Omaha Magazine - September 2019 - The Giving Issue by Omaha Magazine

THE BIG GIVE // WE BUILT THIS CITY // STRAIGHT TO THE HEART // SERVICE WITH A PURPOSE

S E P T E M B E R 2019 U.S.

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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN, MANAGING EDITOR

MAKING A DIFFERENCE CLEANING A MESSY CLOSET MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. This July, my husband wanted to organize some family photos sitting in a closet that had become a dumping ground. On the Saturday after the Fourth of July, he organized the photos, but we also reorganized the closet. That started a cleaning spree that has led to us gathering clothes, books, dishes, knickknacks, and other assorted items we do not use or do not want any more. We have also been keeping track of the monetary amounts, as eventually this stuff may end up at a charity shop such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Thus far, we have estimated that we have a few thousand dollars worth of stuff, and all it took was a couple of days of cleaning out closets. It’s a feel-good project that anyone can (and probably should) do that will eventually help those in need. Welcome to the Big Give—Omaha Magazine’s annual special section about charitable giving. This year, we have created an entire magazine around the idea of giving, and we have many great articles for you. Our main article, “We Built This City,” looks at the ways Omahans have traditionally given to charity, and goes a bit into what is happening with the new generation of philanthropists. We also bring you an article about multi-impact organizations such as SHARE Omaha and Omaha Community Foundation. What at first seems like competing organizations actually are a network of organizations that work together toward a common goal of impacting the entire city. Another feature article in this magazine is one about the floods, which impacted many people in the area. I know at least two people from the Fremont area who had to stay with relatives this spring when the floods hit, and at least one good friend has lost her home due to the flooding in Pacific Junction, Iowa. This feature looks at the volunteer fire departments of Waterloo and Valley, which spent hours upon hours helping citizens evacuate their respective cities this past spring. September is a big month for charity in Omaha. Our Giving Calendar of Events features more than 50 events you can attend. One of those events, the Ak-Sar-Ben ball, has been in existence for 124 years and highlights over 100 families who have given to charity through the years. We bring you the names and images of the young Pages who will represent their families at this year’s ball. We have some great Arts and Culture stories for you this month. Musician Larry Dunn (Lash LaRue) donates his time and energy to his organization Toy Drive for Pine Ridge, which helps provide toys for kids on Pine Ridge Reservation. Chantal Pavageaux uses her performance skills to help with the SEPTEMBER

In[HEIR]itance Project, an organization creating original theater based on interpretations of sacred texts. Visual artist Ang Bennett has donated hours to a variety of organizations, from Habitat to Humanity to Lutheran Family Services. Another visual artist, Richard Chung, is an active member of the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program and WhyArts. In our dining section, we spotlight Chef Robert Wilson of Stephen Center, Table Grace Ministry, and the restaurant at the Buffett Cancer Center. Our history article brings you the story of several leaders at Mutual of Omaha, from the Crisses to the Skutts, who have given millions to charity during their tenures. This has led to the creation of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation. And we spotlight several people who give time and energy to this city and great causes within it. Shawn Davis has given an outstanding number of hours to community service, working with the Henry Doorly Zoo, the R Pantry at Ralston High School, and many other places. The Rev. Debra McKnight has a long history of service. Her church, Urban Abbey, is an independent church with Methodist roots. Her love of God and service has led her to create a religious community in the face of resistance, from being open to the LGBTQ community, and as a woman in church leadership. MLB pitcher Brian Duensing has aligned himself with several childhood cancer causes, and given thousands of dollars over the past few years to helping cure or eradicate these cancers. He lends his name, and sometimes his chest, to raising money. Omaha’s future philanthropists are already giving what they can to charities, whether that is time or money. Our Obviously Omaha section highlights some organizations that include a Young Professionals Group—from the long-standing Omaha Jaycees to the Urban League of Nebraska. One article that you will not see in this edition: “Not Funny.” Columnist Otis Twelve has been recovering from surgery, but will be back next round with more insights. We wish him well in recovery. We also wish our friend and former intern Will Patterson well. Will recently graduated from UNO and is headed for Hong Kong for graduate school. Although the people highlighted in this magazine frequently give big amounts of time or money, you do not have to. Charitable work can be as easy as cleaning out a closet. I hope this issue inspires you to help others, whether that means donating books to Friends of the Public Library so the library can continue to grow or chairing a committee for a large event to help cure ailments.

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2019

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 001 From the Editor

Making a Difference

004 Between the Lines 006 Calendar of Events 030 History

Mutual of Omaha’s Giving Spirit

042 Adventure

Ballooning Expeditions

060 Obviously Omaha

“Yo Pros” in the Big O

121 Instagram 149 Explore! A R T S + C U LT U R E 014 Music

Larry Dunn (Lash LaRue)

018 Visual

Ang Bennett

020 Performance

Chantal Pavageaux

F E AT U R E S

026 034 038 // 2 //

130

WADING THROUGH THE FLOODWATERS Heartland Communities Unite Through Hardship

WE BUILT THIS CITY

124 Visual

Richard Chung

GIVING 052 Gala

2019 Aksarben Pages

054 Calendar PE O P L E 022 Sports

Brian Duensing

Omaha Provides Giving Opportunities for All

032 Gen O

MULTI-IMPACT ORGANIZATIONS SPREAD LOVE FOR THE COMMUNITY

122 People

Hour by Hour, Dollar by Dollar

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Shawn Davis The Rev. Debra McKnight

THE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J OUR N A LIS M AWA RDS

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 60PLUS IN OMAHA

DISCOVER VIDEOS AND ONLINE EXTRAS

THE BIG GIVE // WE BUILT THIS CITY // STRAIGHT TO THE HEART // SERVICE WITH A PURPOSE

109 Opener 110 Feature

Mike Pallas and Valley View 4-H Club

for select content in this issue.

S E P T E M B E R 2019 U.S.

$4.95

112 Active Living

Jerry Meyer is One Cool Cat

114 Nostalgia

Remember the MDA Telethon?

116 Health

Side-Stepping Scams

118 Profile

Carolyn Owen Anderson

DINING 128 Chef Profile

Robert Wilson

130 Review

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Center Restaurant

136 Feature

Table Grace

139 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTIONS

A B O U T T HE COV E R

Food Issue

Two young Omahans, Julina and Jemma, care for the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roads by planting flowers in its potholes, an allusion to the way they will be in the next generation of Omahans to help grow this city.

465 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at printreleaf.com

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061 Big Give Profiles Sponsored Content

Make sure you have internet access.

106 Big Give Featured Events

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

JAM ’N’ BREAD

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 at Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. Local musicians are invited each Thursday to gather at Western Historic Trails Center to play old-time country, bluegrass, blues, etc. Open to anyone who plays, sings, or just wants to listen. Free homemade bread. 1-4 p.m. Admission: free. 515.281.5111. —culturalaffairs.org

TEACHER’S FESTIVAL

Sept. 6 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Th is free event invites educators and administrators to explore tables and view programs useful to teachers. Free drinks and light snacks included. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission: free. 402.342.6164. —ocm.org

GRANITE CITY BEER FEST

Sept. 7 at Granite City Food & Brewery, 1001 N. 102nd St. Granite City invites those of age to celebrate their fi rst beer fest. Enjoy different types of beer in celebration of the event. 3-8 p.m. Admission: $20-$25. 402.393.5000. —eventbrite.com

48TH ANNUAL ART FAIR

Sept. 7-8 at Rockbrook Village, 108th and Center Streets. Th is juried art fair will feature more than 100 artists, including painters, sculptors, ceramics artists, glass artists, fiber artists, and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: free. 402.390.0890. —rockbrookvillageartfair.com

JITTERBUG JAMBORAMA: OMAHA JAZZ & SWING DANCE FESTIVAL

Sept. 6-8 at Eagles Ballroom, 201 S. 24th St. Th is festival is a celebration of swing dancing and music organized by and for the Omaha, Nebraska swing dance community. 11 a.m. Registration: $15-$175. 402.208.3006. —jitterbugs.org

MIDWEST WINDS KITE FLIERS FALL FESTIVAL

Sept. 14 at Ditmar’s Orchard, 19475 225th St. in Council Bluﬀ s. Kites of all shapes and sizes will coloring the sky at this special event at the orchard. Activities at the orchard include bumper balls and hayrack rides, along with picking the fresh produce. 712.256.7053. —ditmarsorchard.com

BLACK FAMILY EXCELLENCE FESTIVAL

Sept. 15 at Benson Park Pavillion, 7028 Military Ave. Th is event offers health screenings, community resources, food, face painting, animal balloons, carnival games, a live Mixxedfit class, a live DJ, raﬄe prizes, a free concert, and more. Admission: free. 402.455.4090 —@NewRisingStarOmaha on Facebook

LATE NIGHTS AT THE ZOO

Sept. 19 at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St. Come experience nightlife at an unconventional cocktail hour in town. Ages 21+. 7-11 p.m. Admission: $10-$15. 402.738.2038. —omahazoo.com

135TH GERMAN DAY-OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 20-21 at German-American Society, 3717 S. 120th St. Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional German food and entertainment. Admission: $7 for adults, free for children ages 12 and under and active military members. 402.333.6615. —germanamericansociety.org

402 MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Sept. 20 at Karma Nightclub, 311 S. 15th St. Karma Crew and Karma Nightclub are happy to present the 402 Festival in Omaha, The outdoor, all-day event features local food, live art, and live bands and DJs from across the Midwest. Noon-11 p.m. Tickets: $10-$20. 402.531.7503. —eventbrite.com

GLOW IN THE GARDEN

Sept. 8 at SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. This local group’s mission is to bring joy to other seniors through musical entertainment. 7:30 p.m. Admission: free. 402.597.2049. —papillion.org

Sept. 20 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Wear classic or creative cocktail attire (and a mask) to this outdoor event and enjoy the food trucks and cash bar while listening to music. 7-11 p.m. Tickets: $25 Young Art Patron members, $40 general public, $50 day of event. 402.933.8220. —joslyn.org

AFRICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL OMAHA

28TH ANNUAL FORT OMAHA POWWOW

PAPILLION’S SINGING SENIORS

Sept. 14 at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village. Festivalgoers can try authentic African cuisine and listen to music as they peruse vendors, including crafts, jewelry, and clothing. 2-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402.957.4145. —aksarbenvillage.com

BELLEVUE BONFIRE

Sept 14 at Pirate Pub in Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St. Gather around the bonfire for ghost-story swapping and s’mores-making. Th is event is for visitors ages 13 and older, visitors under 18 must be chaperoned by a parent. 6-10 p.m. Admission: $20. 402.953.9670. —mphtours.com

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Sept. 21 at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus, 5300 N. 30th St. The Fort Omaha Intertribal Pow Wow honors the traditional dance, music, artistry, oral history, and foods of various tribes across Nebraska and the surrounding region. Tribes represented include, but are not limited to, Ponca, Omaha, Santee Sioux, and Winnebago. 1-7 p.m. Admission: free. 531.622.2253. —mccneb.edu

18TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 27-28 at Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus, 3578 Farnam St. Celebrate this German harvest celebration at the Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus with music from the Barry Boyce Band and Bobby “Z” and Polka Joy, authentic German food, and plenty of beer. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday; noon-2 a.m. Saturday. Admission: $5 for ages 21 and older. 402.345.1708. —beercornerusa.com

OMAHA’S RIVER CITY RODEO

Sept. 27-28 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Th is event highlights PRCA-sanctioned rodeo teams and will feature all seven rodeo events, including steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding. The winners of this event will advance to the National Finals Rodeo. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$42. 402.341.1500. —omaharivercityrodeo.org

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

Sept. 27 at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Th is is the last night market of the season, and will feature more than 40 vendors, a cocktail patio, food and drink, games such as giant chess and Jenga, and live music and entertainment. 6-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402.345.5401. —midtowncrossing.com

PUMPKIN PATCHES

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. There are several within a short drive of Omaha where one can pick their own pumpkin and participate in a wide variety of activities. • Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch (1100 S. 48th St.) Opens Sept. 14. Th is pumpkin ranch features an Old West ghost town, mines, caves, a huge treehouse, Pirates Cove, and the Ranch of Terror haunted house. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. —bellevueberryfarm.com • Harvest Moon Farm (1410 US-77, Oakland, Nebraska) Opens Sept. 20. Zipline, play in the sports barn and puppet barn, race around on the go-kart tracks, and spend time in the scarecrow forest at this farm. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; noon-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; closed Mondays. —harvestmoonoakland.com • Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch (21534 Chestnut Road, Council Bluﬀ s). Opens Sept. 15. Events include a gold mine, volleyball court, dark barn maze, dino dig, and more. 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-10 p.m Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays. —ptapples.com • Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch (3935 NE-133, Blair) Opens Sept. 6. Th is farm features rolling racers, a petting zoo, pedal karts and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. —skinnybonespumpkinpatch.com • Vala’s Pumpkin Patch (12102 S. 180th St.) Opens Sept. 13. One of Omaha’s largest pumpkin patches includes more than 50 attractions, along with special events that can be added on, such as pony rides or black light paintball. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. —valaspumpkinpatch.com Event times and details may change. Visist omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

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A+C MUSIC // STORY BY SEAN MCCARTHY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

A TOY DRIVE

traight

Heart to the

Larry Dunn may be a soft-spoken guy, but physically, he exudes the traits that define outlaw country. His arms are covered in tattoos. His black T-shirt contrasts with his straw cowboy hat. Part Pete Seeger, part Henry Rollins, Dunn first discovered guitar as an alternative to sports.

“I

was a skinny, dorky kid. It seemed like a way that I might meet a girl,” Dunn says. After memorizing “intro to guitar” standards from the likes of AC/DC, a friend introduced Dunn to the rock-and-roll band The Blasters. Their straightforward musicianship and working-class lyrics resonated with Dunn.

“As soon as I heard it, I knew that it was for me,” Dunn says. For nearly three decades, Dunn has played his brand of hardscrabble, propulsive country music. People are more likely to know him by his stage name, Lash LaRue. However, to hundreds of Lakota children living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, he is best known for his charity. His organization, Toy Drive for Pine Ridge, provides toys for the children on the Pine Ridge Reservation over the holidays.

SEPTEMBER

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2019

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// A+C MUSIC //

unn’s first major exposure to Lakota culture was in his early 30s when he took a onenight class at Metropolitan Community College on Lakota spirituality. The class was taught by Wendell Bird Head. Dunn says Bird Head invited him to participate in a sweat lodge ceremony. After that, Dunn began traveling to the Pine Ridge Reservation on a regular basis and learning the Lakota language. “I’m very much aware that I’m a guest there… and I’ve been able to see and do things most people haven’t,” Dunn says. “I take that privilege and honor very seriously.” Oglala Lakota County (formerly Shannon County), the area that includes Pine Ridge Reservation, ranks as the poorest county in the United States according to the American Community Survey. A 2018 U.S. Census estimate indicated almost 42 percent of residents live in poverty. The individual yearly per capita income is less than $9,400. By contrast, the same report listed the average yearly individual per capita income of someone living in Douglas county at around $30,000. The same report found that more than 37 percent of those living in Oglala Lakota County are under the age of 18. Around 2003, Dunn heard of a group from Colorado that organized a toy drive for Pine Ridge. He felt that he could do the same thing in Omaha. “It’s the cliched musician thing. I came back and thought ‘I’m going to put on a show and see if we can get some toys and take them up there,’” Dunn says. The first show was in 2003 at Mick’s Music Bar (now The Sydney). Five acoustic acts played, and $500 was raised. Dunn and a few of his friends loaded a friend’s pickup with toys and delivered them to Pine Ridge. Sixteen years later, a pickup truck no longer suffices for what Dunn’s organization collects during the holidays. Instead of one concert, the nonprofit organization now hosts concerts in Des Moines and Lincoln as well as Omaha. With five bands playing per show, Dunn guesses he coordinates schedules with roughly 100 musicians. He says he begins ramping up for the toy drive in August. Last year, he played 13 shows for the drive. “By the time Thanksgiving is over, this is my whole world,” Dunn says. Dunn now takes a donated 24-foot truck to Pine Ridge about a week before Christmas with all the collected toys. Sometimes fellow musicians will ride up with him. Others will help load the truck. // 16 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

“I may have had the first idea, but if it weren’t for all of these people, it would be me, one G.I. Joe, and one Barbie going up there.” Dunn says he knows a toy drive won’t solve the problems of poverty for many families on Pine Ridge. However, he points to stories like one girl who received a giant teddy bear one year. A few weeks later, the girl wrote Dunn to thank him, and told him the bear “takes away my nightmares.” Dunn says he tells that story to anyone who tells him that “toys don’t solve anything.” Getting the toys to Pine Ridge Reservation hasn’t always been easy. In 2009, the rental truck he was driving had a mechanical problem; it wouldn’t go above 35 mph. As the truck limped its way to its destination, a blizzard rolled in, reducing visibility to mere feet from Dunn’s windshield. The toys made it, but on the return trip Dunn heeded the advice of the rental truck agency and abandoned the truck in Gordon, Nebraska. He hitched a ride back to Omaha with one of the volunteers following his truck. For the toy drive, Dunn coordinates with schools throughout Pine Ridge. Toys are brought into the schools, and children from kindergarten through eighth grade are given the opportunity to select one toy. Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School in Porcupine, South Dakota, is one of the participating schools. In a phone interview, Principal Theresa Lessert says some children use their one gift to either give to their sibling, or pick a game the entire family can play. Lessert will sometimes talk with Dunn in advance about a family that is going through an especially hard time. One year, she told him about a family who lost their father shortly before Christmas. She says Dunn made sure each child from the family received a box full of toys. “His generosity is just unbelievable,” Lessert says. “He’s been a godsend to many of our children.” Along with the toy drive, Dunn has started a propane relief fund for Pine Ridge residents. Part of the drive’s proceeds go toward supplying propane to those in need. Karen Red Star, director of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Health Education Program, collects a list of names of those who require heat assistance. In a phone interview, Red Star says she has known people on the reservation who have died during the winter because of lack of access to heat. “We’re all desperate [out here], but there are some that are even more desperate,” Red Star says.

Red Star says Dunn’s organization donates the funds directly to the propane supplier, Lakota Plains Propane. Red Star estimates the Toy Drive helped more than 80 families with their heat last year. “[The families] are so grateful,” Red Star says. “They really appreciate[d] all the help that they got.”

Dunn’s organization has received corporate grants from Ebay and Paypal. However, he estimates that almost 95% of contributions come from individual $10 donations. “That’s something I’m most proud of,” Dunn says. For more information, visit toydriveforpineridge.org

“I

MAY HAVE HAD THE FIRST IDEA, BUT IF IT WEREN’T FOR ALL OF THESE PEOPLE, IT WOULD BE ME, ONE G.I. JOE, AND ONE BARBIE GOING UP THERE. ” -LARRY DUNN

“BEING HERE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS HAS REALLY PUSHED ME TO START TAKING MY ART MORE SERIOUSLY BECAUSE OMAHA REALLY HAS A SCENE FOR SELF-TAUGHT ARTISTS AND PEOPLE WHO DON’T FIT INTO TRADITIONAL GALLERY SETTINGS.” -ANG BENNETT

A+C VISUAL // STORY BY PATRICK MAINELLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

A LIFE OF ART, ADVOCACY, AND SERVICE

rtist Ang Bennett’s path to Omaha was through service. Specifically, it was a tour with AmeriCorps that brought them here, working with Omaha’s Lutheran Family Services. When the term was up and it was time to head home, Bennett opted to stay in Omaha. “There’s a lot of good going on,” Bennett observes. “Being here over the last few years has really pushed me to start taking my art more seriously because Omaha really has a scene for self-taught artists and people who don’t fit into traditional gallery settings.” Working primarily in paint and ink drawing, Bennett’s art is most often figurative. “I’m very much a history buff, so I love telling historical stories through what I create.” In particular, it is history’s queer icons and advocates that Bennett is most interested in bringing to the attention of the public eye. “For me, it’s about understanding and the power that representation has to build a more honest picture of the communities we live in. You don’t have to necessarily agree with everyone’s political standpoint or how they live their lives, but art can help us come to a better place of understanding of identities different from your own.” Bennett is certainly not alone among Omaha’s art scene in advocating for broader representation. The Nasty Artist Collective, of which Bennett is a part, is one example of a local effort to bring greater diversity and social awareness to Omaha’s gallery scene. Comprised of a half-dozen core artists and several more affiliated collaborators,

the mission of Nasty Artist Collective is to create space for artists of all backgrounds to “share personal truths, art, and causes they care about.” “Social change through art is really central to what we’re trying to do,” Bennett explains, “and a big part of pushing for change is pushing for greater visibility, getting people to recognize what their community really looks like outside whatever bubbles we’re all living in.” This commitment to continually opening awareness to new perspectives is echoed in many areas of Bennett’s life. A recent Habitat for Humanity service trip to Brazil (a self-given 29th birthday gift) exposed Bennett to ways and rhythms of life far removed from the Omaha scene. “I’m one of those people who has a hard time just traveling for fun,” Bennett says. “I knew that I wanted to go to Brazil, but I didn’t just want to sit around all day. The Habitat build was perfect. We built cisterns in a small village, collecting clean rainwater for cooking and bathing.” Back in Omaha, Bennett works as a teaching artist with The Union for Contemporary Art’s youth program and served as the Youth Engagement Coordinator with Benson First Friday (BFF). “We love having Ang on the BFF Crew,” says Alex Jochim, co-founder and executive director of BFF. “[Bennett] began volunteering with BFF regularly in 2017, and then took on more work in 2018 by planting the seeds of our Youth Engagement program, including monthly youth activities.”

Bennett also helped formulate the beginning of a youth-centric art gallery and a budding youth scholarship program. “[Bennett is] passionate and progressive about spreading culture and all things positive, and that energy shines through into our current Youth Engagement activities,” Jochim adds. As an advocate, Bennett serves on the board for GLSEN (formerly the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network), and for the last four years has worked as a CASA (court appointed special advocate for abused or neglected children). “I’m passionate about being an advocate for teenagers, because I feel like once children reach a certain age there just aren’t enough resources for them and we don’t have enough love for them,” Bennett says. Of course, advocating for youth who have experienced real trauma is almost always challenging, but rewarding work. “It feels essential,” Bennett says. “Representation really matters, and if I’m not putting myself out there with my own identity, especially in Omaha where things are so segregated, you’re not showing kids that it’s okay to be yourself. I am a black, queer person, and that’s how I enter every space that I go into, whether I’m with my CASA kids or at an art event. Those are the identities that I hold. How could I shy away from them?” You can view Bennett’s art at artistangbennett.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

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The In[HEIR]itance Project isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t playing around

For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.

A+C PERFORMANCE // STORY BY GREG JERRETT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK to artists, art lovers, critics, and scholars. Two-dimensional art has its passive, observable beauty on the wall or on the pedestal, but the stage is the canvas of the living theater. The stage is where The Union for Contemporary Art fellow Chantal Pavageaux puts her interdisciplinary skills to work to form a cohesive patchwork of ideas. “Both my grandmothers were quilters,” Pavageaux says. “I grew up around sewing machines. I knit, sew, and craft elaborately. The foundations of patchwork and bricolage are in all of my artwork. I have always made things from what was around or left behind. I’m a bit of a magpie naturally, drawn to anything sparkly.” Pavageaux is originally from Garland, Texas, about 15 miles outside of Dallas. She began her theater career acting in school productions. At age 5, she played Suzette, a kidnapped doll in It’s a Dungaree World. According to Pavageaux, everything about growing up in Garland fueled her future artistic goals. “Being a cheerleader, [and] attending Catholic and Baptist churches exponentially increased my affinity for glitter, spectacle, extravagance, and pageantry,” Pavageaux says. “I think of the works I create as gifts, and therefore there is a commitment to specialness in the making.”

A voracious reader of science and science fiction, Pavageaux lets her inquisitive nature lead the way as she explores new art forms. “My curiosity about the way things work feeds into my research-based, performance-making methodology. When I get interested in a subject, I will read every single book I can get my hands on in order to better understand the many facets of it,” Pavageaux says. “With my fellowship, I am currently following these curiosities and exploring new mediums. I have been painting and creating ceramics, in addition to creating the performance work with the In[HEIR]itance Project.” Since 2014, Pavageaux and other members of The In[HEIR]itance Project have been creating plays based on extensive research of holy texts, historic documents, and current affairs to tell stories particular to different cities around central themes. The project began with fellow New York University classmate

Jon Adam Ross and a grant from The Covenant Foundation to do five plays in five cities. “We based each play on a different character from the book of ‘Genesis.’ We paired the cities and the characters, gathered artists, writers, and experts in the text like clergy and biblical scholars,” Pavageaux says. “We studied the cities and found connections between the community, the storytellers, and the story of the cities.” Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; Charleston, South Carolina; Austin, Texas; and Kansas City, Missouri, each ended up with their own community-created performances with box-office proceeds going back into the community. The project has since evolved and Omaha will be part of a new series based on another biblical text. “We are currently devising a piece based on the book of ‘Exodus’ with

the refugee communities in Omaha,” Pavageaux says. “This is the second in a series based on Exodus. The first was created in Harlem in 2018 with formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and rabbinical students. We will have performances of Exodus: Resettlement in Omaha in November of 2019, and then the series will continue next year in Cincinnati and Norfolk, Virginia.” A new series based around water will begin in Miami in 2020, expanding over the next few years to New Orleans, Houston, Flint, Las Vegas, and Tel Aviv. “I am very excited to see how the different projects and new mediums start to inf luence and cross-pollinate each other,” Pavageaux says. For more information on The In[HEIR] itance Project and Chantal Pavageaux, go to facebook.com/inheiritance, twitter.com/inHEIRitance, instagram.com/ inheiritanceproject, and instagram.com/ chantalmakesart.

A voracious reader of science and science fiction, Pavageaux lets her inquisitive nature lead the way as she explores new art forms.

SEPTEMBER

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2019

SPORTS // STORY BY CHRIS HATCH

Reaching Out with Both Arms The Brian Duensing Foundation

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SEPTEMBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Ask former Husker standout Brian Duensing about transition— he’ll tell you about it. He’s doing some of his own, right now.

Duensing is back in his home state, keeping that million dollar left arm—the one that’s seen surgeries and strikeouts and felt the dull ache of time seeping into the medically repaired tendons—ready to reach for the phone. The longtime professional baseball player was granted his release from the Chicago Cubs this spring, spending part of the 2019 season in Des Moines with their AAA team before opting out of that contract.

“It just wasn’t working out,” he says. He’s trying to catch on somewhere else; make one final push before dusk settles on decades of pitching. “If it doesn’t work out then it was a great run. I never thought I would play college baseball, let alone professional baseball. So this has all been icing on the cake.” Duensing may be waiting, but he’s hardly standing still. Not when he can take that rocket-fueled arm and use it to reach out.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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Y SPORTS //

You see, people like Duensing are from here. With all that polite, but emphatic, inflection that means so much in Nebraska.

