The Salvation Army
The Tree of Lights Tribune
Western Division Headquarters 3612 Cuming Street Omaha, Nebraska 68131-1900 www.GiveSalvationArmy.org
Major Paul D. Smith, Divisional Commander Joanne Bemis, Development Director Susan Eustice, Public Relations Director
3-2-1 Go!
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID The Salvation Army
Tree Lighting Kicks Off Red Kettle Drive
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Angel Tree 2011
A Big Thank You to the Participating Businesses and Organizations listed below: Inflection Jazzercise JCPenney KMTV LaVista Fire Department Lockwood Development Lund Company Merck Animal Health Midwest Design Imports Midwest Taekwando Millard West High School Montclair Elementary School NAI NP Dodge Nebraska Methodist College Nobbies Northwest Bank Oakview Mall 55th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Offutt AFB Omaha North Rotary Payroll Maxx Pottawattamie County Court Proxibid Roto-Rooter
Select Specialty Hospital Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scouts St. Cecelia’s Spiritual Life Group Storz Financial Group Streck, Inc. Sweet Adelines Travel and Transport Two Men and a Truck UBuildIt UNMC College of Medicine Student Senate Union Pacific Child Development Center Upstream Brewing Company US Bank Valentino’s (S. 108th) Vetter Health Services Village Inn Restaurants Walmart Warren Distribution Weber Orthodontics West Asset Management Westlake Hardware Westroads Mall
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May 14, 2012 ~ 11:45 AM The Salvation Army ~ D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon CenturyLink Center Omaha
Those looking on during the ceremony were treated to snacks donated by Simmonds Jimmy John’s, warm beverages, and musical entertainment by vocalist Nikki Boulay and the band Finest Hour. Adding to the fun --- Santa and his reindeer paid a visit as did Scrooge and the ghost of Jacob Marley from the Omaha Community Playhouse cast of “A Christmas Carol.”
Many of the talented volunteers sang and played musical instruments. Omaha Wild Clown-Dum members were among those who came in costume. “We were all just delighted to ring bells, and we were so grateful for the wonderful weather we had,” said Sheila Gleason (also known as Shamrock). The clowns, including Susie Dorland (Sparkles) and Kathy Scofield (Loli Pop), also make hospital rounds to visit patients. The group’s focus is to bring entertainment and cheer to those who need a lift in spirit. Theresa Ziska (Basil), president of Omaha Wild Clown-Dum, has been clowning since 2004. She said, “We will be volunteering for The Salvation Army again next year, as we have started a new tradition.” The Godfather has been the “head” of the Godfather’s Pizza family since its establishment in Omaha in 1973. He appears on the company’s broadcasts advertising the virtues of great pizza and rang The Salvation Army bell with Mayor Jim Suttle at Aksarben Cinema. The Salvation Army thanks its new celebrity bell ringing sites: Shadow Lake Towne Center, Village Pointe and Aksarben Cinema.
KETV NewsWatch 7 anchor and reporter Nichole Berlie and meteorologist Tyson Pearsall were on hand to emcee the special lighting ceremony. From the cast of the Omaha Community Playhouse’s “A Christmas Carol”, the ghost of Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge helped illuminate the Tree of Lights last November 11th.
Money collected during the campaign supports Salvation Army programs and services year-long including food pantries, housing, utility assistance, behavioral health services, education and recreational opportunities. Donors are pleased to hear that 100% of the money they donate to the red kettles stays in the community where it’s collected.
Adopt-a-Family Radiothon Imagine families “adopting” other more needy families to ensure they all have a happy holiday. It has happened at The Salvation Army for a dozen years. The Star 104.5 Adopt-a-Family Radiothon held on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 invited radio listeners to call and “adopt” a family or a senior citizen during the holidays. More than 2,400 sponsors called to “adopt.” The need has increased. About 2,852 families qualified for assistance through the Adopt-a-Family program in 2011, compared to 2,300 last year. Since the program began 12 years ago, more than 22,000 families have been adopted by local donors. Donors choosing to adopt made three commitments: provide a toy or clothing for each child, provide a gift coupon for a holiday meal and coordinate a time to deliver gifts to their assigned family by December 23. A partnership of Star 104.5 and The Salvation Army, the radiothon was broadcast live from The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center at 3612 Cuming Street. It was quite a marathon, lasting 20 hours over the course of the two days. More than 200 volunteers answered phones, matching donors with families. Other volunteers processed application information, addressed envelopes and prepared mail. Many volunteers represented local businesses which included The Hartford, AIM Institute, Hewlett Packard, Farm Credit Services of America, Telephone Pioneers and First Data. The Salvation Army thanks Star 104.5 along with Windstream, HyVee, Woodhouse Auto Family and Nebraska Elite Fitness for sponsoring the Adopt-a-Family Radiothon.
