 42 Flowers to Make, Wear & Adorn Your Life.

The company has taken off quickly, but Hunt aspires to make a greater impact than merely achieving a comfortable level of commercial success. Good business ethics are paramount.

“As a business leader, I feel a responsibility to inspire integrity on my team,” she said.

A Dundee showroom opened a year and half ago; Hunt jokes about being an “east-of-72nd snob,” but she’s a sincere advocate for her beloved Dundee neighborhood and other historic areas. “One thing I love about Omaha is that it’s just a small enough city that people have pride in their neighborhoods,” she said. Hello Holiday has also grown by the number of designers who contribute to inventory. The company currently works with approximately 35 emerging designers, with a focus on bringing them into the mainstream fashion market.

Hunt describes herself as “ambitious” and “intense,” and at the relatively young age of 30 she’s certainly been successful in the traditional professional sense. But keeping busy at a level that would drive the average person over the edge is not about accumulating fortune “It’s hard to break out from the gatekeepers in the fashion industry. But even in the past couple of years – and certainly since 2005 when I started (Princess Lasertron) – the or gaining recognition, Hunt said.

Internet and social media and sharing apps like Instagram and Tumblr have democratized fashion so much that we are able to use those platforms to find and support “Success to me is having freedom, and a big part of that is the freedom to designers who are in the same place that I was back then,” she said. pursue my interests,” she explained. “And I’m fortunate to be interested in a lot of things. Everything I do in my life is caused by or related Power of confidence to or informed by these interests of mine. That’s why I don’t do In addition to bolstering promising designers, Hello Holiday just one thing.” gives something more than just fun fashion to its customers, “What really inspires me on Hunt said. The right clothing can inspire confidence, and Lifelong learner the “carefully curated selection” of unique apparel and my own entrepreneurial Hunt’s many areas of interest likely stem from an innate accessories gives a global, diverse customer demographic love of learning that started in childhood and never path is my belief in the – including women who may be overlooked by other stopped blooming. retailers because they happen to be plus-size – the means power of confidence and to “make every day more festive and more celebratory.” agency in women.”

“When I was in college – and I think this is what everybody should do – I studied what I was really interested in. I took “I want every woman to look the way she wants to look,” Hunt MEGAN HUNT the classes that made me excited to go to class. Because I was said. “What really inspires me on my own entrepreneurial path F enthusiastic about the learning, I was a really good student,” she is my belief in the power of confidence and agency in women. said. “That curiosity, being a lifelong learner, is an entrepreneurial trait At Hello Holiday, we believe that the more control women have over for sure.” their own lives, the happier they will be, which is a really simple and impactful way to change the world.”

Starting a company seemed like a natural step to take after college, Hunt said, because she had always envisioned herself as a business owner. “I never expected to work for anybody As a successful female business owner, Hunt strives to call out the need to increase the else at all. I never expected to have a life except what I created for myself as an entrepreneur.” presence of women in business leadership and the number of women business owners.

And those are just two of the many topics she’s written and blogged about.

All she had to do was come up with the right concept. Hunt, who defines a good business idea as “an intersection of your interest and skills and what people will pay for,” had her first “I really like discussing issues of justice and equality and civic progress and activism,” taste of professional accomplishment with Princess Lasertron, growing that home-based she said, while adding, “If I’m going to be a leader, my writing is probably my most business to serve an average of 400 brides a year all over the world. But at some point she powerful leadership tool.” realized that she loved the business side of things even more than she loved the design With the belief that “activism is doing something in the real world,” Hunt also serves on the side of creating dresses and bouquets. boards of Friends of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, CHEER Nebraska, and Omaha “I felt like I was on the dartboard as far as the right career for me but I wasn’t hitting the Area Youth Orchestras. She is also a founder of Safe Space Nebraska, a nonprofit that works bullseye; it wasn’t quite the perfect job for me,” Hunt said. So, three and a half years ago, with clubs, bars, and entertainment venues to promote safe and inclusive nightlife. she partnered with Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik to found Hello Holiday.

Despite all she’s accomplished already, Hunt sees an even busier future ahead.

Hello Holiday “My goal has always been to get to the point where I can travel most of the time, where I “Hello Holiday is an online women’s wear retailer. We sell clothes and accessories created can work remotely, I can write more books, I can do more speaking. I’d like to become a by independent designers, in sizes extra-small to 4X,” Hunt said. “Everything we sell here venture capitalist or angel investor someday,” she said. is either made exclusively for our store or it’s from a small run manufactured by an independent fashion designer.”

It’s just a matter of time.

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STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN

• mQUARTERLY celebrating 25 years in 2016!

multi TASKER

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VIP

VIPS

• VERY inspirational PEOPLE

SILVER ANNIV. MEMBER

WHEN DAN SCHNEIDER welcomed the new year in 2007, “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else besides this,” Schneider said. “I had something that he had reached both a decade in a financial planning industry career and a hard realization. I was very passionate about, very excited about, that made sense to people. The whole thing came down to this: If I could figure out a way to produce high-end video – that looks really professional, really good – at rational price points, we would create an opportunity “I was pretty good in that business,” he said. “But I did not enjoy it.” for people to communicate using a medium that everyone was already moving toward.”

The married father of four was making a good living and had cultivated a nice clientele, so stepping away from that stable position was fraught with risk. But by the end of year, Schneider may bemoan the 10-year delay in finding his “dream job,” but he’s quick to admit Schneider was deep into a new job as an account manager and videographer/ his experience as a financial advisor is a nice complement to his artistic nature. writer/producer for an advertising agency, where he came on board at the behest of the owner, a former financial planning client of many years. A year and a half in, Schneider had “I’m in a sweet spot because I can speak the language of business owners, but I’m reasonably creative; My business background has served me well. I approach every video project from 140 infomercials and more than 70 TV and radio spots under his belt. the perspective of ‘What’s the purpose of this video? What’s the thing we want the viewer “I really learned the production side of things from this team of editors and videographers to do the moment the video ends?’When people land on your website, they’re looking for something. They don’t come to websites, usually, by accident. So when they’re there, in Atlanta who to this day are some of the best in the country at what they do,” you have an opportunity to begin the rapport-building process from a sales he said. “I was kind of thrown into the fire, and Boom! just took it over standpoint and it’s my contention that – short of a handshake and and here we go. I learned an awful lot about it in a very short period looking somebody in the eye – being able to see what somebody of time.” looks like and hear what they sound like and seeing what their “I couldn’t imagine doing facility or office looks like in a video format is much more powerful than a bunch of still images,” he explained. “Video Depending on himself anything else besides this. touches more of our senses. It touches more of our Soon after, however, the American economy took a downturn and nationwide, auto dealerships – which I had something that I was imagination.” comprised most of the video production work – were hit very passionate about, So although Motion Content House does produce some hard. As the owner let the agency slowly dissolve, traditional video projects and offers consultation on the very excited about, that Schneider was determined to find a niche. best uses of video content, most of the business is made sense to people.” producing videos for clients to utilize in new media “Basically I had about eight or nine months to figure out if I marketing campaigns, websites and social media. With was going to go back to the brokerage business or if I was DAN SCHNEIDER increasingly more viewers accessing video content on mobile going to go to an ad agency somewhere now that I had some F phones, videos have become shorter, so Schneider and Wallinger experience,” he said. “It was, ‘what am I going to do?’…I started to generally produce a package for clients that includes a profile video plus investigate this thing that had become popular called ‘YouTube,’ and this a versatile batch of brief and focused pieces called “BLAST!” videos. recent thing called the ‘iPhone.’”

Inviting you to the cause Some of Schneider’s favorite stories to tell are those of business owners, not unlike himself, who have paved their own path. “I’m inspired by those who start a business on their own “Through a lot of investigation, through a lot of praying and begging and all this sort of scratch and put everything into it,” he said. However, he also enjoys telling the stories of thing, at the end of 2008, my wife and I figured that I was probably going to have to just “people who are good stewards of lineage businesses.” depend on myself,” Schneider recalled. “So I started a company to produce video content for new media marketing for businesses and nonprofits. I wrote the business plan in He also has a soft spot for nonprofits. Besides his direct work with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes December 2008 and the opening salvo – the opening page summary – I could have written Research Foundation), Make-A-Wish, Omaha Fashion Week and others, Schneider has produced dozens of videos for nonprofit clients. He’s particularly sensitive about presenting it today. Everything has held true; everything we set out to do has happened.” health charities and those they serve with dignity and respect that comes from a place of Returning to his hometown of Omaha and its more stable economy was the next step, and personal understanding; his wife, Angela, has multiple sclerosis.

That research (and remarkable intuition) led Schneider to transition into starting his own business featuring a new-at-the-time multimedia emphasis for video content.

in 2011, Schneider hired a promising young producer, Zach Wallinger, to assist him. There “I want people to feel invited to the cause,” he said. “It’s not a hard sell. We’re much more had been a few unsuccessful partnerships and an evolution of company names along the about the viewer experience.” way, but Wallinger had the perfect combination of talent and experience the business needed plus a laid-back persona that balanced out Schneider’s intensity (Schneider’s words: Schneider said although Motion Content House has “really been Zach and me since (2011); “I’m more like popcorn.”) we work great together,” he’s ready to soon bring on another videographer and step into the next phase as more clients come on and the opportunities to apply his medium of Dream job choice continue to increase.

In 2014, Wallinger became a full partner in the business, now called Motion Content House, and together they’ve now produced more than 4,000 videos for businesses, “We’re talking about the internet here. This is a 24-hour-a-day nonstop content provider,” nonprofits, educational institutions, political campaigns, sports and entertainers. he said. “I still believe we’re in the top of the first inning of this thing. The future looks bright.”

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ONE OF Michelle Schrage’s favorite sayings – it’s framed in her house – is “Vision without execution is hallucination.”The words are widely attributed to Thomas Edison, who we know as having had a knack for creating new things. Schrage likes the sentiment because she’s an inventor of a different sort – with a knack for creating ways to bring people together.

Management Company), Dr. Kim Hoogeveen (MindSet, QLI), Paul Hogan (CEO of Home Instead Senior Care), Dr. Jeffrey Gold (Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center), and most recently, former Nebraska Cornhuskers head football coach and U.S. Representative, Dr. Tom Osborne.

“I’m sort of a social connector. I’m a community organizer. I can’t help it,” Schrage said. Her Promoting positive and meaningful interactions professional career is in financial services, serving as the branding and marketing director “We are fortunate to have so many leaders in the community who believe in our mission for MassMutual Nebraska, but she’s more commonly associated with her role as co-founder and vision, so the circle of people we have access to widens,” Schrage said, adding that of Business4Business, a professional society which has ushered in a new kind of networking members of B4B’s board are responsible for finding speakers and coordinating some of the to the community – connecting the social, civic, philanthropic and business sectors. other programming, allowing her to concentrate on leadership rather than try to plan all the organization’s events single-handedly. “We are blessed with the most amazing board Business4Business is different than traditional networking groups that are focused on just members. I can delegate and feel completely confident …I don’t have to manage this big passing referrals, Schrage said. “We focus on the person first, not just what they organization on my own, I just have to make sure the mission stays on point,” do for a living. Traditional networking groups tend to bring business cards she said. together, and I really feel my calling is to bring people together – people who want to develop themselves, develop others and Schrage said she realizes that professional social events can be give back to the community. Rather than forcing referrals, our sources of anxiety for some individuals, but she emphasizes goal is to facilitate powerful connections.” that the benefits outweigh the moments of awkwardness. my professional role, I often teach people about “When you bring amazing “Innetworking.

Creating memorable experiences My biggest piece of advice is this: While you people together, amazing B4B wasn’t Schrage’s first endeavor. She has founded a can’t always control how you’re feeling, you can control your handful of other organizations over the years, including smile, your eye contact, and your ability to ask questions,” things will happen.” the Nebraska Film Association in 2008 to advocate for tax she said. “I encourage people to be curious – curious about incentives that would attract more film projects to Nebraska everyone you meet. It’s amazing how asking questions opens MICHELLE SCHRAGE F (an actress for 20 years, Schrage was in one of those Prilosec up conversations that lead to powerful connections.” commercial featuring Nebraska native Dan Whitney, “Larry the Cable Guy”). She also founded the Regency Business Networking She believes being genuine is also part of positive and meaningful Community in 2009. social interaction, Schrage said. Showing a sense of humor helps, too; she’s quick to say “Schrage rhymes with froggy” when people aren’t sure how to “I’ve always found ways to bring people together for a common cause. I guess it’s part of my pronounce her name. She calls B4B’s nonprofit tours (22 so far) “grown-up field trips.” And DNA,” she said. When she and Jay Miralles co-founded B4B in January of 2014, they set out she named one of their events “West Omaha’s Biggest Networking Event Ever” because to create an organization that focused on personal development, professional growth and what started out as working title is not only amusing, it “cuts right through.” civic philanthropy, she said. B4B hosts a variety of events throughout the year that bring people together, including developmental workshops, monthly speakers, behind-the-scenes Becoming a difference-maker tours/outings with non-profits, and an annual symposium. But most notable are B4B’s regular “I’m extremely goofy, adventurous, driven, and I love people. That carries into everything I social/networking events, which offer opportunities for attendees to experience a new or do because for me, there’s not necessarily a separation between personal and professional; unique venue and hear speakers who might be otherwise hard to access. it’s all integrated,” she said. “I try to be the happiest person in the room and make others feel happy, too. People like talking to happy people, people are attracted to those who are “I love planning events that create memorable experiences for our guests. We are known for making things happen.” hosting our events at new and unique venues, having interesting and impressive guest speakers, and attracting really wonderful business and community leaders. My hope is that So in the spirit of making things happen, instead of a bucket list, Schrage has a “now” list. at every event we put together, those who attend get something out of it that will better “Whatever it is you’re waiting for, stop waiting,” she said. “Not any one thing is going to themselves personally or professionally,” Schrage said. “There’s nothing better than hearing propel your life.” When the single mom’s 11-year-old son asked her why she has a tattoo about the connections that were made through B4B and then seeing the direct impact of that says “Difference Maker,” Schrage explained to him that it reminds her to ask herself those connections. When you bring amazing people together, amazing things will happen.” daily, “How can I make a positive difference today?”

“B4B Presents” is the organization’s monthly speaker series and brings in community and “I get inspired by the possibilities. Whatever you can think of can be possible if you bring business leaders from the area,” Schrage said. Speakers have included Don Eckles (CEO of the right people together,” she said. “I have so many ideas, the key is finding others who Scooter’s Coffee), Willy Theisen (restaurant entrepreneur), Greg Cutchall (Cutchall believe in them, too.”

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MOST PROFESSIONALS complete their education or training Polite persistence before embarking on a career, but Tim Harrison took a unique path. By the time he In addition to loyalty, Harrison displayed “polite persistence” early on, and that core graduated college, Harrison had established clientele and a professional affiliation value contributes to his company’s success on a larger scale today. with Northwestern Mutual after finishing as one of the top interns in its national “‘Polite persistence’ is part of our core values. All of my team has adopted that. To be program three years running, passed the first two sections of his CPA exam, and hired ‘politely persistent,’ you have to come from the right place. People get the sense that you his brother Jeffrey to be his new company’s first employee. care about them and you have conviction in what you can do to help them,” he said, “I started out on the insurance side of the business and then got my investment adding with a chuckle: “For most of the people who should be a client of ours, I feel like, licenses and started doing financial planning through college. By the time I graduated well, it’s just a matter of time.

People we have talked with for years are now becoming clients because they see with an accounting degree, it was going extremely well, far better than I could do in a Big Eight firm,” he said. “That was the busiest time of my life, period…Nobody would that we’re actually able to help them do things they want to do.” have traded places with me in college, but a lot of people would have (traded places) a couple of years out.”

Giving Imperative A little more than 20 years later, Harrison Financial Services is a premier financial Both Harrison himself and Harrison Financial Services are known for supporting planning and wealth management firm serving business owners, senior nonprofits and community organizations. “A lot of these things we do as executives, decision-makers and other successful individuals in the a team, I don’t see a separation,” he explained. Among the various greater Omaha area. collective efforts are volunteering and board service, direct “We help our clients carry their ‘financial box.’ We talk financial support, and sharing expertise. The long list of about it in terms of the idea that everybody’s got this virtual beneficiaries includes the Salvation Army, various food or literal ‘financial box’ they’re carrying around. We dump pantries, Omaha Community Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis “I’m inspired by the it out and look at what they have.

Foundation, Boy Scouts, Children’s Hospital, United Way, ordinary people that I find Open Door Mission and many others.

“We sort through it and we make sure that between what they have in investments, insurance, wills, trusts Harrison and his wife Traci, another UNO business in life that are doing and estate planning – the facets of a holistic financial school alum, also give back through a scholarship they extraordinary things.” plan – we make sure all those things are coordinated created. and they are talking to each other and that they really “The scholarship is for an accounting or finance major TIM HARRISON create a true holistic written plan,” he said. “We work with who works full-time or close to it through school, and is F successful families in helping them coordinate their affairs helping fund their own way. I wanted someone who’s working and advisers, and in that process we often help them uncover hard, going to college and focused on getting into finance or strategies that often were previously unknown to them.” investment or insurance areas,” Harrison said. “I had a few scholarships through school and I benefited greatly from it and want to pay it forward.”

Heavy loads Before it all began, Harrison was just a highly motivated “18-year-old kid with a dream.”

Life blend “I always had interest in the investment side of the business,” he said. “But at 18, I The family-oriented Harrison said he strives to instill a willingness to work hard was basically doing construction – carrying blocks and bricks and mixing mud and doing along with self-confidence in his children, Blake and Lauren (10 and 8). that throughout the summers. I’d have various jobs during the school year. But that was “I want them to believe in themselves and believe they can do anything they set hard work and I saw these 60-year-old guys carrying heavy loads around and they said, their heart and mind to and are willing to work for,” he said. “People say to me that I ‘You don’t want to be doing this when you’re my age.’” seem to be very self-disciplined and that I have balance. I wouldn’t tell you that I have Harrison agreed. He enrolled in college at the University of Nebraska Omaha to major it all figured out, but a lot of people think I do. My ‘life blend’ works for me and my family in accounting. On the advice of his father, who worked in the financial services field, and we have a full life.”

Harrison looked into Northwestern Mutual’s internship program. Coming full circle, Harrison said he has enjoyed sharing his success, but he firmly retains his humility.

Harrison brought his father into Harrison Financial Services a few years later. “He joined “I’m a kid from Millard who really was no one from nowhere, and I think people are my firm full-time and I gave him a raise. He helped us run the inside office so I could be inspired by my story of how it’s come about. But I feel like in a lot of ways I’m very much out seeing clients, and we built from there.” an ordinary person who’s just done – to some people – some extraordinary things in Today, the Harrison Financial Services team is 11 members strong and still affiliated something I love.” with Northwestern Mutual.

In turn, Harrison sees inspiration everywhere.

“We’ve had lots of interesting offers and we’ve looked at all these options over the “It might sound funny, but the thing that really comes to mind is how often I’m years to make sure we’re in the right place. We’ve chosen to remain affiliated with inspired by ordinary, everyday people. They get up every day, they put a smile on their Northwestern Mutual because there are strategies we offer through them that we cannot face, they go to work, they work hard, they do good in their communities, they raise duplicate on our own and their unmatched reputation and financial strength. We’re proud strong families,” he said. “I’m inspired by the ordinary people that I find in life that are to be affiliated with them,” Harrison said. doing extraordinary things.”

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THE LOTUS BLOSSOM has deep symbolism in multiple ancient religions and cultures, and for modern yoga practitioners it represents qualities like purity, divine consciousness and love. So when Mary Clare Sweet talks about what inspires her, it’s clear why she chose Lotus for the name of her business.

Sharing love through yoga The original mission was and remains simple, and it keeps everyone grounded as the business blooms, Sweet said.

“I see the world with a huge spectrum of possibilities. I’m inspired by that blank canvas,” “My intention always is and has been ‘Share love through yoga. Share love through yoga. she said. “Every day I wake up and I ask God, ‘How can I serve more today? How can I Share love through yoga.’ Over and over and over again,” she explained. “And the reason be of the highest service to the highest good to the community?’” why is because I can do what I feel moved to and I feel called to and the universe has brought me to a place where I can stand strong and stable and share that love. The Yoga has been a part of Sweet’s life since her mother, Anne, introduced it to her in more and more I infuse what I’m doing with that intention, the more successful I am, childhood. So although Sweet is only in her early thirties, she’s practiced yoga for more and that needs to be coupled with not giving up.” than 20 years.

