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WILLY THEISEN CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY
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in this ISSUE
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY
features
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14
THE MOTIVATOR. willy theisen
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UP CLOSE • OUT FRONT area business executives share their giving values
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PERSEPCTIVES. omaha community foundation • the landscape
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VIPS: VERY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE our series of continuing inspiring profiles
connecting to our pathfinders
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connecting to our pacesetters
departments/columns
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GAME CHANGERS • KAREN GORACKE presented by planitomaha
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metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack
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OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
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connecting to our landscape
celebrating 5 years of omaha gives!
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SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. todays savings
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STEPHANIE VONDRAK
connecting to our roots
impact!
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VW LAW planning matters
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WAKING WORDS FROM ROB KILLMER welcome to the jungle.
events
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SCENE highlights from recent charity & cultural events
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SAVE THE DATE upcoming events in the coming quarter
connecting to our achievement
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MAY/JUN/JUL 2017 • VOL. 29 NO. 2 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 Kali Baker Mary Drueke-Collins Elissa Joy Debra Kaplan Wendy Moore Jim Scholz Monte Schatz Kara Schweiss Mary Vandenack Stephanie Vondrak D.D.S. Mike Watkins M ichael 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 – 2017 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
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words FROM MY HEART
mQUARTERLY • LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
loving It’s a beautiful spring day as I write my publisher’s letter: trees coming back to life in magnificent green hues, flowers bursting with color and beautiful scents, sounds of songbirds coming from every direction … life is good. Hard to believe that over the past three-plus weeks, life has taken me on a wild roller-coaster ride … a ride I don’t recall buying a ticket for, but perhaps it is the ride of life that we are all on, and purchasing a ticket is not necessary … you are on the ride, like it or not. Whenever you are thrown into a crisis, especially one that has a member of your family front and center, it makes you reflect on your own life and how you have chosen to show up and live it. In the midst of the chaos and crisis and sometimes the helplessness that we often feel when a loved one is sick, I had to really remind myself to stay in the present moment. To not dwell on the past or project too far into the future … what was important was the present moment. Many times I had to dig deep to uncover the beauty in each moment … to LOVE all that is as it is. To be present, to experience each moment and not simply endure what life was presenting to me. As I started to practice this it became easier and easier to see the beauty in all that was happening around me. The more I showed up, fully present, the more beauty I saw and experienced.
ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com
The journey of one’s life can be experienced, not simply endured. Each new day presents us with opportunities to love, to laugh, to show compassion, to appreciate and show gratitude, to share ourselves with others regardless of the crisis and chaos around us. How we interact with others has the potential to impact far beyond the initial interaction. A smile versus a scowl can change the energy of someone’s day and also gives them inspiration to give a smile to someone else and so on and so forth. A PRECIOUS HUMAN LIFE We are all here for a very brief time. My to-do lists, my “too busy to slow down” mentality, my grief at the thought of losing someone I love oftentimes keeps me from experiencing some of life’s sweetest moments. In times of crisis we become acutely aware of how precious life is when faced with the possibly of it not being here anymore. I choose to Love Life! All of Life! Loving all that is … as it is. ~ Andee!
Every day, think as you wake up: "Today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive, I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
NOTE: Be sure to check out our Letter from the Editor on the last page of every metroMAGAZINE/mQUARTERLY, for timely insights and inspiration from ROB KILLMER.
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others. I am not going to get angry, or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." ~ His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: JIM SCHOLZ 7
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achievers
• MODELS OF SUCCESS
TRUST MEANS
everything TO ME. IT DOESN’T COME QUICK, IT DOESN’T COME easy. YOU’VE GOT TO earn IT EVERY DAY. ~ WILLY THEISEN
WE DON’T coast... ONE DOESN’T HAVE TO LOOK HARD TO ENCOUNTER THE GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AD CAMPAIGN DECLARING THAT, IN NEBRASKA, wE DON’T EMBRACE PASSIVITy. NEITHER DOES ONE OF OUR MOST INSPIRING SUCCESS STORIES, wILLy THEISEN. The serial entrepreneur who first made a name for himself as founder, chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza Corporation is anything but idle at 71. He still puts in 70 hours a week between his business pursuits and community endeavors.
energy to civic service work, including serving on the Omaha Airport Authority and Creighton University boards. More recently, he’s been appointed to the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Franchising at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He’s also been appointed chairman of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and named a Creighton University Business Ethics Alliance Trustee.
with Nebraska feeling the pinch of persistent brain drain, massive state budget deficits and the loss of major corporate players, the prolific impressario is After selling the brilliantly branded Godfather’s chain he viewed as an economic stimulus expert. grew to 500-plus franchises, he went on to new hospitality industry adventures. He returned to his roots At a recent presentation before Skutt Catholic High with Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria but doing more refined pies School business students and members of Future than Godfather’s. with Pitch a hit in Omaha’s prime Business Leaders of America, he said, “who creates Dundee neighborhood, he’s opened a new eatery there, jobs? Entrepreneurs create jobs.” He shared how he was Paragon, featuring a completely different concept. taken aback to learn that in its 44-year history, Godfather’s has created more than half a million jobs. Theisen’s come a long way from his brash rise to fastfood fame and fortune that found him making news for His proven business savvy is well recognized per his his lavish lifestyle – once renting a Concorde supersonic induction in the Omaha Restaurant Association Hospitality, Omaha Chamber of Commerce and passenger jet to take him and birthday celebrators to London and back. Over time, he’s devoted considerable Nebraska Business & Commerce Halls of Fame.
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Because of his-real world expertise and experience as a self-made man, he’s often asked to present before audiences ranging from professionals to high school and college students. He especially looks forward to interacting with young people because he believes in cultivating and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. “I really think these people who produce new ideas and share those ideas and have them nurtured is our future job growth in this state,” Theisen said. “I think it’s a must that we identify and nurture them as early as possible.” He told Skutt students: “Entrepreneurs are people that can see things other people don’t see.” Theisen and Gallup Global Channel Leader of Entrepreneurship and Job Creation Todd Johnson share a passion for finding and coaching young entrepreneurs. In June, a group of area youth identified through Gallup assessment profiles as high-potential entrepreneurs will attend the Omaha Builders Internship at Gallup, and Johnson’s already secured Theisen’s help.
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STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM SCHOLZ
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willy theisen
in 2004, martin scorsese released a film entitled “the aviator” which focused on the life of howard hughes, a prolific entrepreneur and an unstoppable american innovator – who thought of himself first and foremost as an aviator. local trailblazer willy theisen may not be the icon howard hughes was, but he’s certainly established himself as prolific, creative, innovative and engaged enough to be remembered as…
willy theisen
IT’S ABOUT TRUST
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willy theisen IT’S ABOUT TRUST LIFE LESSONS. “I called willy and said, ‘I’m going to have the next generation of you here at Gallup for a month, will you engage?’ and he said yes. So he’ll mentor, coach and present to them.” Johnson said the idea is to be more systematic, scientific and intentional in the early identification and development of entrepreneurial talent.
Beverly Kracher, a Creighton business professor and CEO- “My best audiences are young people,” he said. “I think executive director of the Business Ethics Alliance, said, they’re looking for a direction and I talk right to them, I “willy is smart enough to see he has power. He’s also a don’t talk down to them. I relate to them. I want to be man of character enough to use that power to take care something they can count on. I’ve worked with young of our community and to act responsibly.” people in business all my life.” Johnson said he admires Theisen’s commitment to the Business Ethics Alliance they serve on together.
Dale Eesley, an associate professor in UNO’s College of Business Administration, said, “willy doesn’t lecture students. He tells them stories from his career and encourages them to look for the best in themselves. He emphasizes hard work – something anyone can do if they set their mind to it.”
“we have events across the city throughout the year and you can always find willy. He’s known as a man that shows up and I think that’s a real important insight into who he is. I can’t think of a time when I asked for willy’s help and he said no. I sure hope I’m as generous with my Theisen knows any group includes entrepreneurs. time, talent and treasure in 20 years as he is. He’s such a good role model.” In recent Gallup testing he scored highly in eight of the “There’s a handful of them in every audience. They’re ten metrics associated with greatly successful there, we’ve just got to find them and show them the Theisen said his focus on “giving back and paying entrepreneurs, including knowledge-seeker. opportunity. Hopefully, I can inspire them to maybe have forward” is something that “comes with age and from the courage to take it one step further.” involvement in the community,” adding, “It just evolves Anthony Hendrickson, dean and professor of Business into this and it becomes more important than not.” Intelligence & Analytics at Creighton University’s Heider Eesley considers Theisen “a true mentor” figure for youth. College of Business, said he admires Theisen’s curiosity “Many times I have arranged for students to seek advice when presenting he eschews prepared notes for a about what makes things work. from willy. On several occasions he has hosted ‘Dinner conversational, freestyle delivery that invites talk-back. with an Entrepreneur,’ where four to six students from His message emphasizes certain principles he lives and “He came to the Harper Center to speak to a group of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization join him at works by as well as certain truths he believes. One is the students. I took him on a quick tour of the building, Pitch and get to know him personally as well as importance of first-time jobs and what they teach. including the food-service kitchens. willy wanted to professionally. Students all say it’s the highlight of their walk through those facilities and see what was being school year.” “First-time jobs give young people confidence. They direct prepared, how, by whom, the menus and processes. you to come in on time, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ It willy was just trying to learn if there was anything he gives you confidence in the things you need to be set up Creighton’s Hendrickson said, “willy is a tremendous might have missed as a restauranteur. Ever the student in to succeed. At Godfather’s it just happened that about resource for young people, especially aspiring of business and life.” entrepreneurs. He takes time to visit with students 80 percent of the 545,000 jobs created during the individually, listen to them intently and provide company’s history have been filled by first-job seekers. Theisen’s public speaking is part of a philanthropic encouragement and wisdom about their ideas. He is thank-you to the city that supported his big idea. quick to share the positive potential he sees in their “working at Godfather’s was a starting point for many thoughts and plans but equally quick to provide the young individuals. what’s most fulfilling to me is that Van Deeb, a national real estate speaker, author and they have gone on and bought houses and automobiles, kernels of truth they need to hear about the challenges coach, said, “willy is spending the majority of his time they will face. I have referred many students to him.” raised children, contributed to society, and that first job giving back to the community that made him so was a part of their foundation.” successful. we spend a lot of time together and I see it Until recently, Theisen said, what few entrepreneurial and I feel it. He’s wanting to give to youth hope, direction Growing up, Theisen’s parents modeled and he adopted a classes local schools offered were only for graduating and inspiration.” seniors or graduate students. work ethic and earning-your-own-way mentality. Theisen said, “I make time now. Before, I probably cared “I always had a job. I painted house numbers on curbs, I “It’s too late. we can’t wait until they’re seniors to identify just about things more than the impact I could make. them as entrepreneurs. we’ve got to have entry-level. caddied, I worked in a pool hall, I flipped burgers, I cut I was always too busy working, opening restaurants all over the country. I don’t want to go all over the country. lawns, I bagged and carried groceries at Eddie’s Market, I Now schools have departments and programs for entrepreneurship. This is where these ideas come from. killed chickens in the market’s basement. we’ve got a lot of stuff to do right here and it’s not all They only need one and from one you can take it and about restaurants – it’s about people. make something out of it, and our schools now nurture “I did a lot of stuff – and all of it matters. All of it got me that out of people.” “A lot of people are busy all their life and they don’t want here today.” to be part of anything. They just let things happen. Theisen tells students none of this support existed when At Skutt he stressed that from humble origins great I don’t want to let things happen – I want to make things can spring forth. Students young enough to be his he was their age. “The word ‘entrepreneur’ wasn’t even things happen. when I get done with a project I want it great-grandchildren listened intently. to be better off with my involvement than without it.” used. we were called futzers or daydreamers.”
“willy and I have really bonded on that project. we’ve socialized it and, I dare say, evangelized it and we’re going to set up Omaha as a best-practice mecca. Gallup sees willy right in the middle of the mentoring and coaching of this next generation of entrepreneurs.”
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the motivator. reflections & resonance SOME OF THE STUDENTS ExPOSED TO wILLy THEISEN’S PRESENTATION wERE ASKED TO REFLECT ON HOw IT RESONATED wITH THEM. HERE ARE SOME RESPONSES:
MY epitaph, IF I DO HAVE ONE, WOULD READ: ‘HE WAS A GOOD GUY WHO tried TO RIGHT SOME WRONGS OVER THE course OF HIS LIFE.’ THAT’S A big deal TO ME.
“[He] definitely seemed like the stereotypical entrepreneur to me. He was clearly a very likeable and intelligent person who wouldn't have too much trouble convincing people to go with his ideas. On paper, I, like many others, probably wouldn't have taken a proposition to take a pizza restaurant seriously. However, if someone with his enthusiasm explained that idea to me, I'm willing to bet I'd go along with it. I imagine what is to be gained from that observation is if your idea is a good one, show enthusiasm. Heck, show enthusiasm even if you're UNcertain about it. I think sometimes lack of believing in an idea can kill it before it even gets a chance to succeed.”
~ WILLY THEISEN
So much of what forms us, he tells audiences, is our habits. His checklist of positive habits to follow includes “showing up on time, being a person of character and being credible.” He encourages those working first jobs to foster traits that develop good lifetime habits that connote trust. “Be dependable, come in early, stay late. Make the boss look great. That’s how you advance.” He said along with doing things right “comes confidence, then ethics and then trust,” adding, “I want to get people to where somebody can look at them and say, ‘I trust you, I can count on you, because you’re here on time, ready to work.’ I tell young people you gotta be ready to work when the opportunity is there. Don’t say, ‘Can I get back to you on this?’ Someone else will do it.”
had? you grabbed a person’s hand and you looked at them right in the eye and took them at their word.” Long before franchising became an option, Theisen had to sell a banker on a dream. “Something life-changing for me happened in late 1972. I went over to Southwest Bank to get a small business loan. I was nervous. The lending manager I met with, Joe Sullivan, said, ‘what’s your idea?’‘well, what I’m going to do is I’m going make a big, thick pizza with a bunch of toppings on it and I’m going to put my store right in the middle of Thomasville Apartments. There’s 500 or 600 people living there and everyone’s going to come there; nobody’s going to cook.’”
He said the trust that flows from being ethical in business is not a legal requirement but “it sure helps to Theisen, who worked for a real estate developer then, be a person of your word.” Besides, he said, “It is the right had no real collateral other than his vision and belief. thing to do and the relationships are so much better when you’re ethical. No hidden agendas, no backroom “All I had was a rough ballpoint-ink outline of the deals, no going around in an underhanded way.” building on a cocktail napkin. Joe looked at me and said, ‘where’s the rest of your business plan?’‘That’s it.’ He built his first business empire on trust. He stared at me, and said, ‘I like it, it’s simple, I understand it.’ He gave me Small Business “From 1977 through 1979 I opened 450 Godfather’s Administration loan papers. He guessed I wasn’t good at Pizzas in 36 months. you couldn’t have done it if you filling out forms and said, ‘I’ve got a guy.’ He asked, didn’t trust each other, if you weren’t ethical, if you ‘Do you work at night?’‘yeah, I work at night,’‘will you picked the wrong partner to go into these things with. start tonight?’‘yeah, I’ll start tonight.’ His accountant and None of it would have happened. I got those forms filled out and I got the loan. you know what Joe made that day? He made a character loan. “Some of the first franchise deals we had back in 1974, we didn’t have written agreements. you know what we He made me a loan. That’s what I call the Sullivan Effect.” willy theisen
IT’S ABOUT TRUST
“I really found willy's presentation valuable and personal. I think his message to work hard and lead by example spoke volumes of his character. I think too often in the business world we see the boss not leading by example to his employees. I also thought willy's ability to see what others might not is key to successful leaders. Spoiler alert for anyone who has not seen Moneyball! I think we saw the ability to see the unseen in Moneyball. The GM was able to see that the game could be simplified into numbers, and that a team of "average" to "below average" players could turn out to make a hell of a team and a statement. willy seems very wise and experienced in leadership roles. I think those two lessons of leading by example and seeing the unseen outlined above can help us all to develop our leadership abilities.”
“willy was a very interesting person with a long history of success, all due to his outlook on life and ethics. All of it started with his father and teaching him some basic life tools that resonated with him for his entire life. Even the basic act of making your bed every morning can set you on a more organized and productive path. I was also taught this as child from my grandparents who would religiously make me make the bed every morning when I stayed with them, and also my father, who was in the Navy for a period of his life. His organization was unsurpassable in my eyes and I think has passed on to me as well, though not on the same level as him or willy. The last thing that really resonated with willy for me was his ideology of the fact that nothing is going to be handed to you, if you want something such as a job or a successful career, your going to have to go knocking down doors to get them. This is something I feel everyone is taught, but it doesn't seem to stick with many people nowadays, so it’s just nice to get reminded of it once in a while.”
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willy theisen IT’S ABOUT TRUST reflections & resonance (cont’d.) “I absolutely loved hearing willy Theisen speak. He mentioned cleanliness (making your bed, having a clean car, other general organization) was a big factor of success. This has really stuck with me for the last few days. Reflecting on my own life, I have realized my bedroom symbolizes my "state" in life at the moment. For example, when I am feeling behind or flustered, there are clothes on the floor, I often don't make my bed, and I leave food/garbage sitting out. I have also found the opposite to be true in most cases. willy seemed to have the "it" factor; he was charming and personable. He had a great sense of humor (playfulness), wasn't afraid to be himself, and had a lot of spunk. The fact that he remains highly involved in the community at the age of 71 says something positive of his character as well. willy attributed a lot of his success to working less-than-ideal jobs in his past and living with a family that took him in when he had very little resources. I think this is something everyone should go through in their lifetime.”