The Millard South graduate has pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, Cubs, Team U.S.A. at the 2008 Olympics in China, and at nearly every stop in the Midwest with a mound and four bases, but he never stopped coming back. His love of Nebraska is one reason why he started a charity in his home state of 1.9 million people. The Brian Duensing Foundation has donated nearly $400,000 to local charities since 2015, focusing primarily on pediatric cancer and other serious childhood illnesses. And like the man who gives the foundation its name, the idea to start the foundation had humble beginnings—an old T-shirt, a wife with a passion, and inspiration hanging at the back of the closet.

“I pulled a ‘Team Jack’ shirt off a hanger, getting ready to ship home some stuff from Minnesota,” he says, referring to the foundation that was started because of Jack Hoffman, a young Nebraska Husker fan battling brain cancer. “My wife Lisa said to me, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if you could wear T-shirts of different kids dealing with pediatric cancer?’ I sent out a Tweet, thinking we would get a few here and there. What actually happened was that I received more T-shirts than there are days of the month in September.”

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Thus he wore a T-shirt from a different organization for 30 days, photographed himself wearing them, and posted the photos to his social media. Duensing gave each organization $500 and innumerable amounts of awareness.

They’re hosting the Reveal Gala on Nov. 15 to help shed light on the long-term effects of childhood cancer. The event will support the launch of a survivorship clinic at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha for those looking to transition from pediatric care to adult cancer care. The clinic will be available at Children’s to people up to age 21 who were treated for childhood cancer and who have been off therapy for at least two years.

Duensing was inundated with people looking to raise awareness, find someone who cared like they did, or help find a few dollars to fight this battle. He continued the T-shirt campaign for several years. “It was bittersweet. In a way, it was cool to see how well social media can work but also sad that so many kids are affected by cancer.” With more than a little help from the brains behind the operation and some willing friends, they’ve been making a difference. “Lisa is definitely the brains and the muscle behind the ideas. [She] and I, and Traci Curtis, who runs the foundation, all usually brainstorm ideas. We try to think of things we have seen at other events we have attended and use those as inspiration.” He also holds a variety of fundraisers, each one unique—whether it was raising money for Camp CoHoLo (Courage, Hope, Love) or mixing Manhattans behind the bar with fellow professional baseball player Alex Gordon at a black-tie affair. Duensing and his crew are always looking for innovative ways to give back.

Like the middle reliever he has been for so many years, Duensing wants to make the change from start to close easier for cancer survivors. “As we spoke with some friends whose child has some complications from treatments, we learned about the new survivorship clinic being [created] at Children’s Hospital,” Duensing says. “The truth is, just because a child beats cancer doesn’t mean the fight stops. So this clinic will help with the next phases of their lives.” Ask Brian Duensing about transition. He’ll tell you. He wants to make it easier for young people, too. Visit thebrianduensingfoundation.org for more information.

The Brian Duensing Foundation has donated nearly $400,000 to local charities since 2015, focusing primarily on pediatric cancer and other serious childhood illnesses.

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Heartland Communities Unite through Hardship

From left: Rescue lieutenant John Batcher, firefighter and EMT John Allee, fire chief Mike Wiekhorst, firefighter and EMT Zach Toole, and assistant chief Vince Sunde.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

// Feature // story by will patterson

“I

t was roughly 4 o’clock in the morning when I reported back to the command post that Valley was going to be considered flooded,” says Mike Wiekhorst, chief of the Valley Fire Department, about the night he saw his town succumb to water.

he communities of Valley and Waterloo lie on the western edge of Douglas County. A small town and a village—sharing a public school, businesses, and a common lifestyle—were brought closer together this spring when flood waters threatened their homes. At the forefront of recovery efforts were the volunteer fire departments and the regular citizens who would lend them their talents.

Valley is near the Platte River, while Waterloo brushes against the Elkhorn River. Both rivers swelled beyond their confines through the latter half of March. If there had to be a date that things took a turn for the worst, Wiekhorst would say March 14— the day Spencer Dam collapsed, sending an 11-foot wall of water down the Niobrara River. While the Niobrara isn’t upstream, the sudden rush would enter the Missouri, the same river that the floodwaters needed to drain into. Waterloo Fire Chief Travis Harlow offered his station as a place to set up a unified command post, bringing the area’s high-ranking emergency responders under one roof. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Valley Fire chief Mike Wiekhorst

“

There’s still people going through this. As we’re recouping and getting back to normal lifestyles, there’s other people who still have water in their houses. There are roads that are still out.” -Fire Chief Travis Harlow

// FEATURE //

“Luckily the village of Waterloo is surrounded by a levee, so we were able to be protected. At one time it was five inches from coming over the top of the levee, and just seven short years ago we raised the levee three feet,” Harlow says.

Faced with no other options, the trio found a canoe. They put the last two stranded people in it and walked the vessel through the high waters. Wiekhorst, who stands over six feet tall, had water reaching his neck at times.

Valley Fire Department Rescue Lieutenant Natalia Menard was focused on getting supplies and medical attention to those who were extracted, but the volunteer nature of her department exposed her to all aspects of the rescue effort.

“That was the most physically demanding part of that whole flood. Halfway through I thought I couldn’t move my legs anymore, but I literally didn’t have a choice,” Wiekhorst says. “It was move or die.”

“Honestly, it’s kind of blurry to remember it. We had no sleep. We hadn’t eaten. We were going nonstop,” Menard says. “On top of that, we’re worrying about our families.”

The hovercraft was repaired and able to retrieve Wiekhorst, two firefighters, and two civilians from the last leg of their trip across the rushing waters. The incident marked one of several life-threatening situations that Wiekhorst and volunteers encountered to save the stranded.

Menard was dedicated to those in danger, which kept her away from her family, including her 3-year-old son, as they evacuated. Despite her mother falling ill and the quickly rising water, the family was able to safely escape the flood zones. Not everyone was so lucky. Wiekhorst and two of his volunteer firefighters were thrown into a high-stakes rescue situation. A rescuer experienced a technical difficulty while trying to reach an individual stranded on a diminishing island—a complication that sent him to the hospital with hypothermia. Wiekhorst was nearby. He had two volunteers with experience on the water and a boat at his disposal. Wiekhorst contacted Harlow and told him they were going to try rescuing the individual, but while en route, the boat became too damaged to keep moving. The three rescuers waded through rushing floodwaters while using a submerged barbwire fence to guide them. “We finally get up to the homes and we found our first patient that we thought we came for. Then we found a second one in [a] different house. Then we found a third,” Wiekhorst says. “Now I’ve got three people.” Wiekhorst and his two crew members conceived a plan to get the three stranded civilians and themselves to safety. Harlow called the Council Bluffs Fire Department, who used their hovercraft to transport one individual before becoming too damaged to make another trip.

Wiekhorst, Harlow, and their volunteers prepared for these disaster situations for years, but some of the greatest assets to rescue and recovery efforts during the flooding were locals. Brad Brown of Valley was one of those people. “Well I have an airboat, so I couldn’t just sit there without helping,” Brown says. “So we made some phone calls to the fire department asking if they needed help, and they took us up on it.” During the worst week of flooding, Brown made himself readily available— waking early each morning and staying up late into the evening. There was a constant need for the skilled airboat captain and his vessel. “[The fire department] was reluctant in the beginning because they didn’t know me at all,” Brown says. “But they were kind of desperate and needing airboats. Mine is much wider and bigger than most airboats, which makes it very stable when you’re bringing multiple people on board.” In all, the fire departments rescued 217 people and 175 animals this spring. The waters may have receded, but the problems are far from over. Some lost everything and the toll on the community is apparent. Harlow recalls one person who committed suicide shortly after losing most of their property to the floods. He feared that the individual was pushed by the overwhelming situation.

King Lake, an unincorporated community near Waterloo, was one of the hardest hit areas. The area f looded in 2011, but the 2019 f lood was far worse. King Lake and other low-lying residencies along the river were mostly destroyed beyond recovery. Even the areas that avoided ice f lows—which leveled buildings—still face water damage so great most infrastructure must be condemned. “There’s still people going through this. As we’re recouping and getting back to normal lifestyles, there’s other people who still have water in their houses. There are roads that are still out,” Harlow says. Contractors and public workers for the city of Valley are in the process of restoring the city park, repairing the edges of the roads, rehabilitating the water pumping system, “and about a hundred other things,” says Joan Suhr, Valley city clerk. Group efforts to repair the region are in full swing. More volunteers and organizations have helped clean f looded properties and donated supplies to those who lost their belongings. While nonprofits such as Valley Flood Relief have assisted residents in the area, the city has relied on its own funds for recovery efforts. “The f loods wiped out our cash on hand,” Suhr says. Menard says there’s an increased number of people volunteering at the Valley Fire Department, and she thinks it’s due to people wanting to help during the flood. Brown plans on offering his airboat for future emergency situations or even becoming a volunteer firefighter himself. “I really got a chance to see what these volunteers do. Those guys are true heroes. What they do every day—put themselves out there without getting paid,” Brown says. “And there is some treacherous stuff.” Visit valleyfiredepartment.com and waterloofire.ne.gov for more information on the fire departments in this story.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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HISTORY // STORY BY ANNE WALSH // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE DURHAM MUSEUM // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

From left, newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst Jr. is presented a public service award by Dr. Charles W. Mayo and Mutual of Omaha Chairman V.J. Skutt in February 1957.

GENEROSITY OF LEADERS HELPED FORM FOUNDATION

MUTUAL OF OMAHA'S GIVING SPIRIT M

any companies in Omaha claim a great bond with the city, but one in particular, Mutual of Omaha, has dedicated time and money, in a variety of ways, to improve quality of life in the metro-area.

“Giving back has always been part of Mutual’s history, and Omaha is core to its brand,” says Gail Graeve, vice president-community affairs and corporate events, “We believe our company is only as strong as our community, and our community is only as strong as its most vulnerable friends and neighbors.” The company's foundation is less than 15 years old; it was formalized as a 501c3 in 2005, but Mutual of Omaha and its leaders have a century-long history of supporting Omaha.

The company was first incorporated as Mutual Benefit Health and Accident Association in 1909, and Dr. C.C. and Mabel Criss took over the charter of the f ledgling insurance company a year later. She became Mutual of Omaha’s first woman officer and vice president in 1929, and Dr. Criss served with the company from 1933-1952, first as president and then as chairman. Philanthropy started with heartache. The couple’s destiny was shaped by the loss of their only child, Harry, who died at age 4 in 1907 from a blood disorder. Inspired by his memory, the couple gave millions to charity. In one example, Mabel gave two major gifts of stock, totaling more than $4 million, to Creighton University for its health sciences schools. This was after Dr. Criss died in 1952, and at the time, it was the largest donation by an individual. Their generosity also led to formation of the privately held Dr. C.C. and Mabel Criss Memorial Foundation, which was founded in 1978 upon Mabel’s death.

The Mutual of Omaha Foundation was created toward the end of third president Jack Weekly’s tenure as CEO and chairman. The idea was not to replace corporate giving, but to ensure a consistent, long-term source of financial investment to help people in their time of need, says Kim Armstrong, community programs manager. Dan Neary, who succeeded Weekly and continued Mutual’s evolution into banking and finance, supported the foundation’s growth.

United through Mutual of Omaha’s culture, the foundation’s board is comprised solely of employees having unique skill sets and their own community perspectives. Board director Alex Hayes, Mutual’s vice president of physical security and business continuity, is a former Omaha police chief. “It’s such an advantage to have his leadership,” says Graeve, who herself recently was named a 2019 Tribute to Women honoree by the Women’s Center for Advancement.

“It speaks to their genuinely altruistic leadership that they created a foundation which didn’t replace corporate giving, but expanded it,” says Graeve, who also serves as the foundation’s executive director. “For more than 100 years we have given back to the community, a value that’s been embraced by every generation of our workforce and every CEO. It’s good business to engage in philanthropy and invest in the people and programs that make all of us stronger, wiser, healthier, and engaged.”

By 2012, the foundation began giving greater priority to groups having outcome measures in place to show the impact of their services. Consideration also is inf luenced by collaboration, because “no organization or foundation alone can solve the issue of poverty,” Graeve says.

The Criss Foundation and Mutual of Omaha continued to donate millions to Omaha’s medical, health, and civic institutions, including Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Methodist Hospital, Nebraska Medicine, One World Community Health, and numerous educational facilities.

Since 2005, the Mutual of Omaha Foundation has invested more than $40 million in programs and organizations addressing poverty issues and capital projects throughout Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa. It has supported collaboration in three focus areas:

Succeeding the Crisses were V.J. and Tom Skutt, the father-son duo whose consecutive periods of leadership extended from 1949-1986 (V.J.) and 1986-1998 (Tom). They and the company supported myriad Omahabased organizations, including Creighton University, Clarkson Hospital, Joslyn Art Museum, YMCA, Boys Town, and V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School, which was established in 1993.

»» Basic needs—affordable housing, community health, food, emergency shelter, and homeless prevention.

These civic endeavors defined Omaha’s landscape and became part of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation’s twofold mission: break the cycle of poverty and invest in major capital projects that strengthen the community.

In 2009, the foundation celebrated Mutual of Omaha’s centennial by paying for playgrounds in low-income areas and funding 100 Days of Caring, an initiative in which 1,500 employees volunteered 7,000 hours helping nonprofits with construction, landscaping, sorting, cleaning, painting, serving meals, and spending time with senior citizens.

»» At-risk youth—abuse and neglect, college and career prep, mentoring, outof-school programs, and teen parenting. »» Adult self-sufficiency—domestic violence, financial education, literacy and language, parenting classes, and workforce development

Poverty-focused organizations receiving foundation grants through the years include Heartland Family Services, Legal Aid of Nebraska, Girls Inc. of Omaha, Stephen Center, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Food Bank for the Heartland, Heart Ministry Center, Omaha Home for Boys, Completely KIDS, and TeamMates Mentoring Program. The foundation also invests in major capital projects that strengthen the community. While many of these investments support those tackling poverty, its capital approach includes intentional investments driving key economic development for the metro area. They have included Baxter Arena, Holland Performing Arts Center, T.D. Ameritrade Park, Henry Doorly Zoo, Buffett Cancer Center, Do Space, Lauritzen Gardens, Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus, and Pottawattamie Arts Culture and Entertainment (PACE). “The capital projects we’ve funded not only improve quality of life in Omaha, they also have an economic impact in terms of jobs,” said Graeve. “They are what makes Omaha strong, with continued success and stability.” Visit mutulofomahafoundation.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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GEN O // STORY BY EMILY KERR AND DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

Leading the Way

from R

hawn Davis II, 18, may have misunderstood conditions for community service at Ralston High School. The requirement is 40 hours, but with 1,027 official hours—and many unofficial hours—he’s put in more than 40 days of his life volunteering. “I’ve grown a greater appreciation for the food I have in my house, the books that I have at school, and the knowledge that I have in my brain.” Volunteering, he says, is a worthwhile experience. Shawn has been a volunteer at Henry Doorly Zoo since fifth grade. His mother, Julee Ostblom-Davis, had him volunteer at the zoo as a way to bring him out of his shell. “As a child, he was attached to me,” Ostblom-Davis says. “I’d say, ‘honey, would you please go play with the other kids?’ But he was not always interested.”

“I would talk to these people, and I found I liked talking to people about something I was passionate about,” Davis says. He is still passionate about animals. Davis has risen through the ranks from the XYZ (eXplore Your Zoo) group to the Zoo Crew, on which he served as the leader on Mondays this summer. He started around 8 a.m. on Mondays, to get the 10-12 other Zoo Crew members ready for the day, then helped the 25-30 younger zoo volunteers who arrived about an hour later. “He’s the go-to person if there’s a question, if there’s a problem,” says Troy Solberg, youth volunteer coordinator at Henry Doorly Zoo. “He figures out what to do with the youth volunteers if it’s too hot, if it’s raining. Shawn has over 800 hours over the last three years.”

DAYS OF SERVICE

He did, however, love animals, and being a volunteer at the zoo put him in a position to need to talk to people.

It’s also a way for this gregarious teenager to make friends. One friend he has made through volunteering is always dressed in black and white and blind in one eye. She even made an appearance in his senior photos. This friend, Helga, is Shawn’s favorite penguin.

He works with Helga and the other penguins through a component of the volunteer program known as animal shadowing. “Not all Zoo Crew kids choose to do that, and not all are selected,” Solberg says. “That component takes a certain demeanor and a certain maturity level.” Davis also spends hours volunteering at school. The past four years, Davis volunteered to help underprivileged students through R Pantry, a food pantry at Ralston High School that is open on Fridays. He also assists with the monthly food distributions coordinated in conjunction with Food Bank for the Heartland. He volunteered through the National Honor Society, and he was not content to stock and distribute canned goods. “Two of [National Honor Society] officers are in charge of it,” National Honor Society sponsor Daniel Boster, Ph.D., says. “Sean was one of those students this year. He was constantly attentive to it. That part I normally do as the adult, he did. He did a lot of the communicating with the Food Bank. He checked on the other students. You could always count on him.” Although his days with that organization are over, he made sure the organization was more organized. He used money he received from the Adler Foundation to buy aprons that will now be used as a uniform for those students working at the food distribution site, making it easier for patrons to ask the right person for assistance. “That type of foresight can be unusual for a teenager,” Boster says. He also volunteered with Rambassadors, a group of student leaders dedicated to promoting positivity. In this role, he helped incoming freshmen transition into the school and participated in activities such as High Five for a Heart, a Valentine’s Day initiative to make new friends. In the initiative, students wear paper hearts on strings around their necks and exchange hearts with friends and strangers by giving them highfives. Davis helped cut out paper hearts and hang them in the school. Continued on pg.51

SHAWN DAVIS' SEPTEMBER

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2019

XYZ

REK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZO

// FEature //

"omaha is a big little town," says Anne Hindrey, CEO of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. “Omaha is a city with big hearts and deep pockets.” It is not a big surprise to those who frequent the city’s community and cultural spaces. The history of Omaha’s philanthropy is written all over the city, if you take a closer look. Take a stroll through the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. There’s the Lied Jungle, named for Ernst F. Lied, who owned a network of Omaha businesses—a car dealership, an apartment complex and a tool factory, among others—before investing in Las Vegas real estate. There’s the Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Orangutan Forest, and Expedition Madagascar, all named for the Hubbard family. Pioneering Omaha cardiologist Theodore Hubbard and his wife, Claire, established charitable foundations, and their daughter, Anne Hubbard, continues that legacy today. There’s the Scott Aquarium, and more recently the Scott African Grasslands, named for Suzanne and Walter Scott. Walter Scott succeeded Peter Kiewit as chairman and CEO of Kiewit Corp. Suzanne Scott was the founding executive director of the Omaha Zoo Foundation. The list goes on. Omaha history provides as much of a foundation for those buildings as concrete, bricks, and mortar. Natalie Simmonds, a consultant who works with area nonprofits, says Omaha is a close-knit community with a lot of pride and resources, and those combine to create a city that’s special to many of its residents. “One reason Omaha is so great is its tremendously generous philanthropic community,” says Simmonds, the founder of dotted i writing services. “The spirit of giving is special in Omaha.” That spirit contributes to Omaha’s culture, promoting collaboration between businesses and nonprofit missions to improve the community. “Omaha is not only unique in Nebraska philanthropically, I think it is unique across the country,” Hindrey says. There are several reasons why. The city has a high concentration of millionaires compared to its size, largely due to the fortunes made by early investors in Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway and the continued presence of the conglomerate, and several other Fortune 500 companies in the community. They often demonstrate a strong desire to give back. “This is where people raise their families, where they made their fortunes,” Hindrey says. “They really have that sense of community.” Omaha’s business world includes start-ups and entrepreneurs, franchises and small businesses, national firms, and global titans. Many of these businesses and businesspeople have created large foundations that drive local philanthropy—including the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, Robert B. Daughterty Charitable Foundation, Lozier Foundation, and Sherwood Foundation. Heritage Services has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in private giving for community projects.

// 36 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

There are also several community foundations and corporate charities like the Union Pacific Foundation. Across the river, a portion of the proceeds from gaming are legally required to go to charity, and this is distributed by The Iowa West Foundation in Council Bluffs. While major projects in the community have traditionally required the blessing of large foundations or philanthropists, Angela M. Eikenberry, a professor of public affairs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, says there’s a generational change happening. “The newer generation, especially among those smaller family foundations, they are not necessarily interested in doing things the same way,” Eikenberry says. “They don’t have the same level of, ‘Oh, you must go talk to so-and-so before you do anything.’” Grassroots fundraising has also blossomed, in part, she says, because of one-day giving campaigns. These flash mobs of philanthropy make it easier for smaller organizations to do direct fundraising. For example, Eikenberry says she’s involved with Mode Shift Omaha, a transportation advocacy group that she described as “running counter to a lot of the accepted practices to get funding.” “We’re very grassroots,” she says. “It’s been enough to do what needs to be done.” There are many ways for those who don’t make millions to contribute to philanthropic causes. Regional, national, and international organizations have local and state chapters—including noted charities such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA. A number of national groups like Feeding America also have local partner organizations like the Food Bank of the Heartland.

Churches, school groups, and government entities also have their own foundations, supporting field trips, soccer programs, library amenities, religious ministries, and a plethora of other activities. There are animal rescues, homeless shelters, human services, arts and cultural organizations, policy and advocacy organizations, and many other special-interest groups.

“There’s a reluctance to challenge the corporate culture that we have,” Eikenberry says.

The nonprofit ecosystem is as varied as the people who make up Omaha. Money and ideas flow among nonprofits and businesses alike. Nonprofits share membership and board members with area businesses, and they work alongside businesses and government entities.

There are still many ways philanthropists, and potential philanthropists, can give. Eikenberry says one area still struggling with securing ongoing financial support is human service organizations. She recommends that those looking to make a difference in Omaha start by spending on efforts to change policies and provide assistance to disadvantaged communities in the city.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert says these relationships are what drives Omaha’s successes. “Building great partnerships is the way we get things done in Omaha–partnerships with our business, development, and philanthropic communities, our state, and our nonprofit sector,” Stothert says. “Nearly everything we accomplish benefits from the leadership, financial support, and vision of these valued partners.” Eikenberry says Omaha is somewhat unique in having a strong corporate culture combined with a concentration of wealth and social capital. However, she notes that Omaha also faces a legacy of segregation and inequality. The status quo can be more entrenched than in other areas, too. “Everyone knows everybody, so it’s interesting because, on the one hand, it makes it easier to collaborate,” Eikenberry says. “But it also constantly remains that, if you don’t fit in that group, or if you don’t align with the same influence, it might be harder to make change.”

She says many people were hesitant to speak out about the executive pay scandal faced by Goodwill Omaha in 2016 that was sparked by an Omaha World-Herald investigation. Susie Buffett did give a blistering statement following the expose, that exemplified a shift in public support for the organization. (Goodwill Omaha has subsequently overhauled its leadership and updated ethics policies.)

“There’s a lot of disparity in Omaha, and there’s a lot of opportunity for people to not just be following what everyone else is doing,” Eikenberry says. “There is opportunity to figure out how to expand who benefits.”

"This is where people raise their families, where they made theIr fortunes, they really have that sense of community." -anne hindrey

Those who are unsure where to best place their dollars can do research through the multi-impact organizations, which often feature lists of nonprofits and interactive maps on their websites. “A lot of people may not realize what exists in their neck of the woods,” Hindrey says.

Hindrey says if she ever won the lottery, she’d set up an account with a local community foundation—an option that’s available to anyone interested in becoming a philanthropist who wants advice about the best way to proceed. One thing is certain—whether someone in Omaha makes $1 million, $100,000, or less, the city’s philanthropic heart beats loudly. “People are realizing you don’t have to be Warren Buffett or somebody with that kind of money to be a philanthropist,” Hindrey says. “You can make a difference.” Visit nonprofitam for more information about several of the nonprofits mentioned in this article.

Omaha’s close-knit community also raises the stakes when it comes to upsetting donors, which can make it challenging to call out wrong-doing.

SEPTEMBER 2019

// 37 //

FEATURE // STORY BY LISA LUKECART PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Lacey Studnicka of Lutheran Family Services

SEPTEMBER

// 38 //

2019

d a L e r o p S for the ve Community Multi impact Organizations

hour by hour dollar by dollar ,

SEPTEMBER 2019

// 39 //

// FEATURE //

One day equals 24 hours; 1,440 minutes; 86,400 seconds. For a multi-impact organization, one day often means millions.

A multi-impact organization is one that serves as a connector to work with donors and nonprofits. They are led by people with knowledge of the local charity landscape, which in turn allows them to use their resources to create a strong charitable impact in a city. In 1887, community leaders in Denver created a way to collect funds for 10 local charities that became the impetus of a multi-impact organization known as the United Way. It succeeded, and grew, and the United Way today has 17 offices in Nebraska.

Although this organization has been around for more than 130 years, they have seen their organization evolve from benefiting “10 area health and welfare agencies” to benefitting hundreds of nonprofits. The United Way often holds drives through workplaces that allow employees to give to a charity of their choice. These donations are often matched by an employer, so a person giving $1 to an animal relief organization in effect gives $2. The idea of multi-impact organizations has grown in recent years. “There is a call among the public to make philanthropy to be more democratized,” says Marjorie Maas of SHARE Omaha. “Different places are doing that differently. The Landscape Project [with OCP] uses data to

// 40 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

Marjorie Maas of SHARE Omaha

help fill in gaps in community support. SHARE Omaha uses technology to identify and connect nonprofits of similar bents in order to drive relationships. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands comes at it from a continuing education standpoint.” One of the most popular ways for multiimpact organizations to gain recognition is to hold a day of giving. Omaha Community Foundation raised more than $6.5 million for charity on May 22, the day of the popular Omaha Gives! Lacey Studnicka, the senior director of community outreach and engagement with Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, is working with another multi-impact project to create a big difference in a short amount of time. LFS is the host of 24 Hours of Impact, a collection of giving initiatives. The project started with Greater Omaha Chamber’s Leadership Omaha, but they did not have the capacity to host it this year, since it gained so much traction over its five-year span. The event was slated for Sept. 27, but in July the group decided to host it on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, partnering with fellow multiimpact organizations SHAREOmaha, and Omaha Community Foundation, as well as the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. More than 160 organizations will participate in this one-day event that will that benefit people in the community. There are plenty of people in the community who need the help, like Fraidoon Akhtari. When this former Afghanistan interpreter required resources after applying for a special visa, LFS connected with a church group to help furnish an apartment for his family. People coming into the country sometimes need assistance with immigration attorneys, job placement, or interpreting the language. LFS, located in 18 cities across the state, might also offer behavioral and child services for families like Akhtari’s.