Being the founder and president of a growing business has brought its lessons, too, “My family was always interested in the Eastern healing modalities, and said Sweet: “You can’t leave it behind and you’re never not connected.” yoga was a part of that. I was a ballet dancer growing up, so yoga It’s taught her about finding boundaries. for a long time was simply something that helped me stay flexible and healthy for my dancing,” she recalled. “When I “‘Sthira’ and ‘sukha’ mean ‘steadiness’ and ‘ease,’” she said. “I was about junior high age, I bought a book in Estes Park, “We’ve had people travel am constantly observing and reflecting: Where in this Colorado, about the steps of the yoga process. It detailed from all over the world and moment can I bring a little more steadiness? Or do I a lot of the philosophy and energy systems and really need to be a little easier here?” they say we’re lucky to have showed me that yoga was more than something you world-caliber teachers right felt good doing.”

The Dharma here in our community.”

Marrying the ancient and modern together She’s proud of what the business has become in only MARY CLARE SWEET As a dance instructor, Sweet integrated yoga into her six years.

F teachings, which naturally evolved into Sweet becoming a yoga instructor as well. The next step was creating a studio.

“You cannot take a poor yoga class at Lotus House of Yoga.

Everyone’s amazing!” she said. “We’ve had people travel from all over “Lotus House of Yoga is a high vibrational studio which offers a diversity of yoga, cycling the world and they say we’re lucky to have world-caliber teachers right here in our and barre classes,” she said. “We opened Lotus House of Yoga in 2010, and just the spirit community. Our instructors aren’t just teaching yoga because they like to or because of love and wanting to share joy and do so in a way that was rooted in the ancient it’s fun. This is their life work, their dharma.” philosophy of yoga, but also expressed in our modern, high-vibrational music-powered offering. So oftentimes I’ll say I wanted to marry the ancient and modern together and It’s Sweet’s dharma as well. She’s even passing down her wisdom to the next offer it to Omaha.” generation: Like her own mother introduced her to yoga, Sweet is already teaching her “intelligent, compassionate and funny” daughter, who’s only 8 and already Sweet’s yoga expertise was without question, but as she said, “artists can get lost in meditating. She also volunteers her time to teach the healing benefits of yoga in the integrity of the art.” schools, including her daughter’s. And the teacher herself continues to learn.

“That first year was an incredible learning opportunity,” she recalls. “I knew nothing “I’m inspired by those ancient texts and philosophies that yoga has to offer…I spend about business. I knew nothing about P & Ls or pro formas or spreadsheets.” a lot of time with these texts and they’re my inquiry. They’re a touchstone to me.

Yoga is a way of life, it’s the way that you show up and exist in your relationships in An uncle was instrumental in teaching Sweet about “the business side of things,” and your life,” she said. “It really brings you to an authentic relationship with yourself…

Sweet’s mother – who Sweet called “an incredible businessperson” – brought in The secret lies in remembering where your worthiness is and your worthiness is not experience in management, strategy and organization and now serves as CEO. The invested or placed outside of yourself; it’s 100 percent innate, it’s 100 percent team approach has proven to be a success, and Lotus now has four Omaha-area ingrained in the present moment. locations – in Midtown, Eagle Run, One Pacific Place and (newly opened) Aksarben Village – and two Lincoln locations.

“I feel good and complete.”

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WE FINALLY HAVE everything WE NEED IN ONE SPOT… IT’S A home. ~ BROOK HUDSON

BROOK & NICK HUDSON WITH GREG & MOLLY CUTCHALL

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as the new home for omaha fashion week and much more, omaha design center can morph into whatever clients need, offering a flexible, open space which serves as a blank canvas allowing imaginations to fly.

room with a view: OMAHA DESIGN CENTER

omaha design center

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OMAHA DESIGN CENTER room with a view IF YOU see A LESS-STRESSED, WELL-DRESSED COUPLE (NICK AND BROOK HUDSON) APPEARING CALMER AT OMAHA FASHION WEEK (OFW) THIS FALL, IT’S BECAUSE THEY’VE FOUND A PERMANENT HOME FOR THIS ONCE “GYPSY” EVENT AT THEIR RECENTLY OPENED OMAHA DESIGN CENTER (ODC).

The architectural firm Alley Poyner Macchietto, who offices next door at the TipTop Building, did the redesign.

The firm’s Laura Alley, a business development and community relations administrator, first recommended the site to the Hudsons.

The remodel added state of the art lighting and sound systems. Backstage are ample amenities to support events and crowds from 200 to 2,000. There are dedicated bridal and grooms suites that double as green rooms or dressing rooms. two commercial kitchens, storage bays, a loading dock. Offices and meeting rooms are planned.

“When Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture moved into this building and this neighborhood, we saw the Upon founding Fashion Week in 2008, the Hudsons “We finally have everything we need in one spot,” Brook were its sole proprietors and producers until bringing in potential for what it could be and we began looking for others who loved design in all its various forms. First we says, adding Greg and Molly Cutchall as partners. Now the two that OFW no longer has to bring in things like portable filled our space, then the Co-Lab next door. Then we entrepreneurial couples have joined forces as owners of restrooms or to rent off-site storage units. started thinking of the ballroom. Ryan Ellis with PJ Omaha’s newest event facility.

Morgan Real Estate suggested Nick and Brook might be The whole works remedies issues the Hudsons looking for space. They were exactly the kind of Located in the former TipTop Ballroom at 1502 Cuming contended with during OFW’s first eight years, when Street, ODC opened in March with the Spring OFW show. passionate, design-minded, creative people we hoped to the event got staged at various indoor and outdoor connect with.

Omaha native Kate Walz, an OFW veteran and star sites, most recently under a football field-sized tent in Parsons School of Design student, was the first designer the Capitol District downtown. Certain risks and “The space had all the right parts to fit their needs, and to show there. The space has earned raves throughout limitations come with leasing spaces others control. our design team – led by Michael Alley and Katrina the fashion community from clients who’ve held And where the outdoors in Nebraska is concerned, Stoffel – was able to help them envision how the space weddings, parties, receptions and charity events there. weather plays a factor. could look. We are beyond thrilled to have the Omaha Design Center as our neighbor. It serves as a catalyst for Home “People are just amazed at how beautiful and open the some of our city’s most creative and passionate minds.” Nick says, “Everything possibly that could go wrong at space is,” Brook Hudson says. “It’s impressive.” those events would go wrong. The building helps make Eight weeks of demo and construction produced an as“We’ve gotten lots of good responses,” Greg Cutchall Fashion Week more stable.” new, ready-to-use event space “That’s kind of how it all confirms. came together. It was a big undertaking,” Greg says.

Before, Brook says, “when things came up, such as inclement weather or equipment failures, we were Nick Hudson says Fashion Week regulars and newcomers Makeover hostage to the site. Here, we know what to expect. It’s “loved it,” adding, “Our attendance was up 15 percent. predictable. We know it’s going to be air conditioned The facility’s once dull, generic banquet interior has People really like the energy of the space.” Its size and and heated, it’s not going to get flooded. It’s a home.” flexibility allows OFW to do more shows, including a been been remade as a chic, industrial warehousenew Kids Rule Fashion Show. meets-party room. Extraneous walls and a drop ceiling Participants finally have a venue to display their skills to were removed to open up the space, whose main full effect.

A 31,000 square foot flex space that is Fashion Week’s ballroom has a high exposed ceiling. Polished concrete own rather than leased and that seamlessly floors accent towering glass chandeliers suspended by “There’s a lot of different people involved and it’s really accommodates diverse, design-oriented events is what chains from the metal beam-works. There’s also a drew the partners to purchase and refurbish the facility. smaller adjacent ballroom. An L-shaped granite-topped, important they have a good platform to showcase what mirror-backed bar is built into the lobby. A portion of the they’re doing for their experience and their work,” Nick says. “It’s a very growing and building experience for Vision lobby serves as an art gallery. Another section supports designers and models, for hair and makeup people, for pop-up vendor wares. Satellite bars can be easily set-up The deal made sense for Fashion Week and for the the photographers, musicians and artists. It is too for the catering operations the Cutchalls have. The couples met throughout the facility. Vintage furnishings round out people planning and producing the event. Brook has a the hybrid retro-contemporary feel. when Greg’s catering division started doing food and whole program of young volunteers and interns who beverage service for Fashion Week VIP tents. They saw a make it their career. This new space means they can have Movable panels covered by sheer curtains can turn the shared opportunity for a year-round event space. The a better experience.” space intimate or expansive. The panels are backlit with Cutchalls purchased the building last December and colored LED lights that can be programmed to create any Brook says, “It’s a place where they can come and be financed the remodel work. The Hudsons became comood or atmosphere – from casual to formal, from fun owners in a stock swap. their best.” to romantic, from bridal or ball to rave.

“Nick and Brook are the marketing force behind the “The reason Fashion Week became successful was the business. They’re great at creating and branding events “The lighting is immersive – it’s all around you,” Brook basic concept we’re giving a professional platform for all says. “It feels like you’re not just looking at the stage but these different creative young people who wouldn’t of all kinds. My wife and I and our office team are more you are a part of it. It’s really interesting.” the business and operations side,” Greg says. normally have that opportunity for free,” Nick says.

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space “Now we can do it even more professionally. That is a huge breakthrough for us. The reason we kept moving is we could never find a space quite right in terms of infrastructure. The ceilings were too low, the space backstage was too cramped,” Brook says, “It took a lot of energy just to compensate for all that and to reinvent the wheel every season and now we know what the wheel is. Now we can focus on just continuing to improve the productions and the creativity and the entertainment value. It opens up so much more time and energy to focus on things we’ve never been able to do before because we were busy getting water and air conditioning.”

Fashion Week audiences can expect ever more theatrical shows to go along with full, well-outfitted guest services at OFW events.

Nick says not only do participants have a better experience, the audience does, too. That’s important to an event that’s been so embraced. “Lots of people have really supported this event over the years, they’ve helped it grow, in some cases they’ve helped support some of the creatives, and because the creatives can focus more on being creative the audience is going to benefit from that as well and have a great evening, so it’s a really big step up for our community.”

Staging events in this flex space affords unlimited possibilities.

“When we have Fashion Week we design it how we want it to look and in a lot of spaces that’s harder to do – you have to take it how it is.

Here, it’s very easy to adapt it individually to what you’re looking to create,” Nick says. “It’s very creative inspiring.

You come in here and personalize it to your tastes.

There’s lots of things you can do.”

IT’S A BLANK CANVAS AND A playground.

IT IMPOSES FEW

restrictions.…

IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING different.

Brook says, “It’s a blank canvas and a playground. It can be used for many different events, in many different ways. It imposes few restrictions. Every time you walk in we have totally different events with totally different setups. It’s always something different. It’s really great.”

~ BROOK HUDSON

Design central The owners saw that a single venue that could provide the right fit for many kinds of events has been in short supply in Omaha.

“There’s a void in the market for facilities that can accommodate mid-range sized events,” partner Greg Cutchall says.

omaha design center

ROOM WITH A VIEW

CONTINUED

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focus feature

• mQUARTERLY

• OMAHA DESIGN CENTER

space

OMAHA DESIGN CENTER room with a view

“We realized if we needed something like this for Fashion Week there were all these other people who needed something like this for their nonprofit or their family or their business,” Nick says “We called it the Design Center to reflect the designing of individual events here but also because we encourage design. Besides Fashion Week we do design-oriented things here, which is exciting, and were trying to help the fashion eco system, which this is now a big part of. The fact that it’s in the heart of this North Downtown neighborhood that could be Omaha’s design district is even more exciting.”

Fall Omaha Fashion Week unfurls here August 22-27 Visit www.omahadesigncenter.com

Creatives abound in the area. As a creative hub and staging ground, Omaha Design Center aligns well with creative community neighbors Co-Lab, Alley Poyner Macchietto, the Mastercraft, the Hot Shops Art Center, Slowdown, Film Streams and the coming Kiewit University.

The Center is also within walking distance of several hotels and a short drive from the airport and the Old Market. The site’s already seen a broad menu of events, including a Terence Crawford victory celebration, the Berkshire Hathaway MoneyBall, a fight card and a comedy troupe. It is hosting College World Series events, a Halloween bash and a New Year’s Eve party. Everyone from models to boxers to aerialists to fire dancers to musicians have performed there. Weddings will always be, as Cutchall says, “our bread and butter.”

“We thought there would be demand for something like this and there has been,” Brook Hudson says. “We started promoting it in December and I don’t think this space has been empty since April.”

Nick Hudson says, “We’re now facilitating events for these other communities here in town. It’s exciting having these different communities and organizations coming in and doing events here. It’s all about creating community and the community building you get through events. We’re big fans of diversity. It’s always been very important to us having a really diverse crowd of people doing different things and we’re getting that same thing here. Now we just want more people to be aware there is this new space available to come celebrate through events.”

Brook says, “We want people to make some memories.”

“Bookings are going stronger than we anticipated our first year,” Greg Cutchall notes. ‘We’ve been very pleased and we think it will continue to grow as more people learn about the facility and see what we have to offer.”

After all the moving around OFW did, Brook Hudson is just glad to have a place she and others can count on.

“It’s good to be home,” she says. “My team is excited about that as well. All of our interviews, meetings and programming happen here now. And we get to share this great space with other communities.”

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game CHANGERS

• PRESENTED BY

margaret haynes serves as the chief operating officer for right at home inc., a leader in the in-home senior care industry headquartered in omaha and with franchises throughout the u.s. and other countries.

I DID SOME soul-searching AND I JUST KNEW IN MY GUT THAT THIS WAS THE right thing. I WANTED SOMETHING WITH significance AND I WANTED TO KNOW THAT I WAS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. ~ MARGARET HAYNES

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mQUARTERLY • AUG/SEP/OCT 2016

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STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ

• mQUARTERLY celebrating 25 years in 2016!

MARGARET HAYNES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER RIGHT AT HOME INC.

PRESENTS game

changers

MARGARET HAYNES

CONTINUED

32-35-GAME CHANGERS-816_- 7/14/16 8:32 PM Page 34

game CHANGERS

• PRESENTED BY

the right business world.

I HAD A CALLING TOWARDS THE MARGARET HAYNES LOVED PLAYING SCHOOL AS A CHILD, BUT SHE ALWAYS ENDED UP BEING THE TEACHER. NOT SO MUCH BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO TEACH SOMEDAY, BUT BECAUSE SHE LIKED ORGANIZING THE GROUP OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN IN THE BASEMENT PLAYROOM AND SHE ENJOYED BEING THE LEADER. IT FIT WITH HER FUTURE VISION OF HERSELF AS A BUSINESSWOMAN. “When I was little, I always told my mom, ‘I’m going to carry a briefcase to work every day,” she said. “I had a calling toward the business world.”

Haynes carried her childhood vision forward and is indeed an executive today, serving as the chief operating officer for Right at Home Inc., a leader in the in-home senior care industry with headquarters in Omaha and franchises throughout the U.S. and several other countries.

YOU AREN’T successful IF YOU CAN LOOK BEHIND YOU AND SEE ALL THE bodies YOU LEFT BEHIND. I THINK YOU’RE SUCCESSFUL WHEN YOU CAN LOOK AND SEE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME with you AND BEEN SUCCESSFUL THEMSELVES.

Under the umbrella of both First Data Resources and First “I did some soul-searching and I just knew in my gut that this was the right thing,” Haynes said. “I wanted Data Corporation, Haynes worked in multiple areas something with significance and I wanted to know that I including the training department, co-branding (a new was making a difference.” specialty area at the time), strategic alliances, and client services for large accounts.

Finding significance

Haynes came on board to Right at Home in January 2011 as the senior vice president of support services. She said she’s never regretted the decision.

Haynes, who grew up in Papillion, became active in DECA “When I left, I was the senior vice president for product development for basically North America, the credit while still at Papillion-La Vista High School. “I think that card/debit card payment component,” she said. was what got me on my path,” she explained. She double-majored in accounting and business After 18 years at First Data, Haynes realized she wanted to “I tell people every day, ‘I absolutely love my job at Right at management and minored in economics at Northwest Home,’” she said. “I gradually took on more responsibility.”

Missouri State, and after graduation left immediately for take her career in a new direction. “I wanted to try and Petranick’s promotion to CEO and president eventually find something where I could leverage my business the University of Colorado at Boulder. While earning her created the opportunity for Haynes to become the new background but that was also in the health and human master’s degree, she worked for the housing system, chief operating officer. services area.” running a graduate and international residence hall her first year and a larger hall of underclassmen the second.

“I had a lot of business experience but I knew nothing Changing direction about franchising, which is a whole other business model, Haynes left in good standing, crediting a supportive “It was quite an experience,” she said. “But it was fun.” and nothing about senior care and in-home care. It’s been manager and professional environment with making the such a fun ride,” she said. “It’s a wonderful industry, and transition out a smooth and positive one. Her daughters Leaving entry-level while being in the corporate office I’m not directly hiring were 9 and 7 at the time, and Haynes was determined to caregivers and going in to people’s homes and figuring After graduating with an MBA (emphasis in personnel fulfill her promise of taking time off to spend the summer out what kind of care and services they can use, I’m with and human resources management), Haynes moved back months together, an experience she said she still the team here working with the franchise owners across to Omaha, married husband Matt, and soon landed her treasures. the U.S. Just this year, I’m also now getting to work more first career position with First Data Resources. closely with our international operations.”

She was refreshed and ready to get back to work when “I started as an entry-level client services representative,” she connected through a friend to Right at Home’s chief Haynes said she’s found the “significance” she was seeking. she said. Haynes didn’t stay entry-level for long. operating officer (now president and CEO) Brian Petranick.

“Over 18 years I just continued to grow my experience “We’re helping those small business owners build and knowledge base and look for different areas. I Haynes felt an instant affinity for the company and its sustainable, profitable businesses. They in turn are always want to learn new things, to constantly mission, but no suitable positions were available. She bringing such value to their communities for people who challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone… took an executive position with another company, and want to age gracefully in their home and need that That was the beauty of it. I didn’t have to leave the two months later Petranick called with news about a additional assistance,” she explained. “We’re making a perfect opening. difference, and that’s all it’s about at the end of the day.” company to expand my experience.”

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• mQUARTERLY

MARGARET HAYNES I WANT TO continue TO BRING value IN WHATEVER I’M DOING. This special feature is sponsored by planitomaha.

Learning new things

She’s not in a formal mentoring program, yet Haynes said she not only enjoys serving as an informal mentor but also respects the advice of mentors of her own.

Haynes said she owes her career success to multiple factors: an enjoyment of teamwork, a positive outlook, and simply working hard to do any task well whether it’s big or small. She laughs easily and tries not to take herself “I can always call them up and ask a question or get their opinion, and I have people who call me,” she said. too seriously. And she’s always open to learning new things and asking for feedback.

Work-life balance

“I don’t think there is any secret sauce. In my opinion, from a leadership perspective, I know that everyone I’m working with brings value. I’m really not a title person; I really don’t care what my title is and I don’t let a title influence how I interact with people, because everyone has a role they play in the organization,” she said. “I think I’ve been successful partly because I feel I’m very grounded, I feel I’m very approachable and I think I’m a pretty good listener.”

Haynes also said she focuses on the success of her team.

“I think success is grounded in being a team player and helping others to succeed. I have worked with managers who make decisions on what’s going to be best for them versus what’s going to be best for the company. I fundamentally disagree with that approach,” she said.

“You aren’t successful if you can look behind you and see all the bodies you left behind. I think you’re successful when you can look and see all the people who have come with you and been successful themselves.”

Even as a busy executive, Haynes remains a long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer and also serves on the board of directors for Catholic Charities. “I was brought up to be appreciative of what you have and also to be giving of your time to others,” she said. “I’m instilling that in my daughters (Sydney, 15, and Ciera, 13) as well.”

By “living by my calendar and smart phone,” she manages to keep up with her active girls.

“We’re like every family out there, running crazy from practice to sporting events to getting homework done,” she said. “You just do it. There’s no magic to it…I try very hard to maintain that work-life balance. Some months it works very well and some months it gets out of whack, but that’s just reality.”

After living up to her childhood vision of becoming a business leader, Haynes’s future career vision is to continue finding fulfillment. “I love to constantly be learning new things,” she said. “And I want to continue to bring value in whatever I’m doing.”

PRESENTS game

changers

MARGARET HAYNES

planitomaha is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom but the community.

“Welcome to

”

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 non-profit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitomaha has been providing event and meeting management solutions for over 17 years. we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism. while proudly located in the midwest, our crazy-talented event team works from new york to la and everywhere in the middle.

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focus feature

• YMCA: 150 YEARS

for 150 years, the ymca has kept its finger on the pulse of omaha and the surrounding metro area. over that span, the nonprofit organization has shown a remarkable ability to remain relevant. today, as ever, it stays true to its roots with programs and services that strengthen our community.

