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Tree of Lights Christmas
Chronicle 2013
Bells Rang Around Town!
Ever wonder who rings bells for the Omaha Salvation Army? Every year, The Salvation Army sets up kettles, and bell ringers stand by the kettles ringing out the good news of hope. This year was no different. Here are a few of our outstanding bell ringers. For nearly 25 years, Joe Vlock has organized a day of bell ringing for his South Omaha Optimist Club. He has encouraged the participation of young people in south Omaha and goes to area schools and promotes bell ringing as a way students can meet their community service requirements. In addition to the south Omaha students, Joe has also gotten his office co-workers at New York Life Insurance Company involved. He says that volunteering is a wonderful family activity and sets a good example of giving back to the community. Since the first year, the number of locations and number of bell ringers has grown. Joe and his dedicated group of bell ringers, including students from Bryan Middle School and Indian Hills Elementary, joined together on December 14 and rang from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at nine locations in the Omaha metro area. On the coldest day of the year when temperatures were below zero in Omaha, members of the Omaha North Rotary rang bells at Walmart on 99th Street and Blair Road. It was a cold job, but their enthusiasm warmed the hearts of shoppers who gave to the kettle as they entered and exited the store. Joe Vlock, (far right) inspires students from Bryan Middle School to give back to the community.
Bobby, Henry and Avery enjoyed the spirit of ringing bells.
The Kettle Klub Cabinet and Advisory Board members with their families volunteered at various times and locations throughout the city. Proving again, just as Joe Vlock said, that bell ringing is a wonderful family activity! The world-renowned Salvation Army Chicago Staff Band, led by Band Master Bill Himes, celebrates The Salvation Army’s “125 Years Caring for Omaha.” The free public concert drew approximately 750 people to Omaha’s Dundee Presbyterian Church.
(l to r) Captain Pat O’Brien, Captain Scott Dippel, Battalion Chief Keith Main, and Interim Fire Chief Bernard Kanger helped launch the third annual Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive for The Salvation Army.
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The 2013 Tree of Lights Campaign: The Tradition of Giving Christmas in Omaha is a time of generous giving. Even when the economy is uncertain or the weather just doesn’t agree with us, the Omaha community comes together to help those in need. This year, the Omaha Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign under the leadership of Honorary Chairman Paul Hogan, founder of Home Instead Senior Care, Inc., raised funds for the 20 plus local services that the Omaha Salvation Army provides to help the less fortunate. Hogan and his leadership team of Honorary Vice-Chairmen, Wayne Smith and Joleen David of SKAR Advertising, actively participated in getting the message of The Salvation Army out to the community. Hogan stated, “The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign is among the very most important outreach programs in Omaha. The more than 20 vital services this campaign funds truly help identify the culture of this community as one of caring and support for all.” David expressed similar sentiments, “I am committed to The Salvation Army because they are committed to transforming lives in the community I love. Their selfless service inspires me to support them, not just by giving dollars but also by giving time - and by giving voice to their mission. I am proud to help The Salvation Army do the most good in any way I can, and to encourage others to join me.” Throughout the campaign, the leadership team and the Kettle Klub Cabinet never wavered in their belief that The Salvation Army is a good steward of the community’s generosity. It is with gratitude that we applaud the 2013 Tree of Lights Honorary Chairman, Paul Hogan, and Honorary Vice-Chairmen, Wayne Smith and Joleen David, along with the Kettle Klub Cabinet.
2013 Tree of Lights Honorary Vice-Chairmen give a big smile during the campaign.
The band, Marcos and Sabor, energized a crowd of over 500 with their Latin rock performance.
The Tree of Lights sparkled with a new 125th anniversary display thanks to Brite Ideas Decorating.
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(l-r) Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board president, Nick Taylor, is joined at the Tree of Lights Kick-Off by Brite Ideas Decorating president, Travis Freeman; Salvation Army Omaha City Commander, Major Paula Fleeman and Paul Hogan, Tree of Lights Honorary Chairman.
www.GiveSalvationArmy.org
The Big Red Kettle On Parade
The Omaha metro area was in for a big treat when the Big Red Kettle went on parade! The Salvation Army’s nine foot, 700 pound kettle delighted parade watchers at three parades. In August, the kettle appeared in Bellevue’s Arrows to Aerospace parade, then Omaha’s Salute To Labor in the SeptemberFest parade. The last parade appearance was on a cold day in November at the Veteran’s Day parade in Bellevue. Intertech donated the trailer that carried the kettle in the parades. Each time the Big Red Kettle appeared along the parade routes, the bystanders clapped and said, “Thank you, Salvation Army.” The kettle represents the support given by our community for the more than 20 Omaha Salvation Army programs.
The Big Red Kettle in the Arrows to Aerospace parade.
A Big Red Kettle Event
The Big Red Kettle was on display.