“We want to help those who need a chance to live their best lives,” Studnicka says. These one-day giving events use the power of media connections and holistic thinking to achieve their goals. Omaha Gives! allows Omaha Community Foundation to spread the word about their organization, which was designed to pool donations into a coordinated investment and grant-making facility. In the case of 24 Hours of Impact, the day serves as a catalyst for businesses to create fun activities and volunteer opportunities from places that want to better the community. As the host of 24 Hours of Impact, LFS partnered with SHARE Omaha on this endeavor to connect corporate groups with a large selection of non-profits. Multi-impact organizations such as SHARE and LFS are streamlining the donation process, making it easier for people to give back. “Anyone can enter our office and receive services at any level, no matter who they are, what their background is, and services will be available,” Studnicka explains. “Our families that we serve need so many different points of advocacy. We are for the most part able to help them, serving the whole person, not just one aspect.” SHARE Omaha started in January 2019 and has already made a name for itself to mobilize community efforts. When many cities around Nebraska f looded in March, people could visit the website to response rapidly to donate, volunteer, or shop for necessary items to provide assistance. The shopping wish list is an extra little incentive to know exactly how a donator’s dollar amount is used. For example, Omaha Home For Boys is seeking razors, body wash, and lotion. Someone could browse the wish list and select items within his/her price range. It is then shipped directly to the non-profit. Or the Nebraska

Humane Society might post an event such as Dining With Dogs, or volunteer opportunities like Canine Companion as another way to give back. Although it is a small team of three people and an intern, SHARE Omaha works very closely to make sure each entity is in sync. “The way we approach our work, it just makes the most sense. We thought it was the best way to connect with donors as well as volunteers,” executive director Marjorie Maas says. Thrivinci is another local multi-impact organization helping nonprofits from a different angle. This organization identifies motivated professionals willing to provide skilled volunteer services to nonprofits, whether that is accounting skills, public relations skills, board involvement, or more. Vicki Graeve-Cunningham founded Thrivinci after discovering that volunteers are more likely to continuing their volunteer work if they feel empowered. Each of these multi-faceted organizations works towards one greater cause—helping others. “It is so heart-warming to see people ready to serve our community,” Studnicka says. Visit 24hoursofimpact.com, omahafoundation.org, shareomaha.org, thrivinci.org and unitedwaymidlands.org for more information about these organizations.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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U // A DV E N T

R E //

NT A V A . D . J S TO R Y BY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK SEPTEMBER

// 42 //

2019

THE SK Y

VE LAC E R ST O

BUTTER S F â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Ste v e L acr oi x feels at home 25,000 feet above the metro area. He has always reached for the skies, r eca lling bac k t o his childhood spent climbing trees and idolizing his father, a 22-year veteran o f t h e U. S . A i r F o r c e . After moving to Omaha from Ca na da at the age of 7, Lacroix continued dreaming about the upper at mo s ph e r e u n t i l t h e opportunity arose to join a relativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial hotair balloon crew in 1989.

// ADVENTURE //

had so much fun being a part of my cousin Jeff Geiger’s crew in California,” Lacroix says. “After he was finished with his paid f lights, he took me for a ride in his balloon. We only went up about 40 feet, but I was hooked. It reminded me of my childhood fantasies of f lying, and after that experience I was determined to earn my pilot’s license.”

Hot air balloons are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and balloonists are required to have a pilot’s license. Lacroix earned his commercial pilot license in 2003, and he soon sought out an experienced balloon manufacturer. Lacroix designed his first balloon, Second Wind, with the help of Ken Kennedy of Broken Bow, Nebraska. Since 2006, he has f lown enough to retire two balloons, including Second Wind and the aptly named Propane Addiction. These days, Lacroix operates two magnificent balloons— Celebration, and Celebrate Too. Celebrate Too is touted as the largest hot-air balloon in Nebraska, standing 80 feet tall and holding 142,000 cubic feet of air when fully inf lated. Manufactured by Kubicek Balloons, its basket can transport up to seven passengers plus the pilot.

“I wanted the design to look as close to our smaller balloon, Celebration, as possible,” Lacroix says, referring to the undulating color-patterns adorning both balloons. “I took the original template for Celebration home in 2010 from The National Balloons Co. in Winterset, Iowa, and I used my wife’s box of crayons to come up with the design.” The ballooners arrive 30 minutes prior to take-off. It takes a crew of three to five people less than 20 minutes to unpack the balloon and inf late it with cold-air from a gas-powered fan. Once expanded, double burners shoot 15 foot towers of f lame into the balloon, heating the air before launch. The crew includes his wife Elane, who serves as chief operator of the chase vehicle. Lacroix’s love of f lying takes him out any day of the year, if Mother Nature enables it. “This year, Jan. 5, it got up to 55 degrees and I f lew,” Lacroix said. He mainly f lies around Omaha, but he set one f light goal by going not just out of Omaha, but out of state. “I went a little over 100 miles, it was roughly from Omaha to St. Joseph,” Lacroix said. “The reason was I wanted to do a f light over 100 miles. It was a cold, cold morning. I’m thinking it was in February, it was about 25 degrees out.” He specifically picked a winter temperature because colder temps give a balloon operator more lift, thus using less fuel. The direction dictated the end point, and in the winter, the jet stream is usually moving south. As he moved along, he gained speed, reaching an interstate-respectable 68 mph at 10,000 feet.

SEPTEMBER

// 44 //

2019

The chilly air, however, did not dictate that he was freezing. Ballooners do not contend with wind chill, since the air around the balloon is also moving 68 mph. By the last hour, he was about 1,000 feet above ground, and, having reached his goal, Lacroix stopped in St. Joseph. His crew was there at his landing point, where they reversed the setup process, packed, and drove home. Along with the personal goal, Lacroix f lies for the fun of it, and he participates in about a dozen competition rallies throughout the year, sometimes traveling for a couple of hours to Indianola, Iowa, and sometimes traveling a couple of days to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has won a few individual events, but no full competitions, and that’s OK. “We’re f lying for competition points, which amounts to f lying for fun,” Lacroix says. His main ballooning experience, however, comes from his business, Scenic Wind Balloon Tours. From mid-March to October Lacroix maintains a busy schedule, piloting his balloons seven days a week on two f lights a day that each last one hour. Launch sites are plentiful on Omaha’s outskirts, including Zorinsky Lake and the Field of Dreams near Soaring Wings Vineyard in Springfield. He relies on his crew to make sure everything is ship-shape before any f light. “The hardest part of my day is packing champagne into the cooler for after-f light celebrations,” Lacroix mused. While this seems like a small task, the champagne is an important part of ballooning. Legend tells of the first balloon pilots offering bottles of bubbly to the farmers in whose fields they landed. In 19th century France, where ballooning first became popular, those who had never seen a hot-air balloon often thought the pilots were monsters or aliens. The champagne was offered to the landowner as a thank you gift, and to prove the balloonists were indeed people. Balloonists traditionally give a champagne toast at the end of a f light. It is also fitting for Lacroix. Although he makes sure to land in public areas such as roads, his customers are often celebrating special occasions. He takes customers up in a balloon for any number of reasons—weddings, engagements, birthdays. Skydivers have jumped from his aircraft. Lacroix has seen some unusual situations from the sky, but one sticks out in particular. “We did a f light quite a number of years ago for a 50th birthday, and as we were looking for a place to land, we drove near a neighborhood that was just being built,” Lacroix said. “It’s just empty lots at that point and roads. We see a small car, and the passengers asked if that was one of the crew. I said ‘no, it isn’t.’ All of a sudden the guy pulls over, gets out, and moons us.”

aS HE MOVED ALONG, HE GAINED SPEED, REACHING AN INTERSTATERESPECTABLE

68 MPH AT 10,000 FEEt.

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// ADVENTURE //

"The city looks like a sprawling metropolis from 25,000 feet up, but you also notice certain buildings and monuments aren’t as far apart as they seem." Whether f lying locally for himself or for a customer, on a clear day, passengers are treated to an epic view of the Nebraska sunrise. The final f light of the day must start at least an hour before sunset, or Lacroix is forced to cancel. “Better to be safe than sorry,” he asserts.

WEST

Lacroix remains ever vigilant of the weather. He prefers ground wind speeds around 7 miles an hour prior to take-off, and it isn’t uncommon for upper winds to reach 30 miles per hour. The landings, however, require skill and luck. “Coming in for a landing can be like a 3D chess game,” Lacroix said. “But… you hardly notice the speed.” Overall, however, the chance to be up high in the sky is its own reward.

Dr. Michael Siggers & Staff 402.342.2885 bigbrainomaha.com

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402.342.2885 bigbrainomaha.com 1123 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102 16920 Wright Plaza #162

// 46 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

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“Your perception really changes while you’re up in a balloon. The city looks like a sprawling metropolis from 25,000 feet up, but you also notice certain buildings and monuments aren’t as far apart as they seem. It really gives you a sense of the sheer vastness of Omaha.” Visit scenicwindballoons.com for more information.

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// 47 //

SPONSORED SECTION

al u n n th A

PRESENTED BY OMAHA MAGAZINE

MAHA MAGAZINE’S “BIG GIVE” IS OUR ANNUAL DIRECTORY OF CHARITABLE CAUSES. We are proud to help connect volunteers and philanthropists to the many area nonprofits. Each page in this sponsored special section is devoted to a different organization. Read on to learn more about their mission statements, organizational backgrounds, points of pride, upcoming events, and ways that you can make a difference.

Aksarben Foundation

CenterPointe

American Heart Association

Metropolitan Community College Foundation

Opera Omaha

Completely Kids

Parkinson’s Nebraska

American Midwest Ballet

Cross Training Center

Nebraska Humane Society

Partnership 4 Kids

American Red Cross

CUES School System

New Visions Homeless Services

PTI Nebraska

D2 Center

100

Omaha Home for Boys

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Angels Among Us

Do Space

Assistance League

Gesu Housing, Inc.

101

Omaha Public Library Foundation

Salvation Army of Omaha

Autism Action Partnership

Heartland Family Services

102

Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Siena/Francis House Homeless Shelter

Avenue Scholars

Benson Plant Rescue

Humanities Nebraska

103

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Bethlehem House

The Jewish Federation of Omaha

Omaha Rapid Response

104

Stephen Center

Omaha Sports Commission

105

Tri-Faith Initiative

Boys Town

KANEKO

Business Ethics Alliance

KIOS

Open Door Mission

106

Featured Events

Merrymakers

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 61 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To sustain a unified network of business and community leaders that seek to influence change in heartland communities for the betterment of education, workforce development and growth of the economy.

Support of the Aksarben Foundation initiatives help further the betterment of the heartland in areas of education, community, and workforce development—the most important issue facing Nebraska today. By working together, we can continue to help improve the condition of the heartland economy and strengthen communities across the state for a better, more prosperous tomorrow.

UPCOMING EVENTS Aksarben Stock Show Sept. 27-29, 2019 Aksarben Purple Ribbon Auction Sept. 28, 2019 Aksarben Ball Oct. 19, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Established in 1895, the Aksarben

The Aksarben Foundation focuses

Aksarben supporters make several

Foundation networks with premier

on the betterment of Nebraska

programs possible. The Aksarben

employers to influence change

and western Iowa. For nearly 75

| Horatio Alger State Scholarships

for the betterment of youth,

years, the Aksarben Foundation

are for students throughout

the economy, and heartland

has awarded scholarships to

Nebraska and western Iowa who

communities. The Aksarben

Nebraska youth so that they can

plan to attend four-year colleges

Foundation recognizes and

realize their dreams and give back

within Nebraska. Aksarben awards

celebrates the philanthropy and

to the heartland. Aksarben awards

50 of these scholarships each

volunteerism of heartland families,

over $1 million in scholarships

year. Aksarben annually awards

funds scholarships and community

annually and has long been

100 Aksarben Career Promise

grants throughout Nebraska and

known for the Aksarben Ball

Scholarships to students attending

western Iowa, and celebrates the

and the Aksarben Stock Show.

MCC. Ag Leaders Scholarships are

dedication of Nebraska’s agricultural These events recognize, promote,

awarded to 4-H student exhibitors

AKSARBEN FOUNDATION

families with the Aksarben Farm

and celebrate volunteerism,

during the Aksarben Stock Show,

Family Awards, given to families

philanthropy, and community

and Aksarben Community Grants

who have maintained family

pride while helping raise funds.

help communities throughout

7101 Mercy Road, Suite 320 Omaha, NE 68106 402.554.9600 aksarben.org

ownership of their farmland for 100

Nebraska and western Iowa realize

or 150 years.

their goals.

// 62 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

» Corporate Event Sponsors » Financial contributions to support research » Auction items » Survivor stories » Heart Walk teams » Red yarn for the Little Hats, Big Hearts project » Volunteers for upcoming events

UPCOMING EVENTS Go Red for Women Expo Sept. 24, 2019 Omaha Heart Ball Feb. 29, 2020 Workplace Health Symposium TBD Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk May 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The American Heart Association

In Nebraska in the last five years

The American Heart Association

is the nation’s oldest and largest

alone, the AHA has funded 21

wants everyone to know that

voluntary organization dedicated

studies, funding $2.9 million in

cardiovascular diseases are largely

to fighting heart disease. Founded

new research. Since 1949, the AHA

preventable. Risks can be lowered

by six cardiologists in 1924, the

has invested more than $4.3 billion

by adhering to what they call Life’s

organization now includes more

in studies that have led to medical

Simple 7: not smoking, being

than 40 million volunteers and

advances such as artificial heart

physically active, maintaining

supporters. They fund innovative

valves, CPR, pacemakers, cholesterol

a healthy body weight, eating a

research, fight for stronger public

drugs, microsurgery and drug-coated healthy diet, controlling blood

health policies, and provide critical

stents. Health care providers learn

pressure, controlling cholesterol,

tools and information to save and

about medical advances and new

and controlling blood sugar. People

improve lives.

treatment guidelines though AHA

can assess their cardiovascular

journals, conferences, and online

health by visiting MyLifeCheck.

courses. In the 13-state affiliate,

org and answering a few questions.

AHA is currently supporting 481 multi-year studies at a cost of more than $110 million.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 9900 Nicholas St. Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 402.810.6870 heart.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 63 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Celebrating 10 years of professional dance, American Midwest Ballet provides artistic and cultural enrichment through programs of the highest quality: professional dance performances, educational programs, and community outreach.

» Season sponsorships » Production sponsorships » Education and outreach sponsorships » Artist, costume, and scenic sponsorships » Individual donations » In-kind donations » Guild volunteers

UPCOMING EVENTS Momentum: Habaneras Oct. 11 and 13, 2019 The Nutcracker Nov. 24, and Dec. 7-8, 2019 Swing, Swing, Swing! April 4 and 11, 2020

BACKGROUND American Midwest Ballet (AMB) plays a key role in the cultural vitality of our region. The region’s professional ballet company inspires people through a talented roster of 30 dancers from around the nation and abroad, acclaimed choreographers, and stunning productions.

BRAG LINES As the region’s professional dance company, their work is truly beyond words. » Founded in 2009 by visionary artistic director, Erika Overturﬀ

// 64 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

» Professional dance productions that uplift, inspire, and make people think » Over 30,000 people reached in the community and on tour » Outreach to over 7,500 students and over 1,000 underserved persons » Partnerships with over 20 social service agencies » Collaborations with fellow arts organizations » Three main stage productions each season

PAY IT FORWARD » Attend a performance » Become a season subscriber » Support the ballet as a sponsor » Support the ballet an individual donor » Participate in and support AMB School » Join the ballet guild » Partner with AMB to bring dance to your audience » Follow AMB on social media AMB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

AMERICAN MIDWEST BALLET P.O. Box 6413 Omaha, NE 68106 402.541.6946 amballet.org info@amballet.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

» Volunteers » Blood and platelet donors » Financial support

UPCOMING EVENTS Heroes in the Heartland March 3, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

American Red Cross, serving the

American Red Cross provides about

» Become a volunteer. Help us

Omaha Council Bluff s Metro

40 percent of the U.S. blood supply,

provide relief and hope to those

area turns compassion into action

making them the single largest

aﬀected by disasters.

through its strong network of

supplier of blood in the nation.

Go to the website and click

volunteers, donors, and partners in Last year, Red Cross volunteers in

on “Volunteer.” » Donate blood. Each blood

times of need. They ensure that all

the Omaha metro area responded

members of the armed forces and

to 150 disasters, mostly home fires,

donation can save up to three

their families fi nd support and

providing help, hope, and comfort

lives. To make an appointment

comfort when needed, and that

to individuals and families affected.

visit the website and click on

in an emergency there are trained

Area Red Cross volunteers assisted

individuals nearby ready to use

with the response to flooding

Red Cross skills to save lives. Red

the impacted Nebraska and Iowa

90 cents of each dollar is invested

Cross also ensures that people

in the spring of 2019, helping

in humanitarian services and

have access to lifesaving blood and

to provide shelter, food, relief

programs. Go to the website and

blood products.

supplies and emotional support to

click on “Donate.” To make a $10

impacted residents.

donation text REDCROSS

“Give Blood.” » Make a donation. An average of

to 90999.

AMERICAN RED CROSS 2912 S. 80th Ave. Omaha, NE 68124 402.343.7700 redcross.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 65 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Angels Among Us exists to provide financial and emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer who are living-in or being treated in Nebraska.

» Fuzzy socks with grips on bottom (ages 3-19) » Gift cards for fast food and travel » Travel sized germ ex and Kleenex » To-go wipes » Thermometers » Find our full wish list on ShareOmaha.org

UPCOMING EVENTS Artists and Angels Gala Sep. 20, 2019 Giving Tuesday Dec. 3, 2019 Wing in the New Year January 2020 Uncorked Wine Event February 2020 Bland Cares/Angels Among Us Golf Outing July 2020 2020 Gala Oct. 2, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Angels Among Us was started in

Yes, Angels Among Us supports

There are so many good causes that

2006 by two women who wanted to

families financially, but more

could use your help.We understand

give back after their own childhood

importantly, Angels Among Us has

that. But if you could give a cancer

cancer experience. In the last thirteen

helped these families read bedtime

family just a little relief and allow

years, Angels Among Us has assisted

stories and play board games without them to worry less about where their

over 400 families with nearly $2

the all-consuming worry of paying

mortgage, rent or utility money will

million in support. Families are

rent, insurance or utility bills. We

come from – well then, would that

identified through the social work

are a community of people helping

tip the scale? Life isn’t fair. If you

offices of Children’s Hospital &

people. There is strength in numbers. could give your help, life just got

Medical Center and Nebraska

There is also hope, help and

a little fairer. Doing good is, good.

Medicine. Bills are paid directly to the monetary relief.

Doing good for others….well that

identified creditor ensuring that funds

makes you an angel.

are used for their intended purpose. Angels Among Us has assisted with mortgage and rent payment, car payments, utility bills, and more.

// 66 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

ANGELS AMONG US 3858 Jones St., Suite A Omaha, NE 68105 402.934.0999 myangelsamongus.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Assistance League volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.

» Monetary donations » Volunteers » Tax deductible donations of housewares, adult clothing, and accessories to the Thrift Shop » Books for young children » Printing services » Donations and Grants

PAY IT FORWARD

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

UPCOMING EVENTS

Assistance League® of Omaha

Assistance League of Omaha has

(ALO) is an all-volunteer 501(c)

achieved Platinum status with

Operation School Bell Oct. 1-13, 2019

(3) nonprofit service organization

GUIDESTAR, is a 2019 Top-

whose members identify, develop,

Rated GREATNONPROFITS

implement and fund ongoing

NONPROFIT and is a Best

philanthropic programs to serve

Practices organization of the

specific needs of local children

Nonprofit Association of

and adults in the Greater Omaha

the Midlands.

Area. Assistance League of Omaha receives no federal, state or city funding.

Christmas Caravan Preview Party Nov. 6, 2019

» 3760 children were provided clothing through Operation School Bell®. The Emergency Response Team clothed an additional 109 students » 70 teen parents graduated and 4 scholarships were awarded through Operation Teen Parent » 361 Assault Survivor Kits® were delivered to victims of abuse or assault » 593 teddy bears were given to comfort children through Operation Bear Hug » 143 high school students participated in ACT/PSAT Review Sessions » 4230 new/nearly new books were collected from ALO members, Pi Beta Phi and business partners to be distributed among less fortunate children within our community through Operation Literacy » Operation Recovery

encourages residents of Santa Monica House to succeed during their substance abuse recovery programs and transition back into the community.

Christmas Caravan Nov. 7, 2019 Style Show April 7, 2020

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE® OF OMAHA 3569 Leavenworth St. Omaha, NE 68105-1907 402.342.4288 alomaha.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 67 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To improve the quality of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their families through education, advocacy and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community.

» Corporate Partners » Employment opportunities for PACE participants » Inclusion event opportunities » Guild members » Volunteers » Donations

UPCOMING EVENTS “Making Memories” at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Sept. 14, 2019 11th Annual A Vintage Affaire Gala Oct. 5, 2019 Omaha Children’s Museum Sensory Santa Dec. 15, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Autism Action Partnership has

In 2018, Autism Action Partnership

The world has begun to embrace

served the needs of the Nebraska

expanded Circle of Friends to over

autism like never before.

autism community for over a

220 schools across Nebraska for over

Communities and businesses are

decade. AAP offers programming

3000 students to improve social skills turning their focus to the unique

focused in three core areas:

and reduce bullying of classmates

abilities possessed by individuals

education, workforce development,

on the autism spectrum. AAP

with autism and the significant

and enrichment and inclusion.

hosted numerous sensory friendly

contributions they can make in

“Making Memories” events, allowing all areas of life. Autism Action The diagnosis of autism continues

families affected by autism to enjoy

Partnership is regularly seeking

to grow significantly, worldwide and Werner Park, Rose Theater, Omaha

support in all forms to help harness

locally. Autism Action Partnership

Children’s Museum, and Omaha’s

and sustain these opportunities…

provides an array of services for

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

and fulfill our mission. Contact us

individuals with autism and their

AAP’s PACE program also expanded

today to learn more about how your

families and remains dedicated to

to place more job seekers (with

time, talent and/or treasure can help

working with all partners to create

autism) and serve more employers

change lives!

a more inclusive environment for

seeking qualified employees.

those affected by autism to thrive.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

AUTISM ACTION PARTNERSHIP 10110 Nicholas St., Suite 202 Omaha, NE 68114 402.763.8830 autismaction.org info@autismaction.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Avenue Scholars strives to ensure careers for committed students of hope and need through education/training and supportive relationships.

» Business partners

to participate with Avenue Scholars students in careerbuilding opportunities such as career exploration events, mock interviews, job fairs, career consultations, job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, parttime employment, and full-time employment » Financial contributions

UPCOMING EVENTS Avenue Scholars Wine Tasting and Vintner Dinner Nov. 21, 2019 Avenue Scholars Foundation Celebration Luncheon Late April/early May 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Avenue Scholars provides

Avenue Scholars has supported

Businesses are encouraged to join

comprehensive, individualized

the career development of 2,618

Avenue Scholars’ effort by provid-

support and resources to help

students since its inception in

ing career exploration and employ-

students from low-income families

2008. Thanks to the generosity

ment opportunities for students in

identify, persist toward, and enter

of the Suzanne and Walter Scott

the five targeted industry sectors.

financially sustaining careers.

Foundation and the ongoing

Please contact the organizations

Students are selected on financial

support of Metropolitan

to discuss ways to can partner in

need (eligibility for free or reduced-

Community College, the

providing internships to students

priced school lunches or a federal

organization is able to offer all

at both the high school and post-

Pell grant) and interest in pursuing

students who successfully complete

secondary level.

a career requiring an associate

their high school program an

degree or less in one of these high-

$8,000 scholarship to continue

demand industry sectors: Health,

education/training at MCC, in

Information Technology, Automotive addition to the career-focused Technology/Transportation,

support services provided by

Trades/Manufacturing/Builders, or

Avenue Scholars’ dedicated staff.

Business/Office Processes.

AVENUE SCHOLARS FOUNDATION 7101 Mercy Road Suite 240 Omaha, NE 68106 402.916.9777 info@avescholars.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The Benson Plant Rescue (BPR) engages in organic recycling to combat global warming. Proceeds from plant sales fund the Community Produce Rescue’s (CPR’s) mission of food reclamation and assist the Omaha Public Library with children’s books and computers.

» Contributions to our building fund » Volunteers Anything Garden: » Perennials » Shrubs » Trees » Houseplants » Garden Decor » Pots / Planters » Hand Tools » Garden Machinery » Fertilizer » Landscaping Material

UPCOMING EVENTS Spring Into Spring Sale May 2-3, 2020 Free Plants for Vets, Military, First Responders July 4-5, 2020 Midsummer Madness Perennial MegaSale July 18-19, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

» 2,000+ dues-paying members. plants and produce from area retailers » 5,000+ Facebook friends » $70,000+ donated to library and gardeners. This North Omaha since 1999. effort to improve the community » 2018’s $10k gift largest ever to with low cost plants (BPR) and FREE library by a local nonproﬁt. » 40+ tons of produce produce (CPR) has expanded into reclaimed annually. a nationally recognized model of Since 1999, BPR-CPR has rescued

environmental innovation. BPR’s all-volunteer staff not only sells plants but dispenses knowledge about their care and culture, making this more like a neighborhood club than a garden center. The organization’s motto says it all: “Growing Community, Not Just Plants.”

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

NATIONAL AWARDS » 2017 Neighborhoods USA (NUSA), First Place, Physical Revitalization/Beautiﬁcation » 2018 Garden Club of America, Club Civic Improvement Commendation

PAY IT FORWARD In October, 2018, BPR-CPR’s

Free Plants for Teachers & Schools Aug. 1-2, 2020

landlord announced plans to sell the building. To avoid losing seven years of investment, BPR-CPR negotiated a lease-purchase agreement through April 2020. To date they’ve raised about $100,000, but need another $300,000 to complete the purchase and fund necessary improvements. A contribution to the building fund will allow BPR-CPR to continue

the past 20 years of organic LOCAL AWARDS recycling into the next 20 years. » 2015 Earth Day Omaha’s Friend of the Environment Award Thank you for your kind assistance. » 2015 (Dr. D) + 2018 (Judy) Sertoma Club of Omaha’s Service to Mankind Award

BENSON PLANT RESCUE / COMMUNITY PRODUCE RESCUE (BPR-CPR, INC.) 7224 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68134 402.933.3867 BensonPlantRescue.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To provide pregnant and parenting women in crisis, regardless of their faith preference, with a home, hope, and empowerment through life-affirming services rooted in the Catholic tradition.

» Mentors, mentors, mentors. Program funding provides: » Aftercare healthy independency » Merit scholarships » Financial literacy » On-site service volunteers » Donations (accepted online) » Diapers: Sizes 4, 5, 6, and pull-ups » Gas and grocery cards: $25 increments

UPCOMING EVENTS Bethlehem House Annual Fall Fundraiser— Born to Shine Oct. 18, 2019 #GivingTuesday Dec. 3, 2019 Schedule a campus tour

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Founded in 2005, Bethlehem

» Thanks to Bethlehem House,

» Mentor MoMMs. Foster

House provides emergency housing

more than 350 mothers have

relationships and help strengthen

for women, infants, and youth. It is

received shelter and love,

family support systems.

a community-funded, faith-based

allowing them to choose life

nonprofit organization providing social services, at no cost, to

and a healthy re-direction. » During 2018, 90 percent of

» Donate. In-kind donations provide material items for the women and babies they serve. Current

families. Structured programming

graduates went on to maintain

needs include: baby wipes, baby

and case management by a

stable, independent living.

monitors, and gift cards for

trauma-informed staff helps

» The Humble Lily Boutique

grocery stores and gas stations.

women develop life skills, build

directly supports the mission

» Monetary gifts. Monetary

accountability, gain financial

of Bethlehem House, serving

donations fund critical

literacy, and set goals through a

as the hub for volunteers and

programing for expecting moms.