“There were so many takeaways from willy Theisen's message on Tuesday. There were several that I really felt a connection with, but the one that really made a special impact was the one about being organized. He talked about how he would make his bed and then how organized his closet and drawers would be. He touched on how this organization would make things so much easier for him. This idea of organization was also used when he was on the grill at the diner. He was able to be so much more efficient and get so much done with this organization. I feel a special connection to that as I am always very meticulous in how I keep my things in my room and in my locker. Being organized almost takes a weight off my shoulders so I have less to worry about when it comes time to perform.”
“Of the speakers we have had in class, I think Mr. Theisen has been by far the best so far this semester. He was extremely engaging and numerous elements of his speech resonated with me. The aspect that stuck out to me the most, however, was his point that one should take care of the small problems first. He said that if you neglect smaller issues, they turn into bigger issues. Of the elements of leadership, hope, compassion, mindfulness, and playfulness, I think this principle best relates to mindfulness. One must be mindful of these smaller concerns others might overlook and therefore neglect until they have grown into larger considerations that require greater effort to resolve.”
“what stuck with me was the fact that Mr. Theisen took advantage of so many opportunities as soon as he was presented them. I cannot imagine how many people talk themselves out of potentially lucrative deals, whereas willy Theisen gives his full self to each new undertaking without ever doubting that he will thrive.'
BUILT ON TRUST. Additionally, Sullivan offered some sound advice via an “Trust”, he told Skutt students, “means everything to me. admonition. “He said, ‘when you open your place, I want It doesn’t come quick, it doesn’t come easy. you’ve got to to see you there.’ I asked my business partner at that earn it every day. That’s one of your strengths.” time, Greg Johnson, ‘what do you think that means?’ ‘It means you’ve got to be there all the time.’ I was there No detail’s too small for his attention. Nothing gets all the time. That’s the Sullivan Effect, too.” overlooked, ignored or abandoned. Business Ethics Alliance activities have given Theisen fresh insights into lifelong practices. “I thought I was always doing the right thing but now I know I’m doing the right thing, and I get a little more satisfaction out of it.”
“I try to talk to young folks about solving small problems. I’m a master at solving small problems. I try to have big ideas sometimes, but I want to solve small problems. If you’re driving to an appointment and you cut yourself short on time, you make yourself late and thus less credible, and I try to teach people how important that is,” he said.
Of his fellow Alliance trustees he said, “It’s evolved into quite a good list of individuals. It’s not a coincidence most of them are leaders. They got there being that.”
“I generally ask, ‘How many of you made your bed this morning?’ I make the point it’s the first achievement of the day. There’s research showing you’ll be happier Creighton’s Kracher said Theisen brings credibility to several percentage points by doing that one thing. your advising about jobs since he’s created so many. day flows from there because it’s done. Then you clean up, get dressed. It organizes you and gets you set to take “He grooms young people to help them understand what on things.” it means to work hard, to show up on time, to be accountable, to be trusted – all those character traits Kracher said, “He’s a perfectionist and that perfectionism that matter if you are going to be a businessperson. has driven him to the successes he’s had. He looks at every single detail over and over, down to the toilet “He takes the time to educate students that half of life is paper in his restaurants’ restrooms.” about showing up and in his fundamental belief that business and life is based on trust.” Theisen’s never without a to-do list. She said his charisma plays equally well with students and seasoned business professionals. “you can’t help enjoy hearing him speak and then afterwards telling five people what you heard.”
“This is my to-do list,” he said, holding a small sheet of memo paper filled with entries. “I’m going to finish it and then I’ll have another list for tomorrow. But you have to finish things. you can’t leave everything halfassed, half-done. That’s what I tell people. you have to show up, you have to be prepared and you have to finish things.
Theisen stresses to audiences the building blocks of success must be cultivated. “This just doesn’t happen,” he said. “you don’t wake up one morning and get this when “That’s who I am, that’s how I live my life. Successful you’re 69 years old. This is the fabric and core of who you people are finishers. If you’re a finisher, you’re going to are and how you treat and greet others.” be successful.” As a veteran restauranteur he knows how key quality control is. It’s why he shows up to observe and listen. He always checks the restrooms to ensure they’re clean. He stops to ask diners about their experience. He follows orders from the kitchen to the table to see if they’re coming out right. One night at Pitch he followed an onion rings order from the kitchen to a table where two young women sat sipping cocktails. He regaled them with what makes the rings so fresh and special when one woman interrupted to say, “willy, we trust you.”“And it kind of took me,” he said. “It’s all I’ve ever worked for. It’s the core and fabric of what I am. Everything I am is to be trusted.”
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In his talks, he said, “I really provoke thought. They remember me when I leave. That’s my job. That’s one of the reasons I’m there. I give them points to think about and I present in an untraditional way.” In a given session, he said he and students get around to discussing “food and beverage, hospitality, politics, education. Omaha’s generous philanthropic community and the philosophy of giving back and paying forward. we talk about a lot of things. It’s fun for me and them.” Theisen doesn’t just engage with audiences of privilege. Through his work with UNO he visits inner-city schools to interact with diverse students, many of whom come from trying circumstances.
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the motivator. CONNECTING. “This past summer my friend Van Deeb and I visited several inner-city high schools together – Blackburn, Central, South and Benson – to let them know UNO is an option to help people be entrepreneurs if they want to be entrepreneurs. It’s not for everybody.”
They don’t want me to sit up there and bark at them for an hour. I talk to them and I draw out of them things. They must trust me or they wouldn’t tell me.” Todd Johnson said Theisen instinctively reacts to his audience and adapts as needed.
He said, “Something eye-opening happened at Benson. I was miked up, walking back and forth on stage, “No matter the setting or audience, willy manages to chatting, when I looked down in the front row and this engage. He figures out a way. And if you think about young man was sound asleep. I looked over at the guy entrepreneurs, they always figure out a way. They see or next to him and said, ‘wake ‘Junior’ up, would you?’ So he hit an obstacle and they go over it, around it, under it gave him a shot and ‘Junior’ sat up. and I think that applies to his community involvement and communication. “when I got done I was getting my things together on stage to join the students for Godfather’s pizza when I “He can read a room and adjust on the fly if he has to. saw ‘Junior’ approaching me stage left. He’s a big guy. He’s pretty good at that and he keeps it snappy.” I thought, ‘This can go either way.’ He towers over me and I look up and he says, ‘Mr. Theisen, I want to Van Deeb said he’s impressed by Theisen’s ability to apologize for falling asleep.’ I asked, ‘who told you to reach people. come up here?’‘Nobody, I come on my own. After I did get with it, I heard you have to man up and take “I truly admire how he connects with youth. He relates to ownership for everything you do. That it’s not a blame game.’ So he shook my hand and as we walked off stage them. He commands the room. you can hear a pin drop. They listen to every word he says and he’s not just he put his arm around my shoulder, and I think, ‘I talking about being successful in business. He’s talking changed him for only a minute. He changed me.’ about how to be successful in life. Treat people well, do “It was humbling. I’m up there to teach some takeaways, what you say you’re going to do, be on time. He never positive direction, leadership skills as sort of a life coach, brings up his financial success. It’s never about making and when he came up it tore at me because he heard money, it’s about being a good person, and it’s refreshing. enough that it changed him. It reminded me how fortunate I am to be in front of those students. He took “what I see in willy is he cares about people. He wants to my words to heart and that made my day and made it be significant in people’s lives. when I look at these well worthwhile going there and sharing. I know I made students’ faces, it’s clear they’re learning from him.” an effect on one person for sure and hopefully many more. I take away so much more than these kids get. Far from the public eye, Theisen also personally I’m the beneficiary of this when I get done with one of intervenes in the lives of young people in crisis or these groups. I love it.” at crossroads.
Theisen didn’t come from money and he’s worked for everything he’s gotten. He’s had his own setbacks, both personal and business. He faced a serious health issue several years ago. He knows what it’s like to struggle and fail, though he likes to think of those misfortunes as “things that just didn’t work out.” All of it’s given him a heart “for the little guy.” “I’m a guy for second chances, I really am,” he said. “I don’t give beatdowns. It used to be one-and-done with me. As I’ve gotten older, I feel it’s more important to give second chances. I’ve seen people that have tried really hard to live up and they can’t do it the first chance and so I give them another. I know when somebody’s really trying and they just need a little more time.” whether for kids or adults, his how-tos are the same. “There are steps I want people to take. To be formidable, competitive, resilient. To be mindful. To have empathy. To take and have ownership. To be a person of your word, I want people to know I walk the talk. I’m somebody you can count on. “These are just words but there’s true meaning behind every one. My epitaph, if I do have one, would read: ‘He was a good guy who tried to right some wrongs over the course of his life.’ That’s a big deal to me.” Theisen doesn’t dwell on his mortality, not with a granddaughter to dote on, projects to work on and commitments to keep. But he’s aware each passing year brings him closer to the end.
He’s well aware many of the urban kids he addresses face “Some people come into my life that are on the wrong challenges their suburban peers do not. track and need help getting over humps. I get “what I’m not going to do is waste one day.” gratification from seeing somebody get on that right “I was at Blackburn and this girl was asleep when I track and do well. As a respected friend of the family I walked in the room. This was a group of students that can often come in and talk to kids better than the He’s never been more content or grateful knowing his had left school and were coming back to graduate. parents can. I go in pretty straightforward – here’s what purpose in life as a builder and creator is never really They were a little bit older and they were on a mission. we gotta do, no nonsense, no excuses. done and may even outlive him. I said to her, ‘you probably need a little more sleep,’ and she said, ‘yeah, I do, because I’m pregnant.’ I said. ‘well, you know, others have been where you are and you’ll get “Many a time I get their attention when everything else “I have good health and good fortune. I try to eat right. has failed. we agree one-on-one what we need to get through it. By coming here you’re going to get a high I hit the gym. I get enough sleep. yeah, I’m very happy. done. It’s better that way. I make the young woman or school degree and things will get better.’” man responsible and we get on a timeline and we start. I’ve not been any happier. I look forward to tomorrow and the next day. I don’t look back much. I want to move I don’t want to get disappointed and I don’t want to “They have tough lives. Listening to them, having forward. I’ve got so many things to get done. I have to disappoint them. So we’ve both got to do ‘x’ to get to empathy for them and encouraging them are among solve small things in each of them. They need me.” where we’re going.” the things I try to give back. willy theisen
IT’S ABOUT TRUST
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• LEADING THE WAY
OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH... JOHN H. JEANETTA HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE WAS FOUNDED IN 1875 BY A COMMITTED GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS. TODAY, VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE BY GIVING THEIR TIME, TALENT AND RESOURCES TO ENSURE WE ARE SUCCESSFUL IN STRENGTHENING THE SAFETY, SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN, ADULTS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
What is your favorite quotation and by whom? “Service is the rent we pay for living.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman What is the one thing that you love most about the Omaha metro? Our metro area is blessed to have many beautiful communities with strong infrastructure but what I love most is the people. We are hardworking, generous, increasingly diverse, and committed to making our communities the best they can be.
I’M INSPIRED DAILY BY THE PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO WORK WITH HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE AND THE PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO INVEST IN OUR MISSION.
~ JOHN H. JEANETTA PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
If you decided to go on a personal pilgrimage of some kind where would you go and what would you do? My paternal grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. I’ve always felt this connection to my grandparents (neither of whom lived long enough to meet me.) So, I’d like to visit Campobasso, Molise, Italy, and track down more information about where they lived. It would be wonderful to see if I still have family there as well.
HFS COMMUNITY RELATIONS
If you could give all human beings one virtue which would you choose and why? I would give people generosity. When we are generous, we look for opportunities to serve. When we are generous, we judge less. When we are generous, we create memories that last and we are happier.
What life experience has strengthened you the most? My dad died at the age of 46 from a pulmonary embolism. I was only 20 and it was an enormous loss for me and my family. However, like most crucible moments, I’ve gained a lot from his early death. My dad was an athlete in college but then stopped taking care of himself. He didn’t exercise. He smoked. And he didn’t eat healthy. Seeing and experiencing all he missed by such an early death has inspired me to take good care of myself. What historical time period would you most like to visit? I would love to go back in time to this land before Europeans and others arrived. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with several of our Native American tribes; it would be an amazing experience for me to see what life was like in those times. What historical figure would you most like to meet or be mentored by? Again, drawing from my experience working with our Native American community, I would love to meet Chief Standing Bear. His bravery and persistence as a leader, father and man have been a source of inspiration for me for many years. For which activity or discipline would you most like to receive a lesson from an expert? I love to write but most of my writing is technical. I’d love to receive a lesson from a novelist.
WWW.HEARTLANDFAMILYSERVICE.ORG • 402.552.7443
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OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH... NANCY HINTZ NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY NHS IS A PRIVATE, NOT FOR PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION GOVERNED BY A VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AS A NONPROFIT AGENCY WE RELY ON PRIVATE DONATIONS TO KEEP OUR DOORS (AND KENNELS) OPEN. WE DO NOT RECEIVE TAX DOLLARS, NOR DO WE RECEIVE ANY PORTION OF DUES OR DONATIONS PAID TO NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE AGENCIES. What is your favorite quotation and by whom? “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~ Anatole France
What is the one thing that you love most about the Omaha metro? I love that Omaha is a diverse community with generous philanthropic support of local charitable organizations that are mission-driven to better the lives of the underserved, both human and animal.
What life experience has strengthened you the most? Twenty-one years ago, I experienced the sudden death of a dear friend. The tragic loss of a loved one tests a person’s inner strength and resilience. In essence, this event strengthened my ability to face any struggle while giving me a profound understanding of that what is truly important in life.
If you could give all human beings one virtue which would you choose and why? I would choose the virtue of compassion because if all human beings embodied compassion, there would be less suffering in this world. What historical figure would you most like to meet or be mentored by? I would most like to meet Eleanor Roosevelt, because of her humanitarianism and work for the “greater good.” She dedicated her life to political and social reform.
HAPPINESS IS GAINED BY WORKING IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS.
What historical time period would you most like to visit?
~ NANCY HINTZ PRESIDENT AND CEO NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY
I would most like to visit ancient Egypt. I am intrigued by the architecture and engineering of the pyramids, the hieroglyphics and the art associated with the highly developed Egyptian civilization and culture.
If you decided to go on a personal pilgrimage of some kind where would you go and what would you do?
What event in the past, present or future would you like to witness in person?
Due to my Polish heritage, I have always wanted to honor my ancestors by visiting the Nazi concentration camps.
I would like to witness the inauguration of the first woman president of the United States in support of female leadership at the highest level.
WWW.NEHUMANESOCIETY.ORG • 402.444.7800
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• UNDERSTANDING WHO WE ARE
listening and learning are at the core of this omaha community foundation project which employs data points measuring quality-of-life factors and people’s actual lived experiences behind the statistics. the goal is a convergence leading to a more equitable omaha for all. LAUNCHED IN 2016, THE LANDSCAPE IS A DATA-DRIVEN LOOK AT HOW THE METRO’S DOING IN SUCH KEY FOCUS AREAS AS HEALTH, NEIGHBORHOODS, SAFETY, TRANSPORTATION, WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION.
perspectives. WE DON’T coast...
Implicit in the project is a reality check that finds Omaha’s high Best Place to Live rankings tempered by issues of chronic poverty, gang violence, sexually transmitted diseases, underemployment, educational achievement gaps and other disparities among underserved populations. The project website connects community stakeholders to content that provides snapshot glimpses of where Omaha stands, for better or worse, in these areas. Though it went live in 2016, the project hallmarks of using data plus stories were conceived in 2014. Even before that, in 2010, the foundation committed to using data and indicators as part of its strategic plan. The Landscape culls together metrics from various sources to create a free, online public access base whose information is not just for academic or public information purposes but to guide the foundation’s donor, knowledge and nonprofit partners to activate positive change. “We’re not interested in collecting information for information’s sake. We care about what we can act upon and what we can really do to potentially drive results,” said Omaha Community Foundation President and CEO Sara Boyd. “There’s a lot of discourse not only in this community but across many communities in this country around issues of inequity, poverty, race. For us this isn’t a fad or a trend. We care about this community. We believe the real power to change some of these issues is at the community level.”
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STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
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the landscape
the landscape
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the landscape OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION At its heart are people’s voices that illustrate and intersect the very challenges and opportunities illuminated by The Landscape. Boyd said, “We’re spending the vast majority of 2017 really being out in the community and with partner organizations to further connect people with the information about The Landscape and to gain the benefit of more personal experiences from people who live with some of the issues highlighted in the project. We’re really interested in the collaboration and alignment opportunities to be in relationship and conversation with people who do experience these things.”
A public service media campaign is putting the project’s “If you put everything in a bucket and average it all out it data-driven descriptor out there. The site tagline reads: might look really good and it does in many areas for Omaha. Many people, myself included, have a very high “Let’s make our city a great place to call home – no quality of life here. But what’s the quality of life for the matter who you are or where you live.” least well-off community member and how do we use Boyd said the next step is explaining “what this project that as a barometer for how we’re doing and how do we raise the levels of those circumstances? If we look at it is all about” and how people can interface with it. The website includes lists of nonprofits to engage, an action that way, then I think we’re all going to be better off.” kit with specific ways to connect, collaborate and Boyd said foundation staff and board members respond and a resources guide for social services and supports. There’s also a page where folks can share their acknowledge “these are difficult subjects” that greater Omaha needs to focus on. She makes clear the stories. The site is getting traffic and the foundation is foundation doesn’t pretend “to know all the answers for fielding calls and emails. what are difficult, entrenched challenges.”