The second annual Bellevue, Neb. Big Red Kettle Event, hosted by Marathon Ventures, Inc., was a festive time for all who participated. No one left without visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus and having a picture taken with them. The Bellevue East High Singers, Santa’s Elves, Chick-fil-A cows and The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble were present to entertain. A highlight of the festivities was Bellevue West Honor Guard’s posting of the colors, setting the stage for Jimmy Weber to sing Omaha Salvation Army leadership had fun with Santa’s elves. the national anthem and “Silent Night.” Weber expressed gratitude for all that The Salvation Army does, and upon his suggestion, everyone was called to make a gift to the Big Red Kettle. The event ended with a special reminder that The Salvation Army provides hope to all in our community.
Red Kettle runners sprint past the finish line at the fourth annual Red Kettle Run, a benefit forThe Salvation Army food pantries.
Red Kettle Run The Salvation Army’s fourth annual Red Kettle 5K Run/Walk was held Saturday, October 12. The first Red Kettle event of the season drew over 730 participants and over 35 thousand items of food to replenish Salvation Army food pantries in Omaha. Mark your calendars for the 2014 Red Kettle Run to be held Saturday, October 25 at Lake Zorinsky Park.
A record 2,550 local families were adopted through the 14th annual Salvation Army and Star 104.5 Adopt-A-Family Radiothon. More than 140 individuals volunteered at the event.
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Preserving Your Heirlooms, Protecting Your Legacy Christmas in Omaha is a time of generous giving. Even when the economy is uncertain the American novelist, Eudora Welty, once said, “A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away.” Preserving those photographed moments for future generations was the subject of a recent seminar at the Kroc Center last November. Sponsored by The Salvation Army and Harrison Financial Services, “Preserving your heirlooms, Protecting your legacy” featured Sheila Siegler, an Omaha paper conservator, who discussed the best ways to carefully store and protect heirlooms like fragile photographs and artwork. One simple tip Siegler shared for keeping photographs in good condition is to handle them only while wearing clean, cotton gloves. This will prevent finger oils from damaging the cherished article. Securing items in a protected, stable space can prevent water and sun damage. Another suggestion is to store beloved items where you live day to day because you will be more likely to detect potential irritants before serious damage occurs. While you can see, touch and care for the tangible treasures you accumulate throughout life – like jewelry or real estate - they do not represent your legacy as a whole. Your true legacy will be defined by the values, the hope and the convictions you bestow upon the world. Your estate plan is a written record that conveys your property, responsibilities, values and beliefs in an orderly and thoughtful way to those you trust and wish to honor. The cornerstone of any estate plan is a will. Our complimentary Wills Planning Guide can help you move from uncertainty to the comfort of knowing you have a future plan. As you read the guide, you will see that a will is not about the things you own, but how you will use your resources to care for the people who mean the most to you. To receive your free Wills Planning Guide, please call Jan in our Planned Giving Department at 402-898-5912 or 800-274-0628 or e-mail wst_pg@ usc.salvationarmy.org.
You may not realize how you’ve transformed lives. You may be unaware of the good you’ve done for the people around you. But you have changed lives for better through the simple act of giving to The Salvation Army. It’s A Wonderful Life
Please consider a gift in your estate.
(402) 898-5912 • www.SalArmyGiving.org
Omaha’s Third Annual Realtor Ring Day
The smiles of Jenny McCracken and Becky Kline brightened Realtor Ring Day
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On Friday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 240 Realtors rang bells at red kettle locations across Omaha and Council Bluffs. Realtors in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota joined together to raise money for The Tree of Lights Campaign. Nebraska is one of 15 states to join the Realtors® Ring Day movement which debuted in 2010 and helped raise about $200,000. The Omaha and Southwest Iowa Realtors raised more than $21,660 for the Tree of Lights Campaign. The idea to hold Realtors® Ring Day came from a Realtor in Fargo, N.D., who wanted to give real estate professionals an opportunity to support a cause that is dear to them: housing. The Salvation Army offers transitional, permanent and scattered site housing programs in Omaha. Realtors, Danise Wylie and Beverly Giardino enjoyed ringing the bell for The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Thrives In Its Third Year By the time you read this, we’ll have welcomed almost a quarter of a million visitors to the Kroc Center for the second consecutive year. This includes members, special events guests, churchgoers, children learning to swim, soccer leagues and, increasingly, people who want to know what’s happening in their community. Omaha’s neighborhood associations, including the one we host at the Kroc Center that represents south Omaha, recently joined with the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service in a study of residents’ expectations for community centers. The top three things that people want their community center to provide are listed below, with just a few of the things the Kroc Center is already doing to meet these needs. 1. Communicating information to neighbors. Last fall, we hosted Mayor Stothert’s south Omaha Town Hall Meeting, a community input session as part of Heartland 2050, and information sessions about events that affect our primary service area, like the pending improvements to the Q Street bridge. 2. Improving the neighborhood. Each month the Kroc Center partners with another Omaha non-profit, either by providing space The Kroc Center’s spacious Joyce Mammel Hall is an ideal location for corporate events, free of charge for a special event or working together on a specific community gatherings, meetings, and business receptions. need. 3. Identifying problems and developing solutions. Last March, we partnered with the Latino Center of the Midlands for the south Omaha launch of STEP-Up Omaha!, which helped area youth register for summer work, and then we employed four young people for the summer. As we inform and serve, we’re providing crucial opportunities to our members and those who live near us to exercise personal responsibility and experience the community empowerment that comes from it. As a result, people at the Kroc Center are improving their own lives and engaging in building a better Omaha.