LIKE ANY good story THE HISTORY OF THE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA IS FILLED WITH PROMISE, DANGER, PROGRESS AND HOPE. IN THE MID TO LATE 1800S, OMAHA WAS A ROUGH AND TUMBLE TOWN WITH MORE SALOONS THAN SCHOOLS. THERE WAS A NEED FOR A SAFE PLACE FOR MIGRANTS, IMMIGRANTS AND NEW RESIDENTS TO FEEL WELCOMED, SUPPORTED AND STRENGTHENED. INTO THE VOID STEPPED THE YMCA. Despite a rocky start, which included the murder of its president Watson Smith for his work against alcohol abuse and gang violence, the YMCA survived and grew strong. Modeling resilience and adaptation, it built a lasting legacy providing life-changing hope through first time experiences. As the YMCA of Greater Omaha prepares to celebrate its 150th Anniversary Gala on October 8 at the CenturyLink Center, now seems an opportune moment to look back at how it has evolved with Omaha and supported its growth for a century and a half.

George Frost, purchasing agent for Union Pacific Railroad company, formed the first YMCA Association in Omaha in 1866 to meet the city’s need. A local businessman named L.S. Reed was made secretary and librarian. From a one-time saloon and former fire engine house at 12th and Farnam streets, the YMCA began its work.

On the brink of dissolution after two years of languid existence, the YMCA took to the streets, offering religious instruction to young men in boarding houses, on riverboats, at the County Poor Farm and in jails.

Rejuvenated, it soon became necessary for the Y to offer Bible studies and Christian living classes in outposts at houses, storefronts and churches across the city. By 1908, it had constructed new headquarters at 17th and Harney Streets.

WE HAVE 10 Ys AND MANY additional PROGRAM SITES Laying the Groundwork for a Legacy of Life-Changing ‘Firsts’ AROUND THE METRO AREA BECAUSE WE DO WHAT IS BEST Today, the YMCA of Greater Omaha is committed to strengthening the community through programs and FOR THE INDIVIDUAL, NOT services that promote youth development, healthy THE YMCA. WE ARE TRYING TO living and social responsibility by providing lifechanging first experiences. Toddlers gain confidence by BE EFFICIENT TO FAMILIES AND reading for the first time at a YMCA preschool; COMMUNITIES. THAT elementary school students feel safe in the water for requires US TO MEET PEOPLE the first time at a YMCA swim lesson; teenagers are empowered with their first job as a YMCA lifeguard.

WHERE THEIR NEEDS ARE. This commitment has existed since the YMCA’s inception and expresses the organization’s mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

A look at how the YMCA has helped Omaha over the years reveals evolving methods that both anticipate and respond to the changing needs of the community.

From a basic need for safety at its founding to an emerging need for medical-based wellness today, the YMCA has both supported and spurred the community’s growth.

“One hundred and fifty years ago, Omaha was a wild town with many saloons and nothing wholesome for men and boys to do,” says Vicki Hallberg, archiving assistant at the UNO Criss Library and YMCA retiree.

“There was a need for a place for them to go so they could develop physically, mentally and morally.”

~ CHRIS TOINTON PRESIDENT & CEO YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

Supporting Community Growth Through Education As the interests and needs of the community began to change, garden clubs and Bible studies gave way to career seminars. Life Work Talk lectures like ‘What it Means to be an Electrician’ helped younger men select a profitable and enjoyable job path; Y Schools gave young men the opportunity to increase their chances of success in the business world. From the fifth floor of its new downtown facility, the Educational Department offered courses in everything from math, bookkeeping and architectural drawing to auto repair, window display, penmanship and public speaking.

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WWI and WWII demanded skilled young men to protect America, and the YMCA responded with War Industrial Training classes in military tactics, radio and signal corporation for selected men. When industry brought scores of immigrants to the Omaha area, the YMCA saw a need for men to learn English.

A local brochure printed in 1910 advertised YMCA services to immigrants as critical to the continuing development of the city, stating, “There is no more important work than the proper assimilation of our immigrants and the quickest way to that assimilation is to teach them the language of the land of their adoption.”

The YMCA offered citizenship classes to Italian, Japanese, Greek and Northern European men at convenient locations. From the Smelter to the Roma Hotel at 11th and Dodge, English classes empowered young men to move the community forward in meaningful ways.

Inventing Basketball and Preventing Diabetes It’s widely known that former YMCA instructor James Naismith invented the game of basketball, and Naismith’s local YMCA wasn’t the only chapter looking to improve young men’s lives through physical fitness and healthy living. Alongside education programs, camping, fitness and emerging medical-based wellness programs helped the YMCA of Greater Omaha meet the needs first of men, then women and families.

In 1889, the YMCA began offering programs for men and just seven years later, those programs expanded to meet the needs of high school-aged boys. In the 1930s, it began the Four Fronts Program as a way to mentor boys to learn and express their Christian heritage at home and in the community.

Indian Guides brought fathers and sons together to foster companionship and make lifelong memories. A lack of locker rooms for females and an unofficial agreement with other nonprofit organizations not to duplicate services delayed the inclusion of women until the 1950s. Eventually, family memberships were formed, and facilities were established to offer everything from swim lessons to calisthenics to camping for boys, girls, men and women. As former YMCA employee and archiving assistant Vicki Hallberg looks back at the evolution of the organization’s sport and fitness offerings, she sees a common thread.

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• mQUARTERLY

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF YMCA

celebrating 25 years in 2016!

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO, OMAHA WAS A wild town WITH MANY SALOONS AND NOTHING WHOLESOME FOR men and boys TO DO. THERE WAS A NEED FOR A PLACE FOR THEM TO GO SO THEY COULD DEVELOP PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND morally. ~ VICKI HALLBERG ARCHIVING ASST. AT THE UNO CRISS LIBRARY AND YMCA RETIREE

the ymca marks 150 years OF STRENGTHENING OMAHA IN

spirit, mind and body

THIS TWO-STORY FRAME BUILDING WAS ERECTED AT A COST OF $2,600 AND BECAME THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE NEWLY-FORMED OMAHA CHAPTER OF THE YMCA ymca: 150 years

OF PUTTING OMAHA FIRST

CONTINUED

36-39-YMCA-ACTIVE-816_- 7/16/16 6:23 PM Page 38

focus feature

• YMCA: 150 YEARS

YMCA 150 years DURING MY research I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT THE YMCA TODAY IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENT THAN IT WAS IN THE PAST. OUR PROGRAMS HAVE GOTTEN BIGGER AND BETTER. OUR DELIVERY METHODS HAVE CHANGED TO FIT THE changing needs OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY. BUT PEOPLE TODAY STILL NEED A PLACE TO FEEL WELCOME, TO BE MOTIVATED, TO BE EDUCATED, TO HANG OUT, SOCIALIZE AND feel safe JUST AS THEY DID 150 YEARS AGO .

“During my research, I have come to realize that the YMCA today is not much different than it was in the past. Our programs have grown bigger and better. Our delivery methods have changed to fit the changing needs of the community and the advancement of technology. But people today still need a place to feel welcome, to be motivated, to be educated, to hang out, socialize and feel safe just as they did 150 years ago.”

~ VICKI HALLBERG ARCHIVING ASST. AT THE UNO CRISS LIBRARY, YMCA RETIREE

Paving the Way for Proactive Change Some of the challenges the YMCA faces today are the same as they were in 1866, but many are new; and, as Chris Tointon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Omaha remarks, a proactive approach keeps the organization’s offerings relevant.

“We strive to understand the needs of our community and respond quickly, before they are even recognized as needs,” Tointon says. “We have 10 Ys and many additional program sites around the metro area because we do what is best for the individual, not the organization.

OPEN AIR OFFERINGS, LIKE THIS ONE HELD ALONG A CITY STREET, ENABLED THE YMCA TO TAKE ITS MESSAGE TO YOUNG MEN WHERE THEY COULD EASILY GATHER FOR INSTRUCTION

Tointon continues, “We are trying to be efficient for families and communities. That requires us to meet people where their needs are.”

Today, one of the emerging needs the YMCA has identified is support for pre-diabetic or newly diabetic individuals and people with Parkinson’s disease. As diabetes and heart health issues have grown exponentially, the YMCA is looking for the best way to support individuals at the intersection of business, healthcare and the insurance system.

“We’re asking how we can help create healthier work environments that support individuals, drive productivity, reduce the strain on the healthcare system and improve the quality of life in our community overall,” says Tointon who has worked with the YMCA throughout the Midwest including Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

AS OMAHA’S IMMIGRANT POPULATION GREW, THE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA HELPED THEM ASSIMILATE WITH ENGLISH AND CITIZENSHIP CLASSES IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS

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A model for responsiveness in a supportive community, the YMCA of Greater Omaha is both a beacon for the nation and a center of training for the Midwest. In the top 50 of more than 2,500 YMCA chapters across America, the YMCA of Greater Omaha is often asked by the national organization to take on new projects or pilot new programs.

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• mQUARTERLY

first “I WOULD LOVE TO SEE WHERE WE ARE AT IN another 150 YEARS. OUR PROGRAMS WILL BE BIGGER AND BETTER BECAUSE WE’LL NEVER STOP ASKING, ‘what’s next?’ ~ VICKI HALLBERG ARCHIVING ASST. AT THE UNO CRISS LIBRARY AND YMCA RETIREE

“They know our community is supportive and responsive, and we have individuals who want to be creative and solve new problems,” says Tointon. “We are also a decent-sized training hub for surrounding states. Employees from chapters in Iowa, North and South Dakota and Missouri come here to train because we have a great location, track record and reputation.”

SWIMMING LESSONS WERE AMONG THE FIRST ACTIVITIES THAT BROUGHT WOMEN INTO THE YMCA

Writing the Next 150 Years The YMCA wants not just to continue its legacy of promoting positive change in the community; it aspires to be an employer of choice, empowering its own people to create warm welcomes, magic moments and fond farewells to every member and person in need they encounter.

With the 150th Anniversary Gala fast approaching and an exhibit at the Durham Western Heritage Museum chronicling the YMCA’s history set to run from October 8 to January 8, there’s a sense of excitement in the air.

“I would love to see what the next 150 years holds,” says Hallberg. “Our programs will be bigger and better because we’ll never stop asking, ‘what’s next’?”

For the entire Omaha community—young and old, immigrants and third-generation Nebraskans and Southwest Iowans, YMCA employees and residents alike; for anyone who has been touched, improved or empowered by the YMCA—there is a confident expectation that the next 150 years will be filled with as much promise and progress as the first 150.

THEN AND NOW, YMCA SUMMER CAMPS LIKE SHELDON, HITCHCOCK, POKAMOKE AND ELKHORN HAVE BEEN AVENUES OF EDUCATION, MENTORING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR BOYS AND GIRLS ymca: 150 years

OF PUTTING OMAHA FIRST

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KMTV MORNING BLEND’S

SHE SAID

mike & mary

y?

What's your 'Charity of Choice' and wh

he said • she said How do you pick your favorite charity? The last six years co-hosting The Morning Blend,I’ve seen so many great people and organizations doing amazing things for our community.

Omaha is blessed with people helping people. And, new organizations seem to be sprouting up weekly. Over the last several years, Omaha has seen a proliferation of personal training facilities, boot camps and other small workout facilities. Within each, they’ve developed their own communities of people focusing on health and wellness, and individuals willing to “give back”.

After having kids a few years ago, I decided to make my health a higher priority. I begin doing personal training at Style Fitness and Nutrition with owners Tim & Ashley Gorham. They are also founders of the newly created Fit Foundation. Its purpose is to bring together the fitness community with the hope of combing their smaller charitable donations to make a greater impact.

The foundation launched in January of this year with the addition of two other area businesses, I Think Fit and Team Meat. Each group has committed to raising at minimum $1,000 per quarter. The money will then go to organizations focusing on kids, community groups, family organizations and non-profits targeting specific health issues and diseases. In the first quarter of 2016, the Fit Foundation gave $4,000 to the Hope Center For Kids. In the 2nd quarter it sent $3,700 to City Sprouts, an Omaha non-profit promoting healthy, local foods.

The group hopes to grow their membership by getting other health related businesses to join their cause, like chiropractors, physical therapists, martial arts centers and others. It began with a grass roots vision, driven by the desire to make our community better. The Fit Foundation borrows a quote from diarist and writer, Anne Frank – “No one has ever become poor by giving”.

In these divided times, I think it’s important to not only spotlight those well-known groups making a difference, but those newcomers to the non-profit stage, hoping to get more individuals involved in giving. Please visit www.fitfoundation.org to learn more.

~ Mike DiGiacamo

Who doesn’t want to make a difference in the world? Volunteering is one way to do it. I’ve read that our bodies release endorphins when we help others. I believe it! And – what about the person who feels a sense of hope because a stranger showed them love? I’m passionate about supporting Make A Wish of Nebraska, Habitat for Humanity, Komen Nebraska, and a number of other larger charities. But I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. I first heard about FA when I met 9-year-old Cale Ferrin. He’s totally unique! Not because he’s living with a rare condition… but Cale exudes such joy! His dance moves are out of this world. You should see him drop it “low, low, low, low, low, low, low” like Flo Rida and T-Pain. Cale’s confidence is through the roof – particularly for someone his age. And, he has a dynamic sense of humor!

Cale charms everyone – including talent scouts. He’s got a movie coming out, he’s appeared on Nickelodeon, and he was part of a Target TV ad earlier this year. Cale wholeheartedly embraces these opportunities, and shows anyone who’s paying attention what it means to love your life! Even if you have a life-threatening blood disorder.

Cale’s mom, Britteny, has explained to me how FA research doesn’t end with FA. It has the potential to impact the lives of millions of people – including those with various forms of cancer. The family works tirelessly to raise money and awareness. And just as meaningful, they’re setting a terrific example of what it means to be a family, to focus on the everyday things without losing sight of the most important things. And God bless them for being gracious enough to open up their lives so that the rest of us are shown that example!

Please learn more about Cale, and The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. And, if you enjoy playing golf, look into Cale’s Caddies!

The golf event happens each year, and supports this cause.

There’s information about all of it here: calescaddies.com. ~ Mary Nelson 40

mQUARTERLY • AUG/SEP/OCT 2016

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too many cooks

IN THE KITCHEN

Too maNy CookS Chef ViCTor m. CabrialeS • anthony’s Steakhouse Chef Cabriales began his career at the age of 16, training in full-service hotels, hospitals, restaurants and country club kitchens. Cabriales joined the United States Army as a Combat Medic and Air Defense Artillery. After his years of service, he studied at Culinary Schools but values his training under his father most. He has been the Executive Chef at Anthony’s since 2013. He enjoys creating traditional dishes with a modern flare.

Chef Cabriales recently rolled out a new menu and loves sharing his knowledge in training new chefs in Omaha. He is married to Sara and is passionate about his involvement with the Omaha Restaurant Association, Food Bank for the Heartland, Open Door Mission, Ted E. Bear Hollow and Visiting Nurse Association.

Chef Jeff SNow • Catering Creations Chef Jeff Snow is the Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Catering Creations, an off-premise catering company specializing in stylish menus for events of all types for some of the finest Venues in Omaha. For the past 10 years, Chef Snow and his team have enjoyed bringing the restaurant to you for weddings, corporate open houses, and fundraisers. Catering Creations is proud to have been voted Best of Omaha for the past 4 years in a row. This month, they were honored to win the ACE Award - Achievement in Catering Excellence for the Midwest Division by Catersource. Many in the industry consider this the equivalent to winning a James Beard Award in Catering. The Company also touts Bride’s Choice Awards from the Knot and WeddingWire.

CuliNary Team NebraSka • institute for the Culinary arts at mCC Culinary Team Nebraska is the culinary competition team at the ICA at MCC. CTN was formed in 2004 with a small group of students who wanted to find ways beyond the classroom to hone their skills as culinarians. Over the last 12 years, “Team” has become an important and relevant piece of the educational process for many students who have gone through the program. CTN competes at local, regional and national events sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation, and has earned numerous bronze, silver and gold medals. This year’s work at the Regional ACF culinary competition in March earned them a silver medal in St. Louis, MO. This year’s students are Danny Flores, Sandy Bingle, Steven Teters, Seamus Coulter, and Terrell Brown. Their coach is Chef-Instructor Brian O’Malley.

Chef JeNNifer CoCo • J.Coco Jennifer is a three-time James Beard nominee, and in the years since she has opened her own restaurant, j.coco has been named Best New Restaurant of 2012 and Jennifer was named in the Winners Circle of Best Chefs of Omaha. When asked where her inspirations lie, Jennifer will tell you that it comes in large part from the people she works with. She keeps her culinary style fresh by drawing on the experience and diversity of the people she works with in her kitchen. Experience and instinct are more important than any class you can take or book you can read. Prior to opening j. coco, Jennifer was the Head Chef at V. Mertz and the Flatiron Café.

Chef Jeff NewmaN • JamS Chef/Owner Jeff Newman has been involved with Jams American Grill since 1996, creating some of the most innovative cuisine in Omaha.

Jeff acknowledges the splendid Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC and Chef Paul Braunschweiler as his influences in becoming the top-notch kitchen leader he is today. Jeff constantly studies and experiments with new recipes that has kept Jams on the cutting edge of the Omaha food scene. He has built relationships with a plethora of local farmers and always uses local meats and produce whenever possible. His diligence and hard work has made Jams into one of the most consistently reliable restaurants in Omaha.

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• mQUARTERLY celebrating 25 years in 2016!

IN THE KITCHEN Chef CedriC fiChePaiN • le Voltaire | le Petit Paris french bakery Le Voltaire opened in 2001. After more than 15 years in Omaha, “the little corner of France in West Omaha” has become one of the finest dining establishments in town. The restaurant features French classic cuisine in a romantic south-of-France atmosphere. The menu covers all the regions of France, as well as numerous recipes from his grandmothers. The restaurant offers the most extensive French wine list in Nebraska.

Le Voltaire received the wine Spectator Award for its outstanding varieties of French wine ten years in a row. A beautiful private room with a direct view on the wine cellar opened in 2004. He and his wife opened Le Petit Paris French Bakery next to Le Voltaire in 2013 and a second location in Papillion in 2015.

Chef kimbler harrold • liberty Tavern Kimbler started at Westin Hotel Omaha while attending Roncalli High School and working in the cafeteria. Drawing and photography were interests until Kimbler discovered his culinary talents. With Double Tree, Magnolia, and Sheraton Hotels, and Lee Perrin Catering Co. he held positions including: Lead Cook, Sous Chef, and Pastry Chef. Now Chef de Cuisine of Hilton Omaha’s Liberty Tavern, Kimbler is active with the American Culinary Federation, Pro-Start, Nebraska Restaurant Association, Tri Omega Fraternity, Avenue Scholars and City Sprouts. An Institute of Culinary Arts graduate, he’s received special recognition from The National Association of Catering Executives, US Foods Fanatics Awards, Boykin Hospitality and Hilton Worldwide. Kimbler gives back, teaching necessary skills in culinary, and continues commitments with Greater Beth-El Temple, Roncalli High School and community.

Chef Joel mahr • lot 2 restaurant and wine bar Lot 2 Restaurant and Wine Bar opened its doors in March 2012 with Joel as its Head Chef. Joel was inspired by his grandmother and worked in some of Omaha’s classic restaurants: V. Mertz, French Café, Dario’s and Spencer’s. Lot 2’s menu uses locally sourced meats from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota. The menu offers items for everyone, such as grass-fed burgers, kale salad (a must try), meat and cheese boards and beautiful seafood. The food is simply prepared, quality- driven small pates as well as shareable entrees. Lot 2 has been awarded with best neighborhood Chef, featured in Cooking Light Magazine, Joel was inducted into Best Chefs of America 2013-14. Accolades from Yelp, Urbanspoon, Airbnb, and Trip Advisor followed. Lot 2 has recently reached its four-year anniversary.

Chef alberTo SaaVedra & Chef rolaNdo SaaVedra Pitch Pizzeria These brothers learned in the trenches. They have a love for cuisine and educating the guests on what can be done with fresh simple ingredients. They bring an energy with them and develop their teams along the way to do the same. For them, chef is an action verb, not a noun. They want to be known for doing what they have a passion for and being allowed to use their creativity to please their guests. They do this with dedication to the Pitch plan. At Pitch it’s called Pitch Attention. They have been with Pitch for six years. Prior to that they learned many cuisines at over 14 different concepts, three being Top 100 Open Table award recipients.

Chef Jared Clarke • railcar modern american kitchen Chef Jared has worked in the industry for 16 years starting in Lincoln as Sous Chef at Rococo Theatre and Executive Chef at Misty’s Steak House. While working he earned degrees from Southeast Community College, American Culinary Federation and UNL. At Lettuce Entertain You, in Chicago, he honed his skills with American, French and Asian techniques. Next he joined upcoming NRA’s Concept of the Year, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, where he became R & D Chef, developing wine dinners and menus, and worked with the Celiac Foundation to develop dining options for allergen-sensitive diners. After six years, he moved back to Nebraska as Executive Chef at Blue Sushi then Blue Agave before developing Railcar Modern American Kitchen in 2013. Named Restaurateur of the Year 2015, he recently opened Timber Wood Fire Bistro.