12-course Family Life program.

donations. In 2018, more than

» Shop. Visit the Humble Lily,

30,000 shoppers experienced

Bethlehem House’s high-end

the store’s eclectic blend of

women’s clothing boutique,

high-end women’s fashions.

where all proceeds support

» There is a new store location: 10730 Paciﬁc St. in Shaker Place

women and children.

THE HUMBLE LILY 10730 Pacific St. Omaha, NE 68114

BETHLEHEM HOUSE 2301 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68108 402.502.9224 bethlehemhouseomaha.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 71 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Changing the way America cares for children and families.

» Monetary donations » National Hotline support (suicide prevention) » Career readiness (vocational training) » School supplies

UPCOMING EVENTS Boys Town National Hotline: Fine Wine and Hors D’oeuvres Fundraiser Oct. 3, 2019 Boys Town National Research Hospital®: Pure Inspiration Art Exhibit & Food-Wine Pairing Event Oct. 10, 2019 Youth Athletic Program: Booster Banquet April 28, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

For over 100 years, Boys Town

» Boys Town is celebrating over 100 years as a leader in child and family care. » In 2018, Boys Town served 522,000 children across the country. » In recent years, Crisis Counselors at the Boys Town National Hotline® (800-448-3000) prevented more than 2,700 active suicides in progress. » Boys Town programs and services touch the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide every year. » Boys Town conducts applied research that focuses on understanding the problems children and families face in today’s world and identifying the most eﬀective ways to help them.

Help a child break free from the

has given thousands of at-risk girls and boys the love, support, and education they need to succeed. Every day, abused and neglected children, and broken and struggling families, find help at Boys Town. The care Boys Town provides is uniquely effective because it is driven by the unwavering belief that every child and every family has the potential to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. When Boys Town saves a child, the positive effects ripple through the community, contributing to greater progress for society as a whole.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

cycle of abuse and neglect and enter adulthood prepared to succeed. Get involved and help spread the word—Boys Town kids and families are everywhere. They are teachers, parents, engineers, and artists. Given a second chance, they have triumphed. Boys Town needs your support to continue the amazing work the organization does every day—and has been doing for over 100 years.

BOYS TOWN 14100 Crawford St., Mod 1 Boys Town, NE 68010 531.355.1508 boystown.org

BUSINESS ETHICS

ALLIANCE

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics.

» Attend an upcoming event or program » Book a workshop or training for your company » Corporate sponsorships » Individual donations » Follow on social media » Subscribe to monthly eNewsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS Fall Executive Breakfast Sept. 10, 2019 EthicSpace Conference Oct. 22, 2019 Fall Mind Candy Dialogue Nov. 19, 2019 Spring Ethics Luncheon Feb. 6, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The Business Ethics Alliance

The Business Ethics Alliance is

Businesses need help in how to

started in 2005 after the Enron

the voice that helps Omaha create

navigate important, complex

scandal rocked Omaha. In 2006, in

space for tough, but needed,

topics, or potentially controversial

collaboration with Creighton’s Heider

conversations. Its programming

current events with their workforce,

College of Business, the Greater

is renowned throughout the

their customers, and within their

Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and

community; and all the ethics

community. The alliance provides

the Better Business Bureau, it grew

products and services offered

solutions to companies of all

from local business leaders’ interest

focus on the positive and the

sizes and for employees across

in creating a more ethical business

practical. People who attend

all levels, from C-suite to entry-

environment for our community. In

the Alliance events elevate

level, to conduct their businesses

2008, the Alliance officially became a

their personal leadership, their

and professional lives with

stand-alone nonprofit led by Dr. Bev

organization’s financial vitality, and

accountability, integrity, and moral

Kracher, professor in Business Ethics

ultimately the entire community.

courage. Contact the Business

and Society at Creighton University.

Ethics Alliance to learn more about

Since then, the Alliance has grown to

training and growth opportunities.

a staff of six and joined forces with over 350 “Trustees” committed to leading ethical for-profit and not-forprofit organizations. It is for, and by, the community.

BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE 523 N. 20th St. Suite 104 Omaha, NE 68178 402.280.2235 businessethicsalliance.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

CenterPointe helps the people we serve get better, sooner, for longer.

» Hygiene and personal care products » Art Supplies » Jigsaw Puzzles » Board Games » Monetary Donations

UPCOMING EVENTS CenterPointe’s Annual Gala Oct. 17, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Open since 1973, CenterPointe

In the 1980s, CenterPointe was one

» Attend CenterPointe’s

provides care and treatment options

of the first in the nation to offer

for individuals in communities

integrated care for substance use

who are experiencing mental illness

and mental health disorders, and

and substance use disorders, with a

began its “housing-first” model

focus on low-income and homeless

in 1991 to meet basic needs so

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

populations. With 37 programs

treatment can succeed.

and LinkedIn

covering a range of services, including

» Every night, CenterPointe

Annual Gala » Donate as an Individual or a Corporation » Follow CenterPointe on

» Shop for our clients’ basic

treatment, rehabilitation, housing and

provides 240 units of safe and

needs on our Amazon

crisis response, CenterPointe believes

supportive housing.

Wish Lists

in empowering people to discover their own path to well-being and that the people using their services should receive the highest quality care.

» Last year, CenterPointe provided services to more than 3,000 individuals. » Charitable gifts support basic needs for people in services and bridge the gap in public funding.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

» Name CenterPointe in your Planned Giving strategy

CENTERPOINTE CAMPUS FOR HOPE 1490 N. 16th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.827.0570 centerpointe.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Completely KIDS educates and empowers kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful, and connected community.

New school supplies: » Backpacks » Pencils (No. 2) » Colored pencils » Lined paper » Glue sticks/bottles of school glue » Erasers » Scissors Always in need: » Volunteer support » Weekend food items » Grocery store gift cards » New board games/ puzzles/sports equipment » New/gently used books » New coats/gloves/hats » Reading glasses » Diapers/baby wipes » Feminine products » Toothbrushes/toothpaste » New socks/underwear

BACKGROUND When we think about our community, we imagine one that is safe, healthy, successful, and connected. That’s why Completely KIDS has a mission to empower kids and families with the skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and overcome barriers to their success. Each year, Completely KIDS serves more than 2,000 Omaha-area kids, primarily between the ages of 4 and 14, and their families in working toward this mission.The organization’s work takes place after the school day and during the summer with kids. Completely KIDS provides a safe, academically supportive, and enriching environment via partnerships with area schools, homeless shelters, and other local agencies. Additionally,

sizes preschool-young

Completely KIDS provides expanded

children in homeless shelters and a

services to the families of kids in the

weekend food program. In 2020,

form of literacy, educational support,

Completely KIDS will celebrate

Please call or visit the

mental health services, and referrals

100 years of serving children and

website for a full list.

to other agencies as needed.

families in our community.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

adult

Night in the Neighborhood Sept. 27, 2019

Completely KIDS recently completed Completely KIDS offers many ways an $11 million renovation and

to get involved through time or

expansion of its headquarters. The

financial contributions, including:

expansion allows the agency to

» Working directly with children

increase the number of kids and

» Weekend food program

families served through educational

» Fundraising and supply drives

and enrichment activities in its

There are always more kids and

afterschool program and family

families in Omaha who need the

services like therapy and adult

help of Completely KIDS.

Author Luncheon Spring 2020 Pinot, Pigs & Poets May 13, 2020

education. Completely KIDS will also The organization can’t do it without increase the number of kids receiving

the backing of donors

weekend food from 460 to 930 over

and volunteers—people just like

the next several years.

you. Please contact them to find out

Historically, Completely KIDS

more information about

was the first Omaha nonprofit to

giving opportunities.

provide afterschool services for

COMPLETELY KIDS 2566 St. Mary’s Ave. Omaha, NE 68105 402.397.5809 completelykids.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 75 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To equip disadvantaged and under-educated adults through vocational training and job experience so they can attain employment and become financially successful.

» Corporate partnerships » Monetary donations » Volunteers » Community speaking engagements » Collection drives for needed items

UPCOMING EVENTS Invite CTC to speak about solutions to poverty at a civic, church, or workplace event.

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Cross Training Center provides

» Students receive work experience » Donate automobiles, electronics,

vocational training and job experience

while providing valuable services

and other out-of-service

for those who are not able to attain a

and products that beneﬁt our

equipment. Everything collected

job due to challenging backgrounds

community.

is used to provide vocational

and circumstances. CTC empowers

» Cross Electronic Recycling

and equips those who have been

kept over 300,000 pounds of

incarcerated or homeless, involved

electronics out of the landﬁlls

in gangs or substance abuse, have

last year.

mental or emotional disorders, have

» Redeemed Computers and

training and job experience. » Utilize CTC’s services when a need arises. Find out more online. » Financial contributions are needed to build a recycling

been a victim of human trafficking or

Electronics refurbished over 500

warehouse and a commercial

domestic violence, or live in poverty

computers, laptops,

kitchen, and to meet the annual

for numerous reasons. They receive

and appliances.

operating budget.

life-changing training and experiences in order to gain employment on a career path that breaks the cycle of poverty for generations to come.

» Cross Automotive provided 58 donated vehicles to those in need

collection drives at workplaces,

last year.

churches, or civic groups.

» Cross Social Hall hosted over 40 events while helping students learn hospitality services.

// 76 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

» People are encouraged to hold

CROSS TRAINING CENTER 5030 N. 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68134 402.590.2100 crosstc.com

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The CUES School System consists of three urban

» Donations to support the

schools: Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name.

tuition assistance fund

CUES-supported schools provide academic excellence, blended learning, and support for students and families beyond the classroom. The CUES Fund raises money through private donations to fully support the schools.

UPCOMING EVENTS CUES School System Neighborhood Fun Run Sept. 28, 2019 Holy Name Event Oct. 4, 2019 CUES-A-PALOOZA Oct. 11, 2019 The Gathering March 28, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Founded in 1975, CUES began

CUES School System provides quality

By supporting the CUES Fund

by providing financial support and

education, innovative programming,

you allow the CUES School

operational guidance to Sacred Heart

strategic partnerships, and support

System to provide the education

School. In 2012, CUES expanded its

services for students and families

and opportunities that will prepare

mission to welcome two additional

beyond the classroom. They served 560 our students for a successful future

schools–All Saints and Holy Name.

urban students in the 2018-19 school

How can you help?

The CUES School System was

year. More than 70% of the CUES

» Individual donations

created in 2017, a first of its kind in

School System Class of 2019 will be

» Corporate donations

the region. The CUES School System

heading to private school in the fall

» Foundation support

is fully funded through The CUES

and all the graduates are planning to

Join one of CUES

Fund. The CUES Fund ensures all

continue their education in high school. volunteer groups:

three schools are fully supported

The CUES School System is overseen

» Hearts of CUES

through private donations. The

by a Board of Governors made up

CUES School System is governed

of a team of academic experts that

» The CUES Young Professionals Group

by a board of academic experts who

ensure that the school system is

ensure that each school is following

adhering to the new initiatives to

a standard of excellence that will best

better serve the whole student:

support the student.

» Blended Learning » Student and family support services » Community partnerships

Please visit the website for more information.

CUES SCHOOL SYSTEM 2207 Wirt St. Omaha, NE 68110 402.451.5755 cuesschools.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 77 //

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

D2 Center connects out-of-school and disengaged

» Monetary donations

youths age 15-21 into an educational pathway with

» Various supplies, as

other resources and supports needed to earn a high school diploma and prepare for post-secondary opportunities and a career.

noted on Share Omaha’s wish list

UPCOMING EVENTS Five-Year Anniversary Party Nov. 15, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The D2 Center works with youth

Since 2011, the D2 Center has

D2 Center students have various

who are not in school, are in an

served 800-plus students. There

reasons for disengaging from

alternative program, or are at risk

are 340 students who have

school, and face multiple obstacles

of dropping out. D2 Center Youth

earned diplomas, and more than

to completing their high school

Academic Navigators are education-

250 in the program. Through a

education. A high school diploma

focused case managers who help

re-enrollment partnership with

is a crucial step towards better

their students with issues as they

Omaha Public Schools, 250

postsecondary opportunities and

emerge to ensure they are making

students who had dropped out of

higher earnings. These students

progress in school. Summer elective

school were contacted this year.

are an important part of the

credit classes and tutoring during

Dozens re-enrolled, including 18

community, and the D2 Center

the school year are available as

who have now graduated. Career

needs community support to

well as career navigators to assist

navigators assist D2 Center students continue their mission. Please

with postsecondary planning (jobs,

with postsecondary planning

consider a gift today and visit the

career, or college).

and connections, and students in

website to donate and learn more.

alternative educational settings.

D2 CENTER 1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 503 Omaha, NE 68105 402.502.8534 d2center.org

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To empower the Omaha community through access to technology and innovative learning experiences.

» Program and equipment sponsorships » Monetary donations » Volunteers

UPCOMING EVENTS Littles Lab Tuesdays and Saturdays Cyber Seniors Wednesdays Tech Help Saturdays Saturdays Do Space oﬀers around 60 tech programs and events every month. Register for free on the website.

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Do Space is a one-of-a-kind

» Located at 72nd

Every day, Do Space works with

and Dodge Streets

hundreds of Omahans to help

and innovation playground. It

» Open 90 hours a week

them achieve their technology

was designed to tackle the digital

» Average of 474 visits per day

education goals. With help from the

divide in Omaha, as well as to boost

» Over 75,000 members

community, Do Space hopes to host

digital skills and drive innovation,

» Membership, programs, and

over 700 free programs and events

technology space, digital workshop,

creativity, and invention in the region. Free to the public, Do Space is a place where community members can interact with cuttingedge technology and receive assistance and instruction in its use. It’s more than just a building—it’s a community technology movement.

services are free At Do Space, Omahans have access to powerful fiber Wi-Fi internet, highend computer stations and devices, 3D printers, and technology-focused

this year, welcoming 13,000 new members to the space. The future belongs to those who understand technology. Help make Omaha future-ready with a gift today.

learning opportunities. Do Space has a little something for everyone, but aims to make a significant impact

DO SPACE

on two key groups: underconnected,

7205 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114 402.819.4022 dospace.org

low-income individuals; and creators, entrepreneurs, and inventors.

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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Gesu Housing, Inc. Non-Profit Affordable Housing

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The mission of Gesu Housing Inc. is to provide economical, energy-efficient housing to North Omaha families. Our hope is that building these homes will continue the efforts of other non-profit organizations that seek to stabilize and restore neighborhoods throughout the city.

» Financial donations can

Gesu Housing, Inc. • 5008½ Dodge Street, Suite B • Omaha, NE 68132-2920 Office Phone: 402.614.4776 • Fax: 402.614.4178 • www.gesuhousing.com

UPCOMING EVENTS Help Build a House at Champions Run Golf Event July 27, 2020

OPPORTUNITY

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Since 2002, Gesu Housing, founded

Gesu Housing was given the 2016

The need for these services

by the Br. Mike Wilmot, S.J., and

Community Excellence Award

is great—and Gesu Housing

directed by Dale Barr Jr., has built

from the State of Nebraska as

needs help to make sure they

69 Energy Star 3.0-certified homes

well as from the City of Omaha.

can continue to help worthy

in the Clifton Hills South/Girls Inc.

Studies have shown that the best

families within our communities.

neighborhood of North Omaha. The

way to stabilize a neighborhood is

While other initiatives regarding

area is racially diverse and

to provide families with quality,

community redevelopment

economically challenged. The goal

energy-efficient homes in a

and jobs are beginning to

of Gesu Housing is to address the

neighborhood that is racially and

successfully take hold in North

issues of poverty and neighborhood

economically diverse. Removing

Omaha, affordable housing is the

decline in North Omaha by turning

vacant lots and blighted houses

foundation without which other

renters into first-time homebuyers

and replacing them with new

North Omaha economic recovery

with affordable mortgage payments

homes impacts the stabilization

projects cannot succeed.

as well is filling vacant lots with new

of neighborhoods with

three-bedroom homes.

permanent residents.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

our website or Facebook

EQUAL HOUSING

BACKGROUND

// 80 //

easily be made online on

GESU HOUSING, INC 5008 Dodge St., Suite B Omaha, NE 68132 402.614.4773 gesuhousing.com

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Heartland Family Service’s mission is to strengthen individuals and families in the community through education, counseling, and support services.

» New underwear and socks » Scarves, gloves, winter hats » Diapers, formula, baby items » Suitcases and duﬄe bags » Toiletries » Blankets » New pillows » Bottled water/ sports drinks » Non-perishable food » Single-serving snacks » Craft supplies » Bus passes » Gift cards » Tickets to events and activities

UPCOMING EVENTS 26th Annual Safe Haven Golf Tournament Sept. 23, 2019 Eagle Hills Golf Course Salute to Families Nov. 21, 2019 Happy Hollow Club

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Since 1875, Heartland Family

Of HFS’s clients, 80 percent have

Help improve the lives of children

Service (HFS) connects with over

annual incomes of $20,000 or less.

and families through the gift of

54,000 individuals and families

Heartland Family Service believes

your time, in-kind donations, or

each year through direct services,

in, and practices, trauma-informed

financial support:

education, and outreach from

care. They ask, “What has happened

over 15 locations in east central

to you?” and not, “What is wrong

Nebraska and southwest Iowa. This

with you?” to each and every client

includes everyone from infants

that walks through their doors. Their

in their Family Works program

expert staff and licensed therapists

to seniors in their Generations

work with individuals and their

Community Center. The agency’s

families to help break damaging

50-plus programs fall into the

intergenerational cycles in order to

following focus areas:

become more self-sufficient.

» Join volunteer groups: To learn more, contact Volunteer@ HeartlandFamilyservice.org or (402)552.7418 » Purchase holiday gifts for the Adopt-a-Family program » Host a monthly Good Works 101 Lunch and Learn session » Follow HFS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube » Attend annual events » Donate Today! Visit HeartlandFamilyService.org or contact Donations@ HeartlandFamilyService.org or (402)552-7443

» Child & Family Well-Being » Counseling & Prevention » Housing, Safety, & Financial Stability

“Carnival of Love” Gala Feb. 29, 2020 Embassy Suites – La Vista Omaha Gives! – Pottawattamie Gives! May 20, 2020 24-Hour Online Giving “Strike a Chord” Gala in Council Bluffs June 26, 2020 Location: TBD

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE 2101 S. 42nd St. Omaha, NE 68105 402.552.7400 HeartlandFamilyService.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Humanities Nebraska inspires and enriches personal and public life by delivering opportunities to engage thoughtfully with history and culture.

» Award-winning children’s books for underserved families » Transportation costs for high schools participating in Capitol Forum on America’s Future » Writing textbooks, pens, and notebooks for veterans in Nebraska Warrior Writers » Travel cost reimbursement for members of the HN Speakers Bureau, including Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason » Shipping cost reimbursement for communities hosting Smithsonian traveling exhibitions as part of Museum on Main Street » Hotel accommodations for Chautauqua history festival speakers and scholars » Table sponsorships for the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities

UPCOMING EVENTS Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival in Seward Sept. 20-22, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Since 1973, HN has offered free and

In 2018, HN presented or funded

No matter who someone is or what

accessible programming throughout

579 programs, reaching 329,000-

they enjoy, HN has programs that will

the state, amounting to an annual

plus people in 155 different

enrich people’s lives in so many ways.

average of 500-plus opportunities

communities.

Supporting HN with a monthly,

to learn, discuss, and grow. Their

“Now my son asks me to read and

quarterly, or annual gift will: enable

programming includes literacy

likes to go to school,” one parent

more at-risk kids to gain literacy so

sessions that help underserved

said. A student at Capitol Forum on

they succeed in school, help high

families break the poverty cycle, a

America’s Future said “I now have

school students become life-long

summer Chautauqua history festival,

a greater understanding of what is

engaged and informed citizens,

high school civics curriculum and

going on in the world.”

encourage communities to come

forum, writing workshops for

One of the Nebraska Warrior Writers together to celebrate and learn about

veterans, a speakers bureau, traveling

wrote “The level of healing through

history and diverse cultures, assist

exhibitions from the Smithsonian

writing has been immense…Thank

veterans, and much more.

Museum, grant funding for local

you for giving me my life back.”

programs, and the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

24th Annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities in Omaha Oct. 24, 2019 Prime Time Family Reading Time, locations in Fremont, Grand Island, Lexington, Lincoln, Norfolk, and Omaha September-November 2019 Nebraska Warrior Writers, locations in Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha September-November 2019

HUMANITIES NEBRASKA 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330 Lincoln, NE 68508 402.474.2131 bit.ly/HumanNe

MISSION STATEMENT JFO’s vision is that every person in Omaha feels welcome on the campus and is inspired to have a meaningful and relevant relationship with the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies.

UPCOMING EVENTS Backyard Concert Series Sept. 8, 15, and 22 Exploring Judaism Tuesday nights starting Sept. 3, 2019 Parenting the Love & Logic Way® Sept. 9-30, 2019 2020 Annual Campaign Community Event Sept. 16, 2019 PEW - Promoting Empowerment in our World October 2019 Jewish Film Festival November 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is

» 1,800-plus people of all faiths

The JFO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and

a full-service organization serving

visit the campus daily.

the Jewish and Omaha community. » $405,000 in scholarships for

greatly appreciates individual and corporate donations, which benefit

They provide services and programs

education, summer camps, and

people in Omaha, in Israel, and

for all ages from early childhood

Israel experiences.

around the world.

education to a long-term, skilled care nursing home. They also have one of the finest fitness centers

» 4,800 meals delivered to local Jewish seniors in need. » 165 clients sought counseling

Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration April 22, 2020

Other ways to support the JFO: » Visit the campus for the many community events and programs,

in Omaha that features a brand-

in 2018-2019–89% of whom are

educational programs and

new, outdoor aquatic complex;

non-Jewish.

classes, backyard concert series,

youth programming; a 300-seat

» Provided funding to social

ﬁlm festival, Israel’s Independence

theater; a public art gallery; a

welfare programs for

Day, cultural arts, camps, and

weekly newspaper; meals on

vulnerable communities.

youth services

wheels; counseling services; and community advocacy.

» 10,000-plus students participated

» Volunteer

in Institute for Holocaust

» Become a JCC member

Education programs and Anti-

» Subscribe to the Jewish Press

Defamation League workshops.

» Choose RBJH for

» JCC membership and youth camps are open to everyone.

Institute for Holocaust Education Week of Understanding March 23-27, 2020

rehabilitation needs

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus 333 S. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 68154 402.334.8200 jewishomaha.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Creativity begins with an idea—seeing things differently. KANEKO’s purpose is exploring the creative process—how a new idea is born into the arts, sciences, and philosophy. Supporting and promoting freedom in creativity is KANEKO’s mission.

» Volunteers and docents » Memberships » Corporate partnerships » Annual fund contributions » In-kind donations » Art supplies

UPCOMING EVENTS The Sixth Annual KANEKO Open Space Soirée Sept. 27, 2019 Opera Omaha + KANEKO Evening with Madama Butterfly October 17, 2019 PASSAGES Series: MCC Creative Writing Forum October 25, 2019 TedxOmaha Salons Every Third Monday of the Month

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

Established in 1998 by

With over 60,000 visitors annually, » Visit KANEKO. Explore the creative

international artist Jun Kaneko

KANEKO is one of the most

process through an exhibition or

and his wife, Ree, KANEKO is

attended visual arts organizations

program at KANEKO.

headquartered in three turn-

in the state. Recently, KANEKO

of-the-century warehouses in

has been able to expand its core

at KANEKO monitor the gallery,

the Old Market. KANEKO is

creative programming to include

help give exhibition tours,

an institution with a vision to

the Generator, Movement, and

and assist with programs and

celebrate creativity, and began

Passages Series as an outlet for

educational workshops.

programming in 2009, officially

local and national artists to

opening as a public gallery in

showcase their innovation in

members help make KANEKO a

2010. Since then, KANEKO has

music, performance art, dance, and

creative resource for the Omaha

hosted a wide range of artists,

writing to the creative community

community and beyond.

writers, scientists, educators, and in Omaha. KANEKO’s

PAY IT FORWARD

» Become a Volunteer. Volunteers

» Become a Member. KANEKO

» Make a Donation. Help make

speakers to share their gifts of

educational programs serve youth

KANEKO a place where ideas

creativity with the community

and adult learners alike around the

are born and visitors are inspired

of Omaha.

Omaha metro.

to explore the creative process. Donate online.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

KANEKO 1111 Jones Street Omaha, NE 68102 402.341.3800 info@thekaneko.org thekaneko.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

KIOS’s mission is to empower our community with quality local, national, and global content that challenges and connects people, and furthers a deeper understanding of events, ideas, and cultures.

» More individual Sustaining Members » Vehicle donations through the CARS Program, which generate operating funds for KIOS » Needed transmitter and tower upgrades » Studio equipment upgrades for enhanced on-air and streaming station identiﬁcation » Radio journalist ﬁeld kits, enabling KIOS to work out in the community » Upgrades to online streaming, expansion and support » Corporate sponsorship of air studio » Volunteers for fund drives and special events

UPCOMING EVENTS Fall On-Air Pledge Drive Oct. 16-19, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

KIOS is Omaha Public Radio.

This year, KIOS celebrates its

Listener support and corporate

Started at Omaha Central High

50th anniversary. As part of the

sponsorships make it possible for all

School in September 1969, KIOS

year’s festivities, KIOS hosted “An

in our community to stay informed

was the educational extension of

Evening With Susan Stamberg.”

of important news events, hear

Omaha Public Schools and became

Stamberg was the first woman to

great music, and stay connected to

a charter member of National Public

anchor a nightly newscast and one

the local community and the world.

Radio in 1971. KIOS continues to

of NPR’s “founding mothers.”

KIOS needs to increase this support

provide the best in news, information, KIOS is committed to excellence

to expand our range of services

jazz, and entertainment programming

in programming and continuous

and on-air programming as well as

to an audience of around 60,000

improvement in its operations.

perform vital maintenance on aging

listeners each week. KIOS broadcasts

With a complete renovation of its

transmission equipment. Monetary

programs from National Public

studios in 2019, KIOS has laid the

contributions from individuals,

Radio, American Public Media, and

groundwork for podcasting along

businesses and organizations will

Public Radio International, along

with an expansion of our digital

help fund KIOS’s Wish List items.

with locally produced shows.

presence and features reporting.

Spring On-Air Pledge Drive April 2020

KIOS 91.5, OMAHA PUBLIC RADIO 3230 Burt St. Omaha, NE 68131 kios.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Merrymakers improves the quality of life for seniors by encouraging active participation, increasing social interaction, and sparking memories through professional musical entertainment.