The Landscape is only as compelling as the information and data that are fed into it.
perspectives. Identifying disparities “We really rely on organizations in this community who do this on a more regular basis and already have a vast “I think there’s a lot of intrigue,” Boyd said. “There are amount of information or a process ongoing for having certainly questions around what this information really these kinds of conversations. We are looking at how this does mean for us. So part of 2017 is also about having conversations about what our intentions are and how we project plugs into, intersects and highlights some of as a community might be able to utilize this information that work and the data available in our areas of focus.” as a place of power to really help us coalesce around Keeping it real issues at potentially greater levels. Boyd said the goal is to keep people, not numbers, at the forefront since data tells only part of the story. The “Some of the data is gut-reinforcing because it confirms our sense for how we’re doing as a community in things real essence and nuance about a situation comes not like health care, where people in poverty naturally do not from stats but from people describing their own experiences with everything from domestic violence to have health-care coverage at a high rate. Other pieces of information are more surprising because it runs a little unemployment to homelessness. counter to the broader narrative of how we talk about things like poverty. For example, there’s a real housing “We’re trying to balance the data with the voice of disparity with black Omahans. Black home ownership people on the ground in greater understanding the here is 8 percent lower than the national average. humanity of what we’re talking about. Looking at the data in isolation, there may be things missed in that “Generally, I think we regard the quality of life and cost study and interpretation that a conversation with of living here as being very affordable but when you somebody who is living in a specific circumstance for actually look at what it costs to raise a family and have a some time could help really inform and enlighten.” home in our community compared with wages earned, it is affordable for some of us, but not for all of us.” The project website, www.thelandscapeomaha.org, highlighted the focus areas of health, neighborhoods, She said The Landscape’s broad scope provides an safety and transportation to start with. Workforce and accurate picture of Omaha across many sectors. education focus areas rolled out this spring. 18
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“We don’t know everything,” she said, “and we are grateful for the partnership of so many organizations and people who already contribute to our knowledge, and that will continue. The information on the website today isn’t necessarily perfect. I’m sure somebody might be able to find an insight or add a different perspective to some of these things. It’s a work in progress. We expect this project continues to iterate as we work more in the community.”
No easy answers The Landscape, she noted, is a resource for the community by the community. “It takes the community to really wrap around some of these issues to see if we can do better in certain areas. That’s part of the driving force behind this project.” Boyd emphasized that problems which have been generations in the making will take time to reverse and that the foundation is in it for the long haul. “We’re not suggesting we throw information out and there’s a tight and tidy solution in six months or even a year from now where we report things have moved remarkably. But it matters. These are large and very consequential issues that require significant attention
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perspectives. and persistent focus in order to really get underneath all of the underlying factors and to look at where you might look at drivers of change. Then you have to stick with it as a community to try and make progress. That’s years in the making.” The reality behind The Landscape’s data sometimes overturns the image of a thriving Omaha and touches on sensitive issues such as race. The truth hurts. “We don’t want to ignore the fact we see poverty increasing in our community,” Boyd said. “Even if you control for socioeconomic status factors there are other points of disparity. If you want to take in the full conversation, you have to own that issues of race do present real challenges; structural issues that have led to poverty or disparity for segments of the AfricanAmerican, African, Latino-Hispanic communities. “We have to work to get underneath these issues as a community overall. There is no simple solution. There is no one factor driving this. That’s why we embarked on this so long ago. It just so happens other organizations and communities have been working on these issues and are starting to surface some of the harder conversations. There’s real merit in these discussions.”
Building with others Boyd said The Landscape’s efforts are not meant to compete but rather complement work others do in addressing such matters. “This isn’t meant to take the place of these amazing things that have already been put in motion. If anything, what we’re trying to do is further reinforce some great work already happening and that we’ve tied together in The Landscape. If we can coalesce with these, add additional momentum to where there’s already momentum and continue to bolster progress in others, then we’re all going to benefit as a result. “Lots of things have been put in motion and this is a piece of a broader puzzle.” She said The Landscape is poised to aggregate and extend data others gather to reach new audiences and share more information than otherwise possible. “We may be able to help amplify the voice of groups and their priorities to potentially different constituencies and find areas we can drive at together and row in the same direction on.” the landscape
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the landscape OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Data defines the project but an improved Omaha, not they feel personally they can take the most out of the project in terms of their own activation on these issues. an archive, is the end goal. It’s going to be different for different community members and what they care about and where they “We’ve got such generosity, will, ambition and “We’re going to stay connected to the data on this project. want to place their time and energy.” competitive spirit that when we look at how we fare So, three to five years from now we’ll want to see how versus other communities, we hope it does get things are going. But we’re not agnostic; we want to see Going with the flow underneath somebody’s skin for donors to say, ‘That’s change in the right direction on these indicators. not right, we can be better,’ and we get after that.” The Landscape’s designed to be adaptive and to reflect new facts and best practices as they emerge. We very much care these things move in the right Getting involved direction. When we think about our own strategy and The Landscape invites people to be a part of the change “So much of this project has not been linear. It’s been the work of the Omaha Community Foundation, we’re anything but a straight line,” said Boyd, “and we by getting involved, whether serving on a board, working with their neighborhood association, recognize it’s not going to be a straight-line path from going to continue to be thoughtful about the piece of participating in community forums, running for elected here to there.” the puzzle we can be in trying to help affect that. office, voting, donating or volunteering. The hope is that The Landscape serves as a catalyst for Omaha’s giving community to take action.
perspectives. “There are opportunities at various levels to consider what you bring to the table individually that can help play a role in driving the change, and that’s different for different people. We do work with donors and so investment in some of these areas is certainly a possibility. But investment alone isn’t going to accomplish it, either.
“We also want to be mindful about where the With dozens of knowledge and nonprofit partners, combined with so many moving parts – meetings, information goes and how it potentially helps our forums, studies – covering such a broad swath of the public servants in the decision-making process at the community, she said it’s little wonder the project has local and state level.” been “in process for a long time.” She added, “We wanted to be really diligent with this. In order to do this Humanizing the data as thoughtfully as we intend to, it really requires a lot of Programs and policies are often shaped by individuals’ conversations with lots of different people and personal stories. The men and women profiled on The organizations, and understanding their priorities and the work they already have ongoing and where there’s Landscape website offer intimate stories that have the alignment and how we can come together. power to influence and inspire change.
“We’re also cultivating a group of people who have agreed to be community listeners. These are individuals already engaged in the community who are interested in this journey we’re on with The Landscape. They’ve made a commitment to make decisions in how they “Within that framework we have the flexibility and engage with the community going forward based upon thinking to say some opportunities may appear along what they learn through the project.” the way we want to be open to.” Community listeners are among the change agents The Landscape aims to activate. “They’ve all said, ‘I’m in, I’m interested enough in where this is headed that I’ll refine or change or add thinking to my own community engagement.’ That could include philanthropic investment, business practices, policy work, leadership, creating connections with social capital. There’s any number of things it could influence. What we want is for community listeners to find where
Getting to this point has been an education.
“The storytelling is so important to this project,” Boyd said. “The storytelling really gives life and depth and perspective to this data. There’s making the data accessible and then giving the data meaning. That’s going to be an important part of our work going forward.
“I’ve learned so much on this journey and I know I’m not done in my own personal learning. My colleagues “We’re trying to help the community and the people who would say the same. Members of our board of directors live here make progress together. We’re trying to set a and others we’re talking with feel that way, too. I think a big part of this project is learning together where we stage for us to work together.” are to have a shared understanding. If we can come together with a shared understanding of an issue, then In The Landscape, everyone has a story, everyone has an investment, everyone has a say. it’s a jumping-off point to work on it.”
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perspectives. Learn more: Visit www.thelandscapeomaha.org
real people • real stories In a matter of several months, Geo lost his business and home and found himself living in a friend’s shed. With a spirit of resiliency and hope, Geo shares how income loss and homelessness can affect a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. George "Geo" LaPole owned an antique business in South Omaha, and when he lost his business, he lost everything. Struggling with depression and other health concerns, he was forced to make some difficult decisions. Should he spend what little money he had on his hospital bills, monthly medications, healthy food, or a place to live? The choices were difficult ones and only exacerbated the issues he was already dealing with. Not accustomed to being on the receiving end of things, he started volunteering at a food pantry in an effort to fill his free time and pull himself out of the funk. When the pantry reached a hand out to him, he said yes to their offer to help with food, health resources and rent assistance—and soon joined their employment program, too. With a bolstered spirit, Geo came to the realization that everything was going to be okay. In fact, he’s more content than he’s ever been. Welcoming others, sharing information, and stepping up to ask for change. Edwina's work has helped to create a significant impact on her very own street. Edwina Sheppard’s beloved neighborhood had slowly deteriorated over the years: vacant lots, burned-out houses, condemned properties and dangerous living conditions surrounded her home on all sides. As a homeowner who has been living in the same house within the Kountze Park/King Science Center neighborhood for 40 years, she was motivated to be a part of the solution. When a local housing organization began rebuilding a few houses in her neighborhood, Edwina introduced herself and challenged them to expand their work to include some properties on her own street. Soon, she was making introductions throughout the neighborhood, connecting the organization to property owners, and speaking up on behalf of her neighborhood at city council meetings and churches. Edwina’s neighborhood pride and advocacy helped to expand the rehabilitation work across several blocks, re-introducing a spirit of hope and expectancy to the neighborhood. Read more stories:
Visit www.thelandscapeomaha.org
the landscape
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• VERY inspirational PEOPLE
SILVER ANNIV. MEMBER
MARY VANDENACK is perfectly at ease leading a yoga class and guiding her students to achieve mindfulness. She’s equally in her element in the fast-paced environment of her law firm (Vandenack Weaver LLC) and guiding her clients through the minutiae of tax, business, real estate, health care, estate planning, business succession planning and asset protection planning.
Keep coming back Running and cycling had been important outlets for Vandenack as she struggled with professional burnout, but she broke a leg in a cycling mishap. Her physician recommended yoga or Pilates to cultivate flexibility through the long rehabilitation process, and Vandenack walked into her first yoga class while visiting New York City.
And then there were the years of working as a thoroughbred horse trainer, the period “It was at an extremely crowded YMCA, so I went to the back corner,” she said. She felt where she considered expanding her interest in running and fitness to become a out of place immediately in the “crazy, ridiculous” kundalini class and urgently wanted triathlete, and the ample nonprofit and advocacy work she has committed to for many to escape, but was reluctant to disturb the cluster of focused students obstructing her way to the exit. Vandenack toughed out the session and the instructor—who missed years. Oh, and she’s an avid golfer, too. (or maybe ignored) her eye-rolls—assured her, “Just keep coming back and things It may appear on the surface that Vandenack is a walking contradiction, but her story is will keep happening for you.” actually about finding harmony. Surprising herself, Vandenack said, she did come back to what she laughingly called “kundaloony” and other classes. “I became fascinated with yoga “To balance my intense legal career, I teach yoga, Pilates and mindfulness. of every type.” I took up these practices in an effort to find mind/body balance in my own life and have found immense joy in sharing the practices “It was an amazing experience meeting people and practicing with others,” she said. different forms of yoga,” she said. “That’s when I started “In my view, training to become a yoga and Pilates instructor. Vandenack’s life’s journey has been one of navigating there is plenty of I planned to open my own studio and leave law. About several paths at once and not always finding the then, my legal career took a turn into my own firm. In opportunity for all. straightest line from point A to point B. Vandenack spent that environment, I began to enjoy law again. It’s all the first part of her early adulthood following the advice If I do well, I have about my clients, who are amazing. In my own firm, of her father to pursue unique interests while still young. I can create a culture that I am comfortable with. “I don’t think he meant ‘travel around the country training horses for three years,’” she said. “(But) my first career was as a thoroughbred horse trainer.”
a lot more opportunity to help others do well.”
“About the time I started my own firm, I was asked to get involved in some national projects. One request was to get involved in helping youth at risk... In addition, I MARY VANDENACK F became recognized as a writer for some national publications After the untimely death of one of her three brothers (she also in my practice areas. (She also writes for this magazine.) I have has a sister), Vandenack returned home to be with her close-knit also been involved in advocating for youth at risk, for those with family and pursue a more traditional career path. mental illness and have had the chance to be involved in trying to address human trafficking and homelessness.” “I came from a family of lawyers so I was going to do anything but be a lawyer. I was lost for a while,” she said. “I took a career inventory that suggested teaching, journalism Choosing all interests or law. I chose law as the best way to make a living.” Vandenack said she was particularly inspired by “those who seek to bring peace to a troubled world or who act with kindness towards others...I am inspired by those in Challenging experiences caretaking professions, particularly those who care for our elderly, our injured and When Vandenack was five years into successfully practicing law with her family firm, our struggling youth.” her father became ill, a condition that turned out to be terminal. At the same time, the young wife and mother was initiating a divorce. “I spent the next 18 months watching Coming to the realization that she didn’t have to choose between her interests, my father die. That was one of life’s most challenging experiences,” she said. “And then Vandenack continued both her successful law career and her equally fruitful yoga and I was going home every night to an unhappy situation.” Pilates teaching. She was grateful to have the opportunity to spend time with her father in his final “In my view, there is plenty of opportunity for all. If I do well, I have a lot more months, Vandenack said, but it was a trying time professionally as well as personally. opportunity to help others do well,” she said. With the law practice down to Vandenack and her brother, they transitioned the firm with Vandenack’s brother going in-house for a client and Vandenack joining a law firm. And more than a decade later, she said each role still fulfills her in a unique way. “I bounced through three law firms in five years,” Vandenack said. “I would tell you that “My son (now in his early 20s) and I were discussing inspiration. His view is that I each of the law firms I was at had great things about them and I learned a lot but none inspire people by the way I live. He said I live with authenticity about who I am. He of them were a cultural fit for me…Every law firm has a very specific culture. I do a also said that my actions make it clear to others that I care about who they are and lot of mentoring of law students and what I say to them is, ‘You really have to take what is happening to them,” she said. culture very seriously. You can get into a firm that might be a great law firm for someone else, but if the culture doesn’t work for you, it’s like any other relationship.’” “I think my son is correct. I do care.”
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MULTI dimensional
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VIP
VIPS
• VERY inspirational PEOPLE
SILVER ANNIV. MEMBER
SHE’D BEEN INVOLVED IN SOCCER since childhood, but during a semester abroad in Botswana (southern Africa), Monica Bosiljevac discovered something new about the sport she loved.
USA operations manager and president of the board of directors. “We have really good people on the team; I wouldn’t be able to do it without my board members.”
Future goals “It was the first time I had ever traveled out of the country, and I was always able to Bosiljevac is also finishing coursework for a master’s degree in business establish this instant connection with people because I played soccer and because administration at UNO with graduation projected for next year. most of the time they were kind of surprised that this girl—an American white girl—could play,” she said. “That was my first experience that soccer could connect “The reason I went back to get my MBA was specifically so I could have some sort of people. I really enjoyed my time and I ended up finding a volunteer position for the executive leadership role at a nonprofit at some point in my life,” she said. “Since FFTW started as a nonprofit here in the United States, my goal is to get this nonprofit summer in Mwanza, Tanzania (east Africa) after I finished my semester.” to the point where it is sustainable and does employ a full-time executive director. Even as soccer was proving to be a wonderful connector at the community center And if that’s me, that would absolutely be my dream job. There’s no denying that for street children where she worked, there was one big disconnect for Bosiljevac. being able to run a nonprofit I’m super-passionate about and seeing it get to that As a Marian High School varsity soccer player, equipment and gear were point would be totally incredible. I would love to see FFTW be a sustainable always a given. And she never thought of herself as particularly nonprofit that will be around long-term.” privileged when she was a college player at the University of Nebraska Omaha with access to top-notch facilities and Football for the World’s mission is to help improve the never wanting for practice wear, uniforms, and all the quality of life of children across the globe through the high-quality gear the sport called for. But in Africa, game of soccer. “Sometimes, when I’m running she saw children play soccer shoeless. She saw “I would love to see equipment drives here in the United States, I have to games emerge on a dirt field littered with broken be careful to use ‘soccer’ as the language, because FFTW be a sustainable glass, and children using a makeshift ball of plastic people might hear the name and think American nonprofit that will be bags and rope. football. I have to be very clear that we’re collecting soccer equipment,” Bosiljevac said. FFTW works with around long-term.” “It makes you think. Wow, we have it pretty good… schools, sports clubs, community groups, individuals I’m a college soccer player and I get two new pairs of and corporations to procure and distribute equipment, MONICA BOSILJEVAC F cleats every year. I get tons of gear. I have equipment create safe playing spaces and develop players and stockpiled at home,” she said. “Is there a way to ship this coaches. overseas and give it to kids that could really benefit from it?’ Gearing up In 2012, a fellow volunteer soccer coach in Tanzania, Canadian Alikhan Popat, had founded the Football for the World Foundation (FFTW) to distribute donated equipment and gear to children in economically disadvantaged areas. That same year, Bosiljevac followed his lead and began collecting gear back home. “Ali had this infrastructure in place, so when I came back to the States I stayed in touch with him,” she said. Her first equipment drives and distribution efforts were informal. “For the first couple of years I was basically doing FFTW activities but I was not quite ready to make it my own nonprofit,” Bosiljevac said. “At one point I decided I really wanted to run own equipment drive and plan my own international trip.” She familiarized herself with the minutiae of international regulations and cultures relative to the various communities targeted for FFTW activities in the Americas and Africa. “A drive in Tanzania looks way different than one in Jamaica, so you can’t replicate it,” she explained.
Everyone plays “I think it’s important to tie in the Omaha community,” Bosiljevac said. Local activities have not only included equipment drives for which she’s happy to provide collection bins and marketing support, but after-school programming for Completely Kids and eight-week clinics for groups at Jackson Elementary, Field Club Elementary and Benson West Elementary. FFTW-USA has also donated equipment to young soccer players through PACE (Police Athletics for Community Engagement), Girls Inc., Omaha Housing Authority and Benson High School. Community members who want to help support FFTW can contact Bosiljevac or one of her colleagues through the group’s website, footballfortheworld.org. “It really has been inspirational, or a ‘passion project’ as we always refer to it. You’re going to get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. So if you’re willing to put in the work, you’re going to be rewarded just by passing out the gear on these trips and seeing the looks on these kids’ faces,” she said. Bosiljevac’s involvement with FFTW also keeps her connected to the sport she loves but can no longer actively play due to past injuries.