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too many cooks

IN THE KITCHEN

Too maNy CookS Chef miChael rhoadeS • Sodexo @ Creighton university Chef Tim GalliGher • Sodexo @ blue Cross blue Shield of Ne Michael has an associate degree in culinary arts from El Centro School of Culinary Arts. A Certified Culinarian of the American Culinary Federation, Michael has Executive Chef experience with the Holiday Inn Convention Center, Doubletree Hotel, Buca di Beppo, Donia Restaurant, Champions Country Club, and Flatiron Café. Michael enjoys giving back through his participation in many local fundraisers, mentoring and teaching. Tim’s culinary career began at the age of 13 when he worked at Trovato’s Restaurant bussing tables. Tim studied at Metro Community College, and then worked his way up through the system until he became Executive Chef at the Doubletree Downtown hotel in 2007. In 2010 Chef Galligher helped design and build Aura restaurant in Lincoln before joining Sodexo.

Chef GleNN wheeler • Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops Glenn has been a part of the Omaha restaurant scene since 1994, working in some of Omaha’s best restaurants like Maxine’s, Omaha Prime and Passport restaurants, the groundbreaking Bomba Dia restaurant and Glenn’s namesake Wheeler’s. In 2004 he helped open Liberty Tavern in the Hilton Omaha and stayed on for five years. He has been Executive Chef of Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops since 2010 and supports many local farmers such as Plumcreek, Bluff Valley, Truebridge, Shadowbrook and Wenninghoff Farms. Wheeler is active in many charitable organizations. He is two time “Taste of Elegance” winner for the Nebraska Pork Producers. He won Best Chefs of America 2013, 2014 and 2015. Glenn was awarded Restaurateur 2014 and was inducted to the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2015.

Chef Jimmy maSTerS • Stokes Grill & bar From Kansas City, Missouri, Chef Jimmy Masters grew up eating lots of KC BBQ, which grew his love for cooking for others. Jimmy has worked in all facets of the restaurant industry; however, he believes his culinary career began when he worked at Bristol Seafood Grill in the Power and Light District of Kansas City. He served as their Sous Chef for eight years which prepared him for his next position as the Executive Chef at Stokes Bar and Grill in downtown Omaha. Stokes has challenged Jimmy to serve a dynamic menu and specials to match the rich culture of the Old Market. Outside of work, Jimmy is a diehard KC Royals and Chiefs fan. Jimmy’s newest hobby is smoking meats in his charcoal smoker.

Chef briaN eVermaN • SySCo lincoln, inc.

Brian is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he currently serves as a Corporate Chef for Lincoln Sysco. Brian has worked as a culinary professional for 20 years. He has spent many years living and traveling abroad, after receiving his BA in fine arts, with minors in French and classical studies in 1986. His interests and wanderlust took him first to Thailand, where he spent two years in refugee services and on to Taiwan for an additional five years working as a language teacher and culinary instructor. Through his interest in travel and international cuisines, Brian also spent time in other countries, such as India, Nepal, UK, France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Hong Kong, Macao, and more, fulfilling his desire to learn local cooking techniques.

Chef laNe roSeNberry • SySCo lincoln, inc.

Lane Rosenberry was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

While in school Lane worked at Riccotti’s (a local sandwich shop). After culinary school Lane joined the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs. He came back to Lincoln to work at Wilderness Ridge where he quickly rose from banquet cook to Sous Chef before taking a job in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. As the Executive Sous Chef at the Grill on Ocean Avenue, Lane was exposed to many new ideas, the freshest produce and great wine.

Lane returned to Lincoln in 2005 to become Chef de Cuisine at Wilderness Ridge and then was promoted to Executive Chef where he held the position for three years before coming over to work with Sysco as Corporate Chef.

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IN THE KITCHEN Chef aroN maCkeViCiuS • Twisted fork Grill & Saloon Aron started his 16 year career early with his family business working with his father and grandmother at the Lithuanian Bakery in South Omaha, making the breads, pastries and the famous Napoleonas Torte. While in college Aron met a chef that took him under his wing and taught him more of the culinary arts. Working in a hotel to start his career, he excelled and moved onto several local restaurants to explore his cuisine. Early in his career, Aron worked at WheatFields, Upstream, M’s Pub and Vincenzo’s. It wasn’t until his opening of 7M Grill that Aron found his cuisine, Comfort fusion. Currently Executive Chef of Twisted Fork Grill & Saloon, he looks forward to bringing his cuisine to a redeveloped menu in the Old Market.

Chef Cory Guyer • uS foods Chef Guyer began his culinary career 30 years ago starting as the popcorn boy at Oak Hills Country Club. He has worked his way up through the ranks at some of Omaha’s best dining establishments like M’s Pub, The Flatiron Café and Bebo’s prior to running casino restaurants like Harrah’s 360 and opening Binion’s Prime Steakhouse at the Horseshoe Casino. Chef Guyer then went on to help open The Old Mattress Factory Bar and Grill before becoming the Division Chef of US Foods Omaha. Last year Chef Guyer was invited to participate in the Food Fanatics program with US Foods, which is an elite class of chefs that travel the country to bring trends that are happening coast-to-coast to our own markets.

Chef kyle lamb • V. mertz Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Kyle attended Doane College and graduated in 2004. He began cooking in 2006 after a short career in law enforcement. He attended the Art Institute of Jacksonville for Culinary School, graduating #1 in the class with a 4.0 GPA. Chef Lamb cooked in various restaurants while in Florida, but really found a niche when he joined the team at Chew Restaurant where he eventually became sous chef. He moved from Florida to South Caroline to work at McCrady’s Restaurant under acclaimed Chef Sean Brock for two years.

It was working here that influenced him the most. Chef Lamb moved back to Nebraska in 2012 and became the Executive Chef at Wilderness Ridge. He joined the team at V.Mertz in January of 2015.

Chef daVid wiNTroub • Zurlo’s bistro italiano David Wintroub spent many years watching and learning from his Russian family of home cooks. His passion for cooking led him to study with many talented chefs and in kitchens including the famed Hotel Ritz in Paris. His career has been spent consulting for many restaurants in Omaha, Phoenix and Las Vegas. His first restaurant, Citiez, opened in 1999, and he was fortunate enough to cook for many dignitaries including Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Martha Stewart, Gale Gand, Pilar Sanchez, David Rosengarten, Frederic Von Coppernolle and others. He refined his baking techniques while owning the Bread Oven French Bakery from 2008 to 2013 and has brought all his experience to his new endeavor, Zurlo’s Bistro in Omaha.

more abouT Too many Cooks in the kitchen • omaha restaurant association This Omaha Restaurant Association SOLD OUT event was held on April 10 at the Hilton Omaha. Eighteen ORA members and their chefs donated their time and talents as well as their product to prepare a five- to six-course meal with wine pairings for ten guests. Neither the chef nor the guests know who will be matched with whom until the cocktail hour. Each group of ten chooses a representative to select one of 18 amuse-bouches to taste and on the bottom of their spoon or dish is the name of the chef that prepared it. The chef then greets their group and begins to wine and dine them for the rest of the evening. The end of the night is wrapped up with an oral auction of chef dinners. The auction alone raised $27,625.

Proceeds from this event go to fight hunger and provide for culinary programs and scholarships.

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community CONNECTIONS

2016 HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME inductees 2016 Hospitality Hall of Fame Honorees Six industry leaders are being inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame on October 16th. This is a fundraiser for culinary scholarships put on by the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC and the Omaha Restaurant Association.

2016 HALL OF FAME HONOREES

Linda Anania-Keating Linda Anania-Keating, 66, has been involved in the restaurant and catering industry for many years. She has worked as the sales manager for Nebraska Distributing Company and the catering director for Joslyn Art Museum.

Anania-Keating was a member of the Omaha Restaurant Association and has served as president. She has been the chair of Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation fundraiser and has been on the board of the Nebraska Restaurant Association. Her affiliations include vice chair and chair of the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame and Meals on Wheels.

Anania-Keating has four children and seven grandchildren

ANTHONYLINDA FUCINARO ANANIA-KEATING JR. AND SR.

Anthony Fucinaro Sr. • Anthony Fucinaro Jr. Anthony Fucinaro Sr., deceased, and Anthony Fucinaro Jr., 61, owns the popular Anthony’s Steakhouse at 7220 F Street.

Anthony’s is members of the Omaha Restaurant Association and the Nebraska Restaurant Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau and the Ralston Chamber of Commerce. Fucinaro Sr. was awarded Restaurateur of the Year by the Nebraska Restaurant Association and the Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Spike Award. He was the founder of St. Gerald’s parish.

The restaurant has been named in Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha as well as The Knot’s Best of Weddings. Fucinaro Jr. has been awarded Restaurateur of the Year by the Omaha Restaurant Association.

ANTHONY FUCINARO EDDIE JR. AND GALAS SR.

Fucinaro Sr. and his wife Josephine had four children, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Fucinaro Jr. and his wife Denise have three children and three grandchildren.

Eddie Galas Eddie Galas, 88, is the patriarch of Eddie’s Catering and the son of Polish immigrants.

He started out as a busboy in 1939 at Johnny’s Café. After a three-year stint in the Navy, he worked for a short time at Johnny’s Café again. In 1950 he bought his own restaurant, Eddie’s Radial Café. The following year he sold that restaurant and bought Eddie’s Bar & Café. That restaurant was a South Omaha staple on South 24th Street for decades until a fire in 1987.

Galas has been inducted into the South High School Hall of Fame.

EDDIE DAVID GALAS HAYES

Galas and his wife Mary have seven children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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OMAHA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION | THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY ARTS AT MCC

celebrating 25 years in 2016!

hospitality honors David Hayes David Hayes, 62, is well known in the Omaha restaurant industry. He has owned some of Omaha’s favorite restaurants beginning with The Winery, Monterey Café, Jams, Bebo’s, Gourmet & More, B & G’s and Block 16. He currently owns V. Mertz, four Egg and I’s, a restaurant in Chicago and Trio in Sterling Ridge.

Hayes’ professional associations include the Omaha Restaurant Association, for which he has held the positions of board member, vice president and president. He is a member of the Nebraska Restaurant Association, the International Wine and Food Society, and Vin Nebraska.

Hayes has has two sons, Noah and Dillon, and he and his wife Diane live in Omaha. They have one grandchild.

DAVID HAYES

Ron Popp Ron Popp, 59, has owned and run several of Omaha’s favorite restaurants. Popp is king of Omaha’s comfort food scene, having created and sold the Garden Café and FarmHouse Concepts. For the last 16 years Popp, with his wife and son have created and operated the WheatFields Eatery & Bakery. In addition, in 2015 they opened a new restaurant next to WheatFields in One Pacific Place called Andre’s Tortillery. Popp is a member of the Nebraska Restaurant Association and has been awarded the Restaurant Good Neighbor Award for WheatFields’ support of the Poor Clare Sisters dinner and auction.

Popp has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the State of Nebraska.

STEVE RON POPP VILLAMONTE SR.

He and his wife Ruth Ann have two children.

Steve Villamonte Sr. Steve Villamonte Sr., 54, first worked in a professional kitchen at the age of five. His dad brought him to the Happy Hollow Country Club and assigned him to an employee in the kitchen. This is when he learned to make his famed Thunderbird Salad. Many of us know Villamonte from the Omaha Press Club, where he has been the Executive Director since 2000. Villamonte is a Certified Executive Chef from the American Culinary Association.

He is also an adjunct faculty member of the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC. His company, Villamonte’s Cuisine, manufactures Thunderbird salad dressing and Blackstone Reuben dressing for commercial and retail sales and caters weddings.

CHEF LEO STEVE VILLAMONTE FASCIANELLA SR.

Villamonte and his wife Christine have four children and two grandchildren.

Chef Leo Fascianella GOLDEN TOQUE RECIPIENT 2016 Golden Toque means Golden Chef’s Hat and is the highest acclaimed recognition a chef can receive in America.

Chef Leo Fascianella, chef owner of Pasta Amore, received this award in June in Orlando.

He will be honored along with Jim Trebbien, retired Dean of the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC, for his induction in 2009, at the dinner in October.

2016 hospitality

HALL OF FAME HONOREES

CHEF LEO FASCIANELLA

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spotlight on

• AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION & AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

stay well BY JOINING go red for women

BY JENNIFER REDMOND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OMAHA • AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION PHOTOS BY JESSICA GALASKA

Over the first decade of the program, we’ve tracked the progress for millions of women involved, and the improvements within the healthcare industry. Here’s three wins: • Gender-specific guidelines have been developed for prevention and treatment.

We’re helping physicians recognize that women’s heart symptoms and treatment are different from men’s. Plus, our “Get With the Guidelines” program has helped hospitals provide improved treatment for both genders.

• We’ve helped medical research become gender-specific. Women have been under represented in clinical studies, but the FDA now requires results reported by gender. Increased gender-based research has revealed important differences in women’s symptoms and response to medications.

AS the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,”

and this philosophy is important in preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers, as well as other chronic illnesses like diabetes.

Today, that applies more than ever to women’s health. That’s why the American Heart Association is urging women to schedule a well-woman visit.

A well-woman visit is an annual physical and discussion about your health that all women should get to help identify serious health concerns before they become life threatening – such as heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer of women, taking the lives of eight women in Omaha every day.

Could one exam change that?

Your well-woman visit will be tailored to your age, past health history and need for preventive screenings. Your family history, one of the top indicators of a future cardiovascular event, will also be considered.

The exam may also indicate need for other health screenings that are unique to women including mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, and bone-mass measurements for osteoporosis.

If you think your well-woman visit is too expensive, good news: it’s likely free.

Medicare and most private health insurance plans are now required to cover preventive services like this visit, also called an annual physical, wellness visit or well-woman exam. So, no excuses.

As women, we tend to put the needs of others before our own. When we’re making dinner or driving to soccer practice, we forget the thing that people need most: us.

Until we start making our health a priority, cardiovascular disease will continue to be our top health threat. Yes, our threat. It is not just a man’s disease.

More than a decade ago, the American Heart Association discovered that heart disease killed more women than men. It took – and still takes – more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined.

In 2004, Go Red For Women, a network of women dedicated to awareness, education and research for women and heart disease, was born.

We are celebrating our 11th anniversary of the movement in Omaha at the Go Red For Women Expo sponsored by Methodist Health System on August 30 at Embassy Suites in La Vista. The 2016 event is supported by Corporate Chair Diane Duren, Circle of Red Chair Cindy Bay and Men Go Red For Women Chairs Tom, Barrett and Bo Ruud.

We’re also proud to have metroMAGAZINE/mQUARTERLY as a media sponsor.

Why red? It stands out. Red is a confidence-booster and when you wear it, especially for heart health, it makes you feel powerful.

Maybe it’s just a coincidence that it’s also the color of our hearts.

Looking back on all we’ve accomplished, we’ve really made tremendous strides.

We’ve taught millions of women the dangers of heart disease, and made major changes in health care, like championing the well-woman visit.

Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day than before Go Red For Women started.

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• Gender-specific inequalities are identified and targeted. We’ve discovered that women aren’t receiving the same level of treatment for heart disease as men.

But now that’s changing.

Lives are being saved. Those results are felt right here in Nebraska too.

We hope you’ll join our movement with just one simple phone call. Schedule your exam today then celebrate your commitment to heart-health at our Expo on August 30.

Visit OmahaGoRedForWomen.org for information on Go Red events in Omaha.

2016 GO RED FOR WOMEN EXPO locally sponsored by Methodist Health System Tuesday, August 30 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Embassy Suites – La Vista OmahaGoRedForWomen.org

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• mQUARTERLY

• CANCER AWARENESS

stand among 10,000 EVERYDAY HEROES When you participate in the Susan G. Komen Nebraska Race for the Cure®, you become an everyday hero making a significant impact in the local fight against breast cancer.

Your support during the Race and year-round helps friends, family and our neighbors in Nebraska receive education, screening and, if diagnosed with breast cancer, the treatment support they need.

Join us at the 23rd annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, October 9th at Baxter Arena to become an everyday hero, honor an everyday hero or save an everyday hero. Choose from a 5K timed run or run/walk or a 1-mile walk and activities for all ages and activity levels. Help us honor breast cancer survivors during the survivor parade that officially kicks off the Race and celebrate the memories of loved ones lost.

Seventy-five percent of Susan G. Komen® Nebraska proceeds fund local health grants across the state and 25 percent fund research to find the cures. In 2016, everyday heroes like you helped fund more than $530,000 in local grants and $240,000 in research. Many women touched by a grant are underinsured, rural, or would otherwise not have access to these potentially life-saving services.

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers among women in Nebraska with 24 people diagnosed nearly every week. While early detection of the disease is crucial to improving survival, Nebraska ranks number 40 in the U.S. for mammography screening rates. Guided by its mission to end breast cancer forever, Komen Nebraska recently introduced the Promise Me program.

Promise Me encourages women to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Trained community volunteers meet with friends, family and coworkers in trusted environments to eliminate myths surrounding breast cancer, provide information and encourage screening. To complement the education and eliminate barriers of time and travel to get screened, a mobile unit equipped with mammography technology will screen women at locations most convenient to them.

Working together, we believe we can make progress in the fight against breast cancer.

Contact Komen Nebraska at 402-502-2979 or learn more at komennebraska.org.

2016 Susan G. Komen Nebraska Race for the Cure® OCT. 9, 2016 • BAXTER ARENA & AKSARBEN VILLAGE Schedule 7:00 a.m. Sponsor Expo — Baxter Arena main floor and concourse 8:15 a.m. Survivor Photo and Parade — Baxter Arena main floor 9:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk; 1-Mile Walk—Aksarben Village. Baxter Arena closes.

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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.

eating clean: HEALTHIER options NOT JUST A DIET • IT’S ABOUT LIFESTYLE CHOICES ~ Thích Nhất Hạnh

“Eating clean” isn’t really anything new but it’s the current trendy word for focusing on what you are putting into your body. It isn’t about a diet. Clean eating is about a lifestyle that involves healthy eating choices. Part of eating clean involves giving attention to the source of your food. Where did it come from and what happened to it before it got to your plate?

THE basic priNciplEs of EaTiNg clEaN: limit processed foods. The concept is easy but applying it isn’t always so.

We are surrounded by processed food. If a food has a label, read the label. If the label has a long list of ingredients, particularly ones that you can’t pronounce, consider skipping the food. There are foods in boxes or frozen that are minimally processed.

get this done but am recently back to that after being reminded by a good friend about how well I felt when I had completely eliminated the stuff.)

Eat More Vegetables. My favorite thing about spring and summer is the return of farmers markets and the many options of fresh locally grown vegetables from farmers I can get to know. Consider including vegetables with every meal, even breakfast.

Eat sufficient fresh fruits. Fruits provide a wide variety of benefits. They are also a natural sweet. Do be careful to choose a variety and consider the features of various fruits that will be most beneficial to your diet.

Eat Whole foods. Whole foods are the foods that haven’t been processed.

Look for food sources that come straight from the farm – a farm focused on providing healthy organic foods. Nebraska has lots of options.

add flavor to your foods with Herbs and spices. Make great tasting healthy food an adventure. Skip the sugar and salt and try basil, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, cloves, cumin, turmeric and nutmeg. If you don’t grow your own, pay attention to source.

Eliminate refined sugar. I was recently shopping in another city. As a friend and I were walking down the street, I noted a store called “It’s Just Sugar”. And that store was full of nothing but sugar. I said something like “I wish that place would shut down.” My friend said “Well, at least they are honest and up front about what they are about.” Refined sugar equals calories with no nutritional value and lots of potential negative effects. I feel best when I simply eliminate sugar from my diet. (I admit that I don’t always

avoid Drinking Your calories. I’ll be the first to admit that I enjoy juices and smoothies and an occasional latte but when I’m really considering calories, any calories I consume in that matter are a conscious decision considering the total calories consumed in that manner relative to the total calories I plan to consume for the day. I also consider the nutritional value of any liquid calories and avoid any juices that have too much sugar, even the natural kind.

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

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omaha giving

• OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

GIVING across GENERATIONAL divides There is something incredibly special about giving together as a family. The experience fosters a commitment to the community that can transcend generations and build family legacy. Yet while family giving helps establish a tradition of philanthropy for years to come, it can often seem daunting as families first set out to bring their loved ones together to define their philanthropic vision.

Although many envision an idyllic scene with their family bonding over charitable giving, it is important to remember that philanthropy can be a sensitive subject. Even though no one privately benefits from the dollars under discussion, each family member has a deep connection to what the experience means to them personally and their role in the process of giving money away.