» Monetary donations of any size » Volunteers to serve on event planning committees

UPCOMING EVENTS Toast to Eldora and Jack Vetter Nov. 14, 2019 Omaha Gives! May 27, 2020

BACKGROUND The Merrymakers Association consists of 24 professional musicians who serve more than 50,000 seniors each year, traveling to 146 nursing homes, hospice houses, veteran homes and other senior communities each month. Merrymakers: » play music geared to the seniors’ age group, sparking fond memories » create a comfortable environment where expression is encouraged » provide an opportunity for socialization » oﬀer a genuine personal connection

» Executive Director Sandy Lemke is supported by an enthusiastic and dedicated board of directors, along with Friends Group president Jill Goldstein.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

feelings, and » gives an opportunity for social engagement.

PAY IT FORWARD Individuals can serve on event

Merrymakers consistently

planning committees throughout the

achieves a high level of success with

year or make monetary donations

its programs. Its results are quantified

of any size. A contribution to

through annual surveys of partner

Merrymakers is a meaningful way to

facility activity directors. These surveys

support culture and socialization for

show that Merrymakers music:

senior citizens. Merrymakers has a

» improves quality of life,

waiting list of facilities who would like

» decreases feelings of anxiety

to receive our services. Merrymakers

and/or depression, » decreases feelings of loneliness and/or isolation, » gives an overall increase of enjoyment and happiness,

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» gives a chance to express

can’t achieve its mission without the support of donors and volunteers. Please contact them to find out more information about ways to help!

MERRYMAKERS ASSOCIATION 12020 Shamrock Plaza Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 402.697.0205 merrymakers.org

MISSION STATEMENT The Metropolitan Community College Foundation advances the college’s mission by creating community awareness, building and nurturing meaningful relationships, and connecting community partners with giving opportunities that fulfill their philanthropic objectives.

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Metropolitan Community College

People can help MCC through the

has nine locations in the surrounding

has always been responsive to

foundation by giving to what aligns

four-county area that provide students

industry and community needs.

with their philanthropic goals, such as:

the chance to earn high-demand

Two industries—automotive

» Giving to an educational program,

technical skills, industry credentials,

and manufacturing—need more

helps grow programming,

and credits to help them reach their

skilled workers to fill the jobs of

purchase equipment and

academic goals. Others use MCC to

today and tomorrow. MCC plans

engage in lifelong learning through

to answer this need with a new

English-language instruction, GED

Automotive Training Center and

development funds that help

or college prep courses, career training

renovated Center for Advanced

to keep faculty abreast of

and continuing education. The

Manufacturing with embedded

technology and curricular

foundation connects students with

veterans services at its South Omaha

advances in their ﬁelds

scholarships, helps fund new facilities,

Campus. To learn more visit,

and supports programs and initiatives

mccneb.edu/advancingthepromise.

support student learning » Establishing professional

» Creating or contributing to an existing scholarship fund of

through partnerships with generous

your choice to help fulﬁll the

community donors.

college’s mission by bridging ﬁnancial gaps for students

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 531.MCC.2346 mccneb.edu/foundation

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

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

» Blankets » Towels » Canned cat food » Vienna sausages » Canned chicken » Canned Tuna » Soft dog treats » Kong Toys » Peanut Butter » Kitty Wand Toys

UPCOMING EVENTS Walk for the Animals and 5K Run Sept. 29, 2019 Come Wine With Us Dec. 7, 2019 Black Tie and Tails April 25, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The Nebraska Humane Society

In 2018 NHS: Adopted out 11,268 NHS is a private nonprofit

offers safety and care for animals.

pets, performed 1,474 specialized

corporation. Animal Control is

NHS provides animal control

surgeries, fostered 2,147 fragile

funded through the cities who

services to Omaha and all of Sarpy animals in 288 foster homes, and

contract for those services, but

County, upholding laws that

provided behavior help to 4,729

all shelter programs including

protect animals and the people

callers. NHS also returned more

rehabilitating and rehoming

who love them. They provide

than 2,500 pets to their homes,

of animals are funded through

education, encourage adoptions,

offered training classes, low-cost

private donations. Our volunteers

and promote responsible pet care

spay and neuter services, and a free

donate time and talent to walk

for the communities they serve.

pet food pantry. They provided a

dogs, enrich cats, counsel for

safe haven for animals of domestic

adoptions, help market pets, and

violence, offered pet safety and

foster those needing TLC in their

animal care presentations for

homes! Your help becomes hope

groups across the metro, and hosted when you donate: pet-friendly events.

» In honor or memory » Monthly » Planned giving » Corporate sponsorships Details at nehumanesociety.org

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY 8929 Fort St. Omaha, NE 68134 402.444.7800 nehumanesociety.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To provide help, hope, and opportunity to our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness and hunger in the Omaha and Council Bluffs communities.

» Cleaning supplies » Diapers » Disinfectant cleaners » Hamburger » Hygiene supplies » Household goods » Laundry soap » MAT bus tickets » Monetary donations » Paper towels » Razors » Salt, pepper, and other seasonings » Socks and underwear » Toilet paper » Towels » Turkeys » Washcloths » Household goods

UPCOMING EVENTS Homeless Services’ 25th Anniversary Celebration Aug. 15, 2019

BACKGROUND

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New Visions Homeless Services was

In 2018, New Visions provided

founded in 1995 in Council Bluffs as

43,800 nights of shelter to 810 men

MOHM’S Place to provide meals to

in the emergency shelter, Joshua

the hungry. In September 2008, the

House; served over 140,000 meals

New Visions Complex in Council

to 3,400 hungry men, women,

Bluffs was built. This facility houses

and children in their community

southwest Iowa’s only emergency

meal site, MOHM’S Place; and

men’s shelter, community meal site,

provided 9,360 nights of housing

and permanent supportive housing.

to 32 chronically homeless men and

In 2012, New Visions Omaha

women through their permanent

Campus was built to address the

supportive housing facility,

specific needs of veterans that are

Timothy House.

experiencing homelessness. These

New Visions’ veteran-specific Omaha

services include 40 fully furnished

Campus expanded their programs to

apartments to street-level veterans,

provide safe housing and wrap around

transportation, daily meals, and

services to 54 veterans at a time. Last

access to on-site mental health and

year alone this program provided

substance abuse therapists.

29,600 nights of transitional/ permanent supportive housing to

Community-Wide Christmas Celebration Dec. 17, 2019

107 veterans that would have found themselves living in a shelter or on the streets instead of their own fully furnished apartment.

PAY IT FORWARD New Visions depends upon the community’s generosity and are grateful for all who pay it forward, and invest in those who are experiencing homelessness and hunger. People can partner with New Visions to provide over 100,000 meals a year to the hungry; hope to over 800 seeking a safe place of refuge from the harsh conditions of the streets; a home to 94 men, women, and veterans who found safe housing in one of New Visions’ apartments, and Christmas gifts to over 2,000 children in the Metro Area.

NEW VISIONS HOMELESS SERVICES 1435 N. 15th St. Council Bluffs, IA 51501 newvisions.cc

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The mission of Omaha Home for Boys is to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent and productive lives.

» Books for the high school library » New or gently used furniture and household items » Gift cards for clothes, shoes, backpacks, or school supplies » Ticket donations for youth to attend sporting events, concerts, or theater performances » Nonperishable household items such as hygiene products, cleaning supplies, or kitchen wares » New mattresses » Household essentials such as vacuums,

Celebrating 100 Years!

bedding, and towels » Clothes for young adults ages 14 to 26 » Essentials for children ages newborn to 5

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Omaha Home for Boys is

For 100 years, Omaha Home

Supporting Omaha Home for Boys

celebrating 100 years of service to

for Boys has served as a pillar of

is an investment in this community.

youth, young adults and families

hope for youth, young adults,

Funds—a gift to Omaha Home for

in 2020. Omaha Home for Boys

and families in Nebraska. What

Boys will help change the lives of

empowers its clients with the skills

started as an orphanage for young

at-risk youth.

needed to be self-sufficient through

boys in 1920 has evolved to a

Friendship—become a friend of the

programs focusing on employment,

continuum of care that serves

Home by attending or sponsoring

education, housing, transportation,

young adults ages 14 to 26. Most

an event.

basic life skills, and mental and

recently, their programs expanded

Voice—share the reasons to support

behavioral health. Because of their

to include clinical services and

Omaha Home for Boys and ask

supporters, at-risk youth in our

supportive housing, both of

others to do the same.

community are connected with the

which meet critical needs in

Volunteerism—people can use

OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS

life changing programs and mentors

the community.

their time and talents to give back

4343 N. 52nd St. Omaha, NE 68104 402.457.7000

at Omaha Home for Boys.

through volunteering.

UPCOMING EVENTS Roaring 20s Gala Nov. 8, 2019 Project Christmas Joy December 2019 OHB Golf Classic June 10, 2020 OHB 5K and Family Fun Run Aug. 8, 2020

giving@omahahomeforboys.org

omahahomeforboys.org // 90 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The Omaha Public Library Foundation raises funds and advocates for Omaha Public Library.

An unrestricted gift to the Omaha Public Library Foundation is the best way to demonstrate your support. The Omaha Public Library Foundation accepts cash donations, bequests, memorials, stock transfers, and planned gifts. For more information , please call the Omaha Public Library Foundation.

UPCOMING EVENTS Omaha Reads featuring “This Blessed Earth: A Year in the Life of an America Family Farm” by Ted Genoways Sept. 1-30, 2019 Between the Lines with Angie Thomas, author of “The Hate U Give,” at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus Oct. 1, 2019

BACKGROUND Since 1985, the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) has provided significant private funding totaling

Omaha Public Library boasts more

programs and projects thanks to

than 300,000 members. And those

general or unrestricted donations.

patrons borrowed more than 3

Giving categories include:

million items from Omaha Public

» Childhood literacy, programming, and services

Library in 2018.

PAY IT FORWARD

» Teen literacy, programming, and services

Omaha Public Library Foundation

As an organization wholly separate

believes a healthy and vibrant public

from Omaha Public Library and

» Adult literacy, programming, and services

library system contributes to the

the City of Omaha, OPLF seeks

betterment of our community, aids

private support for improvements

in economic development, provides

and enhancements which cannot be

public gathering spaces, and creates a

provided through local government

sense of community pride.

funding. Designations are always

BRAG LINES

welcome, but a gift given wherever

nearly $10 million for one purpose: enhancing Omaha Public Library. The

OPL’s 12 library branches are among the most frequently visited destinations in Nebraska, with 1.8 million visits last year alone.

most needed provides Omaha Public Library the flexibility to respond to critical needs or special opportunities that arise. OPLF provides funds for remarkable

» Technology » Community outreach » Summer Reading Program » Genealogy

Food for Fines, when Omaha Public Library cardholders donate canned goods and non-perishable foods in exchange for credit toward overdue library fines Oct. 1-31, 2019 Read It & Eat, Omaha Public Library’s annual culinary conference, at W. Dale Clark Main Library Nov. 2, 2019

» Library branch improvements » Partnerships with local organizations » Community services and outreach » Subject librarians » Collections » Community book clubs

OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION 215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.444.4589 omahalibraryfoundation.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Omaha Public Schools Foundation enriches students’ lives by funding learning experiences that inspire hope, open doors, and help students to achieve their dreams.

Funding for OPS Capital Campaigns: » Burke High stadium renovations and facilities upgrade » South High addition for visual and performing arts » Bryan High Urban Ag Career Academy » Benson High Career Academies » District Career Center

Funding for Programs: » Kids Club » Early childhood education programs » Classroom ﬁeld trips » Student transportation

Grants and Scholarships: » Teacher classroom grants » Educator scholarships » Individual scholarships » Honors and memorials » Student MAT Bus Tickets » Assistance for student lunches

UPCOMING EVENTS BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Omaha Public Schools Foundation

OPSF Kids Club is in 42 schools

Through secure online donation

is dedicated to serving the students,

and serves approximately 5000 OPS

forms, donors can contribute to

families, and teachers

elementary students, K-6,

memorials, scholarships, classroom

of the Omaha Public Schools

per year. OPSF funded $192,000 in

grants, and teacher requests.

District. By raising funds from

teacher classroom and community

Donations can be made directly by

individual donors, corporate

grants this past year. OPSF awarded

contacting Executive Director Toba

sponsors, and foundations as

over $400,000 in scholarships to

Cohen-Dunning. Follow OPSF

well as through parent-paid

OPS high school seniors. They

through their social media channels

programs, OPSF is able to invest

provide parent-paid early childhood

on Facebook and Twitter to learn

resources back into the district that

classrooms in select OPS elementary

about opportunities to give, and sign

encourage the development and

schools throughout the district. OPSF up for their newsletter at our website

success of all students. The funds

offers a unique fundraising platform

they administer have no associated

for principals and teachers within

fees so every dollar goes directly to

the district called “Invest in Success,”

the teachers and students served.

connecting educators with interested donors to fund classroom projects.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

on the “Contact Us” page.

vinNEBRASKA Wine Event March 27-28, 2020

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION 3861 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68131 531.299.9600 opsfpossible.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Omaha Rapid Response (ORR) is committed to bringing Hope to the hopeless by meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those suffering in the midst of crisis and disaster.

» Volunteers skilled & unskilled » Team Leaders » Financial Support » Administrative Support » Corporate Partnerships » Church Partners » Prayer Partners

UPCOMING EVENTS Hurricanes Floods Tornadoes Earthquakes Tsunamis Typhoons Famine Terrorism Visit the Omaha Rapid Response website and Facebook page for the latest news

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Omaha Rapid Response is a

ORR continues to send teams

Omaha Rapid Response deploys

non-profit organization founded

to the victims of disaster as

volunteers trained in medical,

by members of the churches of

long as they feel they can be

construction, chaplaincy and many

Omaha in 2000 in response to

of assistance. Since the recent

other disciplines. They welcome

the increasing number of natural

historic flooding, they have

all volunteers, whether skilled or

and man-made disasters around

helped hundreds of victims in ten

unskilled. If you have a heart to

the world.

regional communities. They build

help those suffering in the midst

The impact of a disaster is

relationships with those they serve

of crisis, you are qualified to be

immediate and long term. The

in order to meet their immediate

deployed. Do you want to bless

effects of loss, destruction and

and future needs. God has called

others in their time of need? Do

hardship do not end when the

them to use relief work as a tool

you want to be blessed beyond

disaster no longer makes the news.

to bring Hope and Love to those

words? Are you called to be a

After the shock subsides, the reality

hurting the most.

volunteer, to pray or to give?

and depression of the ’new-normal’ for the victims sets in.

RAPID RESPONSE: OMAHA’S DISASTER RELIEF TEAM P.O. BOX 24052 Omaha, NE 68124 402.502.5112 omaharapidresponse.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

OSC fosters a positive, socio-economic impact on, and a heightened awareness and image of, Omaha by attracting, hosting, and supporting amateur sporting events.

» Sponsorships for events » In-kind donations » Volunteers » Tent/awning for trade shows and events » Folding table for trade shows and events » Donations

UPCOMING EVENTS The OSCAS May 28, 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Swimming June 21-28, 2020 Women with Drive Summer 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Created in 2003, the Omaha Sports

From 2008-2018, Omaha Sports

Become a volunteer: Events aren’t

Commission is a non-profit entity

Commission events generated

successful without the help of

dedicated to making Omaha a

$326 million in economic impact

amazing volunteers. Visit the

premier sports community in the

for the city.

website and find out how to be

United States. The commission

added to our volunteer database.

works closely with area businesses

With every event, a goal of the OSC

and community leaders to help

is to give back to the community.

Make a donation: As a non-profit,

recruit and promote amateur

During the 2018 Curling World

the OSC operates off the support

sporting events. The OSC is a “total

Cup, the OSC reached 11,000

of grants, event sponsorships,

service event team,” meaning that

students in the Learn to Curl

and donors. Visit the website and

it is involved in all aspects of event

Program where students were

donate today.

management—from bid selection

taught the sport of curling.

OMAHA SPORTS COMMISSION

and event enhancement, to post-

The OSC has been responsible for

event evaluation.

bringing the U.S. Olympic Team

1004 Farnam St., Suite 102 Omaha, NE 68102 402.502.2216 omahasports.org

and preparation, to event hosting

Trials-Swimming to Omaha for the last four trials years.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change.

» Men’s socks and underwear » Toddler toys » $10.00 gift cards to Walmart or Target » Matchbox and Hot Wheels car sets » Play-Doh sets » Board games and puzzles (especially for children 8 and older or families) » Sports balls » Small and medium Lego sets » Hair dryers » Shaving kits » Makeup kits

UPCOMING EVENTS Love Your Neighbor Gala Sept. 26, 2019

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

Open Door Mission meets the basic

Daily, Open Door Mission’s campus This holiday season, Open Door

needs of individuals and families

offers 917 safe shelter beds to

Mission expects to provide more

while inspiring hope for lasting

homeless people; serves over 3,500

than 213,500 hot, nutritious

Hy-Vee Turkey ‘N’ Fixin’s Nov. 1, 2019

PAY IT FORWARD

KFAB Hope for the Hungry Radiothon Nov. 14, 2019

change. They are a bridge for people hot, nutritious meals to the hungry;

meals to the Heartland. We invite

trying to reclaim basic necessities,

and provides homeless preventive

individuals, churches, or businesses

restore dignity and hope, and

measures to over 1,000 people

to organize a Hope for the Hungry

rejoin the community. President/

living in poverty so they can remain

food drive to help stock ODM’s

CEO Candace L. Gregory uses her

in their homes. Open Door Mission pantry shelves for the holidays

extensive experience in community

monthly partners with more

with canned vegetables, fruits, and

prevention programs to break

than 1,200 volunteers who make

meats; instant potatoes; and boxed

the cycles of homelessness and

a difference right here in their

meals. Please visit the website for

poverty. She works to bring hope

community. Please visit the website

more information.

to others and develops innovative

to learn how to have a life-changing

ways to make this happen through

volunteer experience.

partnerships and collaborations.

OPEN DOOR MISSION 2828 N. 23rd St. E. Omaha, NE 68110 402.422.1111 opendoormission.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Opera Omaha’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in our community by creating professional opera and music theater, which uniquely combine the visual and performing arts to express humanity’s deepest emotions and highest aspirations.

Gifts to Opera Omaha beneﬁt our entire region. Donations to Opera Omaha provide the resources needed to deliver world class productions that activate a culturally vibrant community and provide free community education and engagement programming, including the Holland Community Opera Fellowship, that engage over 33,000 adults, students and children each year.

UPCOMING EVENTS Madama Butterfly Nov. 1 and 3, 2019 The Abduction from the Seraglio Feb. 7 and 9, 2020 St. John the Baptist March 25, 27, and 29; April 4 and 5, 2020 The Capulets and the Montagues April 3 and 5, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The only professional opera company

The Holland Community Opera

Supporting Opera Omaha

in the state of Nebraska, Opera

Fellowship offers the opportunity to

brings many rewards.

Omaha produces shows from the

expand Opera Omaha’s education

Whether purchasing a ticket

earliest operas to those composed

and community engagement work by

to a performance, becoming a

by current artists. In addition to a

bringing opera to new environments,

community sponsor, or giving

season of dynamic and compelling

and illustrating and promoting the

a monetary gift, every dollar

productions presented at the

value of creativity in the arts and

given helps deliver excellent

Orpheum Theater, the multi-faceted

non-arts sectors. In collaboration with

artistic products and implement

ONE Festival exemplifies innovation

community partners, Opera Omaha

exciting new initiatives, such as

within opera. The company is

can identify and address partner

the Holland Community Opera

internationally known for its

needs with co-created programming

Fellowship and the ONE Festival.

productions of eight world premieres

and engagement. Last season,

These transformational programs

and four American premieres. It is

Opera Omaha partnered with 50

are helping give people of all

also highly regarded for an extensive

community organizations, engaging

backgrounds and ages access to

community engagement program.

nearly 19,000 participants across the

the arts.

metro area.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

OPERA OMAHA 1850 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.346.OPERA OperaOmaha.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Parkinson’s Nebraska is on a mission to be the primary source of education, support, and services for those whose lives are touched by Parkinson’s Disease in Nebraska.

» Charitable, taxdeducible donations to help provide education, support, and services to Parkinson’s Nebraska » Help spread the word. Share resources with Parkinson’s patients and caregivers alike » Volunteers for events, fundraising, and oﬃce help » Partnerships with professionals, resource providers, and other organizations who are dedicated to serving people with Parkinson’s

UPCOMING EVENTS Walk the Park for Parkinson’s and the 2nd Annual Shake-a-Leg 5K Sept. 29, 2019 Home Instead Senior Care Foundation #GivingTuesday Event Dec. 3, 2019 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s January 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

Parkinson’s Nebraska began as a

This year, Parkinson’s Nebraska is

55 Nebraska professionals. The

small organization with the big

showing its commitment to rural

goal is to increase the number of

goal to increase access to specialized

and underserved communities by

Parkinson’s exercise classes offered

classes for people with Parkinson’s.

sponsoring a Delay the Disease

across the state. As a result, 21

It has since evolved into a broader

training in Grand Island to

new Parkinson’s exercise classes

vision of empowering individuals

teach health care and exercise

will begin by Oct. 1, 2019, with

with Parkinson’s, their families, and

professionals how to design and

14 of these classes in rural and

professionals, and strengthening the

implement a community-based

underserved communities. The

community state-wide. Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s exercise program.

Delay the Disease training is

Nebraska was built on a strong

With the help of a $7,000

more than a training, it is the

foundation and is still dedicated

community grant from the

first step towards reaching the

to providing quality services, like

Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s

goal of expanding Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s exercise classes, and

Nebraska is able to provide the

programming and creating a true

increasing access to these services

training, hotel accommodations,

statewide network of resources.

across the state.

meals, and a mileage stipend to

PARKINSON’S NEBRASKA 16811 Burdette St. Suite 1 Omaha, NE 68116 402.715.4707 parkinsonsnebraska.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

P4K’s mission is to mentor youth for college today and careers tomorrow using their four pillars of goal setting, mentoring, college access, and career exploration. Through curriculumbased learning, P4K breaks the cycle of generational poverty by launching students into family-supporting careers.

» Beverages—bottled juice/water for students participating in after school activities/college tours/career tours » Nonperishable snacks— protein bars/breakfast bars/crackers/fruit snacks for students participating in after school activities/ college tours/career tours » Gifts cards—any value— for student community outings and fundraising events » Semester Celebration sponsors—$250 for each of their 32 celebrations from pre-kindergarten through high school for the 2019-20 school year. Sponsorship pays for food, beverages, activities, craft projects, and/or small gifts/game prizes. » Oﬃce supplies: copy paper, stamps » Basic calculators » Advanced calculators for high school students » Alarm clocks, electric with battery backup (batteries included) » $100 for a bike, helmet, and lock for elementary incentives for students who reach their literacy goals (24 needed for 201920 school year) » Quality backpacks for high school and college students » Calendars/planners

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

P4K’s origins go back 30 years to

P4K is the only youth-serving

Most people had someone in their

two local couples wanting to make

organization that begins with literacy

life who supported, encouraged, and

a difference in the community.

and attendance in pre-kindergarten

motivated them to set and achieve

“Yanney’s Kids,” started by Gail

and continues with curriculum-based

academic and career goals. P4K asks

and Mike Yanney, mentored middle

after-school programs in middle

others to pay it forward and do the

school students, while “Winners

and high school, followed by case

same for the next generation of young

Circle,” started by Jerry and Cookie

management support for their college

people in Northeast and Southeast

Hoberman, was an elementary

students. In 2018, 98% of P4K’s

Omaha. Be a P4K mentor for any of

goal-setting achievement program.

students graduated high school, and

their students from pre-kindergarten

In 2007, these two groups joined

94% of P4K students remained

through high school, and forever

to become Partnership 4 Kids,

enrolled in college, compared to

change that student’s belief in

PARTNERSHIP 4 KIDS

which now impacts over 3,000

Nebraska’s 77% average. Their 2019

themselves, their world view and help

underserved students in Northeast

graduating class included 66 high

instill in them hope for a future filled

and Southeast Omaha.

school and 21 college graduates. This

with opportunities.

1004 Farnam St., Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68102 402.930.3000 p4k.org

fall 46 more students begin college.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

UPCOMING EVENTS Omaha Marathon & P4K 5K Sept. 15, 2019 Hops & Grapes Fall Festival Oct. 25, 2019 Partnership 4 Kids’ 30th Anniversary Gala Nov. 13, 2019

PTI Informed Parents

N ebr aska

Improved Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

To provide training, information and support to Nebraska families whose children need special education or health related services, thus increasing their capacity to improve the educational and healthcare outcomes for their children.

PTI Nebraska is a small but mighty non-proﬁt organization developed under a grant from the US Department of Education. However, grant funding only pays for a portion of the services that Nebraskan’s need. Outreach to the nearly 45,000 children ages birth to 21 in Nebraska on Special Education is funded through private donations. You can help us when you donate at pti-nebraska.org

UPCOMING EVENTS Medics At Home Golf Tournament for PTI Sept. 19, 2019 at Tiburon Golf Course

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

PTI Nebraska (Parent Training and

During the 2017-2018 fiscal year

Each year, PTI Nebraska’s small

Information) is a statewide resource

PTI Nebraska:

staff of eight employees touches

for families of children with

» Provided information on individualized education/ health services to 2,443 parents and professionals

over 2,000 families in Nebraska

disabilities and special health care needs. PTI Nebraska’s professional

staff are parent-professionals and are » Attended 53 IEP meetings available to speak to other parents and professionals about special education and disability specific

» Responded to 1,827 calls, letter and emails from parents » Distributed 8,800 materials

staff also provide this current and

» Supported over 15 parents through mediation & resolution hearings

relevant information through

Parents contact us each day for

workshops statewide, at no cost.

information on their child’s special

PTI Nebraska also encourages,

education program or health related

trains and supports parents for

service, to schedule a workshop in

leadership roles.

their community, or to talk with a

information. PTI Nebraska’s expert

parent of a child with a disability.

Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) -Summer 2019 Omaha -Fall 2019 Columbus -Winter 2019 Lincoln -Spring 2020 Kearney

through in-person visits, calls, letters and emails. In addition, through our workshops and webinars we distributed more than 8,800 materials. At community events and trainings PTI distributed more than 31,000 pieces of information, materials and resources.

PTI NEBRASKA 1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 205 Omaha, NE 68105 402. 346.0525 800.284.8520 402.934.1479 - Fax reception@pti-nebraska.org

THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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Omaha

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha creates and operates programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. They provide opportunities that strengthen children and families during their most difficult and challenging times.