In May 2015, Football for the World Foundation-USA (FFTW-USA) became incorporated as an officially registered 501(c)(3) organization in the United States, “As much as I would love to and want to play recreational soccer or pickup leagues an expansion of the original organization. “It’s nice to see how it’s grown. What’s or co-ed leagues, I have told myself I shouldn’t put myself in that situation,” she made me successful is just being able to chip away a little at a time and letting it said. “But whenever I do go on these (FFTW) trips, there’s no way I can hold back. I grow naturally,” Bosiljevac said. The two entities work hand in hand towards the always have to jump into a pickup game or jump into a soccer clinic and run around same mission and partner on international projects. Bosiljevac now serves as the with the kids.” 24
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KICKING IT FOR THE kids
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game CHANGERS
• PRESENTED BY
I’M TRYING TO BE involved IN AS MUCH AS I CAN. IT KIND OF GOES BACK TO BEING AN OMAHA native. I LOVE THIS CITY AND [GIVING BACK IS] REALLY important TO ME. ~ KAREN GORACKE
karen goracke has been the president and chief executive officer of borsheims fine jewelry and gifts since warren buffett named her to the position in 2013, but she still makes a point to be involved in the everyday details of the store’s operations.
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KAREN GORACKE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PRESENTS
game changers
KAREN GORACKE
CONTINUED
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game CHANGERS
• PRESENTED BY
engaging INSIDE out...
KAREN GORACKE KNOWS MANY OF THE DEPARTMENTS AT BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. AFTER EARNING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION FROM KEARNEY STATE COLLEGE (NOW UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY), SHE JOINED BORSHEIMS IN 1988—THE YEAR BEFORE THE COMPANY BECAME PART OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, INC.—AND IN THE DECADES SINCE HAS SERVED AS A SALES ASSOCIATE, INVENTORY SUPERVISOR, WATCH BUYER, LADIES’ JEWELRY BUYER AND DIRECTOR OF MERCHANDISING.
“I really think it is just a little bit of everything. Sometimes I’m on the sales floor selling, sometimes I’m merchandising, I carry out stock and put it away. Of course I’m involved in learning about our marketing activities, ecommerce, and a little bit about IT— although that’s probably not my specialty,” she said. “Really, it’s looking at every aspect of the business and having consistent interaction in every department.” Goracke watched Borsheims become one of the largest independent jewelers in the country featuring more than 100,000 pieces of jewelry, watches and fine gifts and serving an international clientele spanning all 50 states and six continents. “I grew up in this business, and that has been a great asset for me,” she said. “I’ve worked in so many departments and I really understand the mechanics of the business.”
community I’ve loved to live in and loved to have raised my family in.”
Catholic education is an important personal interest as It’s Goracke’s turn to serve as a mentor today, with not well for the Gross Catholic High School graduate and just Borsheims employees at all levels but people at all mother of three sons who attended Skutt Catholic High stages in various careers from entry-level business School, and Goracke has championed the cause through positions to budding fashion merchandisers. Her volunteer activities with the Archdiocese of Omaha and reputation for having an open and friendly demeanor the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha. Her youngest means people regularly seek her out for advice and son is still in high school and her older two sons are in guidance, and she’s only half-joking when she says, college: one attends Benedictine College, a Catholic “I’ll have coffee with anyone.” Goracke also embraces liberal arts college in Atchison, Kansas; the other is at the more official mentoring opportunities. University of Nebraska Omaha and is now spending a semester abroad in the Czech Republic. Between 1998 “A couple of years ago I was the executive-in-residence for and 2004, Goracke actually left Borsheims to stay at the UNK business school,” she explained. “I spent a couple home with her then-young sons, and she said she feels of days on campus and made some connections there and fortunate that her employer afforded her the opportunity worked with college students on a personal level. I taught to have spent that time with her children without having for two days—a wide array of classes—everything from to sacrifice her career. marketing to economics to finance. I still have a lot of interaction with those students.”
Guided and guiding
She also reflected on how independent her sons are now that two have reached adulthood and the other is a teenager. “You do change your focus quite a bit,” she said, adding that the relationships are different, too. “We talk more about career advice rather than ‘What are you making me for lunch today?’ You share what you’ve learned in your life to help guide them to adulthood.”
Stepping out As the company’s top executive, Goracke represents Borsheims in numerous industry organizations including as a director of Jewelers of America, a director of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc., and a director with Jewelers Vigilance Committee. She’s also involved with Jewelers for Children and Women’s Jewelry Association. Locally, she’s made time to be active with the Business Ethics Alliance and the Women’s Fund of Omaha. “I’m trying to be involved in as much as I can,” she said. “It kind of goes back to being an Omaha native. I love this city and it’s really important to me giving back to that
Having that hands-on experience was invaluable to learn about different aspects of business.”
Goracke herself received valuable experience and career advice when she was college-age, through a job with accounting firm McDermott & Miller in Kearney.
She strives to be approachable in the workplace, too, Goracke said. A new-hire recently expressed surprise about how accessible she was, saying “I can’t believe I can actually talk to the CEO,” but Goracke pointed out that the interaction benefits everyone. “Employees take advantage of that opportunity, which is important to me. It also helps me understand what’s going on in the business.”
Next chapter Having reached her milestone 50th birthday, Goracke said she still looks ahead, but the perspective has changed. “I plan to be working for quite a bit longer, but I also think about what my next chapter will be.
“That was really my introduction to the business world in a practical sense. I was hired to make copies and make “Someone once told me you spend your youth learning, coffee, but as I spent some there I worked with a your middle years working and the last chapter is giving. wonderful man, Jerry Colvert, who started giving me projects. I learned how to depreciate cattle, do payroll for What will be my gift? I really hope to be involved in a nonprofit or educational role down the line. I think about companies like Taco John’s, I even did a little tax return staying involved in the community, but also about, ‘How work,” she said. “He gave me small projects and was a do you use all of this knowledge that you’ve gotten mentor before there really formally were ‘mentors.’ He really took me under his wing and taught me a lot. throughout your career and share that?’”
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• mQUARTERLY
KAREN GORACKE SOMEONE ONCE TOLD ME YOU SPEND YOUR YOUTH learning, YOUR MIDDLE YEARS working AND THE LAST CHAPTER IS giving. WHAT WILL BE MY gift? ~ KAREN GORACKE
This special feature is sponsored by planitomaha. 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 Working at Borsheims has provided “a nice balance” to her male-dominated household through the years, Goracke said.
omaha magazine B2B winners since 2008 national, regional and local meetings and events
“It is nice that I work in kind of a girly environment. Borsheims is predominantly a female organization, so I have a lot of ‘girl time’ at work,” she said, adding that she enjoys the biggest perk of working at a jewelry store: “I’ve tried on lots and lots of pieces…actually, almost every piece.”
nationally recognized as a leader in the meetings & event industry supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of
As a business leader, she appreciates the company’s deep, nearly 150-year history and excellent reputation. As a woman, she appreciates the lasting sentiment a special piece of jewelry can carry.
planitomaha has been providing event and meeting management solutions for over 18 years. we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism.
“I do have a ring my husband gave me a number of years ago that’s still one of my favorite pieces; it’s a special connection to him and the store at the same time,” she said. “That’s what jewelry is about, making the connection to memories and people throughout your life.” PRESENTS
game changers
while proudly located in the midwest, our crazy-talented event team works from new york to la and everywhere in the middle. KAREN GORACKE
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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.
a good time TO REMEMBER kindness LOVING KINDNESS MEDITATION REFRESHER ~ Thích Nhất Hạnh Technically, it is always a good time for kindness; however, since the 2016 elections, there has been a degree of un-kindness, and a justification thereof, that I find concerning. It is true that many wounds came to light as a result of the 2016 elections but those wounds pre-existed the elections. The elections were simply the mechanism that drew them out. We have all observed, and possibly been on one end or the other of, the many attacks that have resulted from the emotions that were drawn upon over the last several months. Keep in mind that the power of emotion can overrun our intellect rather readily. It is important to recognize that. Wounds, of any kind, are not likely to heal from further attacks or statements of “You’re wrong, I’m right.” The truth is that we are all right to some degree and we are all often wrong. But we all win when we can function towards each other with kindness, or at least respect. I know that the last many months have changed my relationships. Many people remain among my acquaintances but I have redefined “friendship.” My criteria for a friend is this: “I want to relate and connect with those who will treat me well and respectfully, even when we disagree.” Personally, I thrive on, and learn much from, those who have different perspectives. Regardless of my general perspective towards seeking kindness, I admit that the emotions of the last many months took a toll on me. I had to withdraw and regularly engage in the practice of loving kindness. Doing so has helped me tremendously. As a result, I thought it would be useful to reshare the concept.
There is a recognized meditation for loving kindness that has its roots in Buddhism but has become well recognized in the mindfulness movement in the United States. The practice starts by simply relaxing and focusing on the breath. Choose one of the traditional phrases such as “May I be free from inner and outer harm and danger. May I be safe and protected.” Or, “May I be able to live in the world happily, peacefully, joyfully, with ease.” In practicing the meditation, you first focus on directing the meditation towards yourself. You then move thoughts to someone other than yourself about whom you care very much. That is, you direct the meditation to someone easy to love. The next portion of the meditation shifts the focus to someone about whom you feel neutral. Next, you seek to move toward someone you have difficulty with. Finally, radiate kindness to all living beings. “May all beings be safe, happy, health, live joyously…” “May all beings in existence be safe, happy, healthy, live joyously….” You can also direct the loving kindness meditation towards categories of beings. An alternate way to practice the mediation is to use space, starting with you, directing kindness energy to the area about you, and gradually expanding to the world and/or universe at large.
ENVISION YOUR FUTURE: PREVENT DISEASE DISCOVER HEALTH! YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE! Dr.Stephanie Vondrak • Dr. Ashley Rainbolt Vondrak Dental (402) 289-2313 info@drvondrak.com
THE CHOICE IS YOURS! 31
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Kali Baker is Vice President of Community Relations at the Omaha Community Foundation
omaha giving
• OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
celebrating FIVE YEARS
OF omaha gives!
This year marks the fifth anniversary of Omaha Gives! – our community’s charitable challenge. Since 2013, 148,000 donations have led to raising $27 million for local nonprofits through this event. That’s something to celebrate! We never imagined what this day would become. And, we are grateful to the community that has made Omaha Gives! what it is today. As we prepared for this year’s event, we asked our nonprofit partners what part of the day was most helpful to them as they work to further their missions. While there were many answers, a common theme emerged. Our nonprofit partners loved that there was one day dedicated to celebrate the work they do and celebrate the generosity of this community. We weren’t thinking of the intangible effects of the day. We were looking for tools, strategies, and new ideas, which are all important parts of making the day work, but our nonprofit partners are right. There is an amazing momentum and energy created by the collective movement of everyone who participates in the day. Every program that stretches to serve one more person, every life that is different because a nonprofit exists, every dollar given to share with someone else – this is the spirit of the day. This year, we are excited to have a record 915 nonprofits participating—up from 318 in the first year. We have witnessed the creativity, passion, and commitment our local nonprofits bring to fulfilling their missions. We’ve seen the joy and excitement of
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watching the leaderboard tabulate what can be possible in 24 short hours. There has been much laughter and even some tears watching what happens during the event. From a Metro bus kali baker turned disco party, to musical celebrations at Slowdown, to a live-streamed demolition of a house, to singing telegrams thanking donors for their gifts, to twelve hours of jazzy giving – it’s truly a day to celebrate and our local nonprofits. And, the most moving experience of this day was seeing how in the midst of our collective shock and grief at the loss of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, our community responded with an outpouring of support to honor her legacy. This day is an opportunity to come together and support what matters most to each of us. Supporting your favorite nonprofits – whether that be a food pantry, an after-school program, an animal rescue, or an art museum – is also supporting the entire community. Omaha Gives! is set to take place on Wednesday, May 24 from midnight to midnight, with scheduled donations beginning on May 1. Whether you make a personal donation, create a cheer page for your favorite nonprofit, join an Omaha Gives! event around town, or spread the word among your friends and co-workers, be a part of this year’s celebration. For more information, contact us at (402) 342-3458 or visit www.omahagives.org.
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todays savings
impact!
• SWARTZBAUGH-FARBER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
aligning your ENVISION YOUR dental spine scaredy&cat!
SPRING INTO
disability awareness!
• YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
mary drueke-collins
SPRING & SUMMER
are finally here! We are all excited for the longer days, brighter sunshine and blossoming trees. Most of us don’t think about our finances when we are enjoying the spring weather. So you probably don’t know May is Disability Insurance Awareness month! This is actually a great time to think about what would happen if you were ever disabled and how to protect you and your family from the financial risk of being unable to work. Most of us don’t like to think about becoming disabled and even more of us think that it will never happen to us. If you take a good look at the statistics on disability, you just might be surprised. These following statistics come from the ‘chances of disability’ section of The Council for Disability Awareness website (www.disabilitycanhappen.org). Just over 25% of today’s 20 year olds will become disabled at some point in their life before they retire. Consider the disability probability for these average individuals: • Sally is an average 35 years old office worker, 5’4”, 125 pounds. Sally leads a healthy lifestyle, but still has the following risks: a 24% chance of being disabled for three months or longer during her working career; and a 38% chance that her disability will last five years or longer. The average disability for someone like Sally lasts 82 months. If Sally were to use tobacco and weighed 160 pounds, her risk of disability would increase to a 41% chance of being disabled for three months or more. • Joe is also an average 35 years old office worker, 5’10”, 170 pounds. Joe also leads a healthy lifestyle, and has the following risks: a 21% chance of being disabled for three months or longer during his working career; and a 38% chance that his disability will last five years or longer. The average disability for someone like Joe lasts 82 months. If Joe were to use tobacco and weighed 210 pounds, his risk of disability would increase to a 45% chance of being disabled for three months or more.
HEALTH HABITS AND
stephanie vondrak d.d.s.
“STAND UP STRAIGHT!” “And pay attention!” This phrase is universal among moms, teachers, and coaches especially those dealing with the “know it all” teen. But what does “stand up straight” really mean? Have you ever stopped to think about the significance of good posture and your overall health or the relationship between good posture, healthy jaw joints and relaxed facial muscles? According to American Physical Therapy Association, “Good posture, when standing, is the vertical alignment of your body from the top of your head, through your body’s center, to the bottom of your feet.” Good posture allows for an even distribution of pressure and weight for healthy joints, muscles and bones. Poor posture, on the other hand, distorts your body’s natural alignment including the natural curves in your spine. These distortions cause unnecessary pressure on your muscles and ligaments including your jaw, resulting in pain referred to as TMJ pain or Temporomandiublar Joint Disorder. As a dentist credentialed by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, I have seen, firsthand, the link between forward head posture (slouching shoulders forward) and Temporomandiublar Joint Disorder symptoms such as headaches, sore shoulders, TMJ pain, facial muscle fatigue, ear pain etc.… Why? When your head and shoulders are hunched forward, the muscles of your neck and shoulders strain. This stress then travels upward settling in the TMJ joints, ears and/or surrounding muscles. Take a look at the graphic below that demonstrates the weight of the head on the spine as the shoulders and head hunch forward.
If you were to become disabled and not able to earn an income, do you have enough savings to survive financially? Expert recommendations tell us that we should have at least six months’ income in savings in case of emergency. The fact is that most people could not sustain their lifestyle for even a month if they lost their income. The effect of one long-term disability occurrence can wipe out a family’s assets. Disability income insurance is designed to help. Disability insurance essentially insures your income, paying you a portion of your salary when you are unable to work due to an injury or illness. The length of time the disability insurance pays and the amount of your income it replaces depends upon the policy you purchase. Some policies provide flexibility in the percentage of your income it replaces and for how long. Disability insurance comes in two forms: short-term and long-term. Generally, short-term disability insurance pays benefits for 90 to 180 days. Long-term disability typically begins to pay benefits after the short-term policy ends and most policies pay for as long as you cannot work, until you reach Social Security retirement age. The cost of disability affects more than the individual and their family. A valuable employee would be difficult to replace if he or she developed a serious illness or experienced an accident. If the option is available, most employees would also rather return to their former jobs than try to find new employment after a period of disability. Because of this, many employers provide disability insurance to their employees, or at least the option to purchase the coverage. Individual policies are available if you are self-employed. Chances are that you won’t need to rely on disability coverage. But luck can turn against you, and the cost of losing is high. Before you take some time to smell the spring flowers, make sure you protect your most valuable asset: your ability to earn a living.
Interestingly the trend of forward head posture, TMJ pain and associated headaches continues to rise. As a society, we seem intent on hunching forward. We look down at our cell phones continuously throughout the day to text, email and check our Facebook feeds. Likewise, many of us work long hours at our computers without consideration of proper ergonomics.
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.
For more information on TMJ pain, splint therapy or our comprehensive treatment: www.drvondrak.com or (402) 289-2313 *Look for our ad in this issue of mQUARTERLY
Given these findings, my best advice is to choose to “protect your posture.” By understanding spinal alignment, you can work to strengthen your core and “stand up straight.” If you are already experiencing pain associated with TMJ disorder and posture problems, proper diagnosis and treatment planning is essential. In my office, a comprehensive treatment of corrective splint therapy (mouth splint) and on-site physical therapy including ultrasound and spray and stretch is highly effective in eliminating pain and restoring health.
Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from Sleep Apnea with sleep apnea appliances. 33
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planning matters
• WITH VW LAW
avoiding estate BATTLES A good estate plan fulfills three primary objectives including tax minimization, asset protection, and efficient distribution of assets to intended heirs. An excellent estate plan adds a fourth element of minimizing conflict among heirs that helps avoid lengthy and expensive estate litigation. Every individual’s estate plan should follow basic rules that avoids battles among heirs which is often the prelude to expensive courtroom and family conflict. Celebrity estates in each guideline provides real examples of the celebrity’s failure to follow these basic guidelines. Estate plans should always be in place and reviewed regularly. Always have an estate plan regardless of your age. Original estate planning documents should be stored in a safe place. You should advise trusted individuals of those documents’ location to assure ready availability when those documents are needed.