In order to help ensure a meaningful experience for everyone involved, it is critical to build structure around your family’s giving. There are several key considerations to guide your family through the pros and perils of giving across generations: Manage Expectations – At the outset, it is beneficial to provide as much clarity as possible around roles and expectations for what the family is coming together to accomplish. Key considerations can include who will be involved and what their participation should look like. As the ages and life stages of family members change over time, it is helpful to allow their involvement in family giving to evolve, as well.

Acknowledge Familial Roles – We all have roles within our family. Giving money away doesn’t change the fact that we relate to one another in certain ways. In order to manage your family’s dynamics, it is best to have a strong process in place to guide interactions.

Recognize Generational Differences – Each generation has had formative experiences that have shaped their world view. Generations vary widely on their relationship with institutions, where they acquire information, and their preferences for interactions with a cause. This has a profound impact on the values and sara boyd priorities each generation brings to their charitable giving.

Find Common Ground – Identify shared values as the basis for your family’s giving discussion. It is often helpful to define a mission and vision for the family’s philanthropic activities, so that funding decisions can be evaluated based on alignment with common values and shared aspirations for your giving.

Allow Space for Individuality – If possible, it is advisable to allow some discretionary giving specifically around issues or organizations that are close to each person’s heart. By enabling family members to allocate resources toward causes they are personally passionate about, you can elevate the discourse for communal decisions.

Enjoy the Journey – Regardless of the size and scope of your family’s philanthropy, the very act of giving can be a transformational experience—there is no telling what impact you can have on the community and one another. Giving together provides the opportunity to learn from each other and grow as a family, all while making a lasting mark on the world.

For more information on family giving, contact us at (402) 342-3458 or visit www.omahafoundation.org.

Sara Boyd is President & CEO at the Omaha Community Foundation

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planning matters

• WITH HVW LAW

AN OVERVIEW OF

equity-based compensation Equity-based compensation is a frequently used form of compensation that is helpful in aligning the interests of the employer and the employee. This type of compensation provides executives and employees the opportunity to share in the growth in value of the company, and increasing the company’s value is good for the company, the employees and the investors. There are numerous types and varieties of equity-based compensation, and the purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of a few of the more commonly used forms.

Stock Options. Stock options are a right to buy stock in the future at a fixed price and generally come in two different forms, Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) or Nonqualified Stock Options (NQOs). ISOs are available only to employees and not to consultants or non-employee board members. The primary difference between the two is the way they are treated for tax purposes. If several tax code requirements are met, the employee granted ISOs will receive favorable tax treatment. NQOs do not

provide similar tax treatment. The exercise price of an ISO must be at least equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant (110% in the case of an ISO to 10% stockholders). The exercise date for an ISO must occur within 10 years of the grant date (five years for 10% stockholders).

michael j. weaver, jd

Employees are not taxed on either the grant date or the exercise date of ISOs. However, the spread between the strike price and the value of the stock on the exercise date is an adjustment for Alternative Minimum Tax purposes. If certain statutory holding periods are met, the employee will receive long-term capital gain treatment when the stock is sold. Upon the exercise of NQOs, the spread between the stock value on the exercise date and the strike price is taxed to the participant as ordinary income, subject to tax withholding. The participant will be taxed on any subsequent increase in the value of the stock after the exercise date at capital gain rates when the stock is sold.

Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock is a present grant of company stock that is subject to forfeiture until the end of a vesting period. There is no strike price, so upon vesting the participant obtains the full value of the stock. Vesting is generally dependent upon the passage of time and/or the achievement of certain individual or company goals.

Upon termination of employment, Restricted Stock that is still within the vesting period is usually forfeited.

Phantom Stock. Phantom Stock is a deferred compensation arrangement that provides a payout to the participant based upon the future value of company stock. No actual stock is issued to the participant. Instead, a participant receives “units” that represent a share of stock in the company and provides the same economic benefit as if the participant owned actual company stock. The value of future payments to the participant is based on the full value of the company’s stock, as if the participant owned and was selling actual shares.

Each form of equity-based compensation can be structured in a variety of ways to achieve the objectives of the employer and the employee.

However, such compensation must also take into account numerous laws and regulations, including securities and corporate laws, tax and accounting considerations, and investor relations, among others.

Mike is a partner with Vandenack Williams LLC. For over 25 years, Mike’s practice areas have been concentrated in estate, corporate, business and tax planning.

For more information visit www.vanwil.com.

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todays savings

impact!

• SWARTZBAUGH-FARBER & ASSOCIATES, INC.

ENVISION YOUR future AND

MEDICAL HEALTH

and financial health?

• YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

mary drueke-collins

NOW THAT

the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka Health Care Reform, is in full swing, we are all getting used to the “new normal” in health insurance coverages. One of the biggest impacts, and most difficult for many people to get used to, are the significant out-of-pocket costs associated with insurance (deductibles, coinsurance and copayments). The ACA imposed a maximum out-ofpocket requirement on health insurance plans. An unfortunate result of that “allowed” maximum out-of-pocket is that the majority of health insurance plans available in the market today have coverage coinciding with that maximum out-of-pocket. In 2016, that maximum is $6,850 for an individual and $13,700 for a family. For most of us, that is significantly higher than we were used to before ACA. This change has had an unfortunate impact to the financial well-being of many individuals. A recent Harvard University study showed that medical expenses were the top reason people filed personal bankruptcy – nearly 62% of all bankruptcies were a result of medical bills. The study also showed that 72% of those people filing bankruptcy had some type of health insurance! It is easy to understand why this problem exists. Nearly one-third of American families are termed the “working-poor”, living paycheck to paycheck. A catastrophic medical event, even a simple emergency room bill could be too much for most families to handle. After the family pays for the out-of-pocket expenses associated with their health care bills, there is little left for the day-to-day expenses: transportation, food and housing. Our choices come down to our most basic instinct, survival, so we pay the daily expenses.

Fortunately, there is a way to manage these out-of-pocket costs: worksite or voluntary insurance. Worksite products include coverages like Catastrophic Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Cancer or Critical Illness coverages and Disability Insurance. As the need for these products becomes more evident, more insurers offer them and the market becomes more competitive. Some of the most trusted health insurance companies are now in the worksite business. That is a great thing for consumers!

As the number of insurers offering the products increases, the products themselves become better and the cost for this coverage becomes more affordable.

Worksite products are no longer just something “nice to have” in case of a medical malady. They have become a viable way for us as consumers to maintain our financial health. These products pay the purchaser flat amounts for medical services, like hospital stays, diagnostic tests, emergency room visits or a diagnosis of a critical illness like cancer or a heart attack. Most policies even pay you for getting an annual exam, a service already covered by your health insurance policy. Disability coverage is like insurance for your paycheck, paying you a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to an accident or illness. In all of these products, the payments are made directly to the employee and help employees pay for the deductible and other out-of-pocket costs associated with these serious conditions, even helping with those everyday expenses.

It is common knowledge that we are not a country of savers. Luckily, there are insurance products available to help us manage some of the additional costs of being sick. It is all a function of knowing what you need to do to maintain your financial health and well-being.

choose!

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

WHAT IFyou knew you would suffer from chronic disease?

A disease that would diminish your ability to chew, destroy your God-given smile, and forever change the way you speak. If you were given this information and the preventative steps to change your future…would you be willing to change?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease,” a chronic but preventable disease.

This is the equivalent of, “47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults.”

So, maybe the better question is: Why is prevention of periodontal disease so difficult?

Periodontal disease, in the early stages, does not hurt. Symptoms are easily dismissed as normal. For example, constant bad breath (treat with a mint) or bleeding gums, (brush a little more). These signs only warrant attention when disease is advanced and symptoms are painful such as swollen, infected gums; loose, mobile teeth; or worse yet, tooth loss. In fact, 178 million Americans are currently missing at least one tooth and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth; i.e., they are “dentally disabled.”Without teeth, a person becomes “prosthesis dependent” relying on a denture to eat, speak and smile; a tooth replacement that is incapable of providing more than 20% of the chewing function of natural, healthy teeth.

My goal: inspire action, change the stats!

Dentistry is making exciting advances in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Scientific studies have opened doors previously closed which identify the specific strains of bacteria found within each individual’s disease. By targeting specific strains, treatments are more accurate and effective. Revolutionary! This is how: We obtain a sample of your saliva and test it. Through this test, we identify the precise strain(s) of bacteria attacking the supporting structures of your teeth; i.e., your bones and ligaments. With this information, we prescribe individualized antibiotic regimens while simultaneiously removing disease through professional periodontal cleanings. In a nutshell, better than ever before, we can prevent tooth loss from gum disease when you choose saliva testing. The steps are simple: see a qualified dentist, complete an exam and provide some spit.

By the way, saliva testing can also detect pre-diabetes, HPV and more.

The choice is yours. Undiagnosed periodontal disease is affecting approximately half of our population – damaging heart muscle; increasing risk of diabetes; and causing premature births, low-birth weight babies, tooth loss and denture dependence. You are in the “driver’s seat”.

Ask yourself:With this information and preventative steps like saliva testing, are you willing to change your behavior and reap the rewards of a healthy, disease-free dental future?

*Look for our ad in this issue of mQUARTERLY

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 Offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak has been treating TMJ and head and neck pain in her private practice for over 10 years. She has completed Residency and earned Fellowship status with the American Academy of Crainofacial Pain. She is also Board Certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics 55

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event galleries

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2015!

COMPLETELY KIDS PINOT, PIGS & POETS

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER FDTN. WINE WOMEN & SHOES

OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC MAGICAL MUSICAL TOUR GRAND OPENING GALA

OMAHA BALLROOM DANCING WITH THE OMAHA STARS

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE STRIKE A CHORD 12

CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE CABARET 2016

NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY BLACK TIE AND TAILS

GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, 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

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Photography by Dan Flanigan and JimiV

event galleries

ASHLEY CHRISTENSEN, JEFF COHN AND CARMEN BUTLER

NICK HUFF AND DESTINY SHIPMAN

ANGEL LOZA AND ERIN SORENSEN

DOING THE

Dancing Omaha Ballroom

Dancing with the Omaha Stars When: June 11 Where: Ralston Arena Why: Local celebrities dancing to raise money for Angels Among Us & The Sunshine Kids. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer raised the most money & Jeff Cohn from Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate was the overall winner.

For more Information: 402.290.4869 | DancingwiththeOmahaStars.com

ANDEE HOIG AND JAMES COLCLASURE

BOB HOIG AND ANDEE HOIG

ELIZABETH COLCLASURE AND POLICE CHIEF TODD SCHMADERER

SARAH COOPER AND JON VLACH

EMILY ZMIJEWSKI AND CONNER RENSCH

ELIZABETH AND JAMES COLCLASURE WITH SERENITY HIER

BETH MEIER, JAY LEISEY, ALLYSON LEISEY WITH JEFF COHN AND SHANNON ZIMMERMAN

DESTINY SHIPMAN AND JOHN EWING

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Photography by Roger Humphries

MEASURING

Milestones

Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Awards When: May 10

SAVING GRACE PERISHABLE FOOD RESCUE, INC.

PATRICIA KEARNS, KATIE HODGES, NASH MAHUPETE, JAS MONTEZ AND KRISTIN CUSTER

Where: Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista Why: Each year, we celebrate standout business and individuals whose contributions elevate our community and make it a better place for everyone to do business, work and live.

Special Guests: A complete list of winners can be found at OmahaChamber.org/ExcellenceAwards Sponsors: The Business Excellence Awards sponsors are: Markel, PayPal and United Republic Bank.

TRENT COOKSLEY, MARK THRAMER, RENEE BUIKEMA, AMANDA LANDON, SARAH MCKENNA AND CHRISTIAN COLLINS

TRACY FISHER, ROB KILLMER, ANDEE HOIG, ELISSA DEFREESE-MARKING AND DANA CARLTON-FLINT

Mission: To champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration.

About: The Chamber will be the catalyst organization that ensures Greater Omaha is a vibrant place to do business, work and live.

For more Information: 402.978.7937 | OmahaChamber.org

JEFF MORAN, LORI BECHTOLD, MIKE WATKINS AND DARREN CARLSON

REBECCA RYAN, DAVID BROWN AND ARIEL ROBLIN

BETH OSTDIEK-SMITH, LESIE FISHER AND ANDEE HOIG

KAREEN HICKMAN, MELISSA GLEN AND RENEE BUIKEMA

DEB BECK, GAIL YANNEY, TRACY WELLS AND NICOLE TROMLER

SCOTT CARRICO, CHUCK STEVENS AND SCOTT KROGER

SANDY DODGE, KATE DODGE AND NATE DODGE

SEAN OLSON, JOHN SULLIVAN, MARIAN FEY AND ERIN SAMPLE

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event galleries

Photography by Roger Humphries

MAGICAL

Conservation Omaha Conservatory of Music

Magical Musical Tour Grand Opening Gala When: Friday, April 15

MOLLY AND TOBY SCHROPP WITH MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT

PIRZADA SATTAR, FATIMA BASITH, ANNETTE SMITH, PAUL SMITH AND RUTH MEINTS

Where: Omaha Conservatory of Music Why: To celebrate the opening of the new and permanent home of Omaha Conservatory of Music Special Guests: OCM Executive Director Ruth Meints; Honorary Chairs Annette & Paul Smith; Event Chairs Fatima Basith & Dr. S. Pirzada Sattar Sponsors: American National Bank; Green Plains, Inc.; Five Points Bank; Kutak Rock; Seim Johnson; Clark Creative

FATIMA BASITH WITH JUN AND REE KANEKO AND PIRZADA SATTAR

RUTH MEINTS, RYAN ELLIS, JON TAYLOR, TRACY FISHER AND TERRI FISHER

Caterer: The Grey Plume Event Planner: Mike Klug Attendance: 350+ Mission: The Omaha Conservatory of Music is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) school that builds musical community through education and performance to enrich lives.

SUZAN CRABB, MICHAEL CRABB AND GINA HALBORN

DR. NICK SMITH AND RAISSA SMITH

About: Founded in 2001, Omaha Conservatory of Music serves nearly 2,000 families throughout the region with high-quality music education programs. The Conservatory provides private lessons, group classes, and other innovative programs in its new 40,000sf facility at 70th & Cass Streets.

The Conservatory provides the String Sprouts program in 9 underserved neighborhoods and communities in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as a guitar/recorder/vocal music education program on the Winnebago Reservation.

For more Information: 402.932.4978 | www.omahacm.org

JOHN AND LINDA REBROVIC

TRACY FISHER, DEBBIE WOOD, RYAN ELLIS AND JON TAYLOR

AYUMI OHISHI, JUN KANEKO AND JESS DAVIS

KRISTEN SPRINGER, BRIAN LEVELS, JESSICA HANSON AND STACEY BARELDS 60

IAN SIMPKINS AND ALEX FRIES

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BEST IN

Black

Nebraska Humane Society Black Tie and Tails When: April 30

JENNIFER TAYLOR, MELISSA MURANTE AND KATHRYN SCHAPPER

SHERI POPP, RUTH ANN POPP, MAYOR JEAN AND DR. JOE STOTHERT WITH ANDREW POPP AND RON POPP

Where: Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista Why: BTT raises funds to provide care, medical treatment, and behavioral help to all animals who come through NHS doors.

Special Guests: Mayor Jean Stothert gave a key to the city to retiring President and CEO Judy Varner

SUE WILKINS, JUDY VARNER, PAM WIESE AND GORDON KRENTZ

Sponsors: Debby Durham Family Foundation; Michele and Doug Grewcock; First National Bank, The Olson Family Foundation; Mary Lou and Mark Brasee; Amy L Scott Family Foundation; Fraser Stryker PC LLO; Bridges Investment Management

JUDIE AND STEVE OLSON

Event Planner: Gordon Krantz of the Nebraska Humane Society Multi Media: Theatrical Media Services, Inc. Attendance: 750 Amount Raised: 450,000

JOHN AND CARMEN GOTTSCHALK

DEB GREWCOCK AND SALLY ZACHARY

Mission: The Nebraska Humane Society Protects,saves, and enriches the lives of animals in the communities we serve.

About: The Nebraska humane society provides shelter and care for animals in our community with no other place to go.

NHS rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes some 10,000 animals each year, and reunites another 4000 with their owners. We also provide education and resources for pet owners to help them adopt pets and provide for their well being.

For more Information: 402.444.7800 | www.nehumanesociety.org

KRYSTAL TALHA AND ANNE RILEY

GAIL AND MICHAEL DWYER

HALEY BEKINS, GRIFFIN WILLER AND MARGARET NELSON

TOM KERR, DR. TOM NILSSON, JUDY CLEVELAND AND MARCIA ANDERSON 61

DAVID AND MELANIE HECKER WITH BILLY COBURN

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event galleries

Photography by Dan Flanigan and Wine Women & Shoes

WOMEN

Wonders

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation Wine Women & Shoes

BRESEE PARKER, SANDY PARKER, MARY WILSON AND JULIE MOWAT

JULIE MOWAT, CONNIE RYAN AND MARY WILSON

Wine Women & Shoes drew a sell-out crowd of more than 350 women to Champions Run on April 15 to sip, savor and shop at this fourth annual event to support Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s Carolyn Scott Rainbow House.

Donors celebrated fashion and compassion, raising $186,000 in gross revenue.

More than 50 Shoe Guys—handsome and helpful volunteers who presented shoes and jewelry on silver trays—provided another unique element that made this fundraiser a huge hit.

Through online fundraising of their own prior to the event, the Shoe Guys raised more than $7,400 for the Rainbow House.

JENNI DEWITT AND ALISON KERN

KATIE MCNEIL, LINDSAY BANKS AND BLAIR BONNESEN

Wine Women & Shoes’ honorary chair was Connie Ryan.

Julie Mowat and Mary Wilson served as the event’s co-chairs.

WOWT’s Serese Cole was the evening’s emcee.

Proceeds from Wine Women & Shoes benefit the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House, which offers a convenient and welcoming “home away from home” for patient families who live 60 miles or more from Omaha.

THE SHOE GUYS

MICAYLA LEE, SUSAN HADDOX AND CHRIS LAFEVER

“We are delighted at the outpouring of support for the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House. In just four years, Wine Women & Shoes has become one of Omaha’s most popular and anticipated events for women,” said Beth Greiner, executive director of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation. “The Wine Women & Shoes chairs and committee worked tirelessly to make the evening so memorable and successful. We are grateful for this incredible team and for all who attended to support the children and families served at the Rainbow House.”

For more Information: 402.955.6851 | www.WineWomenandShoes.com/Omaha

SHELLY HOMA, JULIE TAYLOR, LORI PIRNIE AND JUDI HUFF

GINA MCDEVITT, MEGAN LONGO, REGAN MUHS, ASHLEY HORGAN, MARGARET LEIGHTON, CAROLYN SUTTON, HALEY WALKER AND KELLY HOUGHTON

CAPTIONS

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Photos courtesy of Child Saving Institute

CELEBRATING

Children

Child Saving Institute Cabaret 2016 On Saturday, May 16, 420 guests enjoyed the fun and philanthropy at Child Saving Institute’s 24th annual Cabaret fundraiser, raising more than $236,000 for the children, youth and families served through Child Saving Institute programs.

DONNETTE JANDA AND TOM BORCHERDING

SCOTT AND LUCY NEWBERRY WITH MOSAH AND LAUREN GOODMAN

Cabaret 2016 was hosted by CSI’s Board of Directors.

Honored Chairs were Judy & Gale Wickersham.

Benefit Chairmen were Lucy & Scott Newberry and Co-Chairmen Lauren & Mosah Goodman. KETV was the media sponsor and KETV News Watch Seven Anchor Brandi Petersen served as event emcee.

Money raised from the evening will support CSI’s critical programs such as foster care, older child adoption, early childhood education, pregnancy counseling, parenting classes, and therapy.

Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

GALE AND JUDY WICKERSHAM, DUANE AND PHYLLIS ACKLIE WITH C.L. AND RACHEL WERNER

63

For more Information: 402.553.6000 | childsaving.org

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Photography by Debra S. Kaplan

THREE“Ps”

Completely KIDS Pinot, Pigs & Poets When: June 2

Where: Happy Hollow Club, Omaha

JIM LANDEN WITH SHARON AND BOB SWARTZBAUGH, DINY LANDEN AND CRAIG POHLMAN

JODY CARSTENS AND PENNY PARKER WITH TERRI AND JACK MCDONNELL

KRISTYN ANTONIO, DREW ANTONIO, MARY JO LANGDON, JODIE MACKINTOSH, STEVE ANDERSON, MARIAN ANDERSON, AMY DEARDORFF, GAYLE CARSTENS, JODY CARSTENS, NANCY EDICK, BOB EDICK, ALISON O’NEILL, JACK MCDONNELL, TERRI MCDONNELL, STEVE TURNER, MAUREEN TURNER, BRIAN LEIFERMAN, JANE POHLMAN, MIKE ROBINO, KYLE ROBINO, NANCY PRAUNER, AMY KNUTH AND SHELLEY HOMA

Why: Proceeds from Pinot, Pigs & Poets will support the weekend and after-school food programs at Completely KIDS .