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

» » »

Front desk volunteers Keurig K-cups On-the-go snack items Breakfast bars Ground coﬀee Sugar Non-dairy creamer Paper plates and plastic utensils Trash bags (30-gallon) Box meals Macaroni and cheese Hand soap Non-latex gloves Batteries White copy paper 13-watt CFL light bulbs Bleach Disinfectant spray Bathroom cleaner Heavy duty serving utensils Gas cards Gift cards to Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Baker’s, Hy-Vee, Family Fare, etc. Travel-size toiletries Feminine hygiene products Adult and youth winter coats

UPCOMING EVENTS BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

Wings & Wheels Gala Sept. 6, 2019

With the ability to host up to 40

The staff and volunteers of Ronald

Meals That Heal: Shop, cook,

families per night, Ronald McDonald

McDonald House Charities in

and serve dinner for the families

House Charities (RMHC) in

Omaha focus on keeping things as

staying at RMHC.

Kids & Clays Sporting Clays Tournament Oct. 18-20, 2019

Omaha helps establish normalcy by

ordinary as possible. The families they

Events: Sponsor or volunteer

providing a comprehensive healing

serve have kids diagnosed with rare

at signature events and third-

community inclusive of: beds,

and/or chronic medical conditions

party fundraisers.

showers, meals, laundry facilities, a

who are often hundreds of miles from

Annual fund: Support a family for

family-friendly kitchen, playrooms,

their home. RMHC is a made-to-

one night for just $120. Donations

and a playground—all the basic

order home that is all-inclusive.

of all amounts accepted online.

essentials of home. It also provides

» In 2018, 154 families (438

In-kind gifts: Various professional

educational and artistic programs

individuals) stayed at RMHC

services, household supplies, and

for all family members. Additionally,

» Through the ﬁrst 6 months

food items are necessary to care for

the RMHC environment includes a

of 2019, 176 families (492

the families and maintain RMHC.

built-in support system where families

individuals) stayed at RMHC

Pop tabs: Collect pop tabs that are

are able to connect with each other, forming an interdependent network of resources and collaboration.

// 100 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

» Roughly 40% of the families come recycled to help pay for the House from Nebraska.

electric bill.

Annual Golf Tournament May 2020 Big Red Friday August 2020

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES IN OMAHA 620 S. 38th Ave. Omaha, NE 68105 402.346.9377 rmhcomaha.org info@rmhcomaha.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

» Monetary donations » Corporate partnerships » Planned gifts » Volunteers » Toys and gifts (for AdoptA-Family Radiothon) » Non-perishable food » Clothing » New K-12 school supplies

UPCOMING EVENTS Tree of Lights Kickoff Nov. 8, 2019 2019-2020 Winter Night Watch Season Starting Nov. 25, 2019 D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon May 5, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The Salvation Army of Omaha is a

The Salvation Army of Omaha

Monetary donations are appreciated

faith-based nonprofit organization. Its

helped those in need more than

and support the thousands in

three community centers—Omaha

200,000 times in 2018, providing

Omaha whose lives are improved by

Citadel Corps, Omaha North Corps,

food, housing, material assistance,

The Salvation Army’s social services

and the Omaha Kroc Center—as

youth development, older adult

programs annually. In Omaha,

well as the Burrows Center and

services, behavioral health, anti-

87 cents of every donated dollar

Renaissance Village, are uniquely

human trafficking, and emergency

is spent on programs that help

situated to meet the diverse needs of

disaster services. During the

those most in need. They also have

our metro-area neighborhoods. From

devastating floods of 2019, The

volunteer opportunities, including

after-school programs and summer

Salvation Army raised more than

tutoring, coaching, serving meals,

camps to food pantries to behavioral

$2.8 million, 100% of which

disaster relief, ringing bells during

health programs that support those

directly supported flood-relief

the Christmas season and more.

struggling with mental illness,

efforts. They also provided more

For volunteer information, call

The Salvation Army of Omaha

than 72,000 clean-up kits, 40,000

402.898.6000 or visit the website

sustains the bodies, minds, and

meals, 48,000 beverages and 41,000

and click on “Volunteer in

spirits of the community’s most

snacks to flood survivors.

This Community.”

vulnerable neighbors.

THE SALVATION ARMY Western Divisional Headquarters 10755 Burt St. Omaha, NE 68114 402.898.7700 salarmyomaha.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

// 101 //

MISSION STATEMENT The Siena/Francis House welcomes, shelters, and empowers individuals experiencing homelessness to navigate their own path to safe and appropriate housing.

WISH LIST » Canned fruits » Canned vegetables » Cold-weather clothing (used) » Individually wrapped, pre-packaged food items (for sack lunches) » Toilet paper » Powdered laundry detergent » Cooking oil » Tennis shoes (for men, all sizes) » Tennis shoes (for women, sizes 5 to 8) » Salad dressing (all ﬂavors) » Razors (for men and women) » Shaving cream » Bar soap » Disinfectant cleaners (e.g. Pine Sol) » Styrofoam cups » Paper towels » “Zip-Lock” bags (all sizes) » Pain relievers

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The Siena/Francis House—

» Food and shelter needs

Siena/Francis House relies on

» Hair brushes » Socks (for men) » Underwear for men (sizes 28, 30 and 32)

located in north downtown

are always met ﬁrst, then

the generosity of the community.

Omaha, Nebraska—is a 501(c)(3)

programs have one ultimate

Below are ways to get involved:

independent, nondenominational,

goal in mind: to assist every

» Make a monetary

» Underwear for women (sizes 5 and 6)

non-profit charitable organization.

guest with a housing plan.

donation online.

» Work boots (for men)

The Siena/Francis House provides

» In 2018, Siena/Francis House

three levels of housing: emergency

provided 181,828 overnight

overnight shelter, transitional

stays to 3,579 individuals

housing, and permanent

through their three housing

from 4:30 to 7 p.m. (served

supportive housing. In addition,

programs and served

every evening) or brunch from

case management is available to

431,553 meals.

8:30 to 11 a.m. (served every

help individuals achieve housing

» Individuals stayed at, and left,

» Sponsor a drive for food, clothing, or personal care items. » Serve the evening dinner meal

the emergency shelter in an

must schedule in advance.

Francis House also provides meals

average of 9 days.

Contact Volunteer Services

» Of the approximately 5,600

Manager Silvia Rodriguez at

programs, as well as to anyone in

people who experienced

srodriguez@sienafrancis.org.

the community who is hungry.

homelessness in the metro area in 2018, over 60% were provided services by Siena/ Francis House.

// 102 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

25th Annual 5k Walk or Run Sept. 7, 2019

Sunday morning). Volunteers

in the community. The Siena/ to people staying in our residential

UPCOMING EVENTS

SIENA/FRANCIS HOUSE HOMELESS SHELTER 1702 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.341.1821 sienafrancis.org

OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE OMAHA MAGAZINE | THE BIG GIVE

WISH LIST LIST WISH

MISSION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT

WISH MISSION »» Pantry The Society ofSTATEMENT St.The Vincent de of Paul dedicated to LIST bringing Pantryand andgarden Society St.is Vincent de Paul volunteers together toVincent grow spiritually by volunteers offering personvolunteers garden volunteers is dedicated toPaul bringing » Pantry and The Society of St. de together to grow spiritually by offering garden volunteers is dedicated to bringing volunteers to-person services to the community’s most vulnerable »» Event Eventvolunteers volunteers together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person services to» the Event volunteers neighbors in need, without discrimination. » Event sponsors person-to-person services tomost the vulnerable neighbors » Event sponsors community’s » Event sponsors community’s most vulnerable neighbors » $25 monthly, Disciple of in need, regardless of religion, race, in need, regardless of religion, race, » $25 monthly, Disciple of » $25 monthly, Disciple of Charity membership or age. ethnicity, orethnicity, age. Charity membership Charity membership » $100 monthly, Apostle of

» $100 monthly, Apostle »of $100 monthly, Apostle of membership Charity membership Charity Charity membership

» A $300 donation covers » A $300 donation covers A $300 donation covers one month’s utilities » one month’s utilities

one month’s utilities

» A $500 donation » A $500 donation provides provides one month’s » A $500 donation one month’s rent to avoid rent to avoid a provides one month’s family eviction a family eviction

rent to avoid a

» Non-perishable, non- » Non-perishable, family eviction expired pantry items

nonexpired pantry items

» New or gently used » Non-perishable, non» New or gently used thrift expired pantry items thrift store items » Winter coats, all sizes»

store Newitems or gently used

» Winter coats,items all sizes thrift store

» Monetary donations of » Monetary donations of any size supports the » Winter coats, all sizes any size support mission

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

UPCOMING EVENTS

mission donations of » the Monetary any size supports the UPCOMING mission EVENTS

15th Annual Responding to need. Sharing Respond to the call to serve the most The Society of St. Vincent de Free Coat Giveaway vulnerable.Visit the website for in hope. In 2018: Paul in Omaha is a Catholic, November 2019 15th Annual volunteer opportunities: » 15,688BRAG peopleLINES received parish-based, direct-aid UPCOMING EVENTS BACKGROUND PAY IT FORWARD BRAG LINES PAY IT FORWARD BACKGROUND Free Coat Giveaway » Helpline responder emergency aid of rent or organization that brings 1st Tuesdays November 2019 » Ozanam Outreach worker together women and men to The Society of St. Vincent de utilities. Responding to need. Sharing in hope. Respond to the call to serve most Dundee 15th Annual Eatthe at Baileys, » Special events Respond to the call to serve the most impacted 64to need. Sharing grow their spirituality Responding TheinSociety of St. Vincent de» $20,255 Dell, Shuck's and Give! Free Coat Giveaway Paul Omaha 2018: vulnerable.Visit thethe website for for » Food pantry team emergency through to is neighbors vulnerable.Visit website inwith hope. In 2018: Paulininservice Omaha isa aCatholic, Catholic, peopleIn 1st Tuesdays Eat at April 2019 November 2019 » Garden Angels relief through Ozanam in need. Serving Omaha parish-based, »» 115,688 volunteer volunteeropportunities: opportunities: 15,688people peoplereceived received parish-based,direct-aid direct-aid Baileys, Dundee Dell, » Thrift store or Outreach, a program for neighborhoods since 1868, we USPS Stamp Out Hunger Helplineresponder responder emergency aidofofrent rentoror organization thatbrings brings Shuck’s and Give! organization that emergency utilities. sorters »» Helpline warehouse non-conferences areas.aid are part of an international 1st Tuesdays Food Drive » Ozanam Outreach worker utilities. together women and men to April 2020 » Ozanam Outreach worker Support the mission and programs operation, the organization linked by the Eat at Baileys, Dundee together women and men to » 25 years » in $20,255 impacted 64 people May 2019 »» Special events financially. The Society of SVdP is SVdP Choice Pantry impacted 64 common of our » $20,255 Special events grow inmission their spirituality Dell, Shuck's and Give! grow in spirituality with emergency relief athrough »» Food 501(c)(3) organization, relying volunteers patron St. their Vincent deto Paul. Foodpantry pantryteam team11h Annual people with emergency through service neighbors through 133 USPS April Stamp 2019 Out Hunger » Garden Angels entirely on financial donations served 11,014 households The primary goal of the through service to neighbors Ozanam Outreach, a program Strawberry Brunch Food Drive » Garden Angels relief through Ozanam in need. Serving Omaha Thrift store or warehouse sorters to respond to the» increasing » Society is the spiritual growth store offered a program for » Thrift store or June 2019 Outreach, neighborhoods since 1868, weOur thrift for May 2020 community needs. Serving Omaha non-conferences areas. ofin itsneed. members, which allows USPS Stamp Out Hunger quality goods at reasonable Support the mission and programs warehouse sorters non-conferences areas. part fully of anreflect international » Shop SVdP Thrift Stores. usare to more God’s Food Drive of operation, the SVdP neighborhoods since 1868, we prices to» thousands 25 years in SOCIETY 21st & Leavenworth love to all the neighbors fiSupport nancially. e Society of programs SVdPOFisST. theThmission and 25 years organization linkedwe by the patrons.»Over 11h Annual Strawberry 4,830 in operation, the May 2019 VINCENT DE PAUL 24th encounter; is are part ofour anultimate international Choice Pantry through 133& Q St. financially. The Society of SVdP is SVdP Choice Pantry common mission ofcallour Brunch individuals were assisted a 501(c)(3) organization, relying OMAHA 807 Tara Plaza- Papillion growing community. $86,090 in 133 organization linked by served a 501(c)(3) organization, relying through volunteers patron St. Vincent dethe Paul. with over volunteers June 2020 OUR NEW STORE entirely on financial donations 11h Annual assistance of clothing and households entirely on financial donations served 11,014 The primary goal of the 90th and Fort by Baker's common mission of our 11,014 households P.O. Box 241201 Strawberry Brunch household goods. to respond to the increasing to respond to the increasing » Society is the spiritual growth Omaha NE 68124-5201 Our annual coat drivestore patron St. Vincent de Paul. » Our Our thrift eredSpread quality June 2019 thrift storeoﬀ offered the needscommunity of the needs. community needs. 402-779-8499 of its members, which allowsequipped 2,380 men, SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT quality goods at reasonable community through svdpomaha.com Th goal of the God’swomen and at reasonable prices to » goods ShopSVdP SVdPThThrift Stores. usetoprimary more fully reflect children with Shop rift Stores. Executive Director: prices to thousands offacebook.com/svdpomaha DE PAUL OMAHA Society growth thousands of patrons. Over 4,830 21st & LeavenworthMarty Smith SOCIETY OF ST. love to isallthe thespiritual neighbors we warm necessities. 21st & Leavenworth patrons. Over 4,830

encounter; ourwhich ultimate call is of its members, allows growing community.

us to more fully reflect God’s love to all the neighbors we encounter; our ultimate call is growing community.

individualswere were assisted assisted with individuals over over $86,090 in assistance of with $86,090 in assistance of clothing and clothing and household goods. household goods. » Our annual coat drive equipped Our annual coat drive 2,380 men,2,380 women and children equipped men, with warm women andnecessities. children with warm necessities.

VINCENT DE PAUL P.O. Box 241201 OMAHA Omaha NE 68124-5201 807 Tara Plaza-STORE Papillion OUR NEW 402.779.8499 90th and Fort by Baker's P.O. Box 241201 OUR NEW STORE svdpomaha.com Omaha NE 68124-5201 90th and Fort by Baker’s Spread the needs of the 402-779-8499 Executive Director: Attend to the needs of the community. community through svdpomaha.com Marty Smith Follow facebook.com/svdpomaha Executive Director: facebook.com/svdpomaha Marty Smith THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019 // 103 // 24th & Q St.

24th & Q St. 807 Tara Plaza- Papillion

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

Stephen Center partners with the community, families and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty.

» Bottled water » Pillows/blankets (gently used or new) » Razors (shaving) » Deodorant » Toothpaste/toothbrushes » Toilet paper » Paper towels » Volunteers » Monetary donations

UPCOMING EVENTS Gobble 4 Good Turkey Drive Nov. 1, 2019 Cruise Away Fundraiser March 2020

BACKGROUND Stephen Center has served homeless and low-income individuals in Omaha since 1984. The organization

support vulnerable men, women, and streets. Stephen Center is grateful to children as they seek to overcome

receive over 33,000 volunteer hours

homelessness, addiction, and poverty. annually. Administrative costs are 7.5

BRAG LINES

percent of operating budget.

PAY IT FORWARD

was founded by Sharon and Dick

Stephen Center is the only substance-

McNeil, who recognized a distinct

free homeless shelter in the metro,

Whether it’s serving meals, working

need to assist those living in poverty

providing a safe environment for

the front desk, or even lending

in south Omaha. In partnership with

individuals and families. Meals are

marketing talents to the agency,

the McNeil family, the St. Vincent

available three times per day/seven

Stephen Center can always use more

de Paul Society of Omaha’s Holy

days a week. Clients meet with a case

help and volunteers. They believe that

Ghost Church purchased a 103-year-

manager within 72 hours of arrival

together we can end homelessness,

old building on Q Street for $10,000. to define barriers and set goals. The

addiction, and poverty one parent,

From those humble beginnings in a

center runs a background check on

one child, one person at a time. Like

rundown former pool hall and bar,

all residents who request shelter.

Stephen Center on Facebook to stay

Stephen Center has grown to include

Residents shop at NO COST at their

in the loop on all the ways to help.

a multi-facility campus designed to

thrift store, located at 24th and Q

// 104 //

SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

STEPHEN CENTER, INC. 2723 Q St. Omaha, NE 68107 402.715.5471 stephencenter.org

MISSION STATEMENT

WISH LIST

The Tri-Faith Initiative fosters empathy, invites understanding, and advances common action between people of diverse faiths through the shared efforts of intentionally co-located congregations of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths and an interfaith center on one campus.

» Garden tools » Volunteers » Corporate sponsorships » Community speaking engagements

UPCOMING EVENTS More Than a Joke Symposium Weekly from Sept 3, 2019 – March 31, 2020 Women and Wisdom Jan. 14, 2020 Tri-Faith Gala March 14, 2020

BACKGROUND

BRAG LINES

PAY IT FORWARD

The Tri-Faith Initiative is an

Tri-Faith Initiative works for a world

» Visit the Commons and stroll the

ambitious project of interfaith

in which religious differences are

relations. It brings together a

seen as an asset to be celebrated,

synagogue, church, mosque, and

where people realize the ability to

Faith partner congregations:

interfaith center on one 38-acre

overcome fear and stereotypes and

Temple Israel, Countryside

campus in the middle of America’s

embrace one another.

Community Church, and the

heartland. It challenges people of

Tri-Faith invites people of all

American Muslim Institute

faith and goodwill to be conscious

religions to visit and interact.

» Join the mailing list to keep

and proactive about the assets of

Our programming focuses on

up-to date on Tri-Faith events

faith in civil life in a religiously

interfaith cooperation and religious

and programs

pluralistic society. The Tri-Faith

literacy to fight bigotry and foster

Initiative aims to create an inclusive

empathy. In creating meaningful

culture in which religious pluralism

experiences for exposure, Tri-Faith

is socially normative.

advances co-existence and religious

Tri-Faith Community Garden

freedom for all.

and Orchard

iconic Abraham’s Circle Bridge » Schedule a tour and visit Tri-

» Join Tri-Faith for any or all informative and social events » Volunteer to work in the

TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE Pacific St. & S. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 68154 402.934.2955 trifaith.org THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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MISSION STATEMENT To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

FEATURED EVENT 2020 Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball, with presenting sponsor CQuence Health Group & the Cassling Family Foundation Event Chairs: Mike and Elizabeth Cassling Honorary Chairs: Jack and Stephanie Koraleski

MISSION STATEMENT

The CUES School System consists of three urban schools: Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name. CUESsupported schools provide academic excellence, blended learning, and support for students and families beyond the classroom. The CUES Fund raises money through private donations to fully support the schools.

Merrymakers improves the quality of life for seniors by encouraging active participation, increasing social interaction, and sparking memories through professional musical entertainment.

FEATURED EVENT

Eldora and Jack Vetter

The Gathering

DATE

Nov. 14, 2019

March 28, 2020

EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME

FEATURED EVENT Merrymakers Toast to

DATE

EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME

Feb. 29, 2020

CHI Health Center Omaha

The Gathering is the annual fundraiser for the CUES School System. Each year, this event is held to raise funds for tuition assistance for all three CUES Schools—Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name. The theme of this year’s event is “Changing Lives Since ‘75”.

TIME

LOCATION

6 p.m.

Downtown Marriot—Capitol District

Join Merrymakers for an evening of toasting two celebrated community leaders! Eldora and Jack are the founders of Vetter Senior Living. Humorous emcee Mary Maxwell will lead the evening, starting with a cocktail hour and live entertainment by Merrymakers musicians. Following the program will be the Adopt-AHome Auction to support monthly professional musical entertainment to facilities across Nebraska and in western and central Iowa.

TICKET PRICING

TIME

LOCATION

$300, per ticket

5:30 p.m. Cocktails

Omaha Design Center

ATTIRE

7 p.m. Dinner

1502 Cuming St.

Black tie

TICKET PRICING

TIME

CONTACT INFO

Individual, $150

6-9 p.m.

Young Professionals, $75

TICKET PRICING

ATTIRE

Reserved Individual Tickets $200

Business Cocktail

Table Sponsorships for 10 $2,500 and up

CONTACT INFO

2207 Wirt St., Omaha, NE 6811 402.451.5755

Merrymakers Association 12020 Shamrock Plaza Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68154 402.697.0205 sandy@merrymakers.org

EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME A Brighter Future

LOCATION

heart.org/OmahaHeartBall

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE BIG GIVE

MISSION STATEMENT Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change.

FEATURED EVENT MISSION STATEMENT

2019 Love Your Neighbor Gala

The mission of Omaha Home for Boys is to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent and productive lives.

DATE

FEATURED EVENT

Open Door Mission is celebrating its 65th birthday on November 1. They have spent 65 years Loving Our Neighbors. Donors’ support will meet the basic needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change that breaks the cycle of homelessness and poverty. This night of fun and celebration helps generate the needed funds to continue meeting the needs of more than 40 life-changing programs such as safe shelter, feeding the hungry, preventing homelessness, empowering others to remain in their homes, recovery, education, and much more.

Roaring ’20s Gala

DATE Nov. 8, 2019

EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME Omaha Home for Boys is celebrating a century of service by taking it back to the Roaring ’20s when it all began. Dress in glad rags and join a festive evening complete with 1920s-themed cocktails and costumes, live music from The Diamond Empire Band, a speakeasy, casino games, a photo booth, a Model-T, dinner, auction, and more.

LOCATION Embassy Suites Conference Center 12520 Westport Parkway La Vista, NE 68128

TIME

Sept. 26, 2019

EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME

LOCATION Embassy Suites Conference Center 12520 Westport Parkway La Vista, NE 68128

TIME Registration and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m.

MISSION STATEMENT Transforming the lives of children, adults and families impacted by mental health, trauma and intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to change problematic and systematic behaviors and thinking to provide a positive outcome for individuals, families and communities.

FEATURED EVENT Camille in Concert: A night of caring to benefit Youth Care and Beyond

DATE Nov. 14, 2019

EVENT DESCRIPTION/THEME Hors-d’oeuvres, raﬄe & silent auction, and a show

LOCATION Il Pallazo 5110 N. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 68164

TIME

5:30 p.m.

Dinner, program, and live auction begin at 7 p.m.

TICKET PRICING

Young Professional $75

Sponsor a table of 10 for $750

Individual $125

Individual reservations for $10 (The full cost of the ticket is underwritten by generous donors.)

$50

ATTIRE

Business casual

CONTACT INFO

VIP $200

ATTIRE 1920s costumes or cocktail

CONTACT INFO Lori Bechtold, V.P. of Development 402.457.7014 giving@omahahomeforboys.org omahahomeforboys.org

CONTACT INFO Deb Saraka-Rubin, Event Coordinator PO Box 8340, Omaha, NE 68108 402.829.1503 opendoormission.org/events

7 p.m.

TICKET PRICING ATTIRE

2819 S. 125th Ave., No. 276 Omaha, NE 68144 402.991.9709 Youthcareandbeyond.org/ camilleinconcert THE BIG GIVE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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60PLUS // OPENER

60 Plus features some wonderful, caring people. HIS ISSUE OF

Mike Pallas, who leads the Valley View 4-H Club, works with youth living at Omaha Home for Boys. Jerry Meyer devotes several hours a week to the Nebraska Humane Society, and Carolyn Owen Anderson has been helping underserved populations create art for nearly 20 years. I'd like to talk about a story featured in Omaha Home. Reading the story on the Blackstone Hotel in this issue brings memories of my youth. Between my junior and senior years of high school I spent the summer in Omaha with my sister and her husband, Jacque and Bill Wiseman. They lived close to the Blackstone Hotel. Exaggerating my age, I applied for a job at the hotel. I was hired as an elevator operator for the 4 p.m. to midnight shift. Being from small-town Mankato, Kansas, this was an exciting experience for me. The hotel was an elegant setting with an air of excitement. The bellhops would ride my elevator to deliver flowers to the rooms of visiting celebrities. I loved seeing all of the ladies in their beautiful clothes and the stylish men, especially when there was an event on the top floor ballroom. In a column written by Robert McMorris of the Omaha World-Herald, Louis Szathmary said, “The Orleans Room was the most fabulous restaurant in the world.” Szathmary was an internationally recognized chef, food consultant, author of several cookbooks, and a charter member of the Wine and Food Society. There was a hallway lined with pictures of stars who had dined at the Orleans Room. Before leaving, I was offered a tempting position working with the social director. Alas, it was time to leave. I had a great summer.

Contributing Editor SEPTEMBER 2019 • 60PLUS

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Mike Pallas and Valley View 4-H Club

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60PLUS â&#x20AC;¢ SEPTEMBER 2019

FEATURE // STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

EVEN CALVES STARTED

a 70-year labor of love.

In 1948, seven calves were donated to the Omaha Home for Boys, and the organization used those calves to start Valley View 4-H Club. Two years later, cattleman and OHB supporter Bob Cooper presented Omaha Home for Boys with a 72-acre stock farm three miles north of the main campus. The Valley View 4-H Club on Cooper Memorial Farm is a popular part of Omaha Home for Boys, and for 36 years, the driving force behind the club has been one leader—63-year-old Mike Pallas. Pallas began working at the farm in 1983 after working as a manager on larger farms. “When I got hired, I said ‘I’m not a teacher.’” Pallas recalls. “The guy who hired me said, ‘you’ll do just fine.’ “ He may not have known how to teach, but he was involved in 4-H as a youth. Many kids join 4-H at age 9 or 10 and remain involved throughout high school. The students Pallas teaches are teenagers when they start with the organization. Their students also come from challenging life situations. According to Rae Ann Knoell, communications coordinator for Omaha Home for Boys, the young men in the residential care program (the program that includes 4-H) are there by court order. Some of the common reasons for this are truancy, or any sort of trouble with the law. Many have unstable living environments and a lack of positive role models. Many have never participated in an extracurricular activity. “I’d say 95 percent of these kids have never been shown much of anything,” Pallas says. “They don’t know how to use a broom. That [upright] broom over there—a lot of them pick that up and try to use it like a push broom.” The students learn to sweep the floor, and also learn the importance of keeping the floor clean. “His barn is the cleanest barn I’ve ever been in,” says Rachel Wright, extension assistant at Douglas-Sarpy County Extension. It is important to Pallas to keep the floor clean because of visitors to the farm, but more important to him because of the life skills. He has shown hundreds of students how to sweep the floor, feed cattle, and respect other beings.