The artist, Prince, provides a classic example of passing away at a relatively young age without any estate plan. As a result, an estate of approximately $300 million and growing daily from music royalties will probably be in lengthy litigation to determine his heirs.
monte schatz
Retain an estate planning attorney and listen to their advice. Your attorney needs complete details of your assets, family circumstances, and desired disposition of assets and directives about your health care and end-of-life decisions. Frank Sinatra, Jr. was divorced, but not separated from his wife. As a result of this continued living arrangement at his death, his ex-spouse’s attorneys claimed she was entitled to an inheritance as a common-law wife. Sinatra Jr.’s estate could have avoided many legal issues by consulting with and listening to his attorney’s prior advice regarding this arrangement. Estate planning documents should clearly designate intended heirs. Most states’ laws provide that only a surviving spouse is protected from disinheritance. Other heirs may be unintentionally disinherited without specific language included in plan documents providing for those heirs. The death of the Kansas City Royal’s pitching ace, Jose Fernandez, illustrates this issue. He died unmarried to his girlfriend who was pregnant with his child. No documents provided financially either for his child’s mother or his child. This matter still remains unresolved. Your estate plan should clearly outline provisions made for desired heirs. There is no room for ambiguity in the terms of your will or trust. Robin Williams’ heirs disputed personal property items in two trusts. It took over two years of litigation to resolve the confusion about which of two trusts controlled personal property. Each trust had distinctly separate groups of beneficiaries. Your plan documents should be prepared and signed before onset of physical or mental impairment. Documents hurriedly signed during severe illness or near death invites claims of incapacity and undue influence. Brooke Astor (John Jacob Astor heiress), had a charitable will that she amended twice when she had questionable capacity. The late changes increased her estate’s taxes and reduced amounts distributed to her designated charities. Adherence to these practical rules helps to avoid estate planning blunders that can lead to confusion, conflict and avoidable estate battles.
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look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2017!
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION - NEBRASKA OMAHA HEART & STOKE BALL
MIDLANDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION REFLECTION BALL
MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL MARIANFEST 2017
HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE CARNIVAL OF LOVE GALA
JDRF HEARTLAND CHAPTER, OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS JDRF PROMISE GALA - PAST, PRESENT, CURE
MAKE-A-WISH NEBRASKA BLUE JEAN BALL: A NIGHT OF STARS
VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION ART & SOUP
OPERA OMAHA OPERA OMAHA FLIGHT 2017 GALA
• please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make our promotion of these important events possible
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HEART
Healthy American Heart Association – NE Omaha Heart & Stoke Ball When: February 4
RYAN AND MELIA HORNER WITH MALORIE MADDOX
Where: Embassy Suites La-Vista
LORI AND LAKELYN HOGAN
Why: The American Heart Association is proud to host the Annual Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball to raise funds and awareness for its lifesaving mission “to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” The annual Heart Ball is one of Omaha’s most prominent social galas. The Heart Ball featured a personal story of a young girl born with a congenital heart defect and credits her lifesaving treatment to the research and education provided by the American Heart Association. Attendance: 800 plus HEART PRINCESS MELIA HORNER Amount Raised: More than $600,000 Mission: To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. About: The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, our organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters. We fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide critical tools and information to save and improve lives. Our nationwide organization includes 156 local offices and more than 3,000 employees. We moved our national headquarters from New York to Dallas in 1975 to be more centrally located. The American Stroke Association was created as a division in 1997 to bring together the organization’s stroke-related activities.
2016-2017 SWEETHEARTS
For more Information: 402.810.6858 | heart.org
HEART PRINCESS MELIA HORNER
DR. SCOTT FLETCHER AND MELIA HORNER
SANDY AND KATE DODGE
JOHN KNICELY AND MALORIE MADDOX 38
NATE DODGE
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FEATURED EVENT
spotlight
children’s hospital & medical center PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION
sole sisters
ESSENTIALS: Wine Women & Shoes drew a record-breaking crowd of nearly 60 people to Omaha Design Center on April 7 to sip, savor and shop at this fifth annual event to support Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s Carolyn Scott Rainbow House. Donors celebrated fashion and compassion, raising $200,000 in gross revenue. Guests tasted wonderful wines while they shopped a fabulous marketplace full of hot shoes, cool jewelry and stylish accessories. They also enjoyed live and silent auctions, a fashion show, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. More than 40 Shoe Guys—handsome and helpful volunteers—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 $13,100 for the Rainbow House.
SHEENA DINSDALE, DAWN DINSDALE, ALISON JOHNSON AND PAIGE RITTER
Wine Women & Shoes honorary chairs were Dawn Dinsdale, Alison Johnson, Paige Ritter and Sheena Dinsdale. Event chairs were Angela Cutler and Christina Groteluschen. WOWT’s Malorie Maddox 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 Children’s patient families who live 60 miles or more from Omaha. “In just five years, Wine Women & Shoes has grown to become one of Omaha’s most popular and anticipated events for women, and we are delighted to see so much support for the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House,” 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: 402.955.4044 | www.WineWomenandShoes.com/Omaha
LAURA CROSBY, NANCY PLFUG, MARY WILSON AND DEBBIE TOMPKINS 40
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| wine women & shoes
ANGELA CUTLER AND CHRISTINA GROTELUSCHEN
KRISTEN GEISSINGER AND RACHEL RICHARDS
MORGAN THOMSEN AND TAYLOR PLATISHA
JENNY STRAWN, KRIS HOUSTON AND PRISCILLA PHILLIPS
JASON PARKER, ANDREW PARKER, ELLEN WRIGHT AND AJ ANDERSON
ASHLEY MCMAHON, JENNIFER BUDA AND ELLIE GRACE
JULIE SAUSER, JESSICA SAUSER AND JACKIE HITZ
NICOLE HAMILL, BRANDI BALLAN, LIZ LARMORE AND ANN PITSCHKA
KATIE CHRISTENSON AND MICHELLE KANKOUSKY
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FEATURED EVENT
spotlight
metroMAGAZINE/mQUARTERLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN FLANIGAN, ROGER HUMPHRIES AND HERB THOMPSON
THE BIG EVENT • ANNUAL AWARDS & CELEBRATION
honoring the givers
ESSENTIALS: Honored guests once again gathered together on January 19th at Omaha Design Center to launch The Giving Guide & Event Book 2017 and to celebrate all of the charitable fundraising events held during 2016 by honoring the winners of The BIG Event 2016 Awards & Celebration! Event Partners Catering Creations Cupcake Omaha Dog & Pony Productions, Inc. Jam’s Catering MacRae Productions Motion Content House Paramount Parking Patricia’s Catering Omaha Design Center Omaha Design Center Catering Step//Group Event Marketing VIP Limousine The Giving Guide & Event Book Corporate Sponsors NP Dodge Real Estate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska OBI Creative Max I. Walker Great Western Bank Century Link Pinnacle Bank Carson Wealth COX $10,000 BIG CONNECTION WINNER Heartland Family Service (Carnival of Love Gala) Publisher's Choice Award JDRF Heartland Chapter (Promise Gala: Platinum for a Cure)
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| The BIG Event 2017
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Photos courtesy of Duchesne Academy
DASHING
Dynamic Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Congé 2017 When: January 28
MARILYN RYAN AND MADELEINE BEGLEY
ELIZABETH SPITZENBERGER, RUBY KENNEY, LIZ SCHROPP AND CATHERINE OBERLIES
Where: Embassy Suites Convention Center, La Vista Why: Congé, which is in it’s 41st year, is Duchesne’s annual dinner/auction. The funds raised are put towards tuition assistance for students, as well as towards Duchesne’s operating budget. Multi Media: Dog & Pony Productions (lighting and sound) Attendance: 600
JOE AND KARA SPITZENBERGER, JULIE AND MARK OBERLIES, STEVE AND JULIE KENNEY WITH TOBY AND MOLLY SCHROPP
Amount Raised: $477,000 (Net) Mission: Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic college-preparatory high school for girls of all faiths and backgrounds and a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada. The schools of the Sacred Heart Network share five goals which commit them to educate to: a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness which impels to action, the building of community as a Christian value and a personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.
JULIE KENNEY AND DEDE JOHNSON
MEG HUERTER BRUDNEY AND JIM BRUDNEY
LAUREN MUELLER, ANNE HEFFLINGER AND SHANNON HERNON MCNEIL
MAGGIE CRNKOVICH AND JOHN VANMOORLEGHEM
For more Information: 402.558.3800 | www.duchesneacademy.org
KATHLEEN RUSSELL, KIMBERLY SWASSING AND KAYLYNN SWASSING
TRAVIS JUSTICE, MARY JUSTICE AND AJANETTE JUSTICE 44
MICHAEL ROWEN AND JUDY JOHNSON
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REFLECTING
Service
Midlands Community Foundation Reflection Ball
KEN MOLZER, JOHN KOTOUC, AL SCHMID AND JOHN WITZEL
TONEE GAY WITH PATRICK AND KATHY SULLIVAN AND DON AND VALERIE BELLINO
FRONT ROW: KEN SUMMERFIELD, BINDY FREDERICK, MARTHA SOPINSKI, DONNA WILCOX, MARY GAWECKI, KYLE BLACK AND DIANE KNICKY BACK ROW: BRENDA CARLSON, JAN DAVIS, LORI PANKONIN, PATTIE ISKE, CARRIE KRIST, KRIS ZEY, JACKIE DAVIS, LEANNE SOTAK AND JILL GOVIER
Midlands Community Foundation’s 2017 Reflection Ball, held on January 21 at the Embassy Suites in LaVista, raised more than $120,000. 500 guests attended the gala. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to the MCF General Fund. Through MCF’s grants program, proceeds will support the needs of non-profit organizations serving Sarpy and Cass counties in the areas of art, community, economic development, education, health and human services. At the event, the 2017 Reflection Award was presented to Valerie and Don Bellino for their community involvement and philanthropy. “We are pleased to present Valerie and Don Bellino with this year’s Reflection Award. We appreciate their vision and dedication to our community, particularly through all they have done in the area of economic development and their support of extracurricular activities for our youth,” said Tonee Gay, executive director. As 2017 marked MCF’s 35th Annual Reflection Ball, Karla Rupiper, MCF Board president and Mary Gawecki, MCF Board past president recognized all past Reflection Award recipients who were in attendance.
TONEE GAY, MICHELLE GEORGE, DOUG KINDIG, KARLA RUPIPER AND JUDGE BOB O’NEAL
KARA AND VINCE BELLINO WITH DON AND VALERIE BELLINO AND ANNA BELLINO
The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement and service. For more Information: 402.991.8027 | www.MidlandsCommunity.org
FRONT ROW: KAREN OLSON, EVONNE WILLIAMS, JOANN FRICKE, MARIAN FRICKE, CHERIE METSCHKE, KYLE BLACK, DONNA WILCOX, LORI PANKONIN, LISA STROHMYER AND VALERIE BELLINO BACK ROW: AL SCHMID, DR. MICHAEL WESTCOTT, KEN MOLZER, BILL WILLIAMS, MILT FRICKE, CHARLES FRICKE, DR.HARLAN METSCHKE, DR. RICK BLACK, DR. CHUCK WILCOX, DAVE PANKONIN, DR. JEFFRY STROHMYER AND DON BELLINO
CAPTIONS
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Photos courtesy of Marian High School
AUTHENTIC
Superheros Marian High School MarianFEST 2017 When: February 10 BACK ROW: JULIA AND MATT NELSON, MAUREEN AND ROB MAYER, RENEE AND PAT MCGILL, PAM AND KEN KILZER WITH CINDY AND CHRIS HUERTER FRONT ROW: BUNNY AND ZAZA NELSON, LAUREN AND MORGAN MAYER, ABBY MCGILL, ANNA AND KATIE KILZER AND BROOKE HUERTER
Where: Hilton Omaha Downtown Why: MarianFEST is Marian’s largest fundraising event of the year, with proceeds benefiting tuition assistance and scholarships for students. Superhero Gala, called on all caped crusaders for support – a nod to the school’s mascot the Crusaders.
LAUREN ISENBERG, DELANEY GUNN, MARY HIGGINS AND MEGAN VALENZUELA
Special Guests: Marian’s founding order, the Servants of Mary were inattendance, along with Golden Grads from the class of 1966 - those who celebrated their 50th anniversary as alumnae this past year.
BRIAN, MEGAN AND ANJNA VALENZUELA Event Planner: Shari Gilg, Director of Marian Special Events Attendance: 600 Amount Raised: $450,000 Mission: The mission of Marian High School is to commit all its resources to the college preparatory education of young women, teaching them to be leaders and lifelong learners in a society where their talents and faith will give hope to the world.
ANGIE CRAFT AND PAM MORTENSON
TONI AND TIM FLYNN WITH CHRIS AND CINDY HUERTER
About: Founded by the Servants of Mary in 1955, Marian is a Catholic, all-girl college preparatory school twice recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. As Nebraska’s only Class A girls’ high school, Marian provides the opportunities of a large high school in a smaller setting. Marian welcomes students of all cultural, economic and spiritual backgrounds. For more Information: 402.571.2618 Ext. 1137 | marianhighschool.net
ROB AND DEDE SALERNO WITH MATT NELSON
JULIA CRUMP, SR. HELEN RAU AND LAUREN NOVACEK
MARY AND TERRY ZACH
SUSIE SHOEMAKER, CINDY JESSE, SHAUNA HAUTZINGER AND SANDY BOLAMPERTI 46
LAURA O’BRIEN, SHARON FLANERY AND LYNNE MILLER
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Photos courtesy of Heartland Family Service
FEST ‘ DES
Amour
Heartland Family Service Carnival of Love Gala About 600 guests came to revel in Rio for the Heartland Family Service “Carnival of Love” Gala at the Embassy Suites on Saturday, Feb. 11, helping to raise a record $315,023 to serve the most vulnerable children and families in our community. The new record shattered not this year’s goal of $285,000 but also the previous record of $264,000 set last year.
DONNA DOSTAL, JULIE GIBSON-BEIER, JOANN GOULD, KACEY AND JOE LEMPKA, JOHN JEANETTA, MELISSA STEFFES AND NICOLE TROMLERY
Guests were transported to the famous Rio Carnival with masks, feathers, plank signs pointing the way to libations and several casino games — craps, roulette and blackjack.
STEPHANIE AND RYAN JEANNETTE
Master of Ceremonies Bob Kropp kicked off the program by introducing a video about former Heartland Family Service client Michelle, who was able to find the road to success for her family with help from a low-interest car loan through the Ways to Work program.
FLORA SHUKIS
The evening ended with Hope for Families, during which guests simply raise their bid cards to donate, and the story of Flora Shukis, an 89-year-old senior who has attended the Heartland Family Service Generations Center for 10 years. “Everyone at the senior center, we’re like a bunch of sisters and brothers no matter what age,” Flora said. “I love them all.”
MELISSA STEFFES AND ANDEE HOIG
ANN KUTILEK, NATALIE PETERSEN, SALLY STALNAKER, AND LAURETTE HESS
As Heartland Family Service’s largest fundraiser of the year, the “Carnival of Love” Gala helps create the path to a better tomorrow for the over 30,000 individuals the agency serves each year from more than 15 locations in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Among the more than 50 programs that will receive financial support from the “Carnival of Love” are the Safe Haven domestic violence shelter, Youth Links crisis stabilization center for teens in the juvenile justice system and the Ready in 5 school readiness program for refugee children and their families. For more Information: 402.553.3000 | HeartlandFamilyService.org
JACK STRUYK, JEFF SOUBA AND MATT MILAM
CAPTIONS
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Photos courtesy of Debutante Ball Committee
BUILDING
Anticipation Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee Debutante Ball Spring Brunch
NANCY AYOUB AND KATHARINE LEFEBVRE
LAURA AND EMILY DOLL
When: April 8
Where: Happy Hollow Club, Omaha
Why: Kick off of the 52nd Annual Debutante Ball
Special Guests: James Johnson CEO of the Omaha Symphony; Catherine Mahoney is the Debutante Ball Chairwomen; Danielle Bunz is the Advisor, and Julie Lyons is the Associate Chairwomen
TRUDY AND DAVID BREDTHAUER, HENRY AND CHARLIE DIERS WITH MARY AND DANIEL JEWELL
ROW 1: LAUREN THADEN, EMILY WOODWARD, GRACE HELDRIDGE, SOPHIE DINEEN, DANYELLE WALSH AND ELIZABETH SCHROPP ROW 2 – CHARLES ERKER, ADAM HEDICAN, ANTHONY SEINA, MATTHEW COFFEY, GRANT GRZYWA, MATTHEW FARHO, DAVID BREDTHAUER AND SETH NORTON
CINDY AND MADISON HANLEY
PAM FINN AND TEHRA FINN-JACKSON
TOP ROW – MICHELE ZADALIS, TONEE GAY, NANCY AYOUB AND JEANIE JONES MIDDLE ROW – JENNIFER PETERSON, STACY WILSON, ANNE MEDLOCK AND SUSAN HEIM BOTTOM ROW – PATTY BUSER, JULIE LYONS, CATHERINE MAHONEY, DANIELLE BUNZ, BECKY WINCEK AND CHRISTINE STEVENS 48
LAUREN ZADALIS, CLAIRE LYONS, RACHEL DOLL, SARAH DOLL AND KELLY MAHONEY
BETH AND JAKE WILSON
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Photos courtesy of JDRF Heartland Chapter
FUTURE
Possibilities JDRF Heartland Chapter, Omaha-Council Bluffs JDRF Promise Gala - Past, Present, Cure. When: February 25
BRET MICHAELS WITH JILL AND JON PANZER
JILL AND JON PANZER WITH JILL ROTELLA AND LACI NABER
Where: CenturyLink Center Why: JDRF 20th Annual Promise Gala - Past, Present, Cure - celebrated a history of breakthroughs and a future of possibilities for type 1 diabetes research. Multi Media: Megan Stevens Productions and JSAV Attendance: 1040 Amount Raised: More than $1.2 million
JDRF HEARTLAND CHAPTER, OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mission: JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.