Completely KIDS combats childhood hunger through its Weekend Food Program, which ensures that kids won’t go hungry through the weekend by providing backpacks filled with nutritious, child-friendly food each Friday. Completely KIDS also provides a well-balanced meal at each of its school-based programs.

SM

Attendance: 450 Amount Raised: More than $300,000 Mission: Completely KIDS educates and empowers kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community.

SM

BACK ROW: PAUL WEISS, TIM NICHOLSON, ENZO ZURLO, GLENN WHEELER, CLAYTON CHAPMAN AND ARON MACKEVICUS FRONT ROW: SAM ZACCONE, PATRICK MICHEELS, RYAN ERNST, NICK STRAWHECKER AND KYLE LAMB

SID AND DAWN DINSDALE WITH SHARON AND JOEL LARMORE

About: Completely KIDS ensures that our families have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. It’s our mission to educate and empower kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community. In supporting this mission, we assist more than 2,000 children and families each year in overcoming barriers, as a result of poverty, to their success. Research shows that growing up in poverty can have a significant impact on a child’s cognitive development, emotional well-being and physical health, thus impacting their ability to be successful.

Completely KIDS has consistently seen the impacts of poverty in the lives of the families it works with and has developed program components to specifically address each area of need.

SM

For more Information: 402.397.5809 | completelykids.org

ANN REHNSTROM, RHONDA ERICKSON, DAVE GALLOWAY, JULIE BEARD AND JANE STONE

ANNE REHNSTROM, CEDRIC FICHEPAIN, DR. FAYRENE HAMOUZ AND JIM TREBBIEN

CAPTIONS

CAP64

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Photography by Dan Flanigan

HITTING THE

Right Notes Heartland Family Service Strike A Chord 12

JANAE AND MATT STERNBERG

Nearly 300 guests took a retro road trip on Friday, June 17 at the 12th annual “Strike A Chord” to help Heartland Family Service raise $78,114 for children and families throughout southwest Iowa.

JASON AND SHARI JAMES

At the casual-attire event in the Mid-America Center, guests were treated to a Wine Toss game that involved rings and wine bottles, a Tire Toss game that resembled cornhole, a Polaroid photo booth, and map board to pin their favorite American spots as they bid on more than 100 silent auction items. After the crowd watched videos featuring the amazing journeys of each honoree, Verne Welch received the Salute to Leadership Award, and Michelle Kaczmarek was presented with the Salute to Achievement Award.

“We are just so thankful for everything that you all have done,” Michelle Kaczmarek said. “You believed in me when others did not, and you gave my family opportunities that we never thought possible.”

JULIE STAVNEAK AND JOHN JEANETTA

BRIAN AND MICHELLE SWAN WITH MELISSA STEFFES AND ROBB STEFFES

The evening ended with the live auction and the crowd sending up a huge cheer as the heart graphic on the projector screens overflowed after reaching the event goal of $75,000.

All proceeds will benefit Heartland Family Service programs in southwest Iowa, including housing and support services for the homeless; a K-12 therapeutic school; integrated health home; mental health counseling; and substance abuse and problem gambling treatment. Heartland Family Service operates from eight locations throughout southwest Iowa, with offices in Council Bluffs, Logan and Glenwood.

For more Information: 402.552.7447 | www.heartlandfamilyservice.org

MRS. NEBRASKA–AMANDA REINERT

MARCI AND GREG ROTHERMEL

CAPTIONS

CAP65

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SWEET Sixty

Open Door Mission

No Place Like Home Auction & Dinner When: April 19 Where: Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista

RACHEL PARMENTER, PAT MCKERNAN AND MAGGIE MCKERNAN

AMY BUSS, PAT MCKERNAN, VICTORIA LEUTHOLD, JESSICA COFFEY, CANDACE GREGORY AND ALEXANDRIA EWING

Why: Annual Auction & Dinner, over 1,000 supporters gathered to raise awareness and funds for Open Door Mission Sponsors: The event is sponsored by Vetter Health Services, Calvary Omaha, Conductix-Wampfler, Northwestern Mutual and over 60 table sponsors.

Attendance: 1000 Amount Raised: $145,000+

SYLVIA BRIAN, TWILA JUEL AND LENORA MEYER

Mission: Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change, providing long-term solutions that break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

JIM AND TAMI RIEKER

About: Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that provides 816 men, women, and children with safe shelter beds, serves more than 2,000 hot nutritious meals, and provides preventive measures to more than 275 families living in poverty. Open Door Mission offers life-changing programs for those recovering from life-altering addictions and abuse to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

PAM JOHNSON AND WAYNE GERDES

RUTH MUNGER, BRENDA FELSING AND KARLA MORGAN

SALLIE ALLEN, CLIFF LEACH AND CHRISTINE TATE

SAFRANEK FAMILY

For more Information: www.opendoormission.org

GLENDA HERNANDEZ, MARTIN WEBSTER AND GEORGIA CARTER

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STEFANY AND JEFF BOWDEN

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FEATHERS IN

Caps

Fontenelle Forest Feather Our Nest When: April 22

BRITTNI REDDING, ADRIENNE PETSICK, ALEXIS BOULOS AND KELLY JEFFREYS

PAUL HALBUR, ANGELA BURMEISTER, JON HANSEN AND TODD RIVERS

Where: Hilton Omaha

GEORGE AND SUSAN HADDIX

GERRY LAURITZEN, BRUCE LAURITZEN AND SHERESE MORROW

Why: The proceeds of this event open a door to the natural world for the youth in our community. This year’s Grand Opening of Raptor Woodland Refuge includes an opportunity for the public to view nearly two dozen live, non-releaseable birds of prey in a unique outdoor setting. Various species of raptors including owls, hawks, turkey vultures and more, inspire both adventure and learning. Your participation will ensure that the over 40,000 children who visit Fontenelle Forest each year will walk amidst the variety of distinctive tree-house like mews.

Your contribution will provide continued community access, conservation of native animal species, public education, and school programming, not only for Raptor Woodland Refuge but for all offerings at Fontenelle Forest.

Honorary Trustees: Gerry & Bruce Lauritzen, Sue & George Haddix, Marilyn Mammel and Ann Pape Attendance: 400 Amount Raised: $195,000

TAD LEEPER, JIM HAWKINS, ANN CHRISTIANSEN AND BARBARA STRATMAN

LINDA FORD, RICK SANDERS, RITA SANDERS, KATHY SANIUK AND ROBERT SANIUK

Mission: To provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world.

Vision: To be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center.

For more Information: 402.731.3140 | www.fontenelleforest.org

PATTY HASTINGS, DEBRA AND NEAL RATZLAFF

DENISE LEWIS AND JANET STANDER

CAPTIONS

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FANTASTIC

Forty!

Omaha Children’s Museum 40th Birthday Celebration When: June 25 Where: Omaha Children’s Museum and Founders One Nine

KAREN LEVIN AND DAVID LEVIN

SUSAN AND MIKE LEBENS Why: Celebrating 40 years of play Hosts: Susan and Mike Lebens Caterer: Catering Creations Attendance: 100 Mission: To engage the imagination and create excitement about learning.

DIANE NELSON AND SENATOR BEN NELSON

CHARLES KAY, LINDY HOYER AND LAURIE KAY

About: Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children’s Museum has been a special place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play. It is Omaha’s primary participatory museum and provides a variety of hands-on exhibits, workshops, programs, presentations and special events that put children in touch with their ever-changing world.

For more Information: 402.342.6164 | www.ocm.org

AIMEE AND TRENT DEMULLING

SHARI HOFSCHIRE AND CAROLYN ANDERSON

PAIGE FESTERSEN AND PETE FESTERSEN

SENATOR DAVID KARNES AND KRIS KARNES

JOHN AND DEBBIE BIRGE WITH MOLLY AND JOE LANG

CAPTIONS

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ALL FOR Kids!

Omaha Children’s Museum

For the Kids Benefit, Get Down, Get Derby When: May 7 Where: Omaha Children’s Museum

SUZIE FOGARTY, JULIE PETERSON, KARA KELLEY, AIMEE DEMULLING AND AMBER FAHEY

MICKEY AND KRISTA ANDERSON

Why: The For the Kids Benefit is the museums largest annual fundraiser and helps support museum exhibits, programming and operations.

Honorary Chairs: Krista and Mickey Anderson Caterer: Catering Creations Multi Media: Dog & Pony Attendance: 525

DENNIS GILBERT AND LINDY HOYER

TRENT AND AIMEE DEMULLING

Amount Raised: $295,500 Mission: To engage the imagination and create excitement about learning

COLETTE SINER WITH NICKI DERE

JEANNE AND DAVE LUTZ WITH PHILLIP AND MEGAN DURHAM

About: Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children’s Museum has been a special place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play. It is Omaha’s primary participatory museum and provides a variety of hands-on exhibits, workshops, programs, presentations and special events that put children in touch with their ever-changing world.

For more Information: 402.342.6164 | www.ocm.org

NICOLE AND SAM GARDEN

EMILY DUGGER, CATHY DUGGER AND REGAN MUHS

LINDSAY TETTENBORN, DEVIN HOWELL AND GINA BARLETT

JOSH AND SHANNON HITE, ANNIE NEIL WITH SARAH AND JEFF FREELAND AND SAM NEIL 69

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SHAKEN, NOT

Stirred...

Volunteers In Partnership/ Methodist Hospital Foundation Casino Royale When: April 22

STEVE AND BRENDA GOESER WITH JOHN AND LYNNE HOLDENRIED

GLYNNIS DITTRICK WITH GARY AND SARAH GERNHART

Where: Scoular Ballroom, Omaha Why: Fundraiser to support the Methodist Women’s Hospital NICU expansion project, specifically to fund the cost of the HeRO monitoring system for the new NICU. HeRO is a state-of-the-art tool designed to help detect signs of infection, illness or other distress in our smallest of patients before any symptoms appear.

Honorary Chairs: Dr. Sarah and Gary Gernhart

STEVE AND KIRSTEN HOSMAN

JON AND CONNIE BREUNING WITH LAURA AND RANDY STEVENSON

Caterer: Attitude on Food, Desserts donated by the Methodist Hospital cafe Event Planner: Chairman: Glynnis Dittrick (President of the Volunteers In Partnership board of directors) Attendance: 258 Amount Raised: $120,000

SAMANTHA BERGMANN AND BLAINE STRATTON

SUZANNE, ANNA AND RUDY KOTULA

Mission: To improve the quality of life by supporting excellence in health care and health care education provided

by Methodist Health System. The Volunteers In Partnership are a support group of Methodist Health System who partner with the Foundation and support Nebraska Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital through volunteer service and special event fundraising.

About: Methodist Women’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive care Unite provides specialized medical attention to more premature and critically ill infants and their families than any other hospital in the region. This past year, fundraising began to support expansion for this important service area of the hospital.

THERESA GUILIZIA, CAILEIGH JANICEK, KELLEY DAHLHAUSER AND AMANDA VOTRUBA

KENT AND NANCY HULTQUIST

JOSIE AND JASON ABBOUD

For more Information: 402.354.4522

PAULA PITTMAN AND KEVIN PENROD 70

MELISSA JOHNSON AND GARY FIBICH

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THE GREATEST

Frontier Youth Frontiers Annual Event When: May 10

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center

RUBEN CANO, JOE CAVANAUGH AND MATTHEW CURTIS

JANE LEYDEN AND JAN BROWN

Why: Each year, Youth Frontiers hosts an annual fundraising event, which helps ensure our characterbuilding retreats remain affordable for every school.

This event is filled with Youth Frontiers' original music, well-known humor, and inspirational stories.

Mission: To partner with schools to build communities where students thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Number Attended: 170 For more Information: 402.431.2751 | youthfrontiers.org

LENA BEESON, PAM KORTH, RANDY KORTH, MIKE BROWN, JAN BROWN AND JOHN BOTHOF

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ARTS ON

Parade

Joslyn Art Museum Joslyn Art Museum Association Gala Preview of Sheila Hicks Material Voices When: June 3

KYLE ROBINO AND KATE GRABILL

KARIN CAMPBELL, JACK BECKER AND SHEILA HICKS

Where: Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Why: Preview and Celebration of Exhibition Opening Sheila Hicks Material Voices Special Guests: Sheila Hicks, Featured Artist Multi Media: Lincoln Tent, AAA Rentals, MacRae Productions, Dog & Pony Productions Inc., Whitesnoize Productions Attendance: 400

DELE AND ARIKE DAVIES WITH KATIE WEITZ AND TIM WILSON

TODD AND BETIANA SIMON

Amount Raised: $239,525 Mission: Joslyn Art Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the visual arts of the highest quality, fostering appreciation and enjoyment of art for the benefit of a diverse audience.

About: Joslyn Art Museum provides an important foundation for daily learning and exploring while connecting our community with art.

For more Information: 402.342.3300 | www.joslyn.org

ANNETTE SMITH, MAGAN SMITH AND JEANIE NEFF

BRUCE AND STACY SIMEON WITH BILL DYER AND JACK BECKER

GERRY SULLIVAN, ANNE MARIE KINNEY AND BOB BENZEL

MIKE AND SUSAN LEBERS WITH MARY AND KIRBY ZICAFOOSE

MARTHA AND DAVID SLOSBURG

MIKE AND SHIRLEY SORRELL WITH MARY AND JOHN WINDLE

MARY LOU AND MARK BRASEE WITH DAVID AND MELANIE HECKER

DEANNA LANDERS WITH BRIAN AND DEBBIE WOOD

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CELEBRATING 95!

Omaha Symphony 95th Anniversary Gala When: May 14

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center

MIKE YANNEY AND RICHARD AZIZKHAN

AMY SCOTT AND WALTER SCOTT

Why: This year’s gala chairs are Gail and Michael Yanney, and Walter Scott, Jr. will be given the Dick and Mary Holland Leadership Award in an evening that includes dinner and the symphony’s performance with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This spectacular event supports the symphony, including its education programs that serve nearly 30,000 children annually. The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 8:00 p.m.

Honorary Chairs: Gail and Michael Yanney, Dick and Mary Holland

MARIAN LEARY AND DICK HOLLAND

AMY SCOTT WITH DAVID AND LORI SCOTT Leadership Award Recipient: Walter Scott, Jr. Caterer: Abraham Catering Multi Media: Designer: Connie Leaders, Atmospheres By Design Rentals:AAA Rents Attendance: 423

EILEEN EASTHAM WITH MOGENS AND CINDY BAY

DAVID AND MARTHA SLOSBURG

Amount Raised: Over $300,000 Mission: The Omaha Symphony’s mission is to enrich people’s lives through the exhilarating experience of live orchestral music. This is implemented through our core values of passionate pursuit of excellence and integrity; a deep commitment to education with the communities we serve; and collaboration among people and organizations committed to sustaining our mission.

JOHN AND ANNE NELSON

JENNIFER KATZ AND JAMES SULLIVAN

About: With the mission to enrich lives through the exhilarating experience of live orchestral music, the Omaha Symphony believes in making music accessible to everyone!

We reach out to the entire community. Each year, the symphony performs more than 100 concerts - from free community events to MasterWorks to Family to Rocks, our education programs provide 30,000 students with the opportunity to make music, and through community engagement we offer access to the arts and performance opportunities.

For more Information: 402.342.3836 | www.omahasymphony.org

JOAN SQUIRES WITH MIKE AND ELIZABETH CASSLING

DICK AND PAT BELL 73

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ROAD

Warriors Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

On the Road to Motown When: June 4

IVAN GILREATH WITH THE TEMPTATIONS REVIEW FEATURING DENNIS EDWARDS

RHONDA AND HOWARD HAWKS WITH KIM AND KAREN HAWKINS

Where: Baxter Arena Why: A summer party to celebrate the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs Special Guests: The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards Honorary Co-Chairs: Karen & Kim Hawkins and Rhonda & Howard Hawks

KAREN AND KIM HAWKINS

ANNETTE AND PAUL SMITH WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE MIDLANDS YOUTH

Attendance: 500 Amount Raised: More than $685,000 Mission: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, healthy and caring members of society.

For more Information: 402.342.1600 | www.bgcomaha.org

IVAN GILREATH AND ANDE HAWKINS JOHNSON

BRANDON MCMILLER AND MARY NELSON

CINDY AND SCOTT HEIDER WITH HOWARDS HAWKS AND IVAN GILREATH

FELLMAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS

IVAN AND RITA GILREATH WITH ANNIE AND KEN BIRD AND RACHEL JACOBSON

CAPTIONS

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Photos courtesy of Avenue Scholars Foundation

“A” FOR Efforts

Avenue Scholars Foundation 2016 Celebration Luncheon When: April 28 Where: The Institute for the Culinary Arts, Metropolitan Community College, Fort Omaha Campus

Why: To celebrate the incoming class of Avenue Scholars and thank those who have made special contributions to our program.

Special Guests: Luncheon Speaker Marlin Briscoe; Avenue Scholars Board Members Walter Scott, Jr. (chair), Henry Davis, and John Scott.

Event Planner: Beverly Hass and Jennifer Bisignano Attendance: 320 Mission: The mission of Avenue Scholars Foundation is to ensure careers for students of hope and need through education and supportive relationships.

About: Avenue Scholars Foundation’s program is designed to prepare well-qualified employees for Omaha’s workforce.

We guide students from low-income families from high school, through postsecondary education and training, and into careers.

Our program serves approximately 800 students across eight high schools (Millard South, Omaha Benson, Omaha Bryan, Omaha North, Omaha Northwest, Omaha South, PapillionLaVista, and Ralston), Metropolitan Community College, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and the workforce.

For more Information: 402.916.9777 | www.avenuescholarsfoundation.org

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WALKING

the Talk

UNO Athletic Department Claussen-Leahy Maverick Run When: April 23 Where: Baxter Arena Why: Community event /fundraiser to support scholarships for student-athletes

HAL AND MARY DAUB WITH CONNIE CLAUSSEN AND DON LEAHY

Attendance: 2,784 participants 5,000 in attendance Amount Raised: $106,000 Mission: To promote community awareness of and support for the University of Nebraska Omaha athletic department and its student-athletes while promoting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages.

About: The event is an outgrowth of the UNO Women’s Walk that began in 1986 as a fundraiser for women’s athletics at UNO. Since 1986, the event has raised more than $4.7 million for UNO Athletics.

STARTING LINE

For more Information: 402.554.3689 | Omavs.com

KIDS STARTING LINE

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FABULOUS

Females

Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) 29th Annual Tribute to Women Luncheon When: June 7th

BRIGITTE MCQUEEN-SHEW, SHONNA DORSEY, ANNE BOYLE, SUZANNE HANEY, MD, JULIE S. HEFFLINGER, JODY CARSTENS, SISTER MARGARET HICKEY, ND, GINA M. TOMES AND DANA WASHINGTON

Where: Hilton Omaha Why: The WCA’s signature event, the Tribute to Women luncheon, celebrates extraordinary women in our community, recognizing their service and dedication to making Omaha a better place for all those that live here. Funds raised at the event support the programs and services of the WCA. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joann Schaefer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

JACK AND DR. STEPHANIE KORALESKI WITH AMY RICHARDSON

2016 Tribute to Women Honorees: Anne Boyle, Jody Carstens, Shonna Dorsey, Suzanne Haney, MD, Julie S. Hefflinger, Sister Margaret Hickey, ND, Brigitte McQueen-Shew, Gina M. Tomes, and Dana Washington

DR. JOANN SCHAEFER

Multi Media: Unpaved Road Productions, Inc., Hilton Omaha, United Rent-All, flowers by Stems Attendance: 500+ Amount Raised: More than $163,000

DANA WASHINGTON, JULIE S. HEFFLINGER AND JODY CARSTENS

SISTER MARGARET HICKEY, ND, GINA M. TOMES AND ANNE BOYLE

AMY RICHARDSON AND DR. JOANN SCHAEFER

SHONNA DORSEY, BRIGITTE MCQUEEN-SHEW AND SUZANNE HANEY, MD

GINA M. TOMES AND DAUGHTER WITH MALORIE MADDOX

Mission: The mission of the WCA is to help those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault achieve safety and empower them to lead self-determined lives.

About: The WCA offers a continuum of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Douglas County, including the area’s 24-hour crisis hotline, advocacy support, counseling, legal and immigration services, self-sufficiency programs, and career coaching. All services are provided to victims completely free of charge. The agency also offers prevention and education programming to community members of all ages.