Tree of Lights Leadership Shines
We have heard it said many times that Omaha is a caring, generous city. It’s true. In Omaha, people do not want to hear how much you know but how much you care. It’s a city where substance of character far outweighs style. Yet, once in awhile, there comes along a leader who is both long on style and depth of character. This leader combines strength of purpose and mission with strong attributes of friendliness, charm, intellect and savoir-faire. Hal and Mary Daub are this type of leader.
Ring Day Makes its Omaha Debut A realtor in Fargo, ND, came up with an idea last year that would give realtors an opportunity to support a cause dear to them --to eliminate homelessness. That was the start of Salvation Army REALTOR® Ring Day that has spread to 11 states including Nebraska.
The Daubs led by example, and under their leadership, the Kettle Klub Cabinet which is comprised of Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board members and community business leaders actively participated in the success of the campaign.
For the first time in Omaha this year, realtors gathered to ring bells and fill red kettles at locations across the city. Bell ringers included 518 realtors who rang bells on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In that one day, the Omaha Metropolitan Realtors® raised nearly $13,000 for The Tree of Lights campaign.
The Tree of Lights Campaign leadership had set an enthusiastic pace with a strong focus on the mission of bringing hope to many within our community. We thank Hal and Mary, along with the Kettle Klub Cabinet and their affiliate companies, for their commitment to serving in our community. Your style and substance of character make a difference in Omaha!
ent of Featured Keynote Speakers ~ Bob & Lee Woodruff For more information, please contact:
Patti Cameli ~ 402.898.5906 Patti_Cameli@USC.salvationarmy.org
2011 Tree of Lights Leadership Honorary Chairs ~ Hal & Mary Daub, Partner, Husch Blackwell Honorary Vice-Chairman ~ Connie Ryan, President, Streck, Inc. General Chairman ~ Tim Harrison, CEO, Harrison Financial Services General Vice-Chairman ~ Joseph Kavan, Partner, Kutak Rock The 2011 Tree of Lights Leadership kicked off the Tree of Lights Campaign at American National Bank. Pictured from left are Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board Chairman, Steve Seline; Tree of Lights Honorary Vice-Chairman, Connie Ryan; and Tree of Lights Honorary Chairs, Mary and Hal Daub.
The Adopt-a-Family Radiothon team celebrate a record-breaking year. Pictured in front are Chris Barone and Lindsay Peterson. Pictured from left to right are Brian Delehant, Amber Muell, Kurt Owens, Linda Burkle, Joanne Bemis, Stephanie Chandler, Dan Arthur, Michelle Reill and Nikki Boulay
REALTOR®
The Daubs teamed up to lead the 2011 Tree of Lights Campaign. During every step of the campaign, Hal and Mary participated by encouraging Omahans to give of their time, talent and treasures to help those in most need. The Daubs reached out to the Omaha community, asking for volunteers to ring bells and for donors to give generously.
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Also that day, kettles began showing up around Omaha, signaling the start of the annual Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign.
A Special Edition on The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Greater Omaha Campaign - 2011
Volunteers, including local media personalities, donated a record amount of time ringing bells for the 2011 Tree of Lights Campaign. Among them were bell ringers with special talents who entertained shoppers and helped raise money for The Salvation Army.
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The tree alone was a sight to see for people who gathered for the ceremony. The Tree of Lights weighs more than 6,000 pounds and is illuminated by 80,000 LED lights and 655 giant LED starbursts. The 75-foot tall tree was installed by members of Iron Workers Local 21.
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ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) Aksarben Cinema Alegent Health American Interstate Bancorp Aric W. - Eagle Scout Candidate Bailey Lauerman Ballantyne Strong Blaha Service Cassling Central States Health & Life Company of Omaha Clark Chiropractic Clinic College of St. Mary Community Covenant Church Cornhusker International Trucking Countryside Community Church Cracker Barrel Creighton EMS Education Creighton School of Law Creighton School of Nursing First State Bank G & G Manufacturing Company Harland Technology Services Hewlett Packard Holstine-Pierson Family
It was a magical night at American National Bank near 90th Street and West Dodge Road on Nov. 11 as volunteers prepared for the traditional lighting ceremony of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights.
Homelessness was their motivation. The Salvation Army offers transitional and scattered-site housing programs in Omaha and across the division
More than 500 Omaha realtors rang bells for The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign on December 9, 2011.
Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota realtors joined together to raise money for The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign. REALTOR® Ring Day, which debuted in Minnesota and North Dakota last Christmas, helped raise approximately $200,000.
SANTA LOOKS A LOT LIKE YOU Children in Omaha’s Metro area, who otherwise may not have received a gift this Christmas, found that Santa Claus looked a lot like ordinary Omaha citizens.
SCOUTS HAPPY TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER We often hear the saying, “Out of the mouths of babes come words of wisdom.” The following words of wisdom from a 7-year old Girl Scout were overheard at the third annual Omaha Salvation Army/Girl Scout Fight Hunger Campaign: “Helping others makes me happy. I like volunteering because it’s something important and something that I can do, even if I am seven.
Whether it is somebody searching for work, a hot meal or a utility payment that is harder to pay, your Salvation Army offers help and hope to people 365 days a year. But we cannot do it without you.
Blue collection barrels inside Walmart stores during the Christmas season encouraged shoppers to donate. More than 450 new, unwrapped toys for children and more than $500.00 worth of nonperishable food items were donated during the 2011 KMTV Action 3 News Toy and Food Drive that ran Dec. 15 through Dec. 18. The donated toys were distributed by The Salvation Army to families in need during “Toyland Days,” Dec. 17 and Dec. 20-22. The donated food helped stock the shelves of the Army’s food pantries. The Salvation Army thanks Walmart and Payless Office Products --- partners in the 2011 KMTV Action 3 News Toy & Food Drive. This year, a record 11,000 toys were donated to the Toyland program.
The coldest days of winter are here!! It’s no surprise that many families here in our community feel financially and emotionally stressed.
This Toyland shopper finds just the right gift.
Kroc Center Hosts Breakfast with Santa
The Great Plains Girl Scouts made many families in Omaha, Fremont, Lincoln, Beatrice and Norfolk happy in October. The Scouts collected more than 13,000 nonperishable food items to assist The Salvation Army in stocking its food pantries.
PLEASE help us help others by making a donation today. We have enclosed a special envelope for your convenience. We need you now more than ever !
The items were needed more than ever. This year, the Omaha Salvation Army has realized a 39 percent increase in food pantry requests. An increase like this means helping 7,803 households in Omaha. The Fight Hunger Campaign under the Girl Scout’s true spirit of leadership contributed greatly to helping families in eastern Nebraska and, in particular, Omaha.
Your contributions to The Salvation Army are tax deductible and could be eligible for your employer’s matching gift program. Please let us know if your employer has such a program. Smiling Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scouts helped collect nonperishable food items for The Salvation Army’s food pantries.
Thank you!
The Girl Scouts are strong volunteers and will continue to help The Salvation Army stock its pantries when the Fight Hunger Campaign is expanded this spring. The Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scouts from Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, and North Platte will collect donations of nonperishable food items and help The Salvation Army Corps fill pantry shelves in western Nebraska.
If smiles indicate happiness, notice the happy and smiling faces of the Girl Scouts. It is their volunteer hearts shining through.
More than 270 children and adults enjoyed what has become an annual tradition at the Kroc Center.
“Breakfast with Santa”
was held Saturday, Dec. 17, with a pancake breakfast, entertainment, a surprise visit from the Grinch and the chance for children to get a free keepsake photo taken with Santa. “Breakfast with Santa” was one of several Kroc Center holiday events which also included the Children’s Christmas Musical, a Christmas Concert and Christmas Worship Services.
A Sweet Treat for the Kroc Center Three Red Mango stores in Omaha donated a portion of every frozen yogurt dessert treat sold on Dec. 15 to The Salvation Army Kroc Center. The food pantry benefited that day as well; customers were asked to bring donations of nonperishable food items.
The Red Mango fundraiser offered musical entertainment and special treats for every Red Mango customer last December.
Commit to BE FIT in 2012 The Salvation Army Kroc Center is helping members and nonmembers “commit to be fit” in 2012. New health and fitness classes include Diabetic Cooking, Shotokan Karate, Cardio Capoeira, Cardio Blast, Aqua Zumba and more. There’s more available at the Kroc Center to help keep fit. The second session of the Healthy Home Project begins in January. The program offers families --- at no cost --- personalized family goal setting, cooking classes and fitness activities along with access to drop-in classes. This project has been made possible by the generous support of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, as well as the General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Initiative, alongside the American Dietetic Association and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The Healthy Home Project, along with the General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Initiative, helps people of all ages to be fit and healthy.
A very special Thank you to Simmonds Jimmy John’s for donating snacks at the Tree of Lights Kick-Off held on November 11, 2011!