“We are the counselors,” Pallas says. “The animals are the teachers. If you don’t act the way they want, they will let you know.” Kelly Armbrust is one former student who touts Pallas’ abilities to work with children. Armbrust stayed at Omaha Home for Boys from 1982 to 1987. “This was a chance for me to meet new friends—that was more what I was interested in,” Armbrust says. “I’d never been to a fair, I’d never dealt with cattle before. I showed a Brama steer, [and] he was a big, ugly calf. I didn’t know any better, but I enjoyed it.” Like most of the kids, Armbrust came from a tough situation, but said Pallas’ work ethic has helped make him the man he is today. “I always saw him working like a dog,” Armbrust says. “That made me keep working.” Armbrust started working at the farm in 1987, and in 1989, became Pallas’ assistant when Pallas asked Armbrust to work for him. Through Pallas and Armbrust, the students then learn about caring for the animals, and all the work that goes into it. “He has a fun personality, but when it’s time to work he has those boys work,” says Wright. “[Pallas and Armbrust] have kind of helped everyone mesh together. Mike puts a lot of his own volunteer time and sweat equity because he wants 4-H to be successful for all kids.” “Don’t put ‘I’ and ‘can’t’ together around me,” Pallas says. “Because you’ve just defeated yourself. You can tell me ‘my cow won’t do this today,’ because that happens. They can be stubborn. But you can do it.” The students take care of calves and lambs for about four months. They learn what a calf or lamb should weigh, and how much the animal should eat to get to that weight. The students learn about the loin-eye area, an estimate of carcass muscle used to determine quality of the meat. They learn how long a cow carries a calf in the womb. And Pallas knows how to relate the material. “How old do you have to be to drive?” Pallas asks. “Sixteen. There’s your [ideal] loin-eye area. How long is a cow in gestation? Well, how long is a human pregnant? Nine months. Same for a cow.”

The positive influence of working with calves and lambs leads to other positive changes. “One of the ways the home and 4-H helps is that it creates stability and security for them,” says Knoell. “So many of these kids have spent their lives wondering where’s my next meal coming from? How am I going to get to school? Once they are in a secure environment where people care about them and they have positive mentors, they start to thrive.” The students may not enjoy having Pallas tell them to clean up after cows, but he often gains their respect. “Mike was my father figure,” Armbrust says. “Last Father’s Day, I told him, ‘you know, you tell everyone you had all girls, but you do have one boy.’ “ After four months of caring for the animals, the students have learned to trust them, and also themselves. “Probably my favorite part of this is watching how the kids first interact with the animals to how they act later on,” Pallas says. “They come in holding their noses, but come fair time, the kids are laying in the stalls with the animals.” At the end, the students show the animals at the Sarpy County Fair alongside youth who have been in 4-H for years longer than them. It is a source of quiet pride for Pallas to see the kids walk away with ribbons, and a source of happiness for the jovial man to see other farmers and 4-H leaders at the fair, all of whom Pallas calls his friends. “Fair is the culmination,” Pallas says. “I tell them I wish we could get to the fun part first, but you’ve got to put in the work.” Pallas may only be around for another couple of years before retiring, but he knows he can still impact a lot of students. “I know there’s kids that get out and think, ‘gosh I’m glad to be away from that old grump,’” Pallas reflects. “But they walk away from here with a lot of life skills.” Visit omahahomeforboys.org/ valley-view-4-h-club for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 • 60PLUS

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ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY LIZ STEVENS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

Retired School Principal Finds New Purpose at the Nebraska Humane Society

he brings the girls and the cat to me—I was the vice principal,” Jerry Meyer says. “I say, 'I am going to take the cat, she’ll stay in my office. I am going to call Mom and see what she wants to do.'” Moments prior, twin girls who attended Meyer’s school, Minne Lusa Elementary, found a gray, long-haired tabby cat near the bus stop. The students tried their best to hide the cat in their coat on the way into the school, Meyer says, but one of the other faculty members noticed the cat and sent the girls and their new friend to the vice principal’s office.

Unfortunately, the family could not take in the cat, so Meyer decided to give her to the Nebraska Humane Society, where his colleague Nicki Nixon volunteered. Meyer says that NHS was Nixon’s love. She spent almost as much time at NHS as she did teaching. Meyer says he deliberated his decision for a while, but he eventually adopted the cat. He named her Mrs. Slocombe after the Easter egg-haired, cat-loving saleswoman on “Are You Being Served?” one of his favorite British television shows. Meyer and Mrs. Slocombe would be close companions for the next 17 years.

After 31 years as an educator for Omaha Public Schools, Meyer wanted to spend his free time giving back to the community. He thought about volunteering at The Durham Museum or Fontenelle Forest, but then he remembered Nixon’s love for NHS and decided to apply to be a volunteer. The decision was poignant because Nixon had passed away shortly after Mrs. Slocombe. Meyer has volunteered at NHS for about nine years and is close to accumulating 1,800 hours helping animals, specifically cats. Meyer volunteers for roughly eight hours a week, and says he works with four or five other volunteers. They are responsible for feeding the cats, changing the litter in their boxes, and cleaning their kennels. “Some of the cats we have had close to one year, so we go out of our way to give them extra grooming, playtime, and treats,” Meyer says. “We can take them into a small, enclosed room and hang out with them. Those are the things that I enjoy about volunteering.” Meyer says the Nebraska Humane Society was the perfect fit for him, because it allowed him to combine the nurturing aspects of being a teacher with his love of animals.

“I think it is the nurturing and caring,” Meyer says. “When you are a teacher those [students] become your kids and you care about what happens to them— the same thing with the animals. You’re really happy when they get adopted.” Volunteering at NHS isn’t without its challenges. Meyer says it can be difficult to see cats come in that have experienced abuse. Whether it is a kitten with a missing eye or a cat whose owner has passed away, each one has its own story. Meyer says one of his favorite memories is when he was working with a cat who wouldn’t eat. He made it his “personal mission to get the cat to eat.” Meyer started hand-feeding him chicken, and for a while he was the only one who could get the cat to eat. When Meyer can do something like that for an animal, it helps them, and it makes him feel good. “I am happy,” Meyer states. “This is doing something that I couldn’t make a living off of. I think most people who volunteer would understand that it really is, [as with] me, a sense of purpose. I feel like I am making a difference.” Visit nehumanesociety.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 • 60PLUS

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NOSTALGIA // STORY BY JEFF LACEY // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTOPHER PALMER // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

, You ll Never Walk ALone Do You Remember The MDA Labor Day Telethon?

HE MDA LABOR DAY TELETHON

, hosted by multi-talented Jerry Lewis, was a holiday staple of network TV for over 40 years. The Lewis-headed televised fundraiser ran from 1966 to 2010, and raised over $2 billion for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease in which muscles slowly deteriorate until they cease to function.

Framed in part as a variety show, the telethon featured a steady stream of performers, skits, and musical numbers. Each performance was offered for the sake of urging people to donate generously to the MDA while phone numbers and fundraising updates from different parts of the country swam across the bottom of the screen. Do you remember these hallmarks about the telethon?

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis was—and still is—the face most associated with the MDA telethon. Lewis, who began his career as a comedian working with fellow comedian and singer Dean Martin, didn’t stop at comedy. Lewis was an accomplished director, writer, and singer, and many of his films are considered comedy classics, the original The Nutty Professor among them. In fact, directors such as Martin Scorsese and Stephen Spielberg have gone on record to say that they consider Lewis a master of cinema.

The Phones

Nowadays, the internet makes online financial transactions easy; however, in the heyday of the MDA, telephones and mailers were the dominant paradigm. Who can forget the tiers of phone tables ringing off the hook? The phones were manned by volunteers, some of them famous entertainers, who would record donation pledges, then pass them to runners who would send the donation forms to the post office to mail as soon as possible in order to avoid donors getting cold feet.

Jerry’s Kids

Children with muscular dystrophy were often referred to as Jerry’s Kids. The moniker started almost as soon as the televised fundraiser itself, and became a powerful branding element for the telethon, which included impassioned narratives about children struggling with the illness. Currently, the MDA reports that it runs over 200 clinics dedicated to muscular dystrophy, as well as several clinics dedicated to tackling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The MDA also runs summer camps and aftercare programs for children with muscular dystrophy.

The Entertainment

Lewis made it a point to recruit as much Hollywood talent as possible. Ed McMahon was a longtime co-host of the show, and music legend Frank Sinatra co-hosted several times. The entertainment would occur consistently for the 21 and a half hours the telethon would run, always ending at 6:30 ET on Labor Day Monday (although not all networks televised the entire show). The lineups included skits and musical numbers by the likes of legendary entertainers Sammy Davis Jr. and Diana Ross.

Local Celebrities

There were also cutaways to local telethon charity efforts that focused on local celebrities and volunteers in the coverage areas. According to Omaha actor Christopher Palmer, Dr. San Guinary was the role of a lifetime for KMTV’s John Jones, who reveled in motivating Omaha to participate in fundraising to fight muscular dystrophy. Jones was a founder in building the Omaha MDA from its grassroots through the telethon broadcasts, and shared his passion for community service with his fans. He paid special attention to attracting involvement from children with their families. These collections would culminate at Dr. San Guinary’s telethon Fishbowl, which averaged $40,000 per year from 1971-1981. Jones was active with MDA fundraising from 1971-1987 and appeared on the telethon 17 times. Palmer is the current Dr. San Guinary and is completing a biography titled The Dr. San Guinary Scrapbook—The Life and Times of John Andrew Phillip Fleming Jones.

Reunited

One of the telethon’s defining moments was Lewis’s reunion with his comedy partner Dean Martin. The pair began their comedy career almost by accident due to an employment opportunity that hinged on them performing on stage as a pair. The duo went on to perform thousands of times together, from Atlantic City to Vegas, and they were soon considered the most famous comedy duo in show business. However, their relationship cooled; after 10 years of success, the pair split up. The two reunited during the 1976 telethon, officiated by Frank Sinatra. They hadn’t spoken personally for 20 years.

The End

Jerry Lewis ended each telethon with the song "You’ll Never Walk Alone," which he once claimed was chosen by one of the first Jerry’s Kids (although that origin story has been disputed). The song was from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. Lewis’s last telethon was in 2010.

SEPTEMBER 2019 • 60PLUS

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SideStepping Scams

Avoiding Phone Calls Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Just for Millennials

HEALTH // STORY BY ANDREA KSZYSTYNIAK // DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION BY DEREK JOY

“They were brought up by being very trustful, not saying no, being very polite,” Hendricks says.

the phone and you hear it: the familiar robocall offering you tickets for a cruise ship at a deeply discounted rate, or an automated message (supposedly from the IRS), saying out of the blue that you owe back taxes. OU PICK UP

“They were brought up by being very trustful, not saying no, being very polite,” Hendricks says. Margaret Schaefer, managing attorney of the centralized intake unit at Legal Aid of Nebraska, says caregivers should keep an eye out for signs that someone has been taken advantage of. Look for changes in behavior, such as someone who has always balanced their checkbook to the penny who is now beginning to receive past-due notices, she says. They may become secretive, fearful, or demonstrate other changes in behavior. It’s also possible that they may not initially recognize that they have been ripped off.

One way to avoid scams is by utilizing fraud-prevention features. Ryan Sothan, the outreach coordinator for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, advocates for several features that caregivers can have installed on their loved one’s phone via their phone service. This can include features such as selective call acceptance, which allows the phone owner to build a list of accepted numbers to receive calls from. Call-blocking apps can be downloaded to cellphones. Seniors should also have up-to-date anti-virus software on their computers. Sothan recommends caregivers educate the vulnerable adults around them about common signs of scams. He says many scam calls are offers “too good to be true, or too compelling to ignore.” There is also often a sense of urgency tied to a demand for immediate payment, he says. Folks should be cautious to avoid probes for personally identifying information. If someone calls asking what the name of your childhood pet was, they’re not just trying to be friendly—they may be trying to get information to hack your bank account.

For many people, calls and emails like these are clearly a rip-off from first blush. But for others, including elderly adults or those diagnosed with degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, discerning the reality behind these scams can become complex. Diane Hendricks, a licensed clinical social worker who is contracted to the Alzheimer’s Association, says adults 65 and older are often targeted because they’re assumed to already have a nest egg—a bit of money set aside. They tend to have good credit and may have predictable income because of social security pensions, Hendricks says. There may also be a generational difference in demeanor.

“So they’re sure if they just come up with that additional payment of $200 for the taxes, they’ll have a $1.5 million payout,” Schaefer says. “They don’t recognize that money is never coming.”

To keep up to date on the latest information, seniors and their caregivers can attend a number of workshops and trainings. The Attorney General’s office offers a number of educational sessions, as does the Better Business Bureau, AARP, and other local organizations.

“One of the concerns we have is once somebody is a victim, then they are targeted.”

“One of the concerns we have is once somebody is a victim, then they are targeted,” Schaefer says. After a scam, phone numbers and any other contact information that was used to take advantage of the person should be changed. But prevention is the best option, as recouping lost funds can be near impossible. “Usually once the money has left your hands, it is generally not recoverable,” Schaefer says.

- Schaefer SEPTEMBER 2019 • 60PLUS

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PROFILE // STORY BY J.D. AVANT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

Carolyn Owen Anderson

Encouraging the Art st in Everyone

RT IS ONE of the most inclusive forms of expression. Carolyn Owen Anderson has dedicated nearly 20 years to helping an underserved population of seniors and people with developmental disabilities express themselves.

She is the executive director at WhyArts, the Omaha nonprofit dedicated to providing art to underserved populations. It’s a cause she can easily align with: she believes that everyone can benefit from a healthy dose of artistic expression, a belief that is realized in the organization’s slogan—“arts our way.” “The general public see people with disabilities and think they don’t have talent, but I don’t believe that,” Anderson says. “Art is for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to express your ability.” As an organizational administrator, Anderson’s background is in psychology. She earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, which is helpful, as a large part of the job is observing people and matching artists’ skills with the organization’s needs. “I think she has an eye for art, and she has a heart for people,” says longtime friend Nancy Williams, executive director of No More Empty Pots. “Her art is not in the traditional sense of artistry. Her artistic talent is pulling people together and giving them purpose through art.” Anderson admits she has never been an artist, but that doesn’t keep her from attending arts events. She can be found watching productions by Omaha’s Blue Barn Theatre, Opera Omaha, or Omaha Symphony whenever she can. Her passion for providing art to people of all abilities was ignited when she saw her adopted son struggle with academics. “I got tired of him talking about what he couldn’t do,” Anderson explains. “People kept telling him what he would and would not achieve because his grades in math and science weren’t the best, but I knew he had potential. When he started concentrating on non-judgmental ways to do things he excelled.” // 118 //

60PLUS • SEPTEMBER 2019

She first became acquainted with WhyArts 15 years prior as a contracted consultant. Anderson went on to focus her dedication towards an overlooked group of people— those of differing abilities—who could benefit from a non-judgmental way of expressing themselves. Throughout her years as director of the organization, she has helped include seniors in the arts and overseen several outdoor mural projects. “Carolyn’s passion to connect and empower communities through the arts is an inspiration,” WhyArts teaching artist Sarah Rowe said via email. “As a working artist, I appreciate the challenge to help build creative experiences that strengthen the foundation of our city by uplifting individuals. Carolyn has a natural ability to coordinate events and connect people in a magical way.” Along the way, Anderson has remained a consummate volunteer and philanthropist, a value instilled in her by her parents—Edward F. and Dee Owen. Dee, in fact, could be seen volunteering at the Omaha Community Playhouse into her 90s. Anderson herself serves on several boards, including No More Empty Pots and the Nebraska Writers Collective, and the board members and organizational leadership appreciate her work. “She has a certain candor and brevity about things,” says Williams. “But you’ll know you have piqued her interest when she keeps digging more deeply. She’s been a good sounding board for moving things forward, or not moving them at all. She’s been supportive of not following status quo, but doing what she thinks is the right thing to do.” It is her position at WhyArts that has given her a special fondness for seeing talented artists working with people afflicted by various development disabilities. “Our clients tend to have strong responses and genuine connections with our mentors,” Anderson says. “I love seeing seniors and people with special needs notice their artwork on the wall at one of our exhibits and saying, ‘Ooh, I didn’t think I could do that!’”

Williams not only works with Anderson at NMEP, she knew Anderson through a collaboration between Why Arts and Boys and Girls Club, where Williams was CIO. “WhyArts gave the kids access to someone creative and who did creative work all day,” Williams said. “They got a chance to see how they can use their creativity and get paid for it. It was good for them to be able to share with artists and find a hobby, but also to be creative and give the kids feedback on that creative outlet.” Artists interested in working with WhyArts don’t need prior experience with disabled learners, but they must undergo an extensive observation process under Anderson’s watchful eye. She finds most of them appreciate the individuality of their clients and are willing to work with the special needs population. “Instructors need to have a bag of tricks since a structured curriculum can fall apart when teaching people with developmental disabilities,” Anderson says. “I find that most of my mentors have a great degree of compassion for our clients and appreciate the challenge.” Under Anderson’s direction, WhyArts has flourished; bringing a variety of video animation, visual arts, literature, dance activities and more to over 43,000 individuals through 2500 workshops in 2018, in places ranging from senior centers to after-school programs. Partnerships with a host of organizations including MOSAIC, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Sacred Heart School guarantee Anderson will continue encouraging creative thinking, creative play, and creative access to the arts for an underserved population of aspiring artists. “I’m not a [practicing] therapist, but I’ll always believe that art is great therapy. It enables anyone to express themselves,” she says. “You may not be a Rhoades Scholar in math or science, but you could be a heck of a visual artist, which holds its own merit.” For more information about WhyArts mission visit their website at www.whyartsinc.org.

“I’m not a [practicing] therapist, but I’ll always believe that art is great therapy. It enables anyone to express themselves.”

-Carolyn Anderson

Want to Know what’s Happening IN OMAHA This weekend?

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Proud members of Vetter Senior Living

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60PLUS • SEPTEMBER 2019

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2019

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Resistance, Reflection, and Retaining Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Religion

LISTENING TO THE UNiVER SE

PEOPLE PROFILE // STORY BY JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

he Rev. Debra McKnight’s journey to the altar hasn’t been without obstacles. The freedom to live out her calling as a pastor came on the heels of immense testing, resistance to conformity, persistent theological reflection, and the pursuit of God’s will.

McKnight, a 42-year-old mother, is the founding pastor of Urban Abbey in the Old Market, which started as a satellite of the First United Methodist Church but became independent nearly four years ago. With the motto “coffee, cause, communion,” Urban Abbey will celebrate its eight-year anniversary in November. McKnight describes Urban Abbey as a coffee shop, bookstore, and church. They sell fair-trade coffee, books, jewelry, and other gifts, and the shop area is cleared for Sunday church services. She says Urban Abbey’s uniqueness often creates atypical opportunities such as her own. McKnight was reared in Plattsmouth by God-fearing Methodist parents who served in their community in a variety of ways, from Rotary Club to Plattsmouth Community Schools’ board of education. Debra was in seventh grade when she was struck with the idea of becoming a pastor. “Faith is more than just church,” she explains. “Church was a nurturing place for me.” Ministering was an idea that came to her in stages. As a teenager, McKnight’s passion was the environment, and she started an ecology club at the Methodist church in Plattsmouth to encourage parishioners to think green. Environmentalism was such a passion, in fact, that she went to college with the idea of majoring in the subject. She also took women’s studies and American history courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the late 1990s, which she says “opened her to seeing the larger fabric” of society and social inequality. Her faith aligned with her blossoming ideals. The Methodist church has always been concerned with social justice—early Methodists expressed their opposition to societal ills such as slavery, smuggling, inhumane prison conditions, alcohol abuse, and child labor. The church gave her a platform to help others, and she tried to broaden conservative views on gender roles, race relations, and other non-normative lifestyles. Along the way, she developed a strong desire to participate in church leadership, but she was met with opposition when she expressed interest in becoming a female pastor. “I don’t think I encountered a sense that women weren’t equal until I decided to pursue being a pastor,” McKnight says. The Methodist church has seen women in the clergy since 1761, but to this day, 70 to 75 percent of clergy people are men. There is still a stigma being a female pastor, says the Rev. Jill Sander-Chali of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas. McKnight met this longtime friend at Perkins School of Theology. “I went into the seminary not as aware of obstacles that women in the ministry faced,” Sander-Chali says. SEPTEMBER

Women experience rejection when they seek out a pulpit. Yet, McKnight realized the gravitational pull to pursue ministry service was something she could not ignore. Before seminary, McKnight earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in English. She lived and worked in Germany as an education counselor for active-duty military personnel. In 2008, she graduated from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, a place where she discovered a love of liturgy, explored diverse theological perspectives, pushed boundaries on the church’s traditional structures, and experimented with preaching in a rigorous academic community. “Debra is an amazing teacher,” Sander-Chali says. “She has an amazing, powerful presence in the most nonthreatening way to help people see things differently than they had before.” Sander-Chali says McKnight has had that gift for a long time, explaining: “She would debate things in class and challenge our classmates. She always had a way of reframing and renaming things to people. Sometimes people wouldn’t realize that she was challenging them. When in fact, Debra just took over that conversation. Doing it in a way that people would follow. She’s just so good with words.” Sander-Chali says the two reverends are taught and trained in the art of loving people the way they are and helping them grow. But they need the opportunity to talk, as women and as pastors. “By your hospital bed and in your pulpit, we’re just showing up and being,” she says. “Physical presence communicates a lot. My gender, that becomes powerful and it leads to spiritual healing and awareness.” In 2010, McKnight was ordained in the United Methodist Church, and she has thrived in her role as pastor. She has a wonderful ability to influence people in positive and healthy ways. McKnight owns a clergy collar for parades and protests because her work focuses on social justice, liturgics, and building community. While in Omaha, she has lead her faith community in starting a pub church, called Wesley Pub, though she doesn’t drink beer, and then a coffee shop (Urban Abbey), though she prefers tea. “I admire her,” Sander-Chali says. “She indeed has a lot of resilience and tenacity to go into those [male-dominated] spaces and be who she is—herself. She created this amazing Urban Abbey and has an entrepreneurial mind to create a church from the ground up,” adding “It’s a doorway to a relationship with the sacred for those would not normally connect in a traditional church.” Visit urbanabbeyomaha.com for more information.

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CLAY IN THE CLASSROOM A+C VISUAL // STORY BY JUSTINE YOUNG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK SEPTEMBER

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// A+C VISUAL //

alk into the center of artist Rich Chung’s studio, and suddenly you’re a giant in the middle of a stadium. Hundreds of miniature ceramic faces, handcrafted and in multicolored hues, look out from every side of the room (including a Yoda or two sitting near a 3D printer). Chung has been an artist his entire life. From drawings and mudsculptures crafted at his childhood home back in San Francisco to the years he spent studying studio art at University of California, Berkeley, he always knew he’d find a career somewhere in the art industry. When he landed a job with Jun Kaneko nearly two decades ago, Chung made the move to Omaha, where he has stayed ever since. The one job he never thought he’d have? Teaching. Mr. Rich (as his students refer to him) now works with nonprofit art programs in the Omaha area, including the Joslyn’s Kent Bellows Mentoring Program (KBMP) and WhyArts.

Through KBMP, high school students apply to work with professional artists who mentor the students as they build a portfolio of work. Chung serves as the mentor for the Clay Media Program. WhyArts provides art classes, workshops, and programs to underserved populations throughout the metro, which includes students of all ages and various backgrounds. Chung plans and prepares a lesson for each of his classes, making sure the activity can cater to every skill level. Regardless of the lesson plan, Chung’s main goal is to keep students actively engaged. “You’re not just teaching them how to draw a circle, you’re also trying to teach them certain life skills and attitudes,” he explains. “It’s not just how do you get the paint to come out shiny, even though that’s definitely a part of it. It’s more about how do you handle yourself when the paint doesn’t come out shiny and you’ve tried 10 times?”

When he landed a job with Jun Kaneko nearly two decades ago, Chung made the move to Omaha, where he has stayed ever since. The one job he never , thought he d have? Teaching.

For Chung, this means taking an individualized approach. Whether he’s working with preschool students or senior citizens, he aims to connect with each student and figure out how much direction they need. Aside from clay, Chung also works with—and teaches—painting, 3D printing, drawing exercises, printmaking, crafts, and computer software (such as Stop Motion and GarageBand). Teaching gives Chung the opportunity to learn and create alongside his students. “I see different people every week or every day, and it’s a different challenge and different age group, and I really like that. It keeps me on my toes and is always interesting,” he says. “I realize now I’ll probably never be able to hold a job that’s 9-to-5 again.” When Chung leaves the classroom, he transports students’ clay works back to his studio, where he fires them in his kiln and prepares them for glazing. Often, this entails long hours and many nights spent working late into the evening. For Chung, it’s always worth it. Whether he’s uploading work into the 3D printer, or inviting students over to finish a project, Chung is always looking for more ways to help his students. “We want them to have a desire to learn,” Chung says. “That’s the main goal. It’s not what they learn, it’s that attitude of ‘I want to learn more and I want more knowledge.’” Chung also plans to host an open-studio event in the fall, where community members can tour his workspace and view his art. For more information on the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, visit Joslyn.org. For more information on WhyArts, visit whyartsinc.org.

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CHEF PROFILE //

STORY BY TIM TR

UDELL // PHOTOG

RAPHY BY BILL SIT

ZMANN // DESIGN

BY MATT WIECZO

REK

FOR I WIL L MAK E CLE AR TO HIM HOW MUC H HE WIL L BE AFFL ICTE D AND MUS T END URE AND SUF FER FOR MY NAM Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAK E. -ACTS 9:16

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How Intervention LY I N G O N T H E F L O O R I N A F E TA L P O S I T I O N , ROBERT WILSON THOUGHT T H I S WA S T H E F I N A L CONVERSATION OF HIS LIFE.

“I’m going to die like my mother,” Wilson said to himself. “Drunk and alone. Is that [what] I want…yes.” A sense of calmness overtook him. Passing out, he didn’t know if he’d wake again. Then, something happened. “It was divine intervention,” Wilson says. “It had to be the Great Spirit.” Wilson woke his roommate and asked for help. They arranged for him to be admitted to the Campus for Hope detoxification center. After detox, he stayed at the Stephen Center, where he eventually became the head chef. The road to sobriety took roughly 30 years and included several potholes along the way. As the child of an alcoholic mother and a drug addict father who served time in prison for drug running, Wilson says life was stacked against him. Suffering sexual abuse at the hands of two men in his South Omaha neighborhood, Wilson tried alcohol and marijuana for the first time at age 13. He says he enjoyed self-medicating. “The first time I tried alcohol I got fullblown drunk,” Wilson says. “It was never a social thing for me. I always drank to get drunk. Then I added drugs at an early age.” As an adult, he worked as a dishwasher at Original Caniglia’s Italian Steakhouse. His cooking career took off one night when he stepped in to replace the pasta chef, who didn’t show up for work. He eventually worked at some of Omaha’s finest restaurants, including Indian Oven and the French Café in the Old Market. As a sous chef at the French Café, Wilson realized he could make the culinary industry a career. But his addictions were never far away. In 1995, Wilson’s father persuaded him to move to California. He landed a job at a Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen in Costa Mesa. The self-taught chef thought his future

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looked bright. Then he learned his father managed an operation delivering drugs and guns to Nebraska. “[A] whole trailer was full of weapons,” he says. “It was something out of the movies. I’d never seen so much drugs and money in my life.” Though the younger Wilson never sold drugs, he says he served time in prison for possession. Following a couple of years living on the street, Wilson moved back to Nebraska. After getting his job back at the French Café, life was good again. However, his demons kept attacking. He lost the job less than a year after his return. Then came the night of divine intervention, and Wilson became sober at 45. An opportunity to work in the kitchen at Stephen Center proved to be just what he needed. Today, nearly seven years after his epiphany, Wilson appreciates giving back to the place that helped save his life. While serving roughly 150 meals per daily lunch and dinner service, Wilson seeks to provide a special experience. Working with donations from local grocers such as Hy-Vee, Trader Joe’s, Fareway, and Whole Foods, Wilson says, “Sometimes, you have to be creative with the food they send you because of the expiration date.” But creating menus is a challenge he loves. “I like to treat people like they’re enjoying a meal at a restaurant and not an institution,” Wilson says. “I like to do food you won’t see at other [centers].” He also likes to take “plate pictures” of the food, which he posts on Facebook. Life is good for the 52-year-old Omaha tribal member—with a fiancée, new house, and Harley Davidsons to ride—but Wilson never forgets where he came from. “The Stephen Center is part of me,” he says. “The new me serves the Stephen Center. I couldn’t do what I like without them.” Visit stephencenter.org for more information.