For more Information: 402.345.6555 | www.wcaomaha.org

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BASHED AND

Better

Creighton Prep BASH 2016 Masters of Tradition When: April 23 Where: Heider Center at Creighton Prep

TAMMY BLOSSOM, ANN TJADEN, TATA MACHADO, CINDY HEIDER, FR. TOM NEITZKE, SJ, JULIE KENNEY, LISA JOHNSON, TOODY MOFFATT AND AMY KNIGHT

Amount Raised: over $840,000 About: BASH plays a very important role in Prep’s ongoing commitment to deliver educational excellence to 1,000 young men. The monies raised during BASH are a key component in our ability to keep tuition affordable for everyone as well as to provide more than $2 million in financial assistance annually to approximately 45 percent of our students.

SARAH AND STEVE MONZU WITH KATHLEEN AND MICHAEL BURNS

ED AND ANN FUXA WITH NANCEE AND RICK BERGER

Mission: The mission of Creighton Prep is to form men of faith, scholarship, leadership and service in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition.

Attendance: 705 For more Information: www.PrepBASH.com | 402.548.3858

FR. TOM NEITZKE AND FR. BOB TILLMAN

DELVEN AND VICTORIA DIETZ WITH JANET AND TOM NICHTING

MARY KAY YOUNG, SUE NEMER HADDIX, CHRIS LA FEVER AND CHRIS GOSCH

MAUD DOHERTY WITH ZACH AND TYELER POTTER AND ERIN DOWNS

BILL AND DANEEN PIEPER WITH BRUCE NELSEN

JAY AND JOSIE ABBOUD

MAUREEN AND TOM HOY WITH FR. CHRIS JOHNSON

CREIGHTON PREP STUDENTS

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KEEPING IT

Fresh Fresh Hope

Night of Inspiring Hope When: April 21 Where: CHI Health McAuley Fogelstrom Center, Omaha

KAY WARREN AND DONNA HOEF

JOHN DURHAM AND PASTOR BRAD HOEFS Why: To raise funds and awareness of Fresh Hope, a network of support groups for mental health issues.

Special Guests: Kay Warren and Josh Wilson Sponsors: CHI Health, Thrasher, DMS Landscape Management, Home Instead Senior Care, 100.7 The Fish, Christ Community Church, The Open Door Mission, Community of Grace,

JULIE KOENEMANN AND SUSAN HAGER

MICHAEL MCGEE AND SCOTT VOORHEES

Event Planner: Susan Hager Attendance: 250 Amount Raised: $35,579.00 Mission: To empower individuals with a mental health challenge, along with their loved ones, to live a full and rich faith-filled life in spite of a mental health challenge.

JOSH WILSON

KATHY ENGSTROM AND HEIDI KRESSER

About: Fresh Hope is a peer-to-peer Christ-centered wellness approach to mental health recovery based upon six tenets that empowers people to connect both their faith and recovery principles. This approach both empowers and encouraging individuals live full and rich lives in spite of their diagnosis.

For more Information: 402.932.3089 | www.freshhope.us

TAYLOR AND BONNIE CLINCH

JEAN NETSCH AND MARVENE SMITH

PATRICK BONNETT WITH SUSAN AND ALLEN HAGER

BEVERLY MORDAUNT WITH LYDIA AND QUINN TIRREL 82

SUZANNE AND JAMES KLEVETER

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OUT IN THE

Open

CHI Health Foundation CHI Health Golf Outing

COLIN FITZGERALD, JACK DUREN, CHRIS PESEK AND JASON HAMILTON

JOE DAVIS, JOHN ANDREWS, KRISTY FOGARTY AND DUSTIN BRAND

When John Andrews teed off at the Player’s Club at Deer Creek for the CHI Health Foundation Golf Outing held June 6, it brought back some family memories.

“My entire family has been involved with physicians and employees at CHI Health for many years,” said Andrews.

“We are proud of the health care they have provided.”

GREG LOCKLEAR, MIKE BEHRENS, KELLY MALONE AND TONY KOUBA

CORY KRUGER, DR. TOM WHITE, MIKE LEATHERMAN AND KENT HILL

CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center–Bergan Mercy holds special memories for Andrews. It’s where his four children – and two brothers – were born. It’s where his mother, Rosemary, was a nurse for 25 years and his sister, Helen, has been a nurse for more than 40 years. It’s also where Andrews and other siblings once cleaned hospital rooms.

BEN ROWAN, TODD MANGER, BILL DOIEL AND CRAIG LUZE

DAREN PETERSEN, BRENT CLAUSEN, BRAD JUNGMAN AND BRAD JOHANSEN

Andrews leads the health care design team in Omaha for Leo A Daly. He said his firm designed the original Bergan Mercy Hospital, near 72nd and Mercy Road, which opened in 1960.

Leo A Daly was among 16 sponsors for the CHI Health Golf Outing that raised more than $100,000 to benefit all six Omaha metro area CHI Health hospitals.

“Working together with companies like Leo A Daly speaks to the value of community,” said Kathy Bertolini, CHI Health Vice President of Philanthropy. “Golf outing proceeds will support technology, facility upgrades, patient services and continuing education at our hospitals.”

Andrews, who has worked on design projects for all local CHI Health hospitals, is currently busy on the Academic Medical Center. It is set to open at the Bergan Mercy campus in 2017.

CHI Health has more than 12,000 employees and operates 15 hospitals, four behavioral health facilities and more than 150 clinic locations in Nebraska and Iowa. It is the primary teaching partner of Creighton University’s health sciences schools.

MATT DWYER, JAY LUND, MIKE WHALEY AND PAT ZACH

KEVIN DASHER, DR. STEPHEN LANSPA, MITCH CRUSE AND KEVIN NOKELS

For more Information: CHIhealth.com/foundation | 402.343.4438

CAPTIONS

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CREATIVE

Castles

Nebraska Children’s Home Society Sand in the City® When: June 10-12

KIEWIT BUILDING GROUP QUIVEY FUNDRAISING

Where: Baxter Arena Why: To raise awareness for children and families served through Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

KIEWIT ENGINEERING

Baxter Arena transformed into a beach by more than 400 tons of sand. Corporate teams competed to build their best 15-ton sand sculpture. Local teams competing included - Baxter Auto, Creighton, Firespring, First National Bank, Gallup, HDR/UNO Athletics, Hilton, Kiewit Building Group, Kiewit Engineering, Kiewit Underground, Leo A Daly/Fusion Medical Staffing, Millard Rotary, Olsson Associates, QLI, RDG/Whiting Turner, TD Ameritrade, Travel and Transport and TSYS.

BERT ADAMS

Presenting Sponsor: Kiewit Premier Sponsors: Hilton, KETV, KOIL, Metro Magazine and Travel and Transport Mission: Safe and loving care for children of all ages

MILLARD ROTARY

About: Since 1893, Nebraska Children’s Home Society has been providing safe and loving care for children of all ages. We help women and teens facing unplanned pregnancies; strive to build, strengthen and support adoptive, biological and foster families; provide early intervention programs; offer teen pregnancy prevention education; and ensure that children begin school ready to learn.

TSYS

For more Information: 402.451.0787 | www.nchs.org

OFFUTT VOLUNTEERS

RDG

TD AMERITRADE 85

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

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GOING FOR THE

Gold

Brownell-Talbot School A Night in Rio When: May 6

DR. KRISTI GIBBS, MICHELLE RANDOLPH, SHANNON GILROY AND ANNA CASTNER WIGHTMAN

ADRIAN AND MICHELLE RANDOLPH WITH ANNA CASTNER WIGHTMAN AND JACK WIGHTMAN

Where: Brownell-Talbot School Why: Proceeds from Brownell-Talbot’s Gala ensure students continue to receive an exceptional education by building on a legacy of excellence in academics, activities, and the arts.

Gala Chairs: Anna Castner Wightman & Jack Wightman, Michelle & Adrian Randolph Gala Honorary Chairs: Bill Dana and Charlotte Conner Attendance: 410

DR. RUDY KOTULA, DIANE DESSLER AND SUZANNE KOTULA

CHLOE DANA, CHARLOTTE CONNER, BILL DANA AND CONNER DANA

Amount Raised: $678,915 Mission: Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School is a safe, caring community dedicated to academic excellence and to preparing students for success in college and in life.

Through experiences in academics, activities, and the arts, students learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.

ROASTED BABY BEETS SALAD About: For more than 150 years, Brownell-Talbot has been the school of choice for families who understand the true contribution education makes for a lifetime.

ERIC BURDEN, MIKE SKRADIS, SUELLEN AND BILL WILLETT, DEBBIE WOOD, BRAD AND LAURA CROSBY WITH FATIMA BASITH AND PIRZADA SATTAR

SUE AND RICK THADEN

For more information: 402.556.3772 | brownell.edu

JOHN KOTOUC, STEPHEN GEORGE, BILL DANA AND CONNER DANA

CAPTIONS

KATIE AND RYAN SEWELL, FRANK KUBAT, EDWIN LESLIE, FATIMA BASITH, PIRZADA SATTAR AND DR. KRISTI GIBBS 86

MATT AND JESSIE FORREST WITH NATALIA AND ZACH ATCHLEY CAPTIONS

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community CALENDAR

LEARN MORE details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

featured EVENTS

AUGUST 6

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

ANNUAL NEBRASKA WALK FOR EPILEPSY Lifestyle Innovations For Epilepsy, Inc. Midtown Crossing The Annual Walk for Epilepsy is an amazing opportunity to promote epilepsy awareness in Nebraska, provide information on available programs and services, and raise funds for Lifestyle Innovations for Epilepsy. Funds raised from this event are put towards the development of non-medical related epilepsy resources to increase the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy and their parents/caregivers. Ticket Prices: $20 per ticket (402) 557-8708 | www.EpilepsyLIFE.org

AUGUST 5 – 7

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

SPIRIT OF COURAGE - CELEBRITY WEEKEND Jennie Edmundson Foundation Mid-America Center | Council Bluffs Spirit of Courage is an annual event raising money for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center. The goal is to raise $125,000.00 for the Charitable Patient Care Fund which helps local patients who need assistance in paying for medications, treatments or transportation to the hospital. The weekend includes a Golf Tournament, Dinner Gala, Silent & Oral Auction. Celebrity guests from Hollywood,sports, music and our local area are on hand to help us with this event. 4 Cancer Survivors are Honored during the evenings program. $80.00 for Dinner 712-396-6086 | http://jehfoundation.org

AUGUST 6

8 AM – 12 PM

TEAM JACK COLOR OUT CANCER 5K ELKHORN Team Jack Foundation Ta Ha Zouka Park | 20801 Elkhorn Dr | Elkhorn Join the Team Jack Foundation in the most colorful way to Color Out Cancer. On Saturday, August 6, Team Jack Color Out Cancer 5k is coming to Elkhorn, NE. We will be running in loving memory of Nate Waggoner, a native of Elkhorn, who lost his life way too early to pediatric brain cancer. $35.00 402-925-2120 | www.teamjackfoundation.org

AUGUST 22

6:00 PM

OMAHA FASHION WEEK - FALL OFW presented by SAC Federal Credit Union Omaha Design Center | 1502 Cuming Street | Omaha Omaha Fashion Week is celebrating nine years in 2016! During that time, we've grown into the nation's fifth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers that any other organization in the region. Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous red carpet event for a good cause. We nurture the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, educational opportunities and a professional platform to showcase and buy their work. Join us for our AUGUST 2016 season in the beautiful new venue the Omaha Design Center at 15th & Cuming Streets in Downtown Omaha. We look forward to seeing you alongside the runway! Reserved seats from $40, VIP seats from $70+ 402-937-1067 | www.omahafashionweek.com

AUGUST 27

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

SUMMER BASH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER Metro Area Youth Foundation, Inc. Ramada Inn Plaza | 3321 S 72nd Street | Omaha An evening of auctions, raffles and socializing to benefit families with a child who has cancer. A plated dinner will be served and Jack Swanda will emcee. Our popular dessert auction will again be conducted during dinner. A brief program and presentations by Ambassador Alex and his Mother along with Honorary Chairs Dr. Lee and Marie Simmons will highlight the impact the funds raised will make in the lives of the affected families. The night will finish with a live auction. All proceeds directly benefit the children with cancer and their families. Ticket price is $100. www.summerbashforccc.org $100 per ticket 402-510-4083 | http://SummerBashforCCC.org

save the date CONNECT WITH over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2016 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

AUGUST 27

12:30 PM – 6:00 PM

GREAT NEBRASKA BEERFEST Nebraska Brewing Company Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Papillion For the 3rd Year the 2016 Great Nebraska Beer Fest will be held at Werner Park, Home of the Omaha Storm Chasers; located on Highway 370 & 120th Street, Papillion, NE. The Great Nebraska Beer Fest is a true regional beer fest and we draw in never-before-seen brewers and their amazing craft beers to the area! Check out a list of the Brewers, and come back for the new ones each week! $60 VIP - $40 GA 402-934-7100 | www.greatnebraskabeerfest.com

THINGS CHANGE:

CONTACT THIS ORGANIZATION FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

LITERACY CENTER 2016 SUMMER STUDENT CELEBRATION Literacy Center UNO Mammel Hall | 6708 Pine Street | Omaha Join us at our Summer Student Celebration to honor the hard work of our students as they strive to reach their educational goals. This event will also include the graduation of students who have completed their GED. FREE 402-342-7323 | www.giveliteracy.org

AUGUST 30

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

OMAHA GO RED FOR WOMEN EXPO American Heart Association And American Stroke Association Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista One in three women die each year from heart disease, making it the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. But you can make a difference for women everywhere by attending the Go Red For Women Expo.

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Attended by an estimated 750 individuals from Omaha's business, medical and social communities, the evening begins with a health expo and an electronic silent auction. The night continues with dinner, keynote address and an inspiring survivor story. $250 individual 402-810-6848 | www.heart.org/omaha/

SEPTEMBER 1

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN- THE KEY TO FREEDOM BANQUET Rejuvenating Women Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista Rejuvenating Women is a non profit here in Omaha that serves the needs of human trafficking victims.

The Beautifully Broken- The Key to Freedom Banquet will highlight the work that Rejuvenating Women is doing. There will be dinner, a silent auction, and Don Brewster from Agape International Missions will be the keynote speaker. $55 per ticket $425 for a table of 8 http://rejuvenatingwomen.com/

THINGS CHANGE:

CONTACT THIS ORGANIZATION FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

HOLY SMOKES Heart Ministry Center TBA Holy Smokes is an annual fundraiser for the Heart Ministry Center. A very casual, fun event featuring delicious BBQ, live music and dancing, Holy Smokes has been a favorite in Omaha for more than a decade.

Ticket Prices: TBA www.heartministrycenter.org

SEPTEMBER 8

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

BREW HAHA: A BENEFIT FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Stinson Park at Aksarben Village | 2285 S. 67th Street | Omaha Sample beer and food from some of the best breweries and restaurants around while relaxing with friends and supporting Habitat for Humanity of Omaha! With an expected attendance of more than 2,000 guests, the 10th annual Brew Haha will be bigger and better than ever – featuring games and prize opportunities. Make it a corporate outing or invite your friends! This year’s Brew Haha will once again be at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. $50 (General Admission Tickets); $100 (Patron Party Tickets) (402) 884-5957 | www.habitatomaha.org/brewhaha/ 88

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• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

SEPTEMBER 8

• mQUARTERLY look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2016!

SEPTEMBER 9

5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

6:30 PM

9/11 MEMORIAL BENEFIT First Responders Foundation

WINGS & WHEELS Ronald Mcdonald House Charities In Omaha

Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn | 615 Leavenworth Street | Omaha The First Responders Foundation invites you to join us at our 3rd Annual 9/11 Memorial Benefit. Join us for a fun night of great food, complimentary beer and wine, amazing auction items and live music. This will be a great opportunity to show your support and appreciation of first responders alongside Omaha Police Officers and Firefighters. Dress is country casual.

402-672-6331 | http://firstrespondersomaha.org

Signature Flight Support 3636 Wilbur Plaza • Omaha Wings & Wheels is an evening of viewing classic and luxury cars alongside private planes held in a prestigious, private airplane hangar. Enjoy fantastic food, good wine and great music while raising money to support extraordinary families residing at the Ronald McDonald House. The night includes an exciting live auction, raffle prizes and live music. Please join us! Ticket Prices: $100 for individuals | $1,000 for tables www.rmhcomaha.org

THINGS CHANGE:

CONTACT THIS ORGANIZATION FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

SEPTEMBER 11

NOTEWORTHY NIGHT Children's Respite Care Center TBD | Omaha Save The Date:CRCC's Annual Fundraising Event. A Noteworthy Night. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and feature a fantastic music and entertainment performance. $150 402-895-4000 | www.crccomaha.org

SEPTEMBER 9

6:00 PM

BROADWAY BALL Omaha Performing Arts Holland Performing Arts Center Ticket Prices: $250 www.OmahaPerformingArts.org THE EVENT BOOK & GIVING GUIDE 2017!

REGISTER!

IT’S TIME TO

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

TASTE OF FLORENCE Senior Health Foundation Florence Home Healthcare - Outside 7915 North 30th St | Omaha The 1st Annual Taste of Florence will feature 19 of the finest restaurants in the Florence and North Omaha neighborhoods. Join Emcee Scott Voorhees of KFAB for a day of fun and food for the entire family. There will be jazz music, a special Kid's Zone, live mural painting by 2 of Omaha's best graffiti artists, and a special First Responders ceremony marking the 15th Anniversary of 9-11. There will be special appearances by Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers for autographs and pictures, the PAW Wagon from the Nebraska Humane Society, and a fire truck from the Omaha Fire Department. Kids can enjoy face painting along with games and prizes. We will end the afternnon with a special Pumpkin Carving Contest feature 3 of Omaha's finest chefs versus 3 of Omaha's finest surgeons in what promises to be an exciting heavyweight match! $15.00 Adult $7.50 Under 12 402-827-6051 | www.tasteofflorence.net

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LEARN MORE details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

community CALENDAR

save the date SEPTEMBER 11

9:30 AM

9/11 MINUTE OF SILENCE First Responders Foundation Memorial Park | 6005 Underwood Avenue | Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has proclaimed 9:11 AM every September 11th to be the official annual minute of silence for the City of Omaha. Please join us on Sept. 11, 2016 for our 3rd annual Minute of Silence remembrance ceremony to pay respects to the victims of 9/11 and show appreciation for our local first responders. FREE of charge 402-672-6331 | http://firstrespondersomaha.org

SEPTEMBER 12

11:30 AM - 1 PM

CHANGEMAKERS 2016 Nebraska Children And Families Foundation Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista The Changemakers luncheon will feature a keynote speech by Victor Rivers, actor, former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, and national spokesperson on child abuse and domestic violence. Victor will deliver an inspirational talk about how he is the child who was raised by a village, and the importance of communities structuring themselves to protect their most vulnerable citizens. Ticket Prices: $75 www.NebraskaChildren.com/uppour

SEPTEMBER 15

5:30 PM - 9 PM

IMAGINE OUR YOUTH GALA Omaha Home For Boys Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista Join the Omaha Home for Boys – and nationally known speaker Coach Ken Carter – for its annual Imagine Our Youth gala at the Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista. This event celebrates the regular contributions and accomplishments of the young men and women in our Residential, Transitional Living and Independent Living programs. Please come Imagine – and Celebrate – the youth at the Omaha Home for Boys. Ticket Prices: • $200 VIP | $125 Individual | $75 Young Professionals (40 and Under) 402-457-7165 | www.omahahomeforboys.org

SEPTEMBER 16

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

QLI'S AN EVENING AT THE FAIR QLI Baxter Arena | Omaha QLI's An Evening at the Fair promises to be one of the most fun experiences you will ever have! A combination of an old-fashioned country fair with a modern twist, join us for Fair food, entertainment, activities, and more prizes than your arms can carry! Casual attire, come and go as you please. Your ticket is all-inclusive for everything the Fair has to offer. Costs TBD 402-573-3738 | www.teamQLI.com

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SEPTEMBER 22

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

COMMUNITY 360 ANNUAL BANQUET TBD | Omaha An annual fundraiser and celebration of volunteers, community partners, and supporters of Community 360, who fulfill the mission of sending trusted volunteers to serve residents in nursing homes. $50 402-556-8032 | www.community-360.org

SEPTEMBER 23 & 24 AKSARBEN STOCK SHOW & RODEO Aksarben Foundation CenturyLink Center Omaha Contributing an economic impact of more than $21 million to the Heartland, AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo features the largest 4-H Stock Show in the nation, championship rodeo and the AKSARBEN Heritage Parade. The event is recognized as Omaha’s Official Community Celebration and provides fun and free educational entertainment to families and youth. The weekend culminates with the AKSARBEN Buyer’s Club Purple Ribbon Auction providing over $270,000 in scholarships, awards and prizes to 4-H youth. Ticket Prices: Rodeo tickets start at $19 www.aksarben.org | www.aksarbenrodeo.com

SEPTEMBER 23 – 25 LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft St | Omaha The Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show has become the annual event that draws attendees from all over the region to view spectacular gardens, hear extraordinary lectures, and see and purchase beautiful and affordable antiques. The show benefits Lauritzen Gardens. In the past decade the show has hosted more than 55,000 people and to date has raised more than $5 million to benefit the garden. Price varies from show ticket to paid luncheons and events 402-346-4002 | www.omahaantiqueshow.org 90

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CONNECT WITH over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2016 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

SEPTEMBER 24

• mQUARTERLY look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2016!