Aksarben Cinema American National Bank AutoTek AB’s Gas Station Bag N Save Baker’s Barrett’s Barry O’s Old Market Bass Pro Shop Big Lots Blimpie’s Botas el Malcreado Cabela’s Center Hardware China Buffet China Palace Dillon Brothers Harley Davidson Don Gaby’s Restaurant El Catrin El Dorado Restaurant Elegante Salon y Zapateria Euro West Fantasy’s Food & Fuel Fareway Foods Farmhouse Café Gordman’s Hobby Lobby HyVee HyVee Gas Stations JCPenney Joyeria Latina Kmart
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Volunteer bell ringer and Omaha Advisory Board member Patrick Combs accepts a donation from a youngster at Shadow Lake Towne Center last December.
Kubat Pharmacy La Casa Lakeside Family Medicine Las Islitas (Puerto Nuevo) Le Peep Restaurant Little King Mangelsen’s Mama’s Pizza Metabolic Research Center Nebraska Furniture Mart No Frills Nobbies Omaha’s Hair Choice Orsi’s Pizza PM Auto Sales Premier Rental Purchase Quiznos Rod Kush 7 Day Furniture Sam’s Club Security National Bank Sears Sgt Peffer’s Shadow Lake Towne Center ShopKo Subway Super Saver Syzzlyn Skillet Village Pointe Walmart Westlake Hardware Wheatfield’s Zapateria Nelly’s
Red Kettle Run/Walk Draws 600 Participants The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign got off to a running start when the second annual Red Kettle 5K Run/Walk was held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Zorinsky Lake. Chaired again this year by Millard North High School junior, Allie Baxter, the event exceeded expectations with 600 participants. Participation and donations were up 50 percent over the inaugural year. The run raised more than 21,000 items of nonperishable food for The Salvation Army pantries. Sponsors included Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, radio partner Channel 94.1, First National Bank and Peak Performance. Mark your calendar now for October 27, 2012 for the Third Annual Red Kettle 5K Run/Walk ! Ready Set Go ! The Second Annual Red Kettle Run was off to a great start from the beginning of the race at Zorinsky Lake.
Winter Warm Up Coat Drive Is a Success! Thanks to the generosity of Lance and Cheryl Rains of Rains Chimney Sweep and the Omaha Fire Department, the first Winter Warm Up Coat Drive collected more than 2,500 coats and winter accessories from the public during the six week drive. Donations from the drive went to the Winter Night Watch program and to people in need through the local Salvation Army Corps Community Centers. On December 20, a special distribution took place at the Omaha North Corps. The Rains family also volunteered to help with the distribution. Lance and Cheryl Rains go the extra mile in helping distribute winter coats to those who need them. Rains Chimney Sweep and the Omaha Fire Department partnered with The Salvation Army in the first Winter Warm Up Coat Drive.
Children with “Warm Hearts” Collect 1,100 Coats About 1,100 people will be warmer this winter thanks to the generosity of elementary school children at Millard Public Schools and the Millard Public Schools Foundation. From October 24 through November 4, the youngsters energetically set out to collect donated coats along with gloves, scarves and hats in sizes from infants to adult. Some students gave up a Christmas gift this year in order to donate. The money that would have been spent by their parents on them was instead used to buy a clothing item to help another child.
Pictured are members of the Foundation and the Rockwell Kids Network that made the coat drive a big success.
All 25 Millard public schools pitched in to help. It was their first year collecting for The Salvation Army “Warm Hearts” campaign.
“Usually each school does its own community service project twice a year,” said Tammy Chiburis of the Millard Public Schools Foundation. “This semester, instead of doing 25 different community service projects, the schools decided to go together on this one. We wanted to focus on children and families in the community.”
Radio Lobo Fills Kettles Omaha’s popular Spanish radio station, Radio Lobo, got bells ringing and coins dropping for the 2011 Tree of Lights Campaign. The radio station conducted a live remote broadcast at the Hy-Vee store near 33rd and L Streets for three days this past December. Radio Lobo’s dedicated staff and on-air personalities helped build enthusiasm for generous giving. The Salvation Army extends a heartfelt “gracias” to Radio Lobo and to Bob Armstrong, Hy-Vee store manager.
tree of lights 2011
Lt. Bersabe Vera, youth development and outreach coordinator at the Kroc Center, made sure the evening was fun for Red Mango customers as Salvation Army bell ringers stood outside the stores to welcome customers. Next time you visit a Red Mango in Omaha, please thank them for their generosity during the holiday season.
The Salvation Army THANKS the owners, managers and employees of these Tree of Lights bell ringing and counter kettle sites