BRET MICHAELS WITH BRYNN RASMUSSEN
About: To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities; collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact; and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers in the JDRF Heartland Chapter, Omaha-Council Bluffs, and in more than 80 locations throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more Information: 402.397.2873 | www.jdrf.org/omaha Twitter @JDRFHeartland
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Photos courtesy of Visiting Nurse Association
DELICIOUS
Donations
Visiting Nurse Association Art & Soup When: February 26 Where: Embassy Suites, LaVista
ROB AND RACHEL MAGLINGER
JOHN AND ANDREA MARSHALL Why: Proceeds to help support our Shelter Nursing Programs Event Planner: PlanitOmaha Attendance: 1,000 Amount Raised: $141,000 Mission: Delivering community-based care that provides peace of mind, quality of life, and independence.
SHELTER NURSES
JON WALKER AND KIDS
About: VNA is a nonprofit organization that supports the dignity and well-being of Omaha and Council Bluffs residents by delivering the highest quality home care, IV therapy, hospice, and community/public health services wherever our clients call home. Our compassionate staff provides care to all individuals regardless of age, color, creed, neighborhood, complexity of care or ability to pay. For more Information: 402.342.5566 | thevnacares.org
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ABOVE THE
Clouds Opera Omaha
Opera Omaha Flight 2017 Gala When: March 25
JOHN AND JAN CHRISTENSEN
ANDY HOLLAND WITH BOB AND POLINA SCHLOTT
Where: The Lee & Helene Sapp Fieldhouse Why: Opera Omaha’s annual gala. A tribute to the late Richard D. Holland, a great benefactor of Opera Omaha, passed away in August 2016. Opera Omaha is naming a new initiative in his honor, the Community Opera Fellowship. Gala Chairs: Gail and Mike Yanney. Special Guest: Andy Holland spoke as part of the tribute to her father, Richard D Holland.
JAMES AND KAREN LINDER
Event Planner: Floral arrangements were by Connie Leaders of Atmospheres by Design. Flower wall was by MTRL DSGN. Gala dinner Old-World Spiegeltent by Robert Airhart of Red Bird Entertainment
JOE AND MARY MCBRIDE
Attendance: 400 Amount Raised: Gross amount raised: $335,000 Mission: To provide quality opera entertainment through a community-wide organization. To provide an operatic showcase for the promising vocal talent in the region.
DAN DEBEHNKE, ANN TESMER AND FRANK LOCOCO
EVE SIMON, SUZANNE WISE, RITA STINNER AND RUBY WINSTON
GAIL AND MIKE YANNEY
THE WEITZ FAMILY
About: Opera Omaha produces a season of original mainstage productions, presented at the historic Orpheum Theater, and smaller productions and musical events throughout the community. Opera Omaha is internationally known for its productions of eight world premieres and four American premieres of classical masterpieces, and is highly regarded regionally for an extensive education and outreach program that annually reaches thousands from elementary school through adulthood. For more Information: operaomaha.org
KIM AND JIM SIMON
WASHINGTON GARCIA AND VALERIA AGUILAR 51
TERRY AND CATHERINE FERGUSON
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SPARKLING
Serenade Omaha Community Playhouse Bubbly with Barbra: An Evening Featuring Camille Metoyer Moten and Friend When: March 31
KIMBERLY FAITH HICKMAN, KATIE BROMAN WITH GERRY AND BRUCE LAURITZEN
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse Why: To raise funds to benefit the productions and programming of the Omaha Community Playhouse. The night included a cocktail hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a Hawks mainstage performance by Camille Metoyer Moten and Friends in tribute to Barbra Streisand and post-show coffee and desserts.
KATIE BROMAN AND KIMBERLY FAITH HICKMAN
“Bubbly” or Champagne-themed event with blush and gold décor including over-sized Geronimo balloons, pink linens with pink roses in vases on café and cocktail tables and a tribute to Barbra Streisand. Honorary Chairs: Bruce and Gerry Lauritzen
CAMILLE METOYER MOTEN
Sponsors: First National Bank, Carter and Vernie Jones, Heider Family Foundation, Lamp Rynearson, Omaha WorldHerald, Ann Pape, Robert H. Storz Foundation, Valmont Industries, Inc., Jack & Judy Baker, Bob & Judy Bates, George & Nancy Behringer, The Fred & Sally Bekins Foundation, Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Bruce & Pam Friedlander, Jerry & Linda Gordman, Deryl & Ramona Hamann, Marianne & Fred Hawkins, Jr., Home Instead Senior Care, Rich & Fran Juro, Bob & Myrna Krohn, Mackintosh Charitable Trust, Pinnacle Bank, Security National Bank, Laurie Smith Camp, Del & Phyllis Toebben, Universal Group, Ltd. Caterer: Catering Creations Attendance: Just under 300 Amount Raised: Nearly $110,000
FRONT: MARILYN HANSEN AND NORMA RILEY BACK: GERRY LAURITZEN, NANCY SCHLESSINGER, CHRISTINE PHARR, NANCY WHITTED AND EMILY TONNIGES
Mission: The Omaha Community Playhouse is a performing arts organization that enhances quality of life through live theatre, professional touring and arts education. OCP is dedicated to enriching the lives of audiences and participants through entertainment, thought-provoking stories and first-hand involvement. About: Omaha Community Playhouse is in its 92nd year and is the nation’s largest community theatre. For more Information: 402.553.4890 | www.OmahaPlayhouse.com
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Photos courtesy of vinNEBRASKA
SIPS, SAVORS
Supreme
vinNEBRASKA Committee and Partnership 4 Kids vinNEBRASKA Wine Event, 2017 When: April 1
DAVID ZAWILINSKI, JOHNNY RODGERS, SERESE COLE AND DEB DENBECK
Where: Hotel RL, 3321 S 72nd St (formerly Ramada Plaza Omaha Hotel & Convention Center) Why: To benefit the programs and 5,400 low-income students served by Partnership 4 Kids
MARK AND STACEY EVANS
CHERYL MURRAY, JOANNE POPPLETON AND YOLANDA WILLIAMS
Honorary Chairs: Dr Ward and Suzanne Chambers Event Chairs: Thomas and Aileen Warren Event Emcees: David Zawilinski, Serese Cole, Mark Evans, and Johnny Rodgers Special Guest: Maurice Kimsey Attendance: 650 Amount Raised: $264,000 Mission: To mentor kids for college today, and careers tomorrow.
DEB DENBECK AND DENNIS HEIN
MARSHA WRIGHT
MAURICE KIMSEY
About: Since 1989, Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) has harnessed the power of mentoring to engage thousands of low-income Omaha Public Schools (OPS) students in academic achievement and college access. It is the agency’s mission to “mentor kids for college today and careers tomorrow”, with an overall vision of “building a better community by inspiring hope, engaging minds and launching futures through goal setting, mentoring, college and careers.” Our desire for all students to be educated in a manner by which they are prepared to attend college fuels our efforts to close the achievement gap that exists for these lowincome and minority students. As a means to motivate more students to reach this goal, P4K provides program participants with consistent mentor and program support from kindergarten to careers, guiding them down a pathway of programs that strengthen their awareness of and preparation for higher education. The vinNEBRASKA committee is a local group of wine enthusiasts that came together over 28 years ago with a common goal of making the community a better place while sharing their love for fine wines. They created the vinNEBRASKA Wine Event and to date, have raised over $5 million for local charities, including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals Nebraska, Girls, Inc., KVNO, Omaha Public Library Foundation, Partnership 4 Kids and the Ronald McDonald House. For more Information: www.p4k.org 402.557.6381(Events Coordinator) | 402.930.3000 (General)
ANDREW QUADY, DEB DENBECK, LAUREL QUADY AND DENNIS HEIN
MATT MILAM 53
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Photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish Nebraska
USING THE
Force!
Make-A-Wish Nebraska Blue Jean Ball: A Night of Stars When: April 8
LAURE GRANT, BRIGETTE YOUNG, KATHY GATES AND WISH KID JACK
JASON AND ANGIE FISHER
Where: Hilton Downtown Omaha Why: Proceeds from the event will go towards helping grant wishes to Nebraska children battling life-threatening medical conditions. Wish Kid Jack Johnson and his father Eric spoke about the impact a wish has on not only the child, but the entire family. Jack Johnson’s wish to be a real Nebraska Cornhusker Football Player was granted in November. Later in the evening 13-year-old Ethan Forman was surprised on stage finding out his wish to go to Universal Studios will be coming true this summer thanks to our Lead Wish Sponsor, Cornerstone Staffing. Ethan is currently battling hodgkin’s lymphoma. As part of the surprise 6 Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion walked through the crowd to deliver a special light saber to Ethan from Darth. Attendance: 516 Amount Raised: $252,000 Mission: The mission of Make-A-Wish is to grant the wishes of children battling life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
ROB SCHMITT
WISH KID ETHAN AND DARTH
About: Make-A-Wish Nebraska grants approximately 115-125 wishes every year. For more Information: 402.333.8999 | www.nebraska.wish.org
MCGILL RESTORATION
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Photos courtesy of CUES
WINNING
Combination CUES The Gathering When: April 8 Where: Embassy Suites LaVista Why: The Gathering is a fundraiser to benefit Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name Schools. This was the 35th annual Gathering event and a record crowd. The theme for the evening was “Get on the Bus, Go Forth with Korth” and the students inspired all who attended with their many talents. Special Guests: Tom Ricketts, Owner of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs was the guest speaker for the event. He spoke about the tradition and success of the Chicago Cubs organization and how important it is to help make dreams come true. The World Series Trophy was also in attendance at the event and guests were given the opportunity to get their picture taken with the trophy. Event Planner: Anne Kutilek Attendance: 970 plus Amount Raised: $550,000 plus Mission: Transforming the lives of our children and our community, CUES delivers financial support and operational guidance to schools providing urban youth with documented and sustainable educational success and life skills development. CUES delivers financial support and operational guidance to three of North Omaha’s inner-city schools – Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name. CUES supported schools provide quality education and pertinent programming for children with the hopes of transforming lives and building hope for a sustainable and successful future. For more Information: 402.451.5755 | www.cuesschools.org/
THANK YOU 2017
to Honorary Chairs JOE AND MARLENE RICKETTS
and Event Co-chairs John and Mary Berigan John and Trish Kuehl RJ and Liz Neary
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Photos courtesy of Omaha Fashion Week
TAILORED TO
Perfection Omaha Fashion Week Omaha Fashion Week When: February 21-26
CHINH DOAN AND CALE FERRIN
Where: Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming Street
MICHAEL DRUMMOND
Why: Omaha Fashion Week brings out the premiere fashion design talent of the Midwest and offers a glamorous red carpet night out for fashion fans! Over 60 designers and 14 boutiques showed collections on the runway this week. Seventeen designers in three showcases and 42 student designers in the Metropolitan Community College Student Night competed for nightly $500 cash prizes courtesy of SAC Federal Credit Union.
MINDY DUFF, ANDEE HOIG AND LORI FALTER
Caterers: Brandeis Catering, Attitude on Food, Patricia Catering & Cocktails, Omaha Design Center Catering, Catering Creations, JAMS An American Grill
NICK & BROOK HUDSON
Attendance: 4500 Mission: 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 their work. About: Omaha Fashion Week is thrilled to celebrate ten years in 2017! Since our first show, we’ve grown into the nation’s fifth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region. Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous red carpet event for a good cause. We are a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities.
NICK, MITCHELL AND AMY HENDERSON
ELIZABETH KITTELL, MONIKA JOHANNSEN AND JACQUELLE LANE
On the outside, Omaha Fashion Week is Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. We nurture the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, educational opportunities and a professional platform to showcase their work. For more Information: 402.937.1061 | omahafashionweek.com
SAM NASR AND HIS MOTHER
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Photos courtesy of Max I. Walker
event galleries
ON Trend Max I. Walker/ Open Door Mission Ultra Chic Boutique When: January 28 Where: Omaha Design Center - Omaha Why: To give back to the community who supports us by raising funds and donating to the Open Door Mission.
ULTRA CHIC BOUTIQUE VOLUNTEERS
Sponsors: Scripps, Develop Model, Omaha Design Center, Gentleman’s Choice, Scout, Aradius Group, Renze, Fashion Institute Guild Amount Raised: $17,000 Mission: To give back to the community who supports us and provide a chance for everyone to feel beautiful, no matter their circumstances. For more Information: 402.558.3677 | www.maxiwalker.com
SABRINA JONES
ULTRA CHIC BOUTIQUE MODELS
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Photos courtesy of Phoenix Academy
MATURING
Minds
Phoenix Academy Scholarship Luncheon When: February 1 Where: Hilton Omaha, Omaha
DIANNE SEEMAN LOZIER, LAUREN HATHAWAY, ANGELA DUCKWORTH, NANCY LIEBERMANN AND JAN MACTIER MORIARTY
Why: Proceeds from the Scholarship Luncheon provides tuition assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to afford to attend Phoenix Academy. Attendance: 340 Amount Raised: $190,000 About: Phoenix Academy is a non-profit private K-8 school that helps students with learning challenges get back on track. Students typically attend two years on average and then return to their previous schools, ready to learn with their peers. The Phoenix Academy educates and inspires students with learning differences to realize their full academic potential and become successful in school and in life.
DIANNE SEEMAN LOZIER AND KATHY TROTTER
HELENA TEKDOGAN, BETSY MURPHY AND WYATT BRUNGARDT
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For more Information: www.phoenixacademyomaha.org | 402.390.0556
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Photos courtesy of WELLCOM
event galleries
STEPS Ahead WELLCOM Trek Up The Tower When: February 18 Where: First National Tower | 1601 Dodge Street Why: Celebrating its 11th year, Trek Up the Tower draws participants of all fitness levels. Racers climb the 40 floors of First National Tower in downtown Omaha. Proceeds from the event benefit WELLCOM, a local nonprofit CAPTIONS organization dedicated to helping Midwest employers create and support a culture of well-being and wellness.
THIELE GEOTECH INC. TEAM
Attendance: 2,000 Amount Raised: 50,000 Mission: “The mission of WELLCOM is to partner with employers of all sizes to deliver evidence-based programming that advances a culture of worksite wellness and workforce health as an integral component of business success.” For more information: 402.934.5795 | www.trekupthetower.org
FIREFIGHTERS
STARTING LINE
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Photos courtesy of Nebraska Children and Families Fndt.
SUBLIME
Libations Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Perfect Pour
FRONT ROW: BINOY FERNANDEZ AND NICK THIELEN BACK ROW: STEPHANIE SANDS, KATY SPRATTE, BRENDA BEASLEY, SARAH HANIFY, ALYSIA RADICIA, KATIE TRIPLETT, KRISTIN LOWREY, TINA DUNHAM AND SARAH MACDISSI
On Saturday, February 25, the second annual Perfect Pour transformed The Living Room into pre-embargo 1950s Cuba, complete with live music, cigars, handcrafted rum cocktails and an auction of beautiful period photography. The evening raised over $30,000 to support the programs of Nebraska Children. The main entertainment for the night was the craft cocktail competition where guests could sample all 8 competing bartenders drinks and vote (via cash donation to Nebraska Children) for their favorites. Nebraska Children and Families Foundation creates positive change for Nebraska’s children through community engagement. We do this by bringing together public and private funds, data, talent and proven practices to support communities and enhance the systems that serve their children and families.
AUSTIN FOSTER
KATIE TRIPLETT, ADAM FLOHR AND ALYSIA RADICIA
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For more Information: 402.819.9361 | www.nebraskachildren.org
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Photos courtesy of Joslyn Castle Trust
event galleries
OPEN
Exploration Joslyn Castle Trust Joslyn Castle Unlocked When: January 28 (Upcoming Dates: August 12 and December 9, 2017) Where: Joslyn Castle
SHERRI MOORE
Why: At each Unlocked event go behind all closed doors including access to the basement and third floor. Joslyn Castle Unlocked also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about George and Sarah Joslyn, their many philanthropic contributions to Omaha and the way they lived and entertained within the Castle when it was simply their home. Attendance: 53 Amount Raised: $25,000 Mission: The Joslyn Castle Trust preserves the magnificent Castle and its beautiful grounds and gardens to enrich the community. For more Information: 402.595.2199 | www.joslyncastle.com
GEORGE AND SARAH JOSLYN
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Photos courtesy of Food Bank for the Heartland
CULINARY
Artist
Food Bank for the Heartland Celebrity Chef featuring Marc Murphy When: March 2 Where: Embassy Suites Convention Center in La Vista
MARCIE TASKER AND MARC MURPHY
CHEF MARC MURPHY, JACQELLE LANE AND HENRY DAVIS
Why: The Food Bank’s 16th annual Celebrity Chef event raises much needed funds and awareness of hunger in the Heartland. All proceeds raised will provide meals for hungry children, families and seniors across Nebraska and western Iowa. Special Guest: Restaurateur, author and Food Network star Marc Murphy Attendance: 900 Amount Raised: $354,000 Mission: To provide emergency and supplemental food to people in need in Nebraska and western Iowa. For more Information: FoodBankHeartland.org
TERAH FOX, CHEF MARC MURPHY, JACQUELINE WHITE, MARCIE TASKER AND ROBERT RIZZO
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Photos courtesy of Restoration Exchange
event galleries
RESTORING
Beauty
Restoration Exchange Omaha Saving Places, A Preservation Celebration When: March 3 Where: Paxton Ballroom, Omaha
LAURA SHIFFERMILLER
CONNIE SPELLMAN, NICOLE MALONE AND LYNN MEYER
Why: To further REO’s mission of educating and motivating the public to restore and preserve older homes, buildings and neighborhoods. Attendance: 223 Amount Raised: $49,000 Mission: Restoration Exchange Omaha, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of older homes, buildings and neighborhoods in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro through education and advocacy.