5:30 PM

SPOTLIGHT GALA Voices For Children In Nebraska Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista The Spotlight Gala, organized by dedicated volunteers from the community, is Voices for Children’s only fundraiser.

The event includes silent and live auctions, dinner and the 2016 Spotlight Gala Awards ceremony. The proceeds from this event are used to give Nebraska’s children a voice in the areas of health, education, safety and economic stability. Ticket Prices: $100 www.voicesforchildren.com

SEPTEMBER 23 & 24

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

AKSARBEN HERITAGE PARADE AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo Downtown Omaha The AKSARBEN Heritage Parade reaches all the way back to 1895, at the founding of AKSARBEN Foundation, when the 12 original members of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben brought Mardi Gras floats to Omaha in order to save the Nebraska State Fair from moving out of Omaha. Today, the AKSARBEN Heritage Parade continues to live up to its reputation of being an opportunity to celebrate Omaha by bringing thousands of individuals from across the city to watch marching bands, horses and cowboys mixed with downtown skyscrapers and streets. FREE public event to watch 402-554-9600 | www.aksarbenrodeo.com

SEPTEMBER 24

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

BLACK TIE HARVEST FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Iowa Western Community College Iowa Western Community College | 2700 College Road | Council Bluffs The Black Tie Harvest is Iowa Western Community College’s largest single fundraising event, raising over one million dollars during the past eleven years.The Black Tie Harvest for Scholarships event is an important event, providing scholarship support to IWCC students. With more than 80 percent of IWCC students qualifying for financial assistance, the need for scholarship support is greater than ever. $100 per person 712-325-3269 | http://foundation.iwcc.edu/blacktie/

SEPTEMBER 24 –25

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

ARTSARBEN Omaha Summer Arts Festival Aksarben Village- 67th & Mercy Streets | Omaha The fifth annual ARTsarben, presented by the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, will again bring thousands of people to Aksarben Village. This innovative event showcases traditional fine art, plus offbeat, creative and stylish works created by 65 artists from throughout the country. ARTsarben will take place along 67th and Mercy Streets at Aksarben Village, on Saturday, September 24th, and Sunday, September 25th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

ARTsarben is a high- quality, juried art show that features an art marketplace, fit for all budgets, along with unique strolling entertainment, an extensive variety of local food trucks, an interactive KidZone, family-friendly activities and plenty of free parking. http://artsarben.com FREE

SEPTEMBER 25 AKSARBEN BUYER’S CLUB PURPLE RIBBON AUCTION Aksarben Foundation CenturyLink Center Omaha THINGS CHANGE: Contact this organization for updated information.

(402) 554-9600 | www.aksarben.org | www.aksarbenrodeo.com

SEPTEMBER 25

7:30 AM

FIGHT FOR AIR CORPORATE CUP American Lung Association Aksarben Village | 1220 S 71st St | Omaha The Fight for Air Corporate Cup, entering its 36th year, is a one of the oldest running events in Omaha!

This unique event is open to all fitness levels. Whether you are running or walking as a fun activity with your family, an athlete looking for a new challenge, or even as a virtual runner, your participation raises vital funds for the American Lung Association. There is a timed 10K and a 2 mile (untimed) event to choose from! Register today for the Fight for Air Corporate Cup at www.OmahaCorporateCup.org. 25.00 Until July. Please see website for additional details 402-502-4950 | http://OmahaCorporateCup.org 91

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LEARN MORE details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

community CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 29

6:00 PM

save the date OCTOBER 1

SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCIS DINNER The New Cassel Foundation

FOCUS ON NATURE Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc.

Scoular Ballroom | 2027 Dodge St | Omaha $100 402.390.5317 | www.newcassel.org

Join us for a wildlife and nature photography fundraiser featuring the work of renowned photographers Michael Forsberg, Scott Papek, Joel Sartore, Jorn Olsen, Charles Nolder, and other local artists. Enjoy great food, wine and beer, browse prints and books for sale, bid on the silent auction, and learn more about NWRI. www.nebraskawildliferehab.org

SEPTEMBER 29

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

MARGE DURHAM WALK FOR THE ANIMALS AND 5K RUN Nebraska Humane Society Details at www.nehumanesociety.org Walk for the Animals is the Nebraska Humane Society's largest annual fundraiser. This event puts the fun in fundraiser by encouraging supporters to form teams (appropriately called Dog Packs) and enter friendly competition to raise money to support homeless animals. Our website acts as a hub for folks to create fundraising pages and send out emails to get others on board! An adoption dog parade highlights animals who might just get adopted that day while our mascots and alumni lead the walk. Come walk, be a corporate sponsor or form a dog pack and enjoy the best dog gone animal event in town! $30 / Run $40 / Day of $10 402- 905-3483 | www.nehumanesociety.org

SEPTEMBER 30

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

AN EVENING AMONG ANGELS Angels Among Us Hilton Hotel, Downtown | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha The 2016 Evening Among Angels is presented by Pinnacle Bank. The event features cocktails, dinner and silent and live auctions. Funds raised help support families battling a pediatric cancer diagnosis living-in or being treated in Nebraska. Come enjoy an evening of fun with friends and hear the inspiring stories of the families we serve. $100 402-934-0999 | www.myangelsamongus.org

SEPTEMBER 30

6 PM Reception | 7 PM Dinner & Program

THE HOPE GALA The Hope Center For Kids Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista The Hope Gala will be a memorable evening, celebrating the stories of youth transformed by The Hope Center for Kids. The 2016 Hope Gala will feature keynote speaker, Donald Miller. Ticket Prices: $100 per person | A variety of sponsorships available www.hopecenterforkids.com

SEPTEMBER 30

7:00 PM – 10:30 PM

JOSLYN YOUNG ART PATRONS GLOW IN THE GARDEN Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street | Omaha With autumn comes a chill . . . let GLOW warm you. Hints of mystery abound as the sun sets on our red carpet and guests ring in autumn surrounded by art and nature. Listen to live music as you indulge in craft cocktails, delicious bites from Dante’s Ristorante, and a decadent dessert buffet. Rock your masquerade finery and shine with us at GLOW!

SEPTEMBER 12

11:30 AM - 1 PM

CHANGEMAKERS 2016 Nebraska Children And Families Foundation Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista The Changemakers luncheon will feature a keynote speech by Victor Rivers, actor, former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, and national spokesperson on child abuse and domestic violence. Victor will deliver us on an inspirational talk about how he is theLike child who wasFACEBOOK! raised by a village, and the importance of communities structuring themselves to protect their most vulnerable citizens. Ticket Prices: $75 www.NebraskaChildren.com/uppour

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OCTOBER 5

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

CSI GUILD'S PURSEONALITIES 2016 Hilton Omaha The Child Saving Institute Guild is delighted to host PurseOnalities 2016, their fun annual fundraiser featuring a silent auction of purse packages and keynote speaker. For more information, please contact Mary Senff at 402.504.3664 or msenff@childsaving.org.

OCTOBER 6 5:30 PM – Patron Party | 8:00 PM – After Party

ENVISION 2016: FOOD TRUCK WORLD TOUR Justice For Our Neighbors Nebraska (JFON-NE) The Slowdown 729 North 14th Street, Omaha JFON-NE’s second annual Food Truck World Tour is a fundraiser to support immigration legal services that will assist immigrants to escape violence, abuse and persecution. Enjoy ethnic food from local food trucks, special desserts and good music. Ticket Prices: TBA www.jfon-ne.org

OCTOBER 6

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

SIGNATURE CHEF'S AUCTION March of Dimes Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista Join us for our annual gathering of the area’s finest culinary talent in support of the March of Dimes.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy the chance to sample our 20+ chefs’ creations for a 90-minute tasting experience before taking your seat for the Live Auction and Fund the Mission. Enjoy dessert while you bid on our unique packages, raising your paddle and giving generously to help babies. $2,000 per table of 10 seats 402.718.8505 | www.marchofdimes.org/nebraska/

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CONNECT WITH over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2016 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

OCTOBER 8

• mQUARTERLY look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2016!

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

VINTAGE AFFAIRE VIII Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista Vintage Affaire VIII is an annual fundraiser that includes silent and live auctions, raffle and dinner. Every dollar raised will go towards programs in Nebraska. Autism Action Partnership is dedicated to improving the quality of lives of people with autism through education, advocacy and support. Individual tickets are $200. Sponsorship opportunities are available. 402-763-8830 | www.autismaction.org

OCTOBER 8

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

ACTION DAY First Responders Foundation Omaha Public Safety Training Center | 11616 Rainwood Road | Omaha Action Day is a joint venture with the First Responders Foundation and the Omaha Police Department and is a day filled with action and learning for kids! Come to see up close and personal how much the police and fire departments operate in action! Action Day will take place at the Public Safety Training Center just 2 miles west of I-680 and the Irvington exit. FREE of charge 402-672-6331 | http://firstrespondersomaha.org

OCTOBER 9

7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

SUSAN G. KOMEN NEBRASKA RACE FOR THE CURE® Susan G. Komen Nebraska Baxter Arena and Aksarben Village | 67th and Center | Omaha Join us for the 23rd annual Race for the Cure at Baxter Arena and Aksarben Village. Certified 5k and 1-mile runs/walk through Elmwood Park; various activities for all ages and activity levels. Don’t miss our breast cancer survivor parade that starts our Race. Survivors $10, Adults $30, Children Ages 3-12 $10, Children under 3 FREE 402-502-2979 | www.komennebraska.org

OCTOBER 9

5:00 PM

COMFORT FOOD CLASSIC Ted E. Bear Hollow Ramada Plaza | Omaha 10th Annual Comfort Food Classic Best of the Best Competition For years, the area's best chefs have competed annually for the title of Comfort Food Classic Champion. The comfort food challenge has changed each year, from Mac & Cheese to Enchiladas to Casseroles. . . and the competition just gets stiffer! All proceeds benefit Ted E. Bear Hollow's free grief support services – so that no one has to travel their grief journey alone. $90

OCTOBER

CHECK WEBSITE FOR DATES & DETAILS

PINK OUT FOR BREAST CANCER Methodist Jennie Edmundson Breast Health Center DETAILS ONLINE Join the Bosom Buddies as they spearhead efforts to raise funds in support of the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Breast Health Center during Breast Health Awareness Month in October. . During the month of October all businesses in the 100, 200 & 300 Blocks of Broadway are invited to take part in Pink Out. Please plan to join us or visit our website for more details.

FREE 712-396-6086 | http://jehfoundation.org

OCTOBER 14

5:30 PM – 12:00 AM

WOMEN ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE LEGACY GALA Women on a Mission for Change DC Centre Banquet Facility | 11830 Stonegate Drive | Omaha Women on a Mission for Change will host its first fundraiser event for its Women Influencing Girls Mentoring Program. This is a two year program and annually the girls are eligible for a $500 academic scholarship. We would like to raise funds to increase this scholarship. At this event we will be honoring ten women who have given to their communities through their given gifts. $79 Individual ticket $600. Table 402-403-9621 | www.womenonamissionomaha.org

OCTOBER 14

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

HOMEGROWN TBA BRANCH presents Homegrown, an evening to honor and celebrate the families that are served by Nebraska Children's Home Society. Join us for a photo exhibit featuring NCHS children and families and sample local cuisine and drinks. $30 402-451-0787 | www.nchs.org 93

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CONNECT WITH over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2016 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

• VIEW & PURCHASE PHOTOS OF THESE AND OTHER EVENTS 365/24/7 AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

• mQUARTERLY look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2016!

OCTOBER 15 AKSARBEN CORONATION & SCHOLARSHIP BALL Aksarben Foundation Baxter Arena | Omaha The 120th AKSARBEN Coronation and Scholarship Ball will be held at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) Baxter Arena. The UNO Arena is located south of where the original AKSARBEN Race Track and Coliseum used to be. Reservation deadline is September 30th for the entire evening, which includes Cocktail Reception, Royal Court Supper, Coronation production and Ball. The cost is $250 per person.

For reservations, email Sue Eiserman at eisermans@aksarben.org or call 402.554.9600 Ext. 106. www.aksarben.org | www.aksarbenrodeo.com

OCTOBER 20

6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

43RD ANNUAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR GALA Arthritis Foundation Nebraska Marriott Regency 43rd Annual Woman of the Year Gala The Arthritis Foundation 43rd annual "Woman of the Year," Gala honors a woman who has contributed to the Omaha and surrounding community and arthritis foundation. $150 for dinner 250 for patron and dinner 402-201-2864 | www.arthritis.org/nebraska

OCTOBER 21

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

BLUEJAY JAMBOREE Mutual of Omaha Dome | Omaha This event helps Creighton Athletics meet the new financial obligations associated with being a member of the NCAA and BIG EAST Conference. Please visit creighton.edu/athleticevents.

402-280-2720 | http://gocreighton.com

OCTOBER 29

6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

NIGHT FOR SIGHT MASQUERADE BALL Truhlsen Eye Institute Joslyn Art Museum A Night for Sight Masquerade Ball is hosted every other year at the Joslyn Art Museum. Join us for an evening of unmasking global blindness. Circus performers, Champagne Divas and much more await at this fun formal event that doesn't follow the traditional format of evenings out. $100/person 402-305-2852

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waking WORDS

mQUARTERLY • LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ROB KILLMER

live

drive.

For those of us committed to self-improvement, it’s a commonly respected and reliable practice to periodically reflect on different patterns of behavior in our lives, in order to review our instincts, intentions and motives, and determine how we can “upgrade” these, based on what we discover…hopefully to the benefit of ourselves and others.

Such analysis typically reveals latent hostilities and instabilities that could use an upgrade, so it’s worth it to us, to invest the time and effort required to engage in both the review and modification of existing behaviors and attitudes that reflect more immaturity than advancement.

Among the many resources at our disposal, I’d like to offer a new one for consideration.

I’d like to share a few light-hearted (but nonetheless indicative) observations about an activity we all engage in regularly, and to suggest its usefulness in helping us keep an eye on ourselves.

Have you ever given thought to how revealing our driving patterns can be?

We are never more “authentic” than when we are behind the wheel of an automobile.

Consider with me, for a moment, how much can be learned about how we are managing and maintaining our inner landscape, and the attitudes we approach others with in our daily life, by simply observing “how we drive”.

So how are you when you’re behind the wheel? Aren’t we almost universally subject to a sense (illusory though it may be) of insulation and control? How often have we “caught” others – seemingly unaware that we can all actually see through the windows of cars – engaged in less-than-well-mannered, slightly-embarrassing social or personal habits while driving? How often have we done the same? How willing are we to admit this?

How insulated do you feel when you’re in your car? Worth acknowledging. Don’t we all actually feel & behave as though it’s our own private domain, complete with our personal selection of creature comforts and accessories? It’s like a purse-on-wheels for girls and a den-on-wheels for guys! Let’s face it, what we are experiencing as we motor around is the perception of being in a more personal space than the reality of being engaged with a large number of others in transit. A lot of the built-in amenities are engineered to enhance that perception, and we naturally go with the flow.

How easy it is to do so with our lives as well – to become so focused on the experience we prefer, that we miss the larger picture of how our experience is impacting those we are “in traffic” with from one moment to the next. Automobiles offer us a convenient little “shell”.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our own little world, made up of sounds, scents, upholstery, and – let’s confess…mobile devices. We feel as though everything outside of this “shell” we create for ourselves is less than real…almost as virtual as the environments in our television or games, but in truth, it’s not as we perceive things at all; in truth our transit is far from insulated, and the others in it far from virtual. Driving (and living) combines hundreds of “reality-trips”, each featuring their own individual sensations of insulation and control – and self-centered “shells”.

In life, as when driving, it’s important to keep in touch with just how dependent we are on each other, to avoid getting into “accidents” where we end up “bumping into” or “bruising” one another. Try this exercise on for size: the next time you’re out on the road – in your mind’s eye, remove the shells…imagine that the “casings” surrounding each driver are invisible or not there at all. Picture only the other people involved in the activity of driving, but picture them with all the instrumentation and machinery removed. What you will see is a lot of people floating around the community in a seated position, semi-oblivious to one another, and at risk of invading each others’ space – each others’ illusions of “insulation” and “control”. This image is actually a lot closer to reality than the illusion of “separation” that our “shells” provide. Therefore, travel with care…

For in life, as when driving, we are all engaged “in-transit” amidst others with their own agendas, schedules and preoccupations. In life, as when driving, if we’re not careful, we’ll “encroach” into another person’s “lane”, and “crimp” their “shell”. Consider how personally each of us takes our “collisions” with one another – how emotionally & financially invested we are with the “bruising” of our metallic & plastic shells, and how revealing this can be about our management & maintenance of our personal and social “screens”.

Got control issues? Think not? Let’s spend some time driving around with you and see.

How intensely do you feel the need to correct others who may have committed a driving error that inconvenienced you? (How often have you committed the same “crime”?) How do you deal with being stuck behind two “slowpokes” keeping both lanes tied up? How irritable are you with a blatant “texter”? The illusion of control is one of the most powerful –and potentially most unproductive – perceptions we experience when driving – or when living.

Here’s a brief checklist of items to be mindful of while you drive that may indicate a great deal about how you approach your life…and the people in it. I believe that – if you give it a chance – you may find as I do, that in many ways, we do “live how we drive”.

• How do you use your mirrors? How alert and aware of your surroundings are you, and of the activity taking place outside of your “shell”.

Do you habitually check all of your rear and side view mirrors while driving? Do you adjust to the ROBERT P. KILLMER safe distances you need to maintain to the sides Editor@SpiritofOmaha.com and rear of your “shell”, or do you tend to spend most of your time focused only on what’s right in front of you? This is an important aspect of managing our relationships – on-road or off.

• How do you deal with tailgaters? None of us are comfortable when others crowd our boundaries, especially from “behind” us. How we deal with it says a lot about our self-awareness and others-awareness. Do you slam on the breaks and flip-off the violator? That would be a more extreme form of overreaction, but any overreaction on the road (or in life) - is counterproductive.

Slowing things down and allowing violators of our space to gently get the message that they need to move around us is a more peaceful way of resolving boundary issues. If that feels too benign, and you would prefer to express more emphatically and demonstrably, how others are violating your space, you might need to check your control issues (and your blood pressure).

• How much of a stickler are you? How strong is your impulse to correct or “scold” perpetrators who make mistakes on the road? How quickly are you able to acknowledge and accept that you have often been on their end of the situation and have made similar misjudgments and wrong moves? How gracious are you with the fallibility of fellow drivers (and livers.) Perfectionism is, in fact, the ultimate imperfection, and has no place on the road, or in life. Expending ourselves to correct the flaws in others indicates overpreoccupation with them, a sure sign that we are avoiding facing our own. The blind spots this creates can prove dangerous, counter-productive and inconvenient – not only for ourselves – but for the very people we are so focused on correcting. How many times have you lost sight of the road ahead while attempting to “correct” another driver who has crossed your path? Point made?

• How quick are you to defend yourself? How hard is it for you to overlook the fact another driver misjudged your actions – especially if you feel you were in the right? How willing are you to risk the safety of others and yourself, in order to prove yourself “right”?

• How much do you dart between cars to get ahead?We’ve all been there, either witness to it, or perpetrator…sliding in and out of lanes, darting ahead to gain a precious few yards and seconds farther down the road, placing our own lives – and those of others – at risk. For what?

We get to our final destination a few minutes sooner than we would have had we been patient.

We gain – at best – a mile or two, over a distance of hundreds…4 or 5 minutes overall, over a span of hours. Is it worth it, considering we risk making the destination truly final? How does this driving pattern manifest in your approach to other aspects of your daily life & conduct?

• How preoccupied are you willing to risk being? Usage of mobile devices while driving says a great deal about where we place our priorities, and reveals some of our greatest egobased issues. Anyone who texts while driving is essentially foregoing all responsibility for those we share the road with, and indicating that no one else’s safety is as important as our convenience or conversations. Consider for a moment what this says about how we approach our responsibilities towards others in various aspects of our lives? Incredibly telling!

• I’m still working on more of my own. Here’s one of my “pet-peeves”: slowpokes who won’t move over into the slow lane and allow faster traffic to pass. It’s like either they feel they have the right to keep the rest of us at their speed limit or they are actually that oblivious to us all! (Yes, I have control issues with their control issues!) But I’ve made it a practice to be regularly and consistently mindful of these “tells” – and many more – in my driving habits, that have resulted in making me a better driver…and human being. I can assure you that doing so has paid off for me not merely behind the wheel, but out front in my life. I highly recommend it.

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