DINING REVIEW // STORY BY NIZ PROSKOCIL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

H EALTHY, SEASONAL, CHEF-DRIVEN DISHES WITH A FINE -DINING FLAIR

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Cr i s p y s k i n s a l m o n w i t h r o c k s h r i m p , s we e t p o t a t o h a s h , French beans, and orange vinaigrette

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EXECUTIVE CHEF TIM JONES AND HIS TEAM DELIVER DISHES USING FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS, MUCH OF IT LOCALLY SOURCED.

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// DINING REVIEW //

ospital cafeteria food can bring to mind sad combinations of mushy vegetables, mystery meat, limp salads, and green Jell-O. At the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s restaurant, those bland and boring foods are replaced by beautifully plated appetizers, perfectly cooked fish, and salads bursting with fresh, local produce.

Kale salads and cheese plates aren’t typical menus items in hospital cafes, but both dishes are among the options that guests can enjoy at the Buffett Cancer Center’s 75-seat dining venue, simply called The Restaurant. Executive chef Tim Jones and his team deliver dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients, much of it locally sourced. “We try to make as much from scratch as possible,” Jones says. The menu, which changes each season, features a handful of starters, salads, soups, and about a dozen entrees. The prices are reasonable, and there’s a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients such as leafy greens, lean protein, nuts, and whole grains. High-fat foods such as cream are used sparingly. The $323 million cancer center is named in recognition of a gift from Pamela Buffett, through her foundation, the Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation. Pamela’s husband, Fred, a first cousin of Warren Buffett, died in 1997 of kidney cancer. The facility, a joint venture between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and clinical partner Nebraska Medicine, opened in 2017. It’s the largest public-private partnership in the history of the state. To fund the project, the state of Nebraska contributed $50 million, the city of Omaha $35 million, and Douglas County $5 million. The rest of the funding was privately raised.

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The cancer center doesn’t really look like a hospital, says Jones, and The Restaurant doesn’t look like a traditional hospital cafeteria. “It’s modern, eclectic, trendy,” Jones says. The open, airy dining space features soaring ceilings, bold artwork, a self-playing piano, and contemporary décor highlighting soothing colors and warm woods. The good looks extend to the food as well. Long spears of chilled asparagus, draped with thinly sliced serrano ham, arrive topped with shaved Pecorino Romano cheese, fava beans, and juicy grapefruit segments for brightness and acidity. Another highlight among the starters: a cheese plate—complete with grilled brie, cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, Marcona almonds, aged balsamic, honeycomb, and microgreens. Grilled tiger shrimp, which popped with color and flavor, was served on a bed of diced papaya, crunchy cucumber, and hearts of palm drizzled with a zesty sauce that balanced spicy, sweet, and citrus

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flavors. Salmon with crispy skin arrived beautifully seared and served with rock shrimp-sweet potato hash and French green beans. A lightly dressed kale salad studded with nuts, fruit, and cheese delivered a nice variety of texture and flavor. Jones, whose fine dining background includes luxury hotels, is a native New Yorker who honed his skills at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. He has served as The Restaurant’s executive chef since it opened in June 2017. Soon afterward, he received a kidney transplant at Nebraska Medicine, made possible by his wife, Jennifer, who was the donor. He’s grateful for the second chance and appreciates the work-life balance the Buffett Center allows him. Unlike most chefs, he rarely has to work nights or weekends. He also likes the creativity that cooking offers and enjoys showing others that hospital food and fine dining experiences can go hand in hand.

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With fall on the way, Jones looks forward to getting inspired by what’s in season, what’s local, and what’s fresh. New menu items may include heartier salads, braised meats, and other comfort foods that are not only delicious, but also nutritious. Visit nebraskamed.com or @eat.at.therestaurant on Instagram for more information. THE RESTAURANT AT THE FRED & PAMELA BUFFETT CANCER CENTER 505 S. 45TH ST. | 402.552.9860 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL

$$ 5 STARS POSSIBLE

SEPTEMBER 2019

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. . . D I N I NG F E AT U R E . . .

SERVICE TA B L E G R A C E S E RV E S U P M O R E T H A N F O O D // STORY BY SARA LOCKE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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From left, Simone and Matt Weber with their Table Grace food truck.

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. . . D I N I N G F E AT U R E . . .

cruciferous slaw with a parmesan balsamic vinaigrette. Green curry tofu soup. Brisket pizza. On a standard Tuesday, the fluid menu at Table Grace Café is a testament to the expert crafting behind every aspect of the establishment. The chef isn’t always sure what’s going to make the menu until the produce delivery arrives, but the staff is quick on their feet, and it’s going to be delicious.

While this level of attention to detail and the elevation of even the humblest entrée can be expected from most Omaha chefs, Table Grace’s novel approach to both sourcing and profit is what sets the exquisite food apart. The cost of the three-course feast listed above: whatever you can afford. On any given afternoon, powerful business owners answering emails on their lunch break dine beside the unemployed applying for jobs online. Among the Table Grace workers are seasoned veterans of Omaha restaurants, unpaid volunteers, and those who opted to pay for their meal through service.

Perishable Food Rescue. This partnership not only keeps costs low for the restaurant, but prevents food waste, which keeps food costs lower for everyone. Ruth Richter, manager of Green Bellevue, centers her life around finding opportunities to do more for the community in small ways. She says she enjoys frequenting Table Grace for more than the nourishing mouthful. “It’s a great place to have a date, a job interview, or a client meeting, because it gives you an opportunity to discuss values and social responsibility and pay it forward.”

to a smoky, layered Moroccan style with caraway vinaigrette, the dishes are as rich and nourishing as the Webers’ mission. With a firm grasp on their purpose in life, the staff at Table Grace seem tireless, maintaining catering gigs and a music career in tandem with their goodwill dining efforts. While many places advertising a noble mission come with a side of “you’ll get what you get and you won’t get upset,” the staff at Table Grace understands that everyone deserves something they enjoy eating and shouldn’t have to worry that asking about potential allergens will be read as ungrateful. That’s why the establishment not only advertises possible allergens, but also offers gluten-sensitive items for diners with food allergies. The Webers believe in respect for each soul who enters their home away from home.

“We worked a lot from two books we found really insight“The first question we HEALTHY, DELICIOUS FOOD IS FOR EVERYONE. ful—Toxic Charity ask every person who and When Helping HARD WORK IS FOR EVERYONE. walks through the door Hurts. It’s hard for is ‘would you like to SERVICE IS FOR EVERYONE. people to hear those volunteer today?’ No words together, and matter what they’re IF SOMEONE IS WONDERING most people feel like wearing, no matter what anything they do to WHETHER THEY WOULD FIT AT TABLE GRACE, mood they’re presentvolunteer is automatiing,” owner Matt Weber THE ANSWER IS ABSOLUTELY YES. cally good,” Weber says. “This idea really explains. “It’s not only works if everyone YOU BELONG HERE. automatically, and participates. Healthy, we wanted to make delicious food is for sure the good we were everyone. Hard work doing was really that. is for everyone. Service is for everyone. If Knowing that the food is donated and resWe wanted to be a blessing, and to have a someone is wondering whether they would cued might conjure up an image of refrigpositive impact on the whole community.” fit at Table Grace, the answer is absolutely erator stew or mystery casserole. Not here. yes. You belong here.” Instead, you’ll find from-scratch pizza crusts Table Grace isn’t a soup kitchen; it is a and slowly developed broths and stocks. gourmet kitchen with a mission. This Founded in 2008 by Matt and his wife Love—and good food—takes time, and the is an opportunity for a full belly for Simone Weber, later joined by Chef Erin staff won’t rush perfection. anyone, from the upwardly mobile Old Schultz, the establishment is based on the Market staffer to the down on their luck principle that everyone deserves delicious In addition to their pay-what-you-will Old Market dweller. This is a chance to food, dignity, and an opportunity to better policy, which makes healthy food attainable put something on a resume in both the their situation. for those who may not be able to otherwise education and employment sections, and afford it, Table Grace creates employment a chance for someone to see clearly to the “We were in Nashville attending a retreat opportunities for those who need it most. other side of a hard day. experience. I was looking for a potential The restaurant offers a 10-day training procareer shift, and we were hoping to combine gram, with hands-on experience in several And if their customers find themselves our three big passions of food, music, and aspects of the restaurant industry. From dishhungry for more than food, the Webers ministry. Simone was attending some conwashers to food prep, serving is their mission. both serve as ministers. They offer regular tinuing education courses and we were both fellowship and faith talks for those whose just hit with this moment of inspiration. The While the brick and mortar at 1611 ½ souls need nourishment as well. model is based on the structure and concept Farnam St. keeps the menu focused on soup, of SAME Café in Denver,” Weber explains. salad, and pizza, the owners saw potential for Visit tablegracecafe.com for more “It stands for So All May Eat.” more. Specifically, taking Grace on the road. information. Mobile Grace Café, launched as a food truck The restaurant manages to keep overhead low last year, keeps the menu burger-centric, by working with donated and rescued foods with a variety of options. From a vegan and from organizations such as Saving Grace bun-less garbanzo-and-black-bean burger // 138 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday. —stellasbarandgrill.com

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Stella’s Bar and Grill Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm // 141 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

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402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, made-from-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and all-day Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays. —lombardosomaha.com SEPTEMBER 2019

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LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms. —losolemio.com

E U R O P E A N A M E R I C A N C U I S I N E

PASTA AMORE - $$

One of Omaha’s Best Happy Hours!

Mon. – Fri. 3—6 PM Fri. & Sat. After 9 PM julios.com/cateringmenu 123rd & Center | 402-330-2110

402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. —pastaamore.com

7 21 N . 13 2 N D S T R E E T O M A H A , N E 6 815 4 4 0 2 . 8 8 4 . 6 8 7 8 B R U S H I O M A H A . C O M

ELKHORN NOW OPEN! 192nd & Maple

Walking Distance to CHI Health Center Omaha & TD Ameritrade Park CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT

402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha

DOWNTOWN - 10th & Capitol MIRACLE HILLS - 114th & Dodge MILLARD - 180th & Q AKSARBEN VILLAGE - 67th & Center BELLEVUE - 23rd & Cornhusker PLATTSMOUTH - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill

@Matt_factory

DJSDUGOUT.COM // 142 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

PITCH - $$

402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave. An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m. —pitchpizzeria.com

ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●

Home -Made in Omaha

SPEZIA - $$$

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St. Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and woodfired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended. —speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707) Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

NOW OPEN 69th & Pacific • 933-2776 177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) | Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEP.COM

402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos! —julios.com

LA MESA - $$

158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762) Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more

at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. —lamesaomaha.com

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St. Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family. —margaritasmenu.com

ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110) Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they're the best in town. —romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

402-502-9902 6209 Maple St. Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St. Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu. Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting. —brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St. Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beerlover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday. —beercornerusa.com SEPTEMBER 2019

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FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448) We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made toorder here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around. —firstwatch.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $

402-346-1528 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com

WALKING DISTANCE

TO CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St. The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close. —jcocoomaha.com

501 N. 13TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha

@Matt_factory

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$

402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St. Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages. —koreangardenomaha.com

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000) Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches. Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products. —paradisebakery.com

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $

402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St. Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area. The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room. —tajofomaha.com

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

Open for Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily Dining Room Opens at 5pm Daily Private Dining Room Available all day

140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68134 FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Omaha 402.393.0811

Best Greek

Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS. 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

3821 Center St / 402.346.1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com SEPTEMBER 2019

// 145 //

VOTED #1 16 YEARS

IN A ROW

STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO'S - $$

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking. —casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday- Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130 BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754

OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101 PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983

OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762

The Original Whiskey Steak is Back!

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$

402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite. This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended. —flemingssteakhouse.com

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$

402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. —johnnyscafe.com

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm // 146 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years. • Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride.

www.romeosOMAHA.com

402.731.4774 johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running

WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.

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STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY! Nebraska Crossing Outlet Stores, Gretna

Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Check out Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Bellevue Berry Farm, Scary Acres or Haunted Hollow for some great fall fun. Take care of back-to-school shopping at any one of our premier shopping areas. And with over 2,300 affordable rooms, free parking and no minimum night requirements, Sarpy County is the perfect place to stay during football season. Kick off your adventure today at GoSarpy.com! BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Farm, Bellevue

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Papillion

Holy Family Shrine, near Gretna

Scary Acres

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

LEGACY OF THE PLAINS HARVEST FESTIVAL

NEBRASK A

PLATTSMOUTH HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 5-8

at various locations, Plattsmouth. This four-day

annual festival—that was once a corn festival in the 1930s—presents tractor rides, carnival rides, parades, a corn hole competition, and music. 402.516.4914. —plattsmouthharvestfestival.com

20TH ANNUAL POLISHFEST Sept. 8 at Polish Heritage Center Museum and St. Francis Community Hall, Ashton. This event will feature the

Sept. 21-22 at Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering. For the 23rd year, the annual Harvest Festival attracts thousands of visitors for food vendors and activities such as a corn maze, livestock viewing, and more. 308.436.1989. —legacyoftheplains.org

OGALLALA INDIAN SUMMER RENDEZVOUS

SEPT.

music of Barry Boyce band, educational workshops on the Polish language, and speaker Beth Gross. Traditional Polish food and music will also be available. 308.738.2260. — polishheritagecenter.com

Sept. 19-21 at Rendezvous Square, Ogallala. Going on their 34th year,

downtown Ogallala offers a celebration of their past with bands, entertainment, dancing, and local talent. 308.289.5674. —ogallalaindiansummerrendezvous.com

APPLEJACK FESTIVAL Sept. 20-22 various

locations, Nebraska City. To kick off the apple

in Steele City. With food and live music, and

spaces for vendors selling everything from crafts to antiques, this event attracts many. 402.729.5131. — visitnebraska.com

harvest, this historic festival—with a turnout of 60,000 to 80,000 people—consists of apple pie, apple cider, caramel apples, and all other things apple. The weekend has over six craft fairs, a car show, live music, and has been named a USA Today Top 10 Fall Harvest Festival. 402.873.6654. — gonebraskacity.com

RICHARDSON COUNTY FREE FAIR Sept.

HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 20-22 in

ANNUAL STEELE CITY FLEA MARKET AND ANTIQUE FARM MACHINERY SHOW Sept. 14-15

12-14 at Richardson County Ag Society, Humboldt. Starting off each morning with a parade, the entertainment continues all three days with activities such as carnival rides and concessions. There are also competitive events including beef, horses, photography, textiles, and creative writing. 402.245.4324. —nebraskafairs.org

HARVEST FAIR Sept. 14-15 at Stuhr

Museum, Grand Island. This popular fall event

celebrates harvest time with live music, pumpkin activities, and harvest cookery. 308.385.5316. —stuhrmuseum.org

LINCOLN CALLING Sept. 18-22 in downtown Lincoln. Featuring headliners Lee Fields

& The Expressions, and Soccer Mommy, this annual nonprofit music festival aims to celebrate creativity. The festival prides itself on equal representation between male and female performers, as well as representing the LGBTQ community and performers of color. Email info@lincolncalling.com — lincolncalling.com

Gothenburg. The three-day event is the

town’s 105th annual festival, full of arts and crafts as well as a large parade. 308.537.3505. —gothenburgdelivers.com

NORFOLK OKTOBERFEST Sept. 20-21 in

downtown Norfolk. During this two-day festival, Northeast Nebraska celebrates the area’s German heritage and fall harvest with a beer garden, live music, German food, and family entertainment. Attendees can also count on a Husker tailgate, teen dance, and free rides home anywhere in Norfolk from 12:30-2 a.m. 402.371.4862. —norfolkareachamber.com

LINCOLN ARTS FESTIVAL WEEKEND Sept.

21-22 in downtown Lincoln. Moving to downtown Lincoln for its 19th year, this festival will feature artists from across the country. The event offers activities such as the Creative Zone, as well as live music from Lincoln’s largest music festival, Lincoln Calling. 402.434.2787. —artscene.org

GROWN UPS’ GETAWAY AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH Sept. 21 at Bloom Where You’re

Planted Farm, Avoca. Kick off the pumpkin patch season by visiting the farm after dark to sip on beer and wine, and play games while listening to live music. 402.267.4104. —bloompumpkinpatch.com

FALL FEST Sept. 27 at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton. This family event

celebrates the tallgrass prairie with hayrack rides, live music, and plenty of nature-oriented activities. This year’s event, “A Prairie Plant Party!” will focus on the benefits of native plants for birds and wildlife, and guests can participate in a native plant giveaway. 402.797.2301. —springcreek.audubon.org

SEP.

AUTUMN ON THE BRICKS Sept. 28 at

Box Butte Avenue, Alliance. Plenty

of games and different activities—such as face painting and cornhole—line the street at this fun-filled family event. 308.762.1800. —visitnebraska.com

WAKEFIELD BALLOONS `N’ BBQ Sept. 27-29 in Wakefield. For the 16th year, Wakefield will

host hot air pilots, a Legion steak feed, and the BBQ Bash. The event will also offer a color run, omelet feed, craft and food vendors, a classic rock and country band, and more. 402.287.2080. —visitdixoncounty.org

SEPTEMBER 2019

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PUMPK IN PATCH A ND VIN TAGE MARKETPLACE Sept. 28-Oct. 27, Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm, Avoca. The

pumpkin patch season calls for a visit to the Avoca farm. Locally grown pumpkins of all shapes and colors are for sale, and guests can find activities such as hay rides on the farm. 402.267.4104. —bloompumpkinpatch.com

IOWA

DES MOINES RENAISSANCE FAIRE Aug.

31, Sept. 2, 7, 8, 14, 15 at The Pines, Des Moines. Having taken a hiatus from 2016-

2018, the faire is ready to entertain in 2019 with singing, dancing, and feasting. 515.965.5338. —dsmrf.com

ARTAPALOOZA Sept. 7 at Cedar Falls

LATINO HERITAGE FESTIVAL Sept. 28-29 at

Western Gateway Park, Des Moines. This

family-oriented event educates attendees through arts, food, children’s activities, and cultural exhibits from Central and South American countries. The festival aims to teach a better understanding of Latino culture, and emphasize an appreciation for diversity. 515.279.0715. — latinoheritagefestival.org

K ANSAS

DANCEFESTOPIA Sept. 5-8 at Emerald

City, La Cygne. These four days pair a

vendors, and the World’s Largest Spinach Salad can all be found at this event. 913.477.7131. —lenexa.com

2019 LATINO ARTS FESTIVAL Sept, 7 at KS Avenue of Murals, Kansas City. This event provides

SEP.

an opportunity for local Latino artists to showcase their work to the community. The artists will display pieces that influence, inform, and celebrate Latino culture. 913.940.4136. —latinoartsfoundationkc.com

wild dance party with outdoor activities. This year features performers Freddy Todd, Blanke, Paz, and many more. 877.987.6487 —dancefestopia.com

WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL Sept. 18-22 at

KANSAS STATE FAIR Sept. 6-15 at

gather in Winfield. Hired artists appear on stage and within the campground, while most attendees bring an instrument to play. 620.221.3250. —wvfest.com

Winfield Fairgrounds, Winfield. For five

days, more than 3,000 contestants from all 50 states—as well as several foreign countries—

Community Main Street, Cedar Falls.

Children and adults can par ticipate in hands-on art activities, and view work from over 40 participating artists. 319.277.0213. —communitymainstreet.org

BEAVERDALE FALL FESTIVAL Sept. 19-21 in Beaver Falls, Des Moines. Originating

over 20 years ago, the first annual fall tradition began with sidewalk sales, carnival rides, music, beer tents, and a parade. The festival now includes several activities such as an arts and crafts market, talent show, and horse rides. —fallfestival.org

42ND ANNUAL HOT AIR BALLOON DAYS Sept. 20-22 at Creston Municipal Airport, Creston. Almost 40 hot air balloons will

participate in races while guests stroll around the arts and crafts fair, flea market, and food booths. 641.782.7021. —unioncountyiowatourism.com

Sept.

20-22

WORL D FOOD & MUSIC FE S TIVA L Sept. 20-22 in

downtown Des Moines. Named “Best Food and Beverage Program” by the International Festivals and Events A ssociation , this weekend offers international food, live music, dancing, cooking, wine and craft beers, and an exciting atmosphere. 515 .286. 4915 . —dsmpartnership.com

Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson.

This 10-day long fair promotes Kansas culture with several attractions including animals, music, and shopping. 620.669.3600. —kansasstatefair.com

SPINACH FESTIVAL Sept. 7 at Sar-KoPar Trails Park, Lenexa. This family-

oriented event celebrates the Spinach Capital of the World. Food, music, entertainment, art

CAMP

LEAVENWORTH Sept. 21 at Leavenworth Landing Park, Leavenworth.

Craft vendors, live entertainment, a fireworks display, and more can be found at this new festival for the City of Leavenworth. 913.758.6752. —visitleavenworthks.com

WALNUT ANTIQUE FALL FESTIVAL Sept. 21-22 in downtown Walnut. Rain or shine,

“Iowa’s Antique City” will be hosting one of their newest annual events. Free admission will allow shoppers and dealers to enjoy a weekend of antiquing in Iowa. 712.784.3992. —walnutiowa.org

DES MOINES OKTOBERFEST Sept. 27-28

in downtown Des Moines. This weekend has

much to offer, including a Craft Beer Village, Lederhosen Lane, and a Silent Disco Party. Prizes will be awarded to attendees dressed in authentic German attire. 515.371.4742. —oktoberfestdsm.com

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SEPTEMBER 2019

HOME TO THE largest public

collection of quilts in the world, it only makes sense that Lincoln’s International Quilt Museum attracts visitors from all over the globe! Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, the International Quilt Museum hosts exhibits yearround. Come and celebrate the cultural and artistic collections! www.lincoln.org/omahamag

SEPTEMBER 2019

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CIDERFEST Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6 at the Louisburg Cider Mill, Louisburg. Activities such as pony rides and donut-making can be found at this annual fall festival. Visitors can also count on live music and a ten-acre corn maze. 913.837.5202. —louisburgcidermill.com

MISSOURI

IRISH FEST Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Crown Center Ice Terrance, Kansas City. This three-day event has been named one of the top Irish Festivals in the nation, and is home to over 30 bands, shops, food, and music. 816-875-4112. —kcirishfest.com

SANTACALIGON DAYS FESTIVAL

AUG.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at Independence Square, Independence. Celebrated annually,

this festival honors the City of Independence as the starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails during America’s westward expansion. Expect to see live entertainment, vendors, and a carnival. 816.875 . 4112 . —santacaligon.com

GRAPE AND FALL FESTIVAL Sept. 3-7 at Nelson Hart Park, St. James. Carnival rides,

live music, a grape stomp, demolition derbies, and more are found at this event. 573.265.6649. —visitmo.com

AHA V IS IT O M Y B D E T PRESEN

- 22 3 1 R E B SEPTEM

TED PRICES

LS AT DISCOUN

E MEA ENJOY 3-COURS

ek.com

OmahaRestaurantWe S P O N S O RED B Y

A portion of Omaha Restaurant Week proceeds will go to the

SEPTEMBER 2019

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MIDWEST TEA FESTIVAL Sept. 7-8 at Ararat Drive, Kansas City. Tea merchants, tea vendors,

and tea lovers travel across the Midwest, and the country, for a day dedicated to tea. The event includes information about tea preparation and culture, and lots of tea tastings. 816.387.7757. —midwestteafest.com

LAURIE HILLBILLY FAIR Sept. 13-14 at 269 Fairgrounds Drive, Laurie. Crafts,

food, music, and carnival rides make for an enjoyable weekend in Laurie. 573.374.8776 —cityoflaurie.com

Estate,

Branson. This free event features live music, homemade crafts, and a sidewalk sale. 417.334.1548. —explorebranson.com

HARVEST HOOTENANNY Sept. 20-21

at Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal.

Featuring many activities for kids and adults, the two-day event celebrates the town’s history and scenery. Arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, and tree climbing are just some of the all-age activities offered. 573.221.2477. —visithannibal.com

Sept.

13-14

7TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE UNCORKED WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 14 at BinghamWaggoner

ANNUAL AUTUMN DAZE ARTS, CRAFTS, AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Sept. 19-21 in downtown

Independence.

This event is an afternoon of tasting wines from 25 Missouri wineries and spirits from a local distiller y. 1-6 p.m. Email Info@ independenceUncorked.com for more information. —independenceuncorked.com

FALL FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

Sept. 27-29 at Main Street, Washington. The historic town attracts many artists to sell their unique products. Live music and a food court also come with the event. 636.239.1743. —visitmo.com

STATE OF THE OZARK FESTIVAL Sept. 14

BLUEGRASS BATTLES HUNGER Sept. 27-28

A variety of activities are offered at this festival, including dancing, shopping, yoga sessions, street actors, and crafts. 417.335.1371. —explorebranson.com

Proceeds from this concert go toward supporting hunger relief efforts through Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Guests can look forward to food-truck cuisine and vendor wares. Email info@ bluegrassbattleshunger.com for more information. —bluegrassbattleshunger.com

at Historic Downing Street, Hollister.

LEE’S SUMMIT OKTOBERFEST Sept. 27-29 in downtown Lee’s Summit. This free

festival will have all things Oktoberfest—live entertainment and activities included. Taste homebrews and chow down on brats, or take a trip to the “Rootbiergarten.” 816.524.2424. —lsoktoberfest.com

OVERLAND PARK FALL FESTIVAL Sept.

28 at Santa Fe Commons Park, Overland Park. This community-oriented celebration features high school bands, local businesses, dance troupes, and a parade through downtown Overland Park. 913 .34 4 .8656. —opkansas.org

Event times and details may change.

Visist omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

at Coleman Hawkins Park, St. Joseph.

The past is waiting.

An Okoboji vacation will take you back—way back. From lovingly restored vintage cars to faithful

VACATION

replicas of bygone Arnold’s Park and downtown Spencer, the good old days are waiting for you at our Classic Car Museum. Visit vacationokoboji.com to download your FREE visitor’s guide today.

// OKO_1221_PrintAd_OmahaMag_Fall.indd 152 // SEPTEMBER 2019

3/18/19 9:59 AM

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