LYNN MEYER
BARB AND ROGER SHIFFERMILLER WITH LINDA BURT AND JOHN REBROVIC.
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For more Information: 402.679.5854 | www.restorationexchange.org
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Photos courtesy of Catholic Charities
CELTIC
Classic Catholic Charities Irish Fest When: March 11 Where: Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center–La Vista
MARK AND URSULA TREINEN
JOHN GRIFFITH, BERNADETTE MALDONADO AND PABLO MALDONADO
Why: To fund our programs to provide services to the neediest and most vulnerable in our communities. Attendance: 400 Amount Raised: $400,000 About: Each year, Catholic Charities serves over 75,000 of the most vulnerable in our community who are voiceless, forgotten or in need. Programs include: The Shelter (domestic violence shelter), two food pantries, adoption services and pregnancy support, immigration legal assistance, senior services and microbusiness training program For more Information: 402.554.0520 | ccomaha.org
JOE AND MOLLY LANG WITH KATHRYN AND TOM SUDYKA
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Photos courtesy of Girl Scouts
ENDLESS
Creativity Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska artVenture When: March 25 Where: UNO’s Mammel Hall, Omaha
PAM ALFREY HERNANDEZ, MISSY BEBER AND MARSHA GRAESSER
LACEY LAMAR, TAHNEE MARKUSSEN, NATE HANSEN AND LIZ DAVIS
Why: artVenture is a unique arts education-based program that pairs small groups of Girl Scouts with professional artists in a collaborative setting. Working together, they create original works of art that are sold at silent auction. In addition to those pieces, professional artists from the Omaha area submit their own works into the auction. artVenture is Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska’s only fundraising event. Attendance: 400 Amount Raised: $150,000 Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
DAVID AND MELANIE LIEBSACK
JOSH AND KIM WEISS WITH GREG WORKMAN, KATE BETSWORTH, PAM ALFREY HERNANDEZ, FRAN MARSHALL AND BRIAN RUNGE
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For more Information: 402.558.8189 | www.girlscoutsnebraska.org
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Photos courtesy of Notre Dame Sisters
COMING
Home
Notre Dame Sisters Celebration of Spirit Dinner
JACKIE BUCHTA AND FR. THOMAS MERKEL S.J.
JO WILLIAMS AND SR. MARGARET HICKEY
On Sunday, April 2, 300 people joined the Notre Dame Sisters at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Omaha for their annual gala with the theme of “Coming Home.” Guests enjoyed a social, silent auction and dinner provided by Eddie’s Catering. More than $50,000 was raised to help the Sisters’ in their ministries. The Notre Dame Sisters are celebrating their 100th anniversary in Omaha in 2017. Their mission is to accept from God the call to reach out to people with unmet needs, to nurture them in a conviction of God’s love that they may recognize their own gifts in and through their limitations and pain. The Sisters work to educate, inform enlighten and advocate. They are teachers, nurses, chaplains, pastoral ministers and spiritual directors. They care for and work with the ill, infirmed, minorities, marginalized and those affected by poverty, violence and social disadvantage. For more Information: 402.455.2994 info@notredamesisters.org | www.notredamesisters.org
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Photos courtesy of Omaha Symphony Guild
EXQUISITE
Settings
Omaha Symphony Guild Table Art When: April 5 Where: Omaha Design Center, Omaha
TABLE BY RIC KLASS, ASID AND ELLEN WRIGHT
Why: The money raised at Table Art 2017 will allow the Guild to continue its vital support of the Omaha Symphony’s music education programs for youth. Attendance: 250 Mission: The OSG is a not for profit organization of volunteers, dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra for the pleasure and education of residents of the Greater Omaha Community and the states of Nebraska and Iowa. This is accomplished under the auspices of the Omaha Symphony Association through the Guild’s educational programs, social outreach activities and fundraising projects.
TABLE BY DESIGN EXPRESSIONS BY D TOPS FUNDWAYS TRISH WALZ
TABLE DESIGN EXPRESSONS BY D FOLEY FAMILY TABLE BY ANN MARIE ABBOUD
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For more Information: 402.342.3836 | www.omahasymphony.org
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Photos courtesy of 100 Black Men
REAL Men 100 Black Men of Omaha Celebrating our Youth Affair When: April 7 Where: Hilton Omaha Why: To raise money to support mission to help youth reach their fullest potential.
JAMES MASON AND ERIC BUTLER
JOHN DAVIS, DENZELL DIAL, JOHN EWING AND JAMES MASON
Attendance: 500 Amount Raised: $110,000 About: The 100 Black Men of Omaha, Inc. (100) was established in 1995 when a group of concerned men realized that the survival of the Omaha community rested on their willingness to join together and be a vehicle for positive change. Today the 100 Black Men is one of over 100 chapters nationally and internationally that make up the 100 Black Men of America, an alliance of leading African-American men from a myriad of professions volunteering their time to better the community. “Real Men Giving Real Time.” For more Information: 402.934.7065 | 100blackmenomaha.org
MEMBERS OF THE 100 BLACK MEN OF OMAHA AND KIRK KELLNER
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Photography by Jim Williams
TWIRLING
Adventure Omaha Academy of Ballet Omaha Dance Project 2017 When: January 27-29 Where: Creighton University, Lied Education Center for the Arts, Omaha Why: To provide nonprofessionals with the chance to experience a professional-style performance and collaborate with local and regional choreographers. Attendance: 700 Mission: The mission of the Omaha Academy of Ballet is to provide excellent dance training, promote the art of dance through performance, and provide students the opportunity to advance through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and/or Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) testing program(s) and curriculum. For more Information: 402.346.0469 | oabdance.org
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The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.
community CALENDAR
save the date
• mQUARTERLY
OMAHA FARMERS MARKET
featured EVENTS
May 6 – October 14
May 2
May 7 – October 15
8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Omaha Farmers Market • Old Market Old Market | 11th & Jackson Street | Omaha • FREE | www.omahafarmersmarket.org
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
50TH ANNUAL BOYS TOWN BOOSTER BANQUET Boys Town
Omaha Farmers Market • Aksarben Village
Embassy Suites Conference Center | La Vista Each spring, we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Boys Town’s student-athletes at the Boys Town Booster Banquet. The 2017 edition features dinner, a special guest speaker, and silent and live auctions. Being part of a sports team boosts children’s confidence and provides a way for them to have fun and still learn life lessons. With your support, the Boosters ensure that any Boys Town youth who wants to play sports, can. $100 a ticket or $1000 a table | 402-498-3322 | www.boystown.org/boosters
Aksarben Village | 67th and Center Street | Omaha • FREE | www.omahafarmersmarket.org The Omaha Farmers Market in Aksarben Village will be open every Sunday from May 7th through October 15th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on 67th & Center Streets. Join us every weekend and shop for produce, herbs, meats, plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, coffee, cheeses, crafts and much more! We accept SNAP/EBT! Take advantage of our SNAP Match Program. If you buy $5 or more in SNAP tokens with your EBT card, you will get a $5 complimentary SNAP token. Stop by our onsite information booth located in the intersection of 67th & Mercy Streets for more information.
May 9
May 5
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
5:30 PM
TALK DERBY TO ME GALA Midlands Humane Society
D.J.’S HERO AWARDS LUNCHEON The Salvation Army
Mid-America Center | 1 Arena Way | Council Bluffs Midlands Humane Society is hosting its annual fundraising event on Friday, May 5 at 5:30pm at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The festivities begin with cocktails, a wine pull, a gift card tree and silent auction featuring unique items for pets, children and home. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, a lively oral auction and a four-legged fashion show starring local dogs. Funds raised at this event helps improve the care and shelter MHS gives to the homeless animals in our community that need a second chance. Individual tickets, tables and sponsorships are available. All proceeds benefit MHS, which opened a new building in 2015 at 1020 Railroad Avenue that doubled the number of holding areas available in their previous location, and has room to expand. $50 | 712-396-2264 | http://midlandshumanesociety.org/events/
CenturyLink Center Omaha | 455 N 10th St | Omaha The D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon is a fundraising event that benefits programs for children and families. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding young Nebraskans. This year’s keynote speaker is Jewel, a four-time Grammy Award nominated singer, songwriter, actress, poet and philanthropist. $150 per seat, $1,500 per table | 402-898-5909 | http://salarmyomaha.org
May 5
Omaha Design Center | 1502 Cuming St. | Omaha Join our Honorary Co-Chairs Scott & Cindy Heider and Fred & Donna Schott at the 22nd annual On the Road event. This year, we’re headed to New Orleans to experience the Big Easy! This event includes a Patron Party, cocktail hour, formal dinner, live auction, big band music, and a big dance floor. So grab your dancing shoes and help us support the life changing programs and good work at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. $150 | 402-342-1600 | www.bgcomaha.org/bigeasy
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
TASTES & TREASURES The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary The Field Club of Omaha | 3615 Woolworth Avenue | Omaha The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will be hosting the 6th annual fundraiser, “Tastes & Treasures,” on Friday, May 5. It will be held at The Field Club of Omaha. The evening will be filled with delicious food, a silent and oral auction all devoted to raising funds to support the local Salvation Army’s programs that meet a broad range of needs in our community, such as housing the homeless, sheltering the abused, counseling those in need, feeding hot meals to the hungry and supplying warm clothing to the less fortunate, especially children to name a few. Most important the Auxiliary will be able to fulfill the 2017 Wish List and provide financial assistance to The Salvation Army as it continues its mission in the Omaha area. Earlier this month The Auxiliary kicked off the fundraiser with a tea at the home of Kathy O’Connor to underwrite items for the silent auction for the night of the event. $85 | 402-960-4165
May 6 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
May 12 5:30 PM – 12:00 PM
ON THE ROAD TO THE BIG EASY Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
May 12 GALA 2017: AN EVENING IN THE GARDEN Brownell Talbot School Brownell Talbot School | 400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. | Omaha Gala is Brownell Talbot School’s premiere fundraising event, which supports our students, faculty, and school throughout the year. BT’s campus will be transformed into a beautiful space for a night of cocktails, dinner, and a silent and live auction. Members and friends of the BT community are invited to attend this festive event. This year’s Gala will be held on Friday, May 12. $125 per person | 402-556-3772 | www.brownell.edu/giving/gala
May 13
FOR THE KIDS BENEFIT Omaha Children’s Museum
8:00 AM
Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 South 20th Street | Omaha Race on over, raise a glass, and place your bets at the Museum’s largest annual fundraiser! Support the growth of our community’s children at this delightful evening that includes shopping, dinner and drinks. $150 | 402-342-6164 | www.ocm.org
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2017 OMAHA HEART WALK American Heart Association Miller’s Landing | 151 Freedom Park Road | Omaha The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to defeating heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke — the nation’s No.1 and No.5 killers. At the 2017 Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, we will take steps toward lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. FREE | 402-810-6845
mQUARTERLY • MAY/JUN/JUL 2017
CONTINUED
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The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.
community CALENDAR
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/
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 2017 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.
May 13
June 3
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
6:30 PM
CABARET Child Saving Institute
JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GALA Joslyn Art Museum
Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass St. | Omaha Please join us for Child Saving Institute’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Cabaret 2017n! Honored Chairs for the event are Ed and Kelley Prosser; General Chairs are Lauren and Mosah Goodman and Emily and Tasso Sideris. For more information—or to learn about sponsorship opportunities—please contact Cali Page at 402-504-3661 or cpage@childsaving.org. $175
Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge Street | Omaha The 2017 gala celebrates the opening of the exhibition Bijoux parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris. This exhibition explores the intriguing intersection where French history, art and fashion meet. Drawn from the extensive collections of the Petit Palais, one of the French capital’s greatest museums, Bijoux parisiens features nearly seventy works of jewelry and over 100 original design paintings, fashion prints, and photographs. Funds raised at this event support Joslyn’s education programs. Formal Attire. $250 per person - table pricing available | 402-933-8220 | www.joslyn.org
May 24 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
OMAHA GIVES! Omaha Community Foundation www.omahagives24.org Omaha Gives! is an annual 24-hour charitable challenge organized by the Omaha Community Foundation to benefit metro-area nonprofits. This community give-together begins at midnight with a minimum gift of only $10. We’ve got hourly drawings and prizes to boost your gifts. So gather your circles, schedule your gifts, and get ready to cheer for your favorite nonprofits throughout the day! $10 | 402-342-3458 | www.omahagives24.org
May 27 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
19TH ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE WALK Grief’s Journey FKA Ted E. Bear Hollow Miller’s Landing / Pedestrian Bridge | Omaha We walk to together to remember forever, and no one should have to walk their grief journey alone. Together hope heals! Join us for a family friendly 5K across the pedestrian bridge and back. Lots of activities for all ages -- crafts, an obstacle course, and, of course, MEMORIES to cherish. $25 Adults, $10 Kids, Free Under 3 | 402-502-2773 | www.tedebearhollow.org
June 1 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
PINOT, PIGS & POETS Completely KIDS Happy Hollow Club | 1701 S. 105th St. | Omaha Pinot, Pigs & Poets returns for an eighth year featuring outstanding pinot noir wines and savory pork dishes from renowned Omaha chefs. Prior to the event, a panel of judges will blind taste each wine in a vintner competition, with winners being announced during the evening. Guests will enjoy sipping exquisite wines from more than 30 wineries, including some of the event’s past vintner competition winners. The Taste of Elegance chef competition, sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, is also held earlier in the day and announced at the event. The evening also includes slam poetry by poets from the Nebraska Writers Collective. Patron, $250; Individual, $125; Ages 21-30, $75 | 402-397-5809 | http://pinotandpigs.org/
June 2 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
PLAY BALL! Methodist Volunteers In Partnership Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Papillion Play Ball, a fundraiser planned by the Methodist Volunteers In Partnership, will be a casual evening of fun and games, dining, and dancing at the ball park to raise funds for Methodist Hospital. Guest: $150 per person; Patron: $250 per person
let us help you PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS! REGISTER FREE: SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar Email us: CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com
June 8 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
CHANCE LUNCHEON Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha Drawing countless attendees each year, the CHANCE Luncheon celebrates the work of Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF), features a keynote speaker, and presents Rising Star awards. Past keynote speakers include legendary coach Lou Holtz, former Governor of Indiana Mitch Daniels, and Herman Edwards. Rising Star awards are given to current CSF students who demonstrate leadership qualities, overcome obstacles, or foster community within their schools. All proceeds provide funding for much needed scholarships.Please visit www.csfomaha.org for more information. $75 | 402-819-4990 | www.csfomaha.org
June 9 – 11 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
NEBRASKA CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY’S SAND IN THE CITY® Nebraska Children’s Home Society UNO’s Baxter Arena | Omaha NCHS’s Sand in the City© is celebrating our 14th year. This FREE event is like no other! Teams will compete on Friday to build HUGE, amazing sand sculptures. YOU get to vote for your favorite during the Family Fun Days on Saturday and Sunday. PLUS, build your own sand castle on our gigantic sand pile. The best part, all proceeds benefit the children and families NCHS serves across the state of Nebraska. We support parents across the state of Nebraska in overcoming barriers to nurture their children’s growth and development. Your are invited to become a part of our mission. Call us at 402-451-0787. NOTE TIMES: Saturday, June 10: 10am-8pm and Sunday, June 11: 11am-5pm Suggested Donation $5 - 100% goes toward children and families 402-451-0787 | www.nchs.org
June 10 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
CENTENNIAL GALA American Red Cross Century Link Center | Omaha Celebrate 100 years of Red Cross Service in Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro. The Gala will be an anniversary party to remember, highlighting Red Cross stories from our past and ushering the next century of service with style. $150 | 402-990-6893 | www.redcross.org/neia
June 13 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
WCA TRIBUTE TO WOMEN 30TH ANNIVERSARY Women’s Center for Advancement Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass St | Omaha Join the WCA in honoring 10 outstanding women in the community at the 30th Anniversary Tribute to Women Luncheon. $75 | 402-345-6555 | http://wcaomaha.org 74
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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/
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 2017 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.
• mQUARTERLY LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2017!
June 21 2017 THE LONGEST DAY Alzheimer’s Association On the summer solstice, team up with the Alzheimer’s Association and select any activity you love — or an activity loved by those affected — to help end Alzheimer’s. Together, we will raise funds and awareness for care and support while advancing research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. $15 | 402-420-2540 | http://alz.org/thelongestday
July 5 – August 30 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
OMAHA FARMERS MARKET Omaha Farmers Market Charles Drew Health Center | 2915 Grant Street | Omaha The Omaha Farmers Market at the Charles Drew Health Center will be open every Wednesday from July 5th through August 30th from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on 30th & Grant Streets. The Charles Drew Market is a produce-only market. You can shop for produce such as tomatoes, green peppers, onions, sweet corn, watermelon, etc. We accept SNAP/EBT! Take advantage of our SNAP Match Program. If you buy $5 or more in SNAP tokens with your EBT card, you will get a $5 complimentary SNAP token. FREE | www.omahafarmersmarket.org
August 4 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
DANCE FOR A CHANCE Youth Emergency Services Omaha Design Center | 1502 Cuming St | Omaha Dance for a Chance is an annual fundraiser for Youth Emergency Services that pairs local community leaders with dance instructors who perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges and an audience of YES supporters for their chance at the mirror ball trophy. This year’s event will be another exciting night of dancing and food and will include a silent auction, heavy appetizers, and drinks. All proceeds from the event go directly to support homeless youth in our community. $75 | 402-345-5187 | www.yesomaha.org/dance
August 4 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
RIVER BASH N’ BREW Visiting Nurse Association Lewis & Clark Landing | 345 Riverfront Dr | Omaha Mix vintage carnival entertainment and delicious ice cold local craft brews, add in incredible local bands, and you have River Bash n’ Brew: A NIGHT OF FANTASTICAL ENTERTAINMENT. Presented by Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), this unique event offers a summer night out on the river you won’t soon forget! A sampling of available entertainment includes: a snake charmer/belly dancer; tarot card reader; psychic mediums; a juggling mime; caricature artists; and internationally recognized fire dancers! This 21 and over event will benefit VNA’s services to thousands of vulnerable children and families in the communities we serve. TBA | 402-930-4170 | www.thevnacares.org 75
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The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.
community CALENDAR
save the date August 12
5:00 PM • Dinner served at 6:15 p.m. with the tour starting at 7 p.m.
JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKED Joslyn Castle Joslyn Castle | 3902 Davenport Street | Omaha Come experience Joslyn Castle Unlocked! This fun evening includes dinner and an all access tour of the historic Joslyn Castle. A limited number of guests at each Unlocked event get to see behind all closed doors including access to the basement and third. Joslyn Castle Unlocked also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about George and Sarah Joslyn, their many philanthropic contributions to Omaha and the way they lived and entertained within the Castle when it was simply their home. $65 | 402.595.2199 | www.joslyncastle.com/events
August 12 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
SUMMER BASH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER Metro Area Youth Foundation, Inc. Embassy Suites Conference Center | La Vista An evening of fun, entertainment, auctions, raffles and socializing to benefit families with a child battling cancer. A plated dinner will be served with Jack Swanda emceeing the event. Our popular dessert auction will again be featured, a highlight of the dinner. A live auction will complete the evening with all net event proceeds directly benefiting the children with cancer and their families. $100 per ticket | 402-510-4083 | http://SummerBashforCCC.org
August 21 – 26 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
OMAHA FASHION WEEK-10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Omaha Fashion Week Omaha Design Center | 1502 Cuming Street | Omaha Omaha Fashion Week is thrilled to celebrate ten years in 2017! Since our first show, we’ve grown into the nation’s fifth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than 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 their work. $40-80 | 402-880-8035 | www.omahafashionweek.com
August 26 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
AN EVENING AMONG ANGELS Angels Among Us Hilton Omaha An Evening Among Angels Gala is a dinner and auction event that raises funds for families battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in Nebraska. The evening features cocktails, silent auction, dinner, live auction and event program. $100 per person; $1250 Patron Table; * Sponsorships Available 402-934-0999 | www.myangelsamongus.org
August 31 12TH ANNUAL HOLY SMOKES Heart Ministry Center Details TBA Holy Smokes serves as the Heart Ministry Center’s main fundraising event and the monies raised go directly to benefit the Center and the many clients we serve. 402-451-2321 | heartministrycenter.org
August 31 5:30 PM
REJUVENATING WOMEN KEY TO FREEDOM BANQUET Rejuvenating Women Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista An evening of networking and joy raising funds to support Rejuvenating Women’s Restored Wings Home, a long term home of restoration for survivors of human trafficking. (800) 402-0601 | www.rejuvenatingwomen.com 76
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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/
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 2017 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.
• mQUARTERLY LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2017!
DON’T miss! May 3 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
MEMORIES FOR KIDS GUILD SPRING LUNCHEON Memories for Kids Guild Champions Run | 13800 Eagle Run Drive | Omaha This 2nd annual luncheon is a fundraiser in support of Memories for Kids, and their mission to create lifelong memories for children who have a parent with stage IV cancer. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, David Spence’s Cancer Fund. Our guest speaker this year is Mary Carol Garrity. $75 | 402-614-3026 | www.memoriesforkids.org/
May 4 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA WOMEN’S POWER LUNCHEON Habitat for Humanity Omaha Hilton The 11th annual Women’s Power Luncheon is the perfect “kick-off” to Habitat Omaha’s 2017 Women Build. It provides a venue for powerful Habitat Omaha advocates, both women and men, to rally around the mission of the Women Build: to recruit, educate and inspire women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in our community. More than 400 women volunteers, many of whom attend the luncheon, generously give their time to make the Women Build house a reality. $75 (General Admission); $35 (Young Professionals 35 and younger) | 402-884-5957
May 13 – September 24 OMAHA POLICE: ANSWERING THE CALL SINCE 1887 The Durham Museum The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th Street | Omaha Omaha Police: Answering the Call Since 1887 May 13 - September 24. For 160 years, the men and women of the Omaha Police Department have been keeping Omaha’s citizens safe. This spring, The Durham Museum will honor their service with an exhibition drawn from the department’s historic archive of original artifacts including firearms, clothing, photographs and more. $11 Adults, $8 Seniors, $7 Children (3-12) | 402-444-5071
May 20 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
MOXIE Planned Parenthood Holland Performing Arts Center - Recital Hall Plan to join us for MOXIE 2017, honoring 100 years of Planned Parenthood and 35 years for Omaha Friends! Don’t miss this landmark celebration of our past, present and future, featuring PPHeartland Associate Medical Director Dr. Deborah Turner. $135 | 402-557-6684 77
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The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.
community CALENDAR
May 24 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
DUNK TANK AT STINSON PARK FOR OMAHAGIVES! Omaha Home for Boys
save the date golf OUTINGS:
Stinson Park at Aksarben Village Support the youth and programs at the Omaha Home for Boys while watching local celebrities, business leaders, community leaders and philanthropists get dunked! $10 | 402-457-7014
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
June 9 – 11
The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha $1000 | 402-345-5187 | www.yesomaha.org
May 1 YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES' GOLF OUTING
11:00 AM
OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL Old Market The Omaha Summer Arts Festival, presented by First National Bank, celebrates its 43rd year June 9-11. The Festival is Omaha’s premier destination for arts and entertainment featuring 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, a stage of continuous musical performances and a hands-on Children’s Fair. FREE | www.firstnational.com/
May 15 RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN OMAHA GOLF TOURNAMENT The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha $1200 per team of 4 | 402-346-9377 | www.rmhcomaha.org
May 19 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
June 10 – November 11 OMAHA STEAKS: SERVING THE HEARTLAND FOR 100 YEARS The Durham Museum
GOLF SCRAMBLE Senior Health Foundation Shoreline Golf Course | 210 Locust St, | Carter Lake, IA $100 | 402-827-6051 | http://seniorhealthfoundation.org/
The Durham Museum Family-owned since 1917, today Omaha Steaks employs over 1,800 people and its facilities include three manufacturing plants, two distribution centers and a freezer warehouse. This exhibition pays homage to this fifth generation family business and will showcase photographs, archival documents and historic artifacts from the company archive. $11 Adults, $8 Seniors, $7 Children (3-12) | 402-444-5071
CHILDREN'S CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC Children's Hospital & Medical Center Foundation
June 16
Champions Run | 13800 Eagle Run Drive | Omaha Cost Varies | 402-955-6851 | http://childrensclassic.com
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
STRIKE A CHORD Heartland Family Service Mid-America Center | Council Bluffs As Heartland Family Service’s Iowa fundraiser, the “Strike a Chord” Event helps create the path to a better tomorrow for all 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. For more information regarding the event or how to join us as a sponsor, please contact Sarah Dighans at SDighans@HeartlandFamilyService.org. Individual tickets are $80.00
June 24 VETS & PETS BLACKJACK RUN Midlands Humane Society American Legion | 716 South 4th Street | Council Bluffs Midlands Humane Society (MHS), a nonprofit organization, along with American Legion Post 2 Riders (American Legion) is hosting its third annual Vets & Pets Blackjack Run on June 24. All proceeds benefit the Midlands Humane Society. Participants can sign-up on-site the day of the event. $25 per driver. $15 per passenger | 712-366-2551
July 24
May 22 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 25 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
BLAND CARES ANGELS AMONG US GOLF OUTING Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 South 168th Street | Omaha $150 per person; $600 per foursome * Sponsorships Available 402-397-8822 | http://blandcpa.com
June 5 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
CHI HEALTH GOLF OUTING The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha $1250 for a Foursome | 402-343.4438 | www.chihealth.com/foundation
June 8 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
TEE IT UP FORE SIGHT ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Outlook Nebraska, Inc. Indian Creek Golf Course | Omaha $125/$500 | 402-614-3331 x 221 | www.outlooknebraska.org
June 12
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
12:00 PM
DESTINO DINNER 2017 Latino Center of the Midlands
4TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT First Responders Foundation
TBD Destino Dinner 2017 is the Latino Center of the Midlands’ annual fundraising event. The event starts with a reception, silent auction and tequila tasting followed by the dinner and program. The support that we receive through Destino Dinner helps us in furthering our mission. Funds raised from the event allow us to improve outcomes in the areas of education, basic skills building, and self-sufficiency in our community. $85 tickets; sponsorship opportunities available 402-733-2720 | www.latinocenterofthemidlands.org
Oak Hills Country Club | 12325 Golfing Green Drive | Omaha $100/golfer or $400/foursome | 402.672.6331 | http://firstrespondersomaha.org/events/
June 12 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
15TH ANNUAL HOPE CENTER FOR KIDS GOLF CLASSIC Champions Run | 13800 Eagle Run Dr | Omaha $700 Foursome/$175 Individual | www.hopecenterforkids.org 78
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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/
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 2017 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.
• mQUARTERLY LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2017!
June 12 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
HIT THE LINKS AND DRIVE AGAINST DISABILITIES GOLF TOURNAMENT United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska (UCP-NE) The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha Cost Varies • Sponsorship Levels Available! | 402-502-3572 | www.ucpnebraska.org
June 19 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
GOLD FORE KIDS Child Saving Institute The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha Sponsorship Opportunities Available
June 30 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
6TH ANNUAL JACK YOUNG MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Dodge Riverside Golf Course | 2 Harrahs Blvd | Council Bluffs $85/Person | 712-314-0705 | www.jackyoungmemorial.org/
July 31 GESU HOUSING 2017 HELP BUILD A HOUSE GOLF EVENT Champions Run | 13800 Eagle Run Dr | Omaha $150 | 402-614-4776 | www.gesuhousing.com
July 31 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
SWING 4 KIDS GOLF BENEFIT Partnership 4 Kids Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 South 168th Street | Omaha $150 per player / $600 per foursome | 402-557-6381 | www.p4k.org
August 5 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE - JEFFERSON HOUSE COMEDY NIGHT Heartland Family Service Fremont Golf Club | 2710 N Somers Ave | Fremont Costs TBD | 402-552-7424 | http://heartlandfamilyservice.org
August 14 QLI ANNUAL GOLF CHALLENGE The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha Costs TBD | 402-573-3700 | www.teamQLI.com
August 22 11:30 AM
METHODIST GOLF CLASSIC Methodist Volunteers In Partnership Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 South 168th Street | Omaha $175 per golfer, $700 for a foursome
August 28 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
GOODWILL GOLF CLASSIC Goodwill Industries The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha $1,500 for a foursome
August 28 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A UNITED GOLF CLASSIC Open Door Mission Oak Hills Country Club | 12325 Golfing Green Drive | Omaha Visit www.opendoormission.org for details. | 402-829-1505 | www.opendoormission.org 79
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waking WORDS
mQUARTERLY • LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
ROB KILLMER
jungle.
1) The act or process of civilizing, as by bringing out of a savage, uneducated, or • Civilization: unrefined state, or of being civil; 2) an advanced state of human society, in which a high level
•
True greatness demonstrates respect for all viewpoints and collaborates with “others” for the common good, requiring common decency. of culture, science, industry, and government has been reached; 3) refinement of thought and Unity and solidarity don’t require that we cultural appreciation. will always agree, but they do require that we can–and should–always live with one another Community: a social group of any size sharing common interests, a common cultural or agreeably. And this, above all issues, is the one historic heritage, and sharing government. all of us must agree on…how to disagree. Narrow self-interest never wins the day! I’d like to point out two items, in particular, from the above definitions. Civilization requires Imagine anyone walking into a speed-dating being civil. Community requires sharing. For some time now, we’ve allowed our “civilization” event and announcing to everyone present, “Just ROBERT P. KILLMER to drift (and then hurtle) away from these “traditional values.” so you all understand, if you intend to have a Editor@SpiritofOmaha.com Last quarter, as I was “tuning in” for inspiration from those “sources” I trust, I distinctly heard relationship with me it’s always going to be as the title for my FEB/MAR/APR column, “There Will Be Blood.” I had a grasp of what that was in about me first!” That selfish soul will get very few offers from prospective partners. Yet our reference to, and I wrestled a lot with it as I attempted to develop the article. Ultimately, I current leaders (not just our new POTUS, though he articulates this questionable ethic most convinced myself that much of what I was “recording” was more internally generated than demonstrably) seem to think this is the way relationships should work. And to our shame, this has inspirationally discerned, so I chose instead to pull together my notes on ego management, and exposed our seething underbelly of selfish ignorance and bigotry. On all sides. All are responsible! to compose what I considered might be a more positive and uplifting article. We are now, in fact, enflamed to war against moderation itself, and to embrace methods that But as recent social and politcial events have unfolded, I see now that I likely “missed” (and are immoderate. Nature itself instructs us about how tensions are created and relieved. We can regretably dismissed) the message being “delivered” to me earlier this year, and am now of the teach a five-year-old to understand this, but we cannot model it for her in our social discourse. opinion that I was “hearing” correctly, for indeed, we appear to be steering (back–make no When an electrical power cord becomes twisted and coiled in on itself, the smart way to mistake, we’ve been here before) towards a course inciting us rather than uniting us, one that unwind it is to relieve the most knotted areas in the middle–gently and patiently unraveling and would substitute discord, dissension and partiality for solidarity; one that would trade imbalance, relaxing the knots as they were originally formed, and then methodically shaking out remaining disproportion and cacophony for harmony. tension all the way out to the ends. Tugging on the ends only tightens and locks the knots, making We’re being bombarded with messaging demanding that we see ourselves as divided; that we the process of correcting the situation more complicated (while increasing our frustration.) subsequently choose sides, declare “others” evil (other peoples, other ideas, other approaches, and When a child gets a charley horse we train her to relax her hamstring, not to exert greater force many other…”others.”) These messages demand that we embrace opposition and extremism in or pressure against the cramping. Yet, as a society, we’re forgetting lessons this basic. We will tell dealing with “others.”We are urged to accept that by doing so we will restore our lost “greatness.” our children to share, but we will not do so. This is what comes from focusing on the extremes.
Embracing Extremism: The War on Moderation Savage and Shortsighted I’m pushing 70, so I’ve been around awhile, and I’ve witnessed for myself how tensions like We’re being pitted against one another, by a number of competing interests with leverage in our marketplace of ideas; they compel us to seek out only the messengers that reinforce what we these can be managed effectively or completely mishandled, and I’m watching this turn ugly! Beware how immensely dangerous these times and tides actually are! For an elder like me, already believe and perceive, and to demonize and decry all “others.”There is no knowledge here. I feel the need to shake everyone out of this uncivilized, savage, self-absorbed, shortsighted There is no enlightenment here. There is no practice of civilization and community here. This toxic approach to conflict resolution and problem-solving is the social, political equivalent cultural and philosophical madness. “This is not how life works, can work, has worked in the not-so-distant past! Wake up!” of chemical warfare! We were all rightfully (and righteously) appalled when the Assad regime How we do things matters, and defines every one of us as more civilized or savage. interpreted our current administration’s initial declared policy in the region as carte blanche to History repeatedly shows the cost of the uncivilized path. Every time, once the dust all settles, engage in a form of warfare universally perceived as criminal. Why were we so incensed? Because and the spasms of self-interest finally leave all resources exhausted, the survivors look around at of how it was done! How things are done matters! Yet when it comes to our own dialogue and the devastation and the body count, and finally consider the cost of it all, and all confess that discourse as a people, we violate the very principles we embrace internationally, by repeatedly “there had to be a better way.” Well, there always is, and we can choose it now! “gassing” those whose points of view we oppose. It’s become the new “normal.” I’ve lived long enough to see and benefit from the application of enough vision, purpose and It is in fact abnormal. Unbalanced. Unreasoning. Absurd. Indecent. It’s all less than civil. discipline, not so very long ago, of requiring much more civilized conduct from each other! Methodology validates or invalidates any philosophy. It's right there in the Preamble to The “The ends justify the means” seems to be making a comeback, despite the fact that it’s one of Constitution: “in order to form a more perfect Union…. to ensure domestic tranquility. “ history’s more blatantly proven deceptions. Process matters and always has. How we do a thing is Yet here we are, bludgeoning those we disagree with (we’re just using words instead of fists, at least as important as the objective itself. How we show up (the processes we adopt and practice when engaging others) is what directs our relationships towards success or distress, illuminating or but make no mistake: fists will follow, and worse.) It’s already happening. There will be blood. This is nonsense. This is foolishness. This is beneath us. I mince no words here. Unless we blinding those engaged as issues and disagreements inevitably are encountered. repudiate this it will lead us down a bloody path, a self-perpetuating cycle of savage cause-andIt’s the same in larger matters–everything is an ongoing relationship, and how we relate with effect until those left standing finally come to their senses. So do it now. one another–whether individually or globally, declares us civil or savage. If we continue to There is a different way, a different cycle entirely, and we can choose to perpetually recycle it. embrace the more toxic approach, the end result will be poisoned. There will be blood. But the cycle of peace utilizes the instruments of peace. Peacemakers use peaceful methods to The question we must each ask is, “how much of it will be on my hands?”Will I be among those bring peace, first in themselves, and then with “others.” If anyone, or anything, stirs us to violence, herded into escalating conflict or will I stand apart and show true “greatness?” True greatness calls or pulls us to the extreme, we must choose instead to be decent. To be civil. To be a community. us all to unity and harmony, to civilization and community, transcending tension and conflict. If not, well…I refer you to the title of this article. 80
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