Toys Galore For Kids In Need The Salvation Army is grateful to Action 3 News and Fat Brain Toys for sponsoring the Action 3 News Toy Drive. The parents of nearly 4,700 less fortunate children registered for Toyland, the Army’s annual Christmas toy and gift distribution program. Thanks to the overwhelming success of the drive, which collected more than 400 gifts, Christmas was made possible for so many children right here in Omaha.
Journal Broadcast Group receptionist, Rosie, looks forward to the annual Toy Drive that brightens the lobby and her spirits!
Fat Brain Toys and Action 3 News teamed up to help The Salvation Army provide Christmas toys for thousands of local children.
Meals Served! People Helped! Thanks Received! On Wednesday, November 27, 2013, 40 volunteers gathered at The Salvation Army North Corps to serve a full Thanksgiving meal to the community. Over 200 people filed through the doors of the North Corps to receive a hot turkey dinner. The tradition of the American Black Fire Fighters Association continued this year as they suited up in aprons and gloves to serve dinner to those less fortunate. The response from the community was gratefulness for the meal served. The holiday meal tradition continued with the annual ConAgra Christmas dinner on December 10. Each year ConAgra supplies food, chefs and volunteers to prepare a pot roast dinner for people in need throughout the Omaha community. The Omaha North Corps became one of many sites for this special holiday dinner, and this year 215 people enjoyed this wonderful meal. The Salvation Army is very grateful to the volunteers and the service of ConAgra. More than 400 hungry people came to the Omaha North Corps to receive holiday meals served up by ConAgra and the American Black Fire Fighters Association.
The Salvation Army Thanks
the owners, managers and employees of these Tree of Lights red kettle sites A B’s 66 Gas Station American National Bank Bag’N Save Baker’s Barry O’s Bass Pro Shop Blimpie Restaurants Bohemian Café Cabela’s Center Hardware Chick-fil-A China Buffet China Palace Delice European Bakery Dillon Brothers Harley Davidson Fantasy’s Food & Fuel Fareway Foods Hobby Lobby Husker Hounds
! u o Y k n a h T HyVee JCPenney Kmart La Casa Pizzeria Le Peep Restaurant Mama’s Pizza Mangelson’s Nebraska Crossing Outlet mall Nebraska Furniture Mart
No Frills Supermarkets Omaha Hair Choice Omaha Trans Video Orsi’s Bakery & Pizzeria Papa John’s Pizza Pruitt Outdoor Power Ragazzi’s Pizza Runza Restaurants Sam & Louie’s Sam’s Club Sears Security National Bank Sgt. Peffer’s Italian Café Shopko Subway Super Saver Walmart Westlake ACE Hardware WheatField’s Eatery & Bakery
Our special Thanks to the following for their support in helping us deliver the red kettles • Atchley Ford • Baxter Ford • Beardmore Chevrolet • Gregg Young Chevrolet • Lexus of Omaha • Performance Chrysler • Performance Ford • Performance Toyota • Performance VW • Todd Archer Hundai
Spreading Holiday Cheer! For the second year in a row, the Omaha Conservatory of Music students at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center partnered with the Omaha Symphony for the Kroc Center’s Holiday Concert. Children from the Kroc Center, who have been learning how to play musical instruments free of charge through a partnership with the Omaha Conservatory of Music (OCM), were able to showcase their musical talent thanks to this great collaboration in the Joyce Mammel Assembly Hall at the Kroc Center. The concert was a mix of classical and holiday favorites conducted by the Omaha Symphony’s accomplished Hal France. The Kroc Center’s OCM students were also joined by a local youth choir composed of students from Highland Elementary, Phoenix Academy and Wilson Focus School under the direction of the talented Dr. Laureen Pickle. The choir beautifully joined in with song to make the evening’s performance even merrier. The Conservatory instructors started musical instruction a year ago in partnership with the Kroc Center, and members have been participating enthusiastically ever since. Each semester the program grows larger, and more and more families are impacted by this phenomenal partnership.
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The ongoing partnership with the Kroc Center, Omaha Symphony and the Omaha Conservatory of Music combined to produce a memorable holiday concert for an audience of over 650.
Breakfast with Santa Was Enjoyed By All!
Dedicated volunteers helped make TurkeyFest a record success.
TurkeyFest
A record number of 1550 seniors received Thanksgiving meals this holiday season. Each year, volunteers continue to faithfully prepare and deliver complete Thanksgiving dinners from The Salvation Army Kroc Center to the homebound in our community. Thanksgiving morning there were 160 driving teams and nearly 100 additional volunteers working in the kitchen and behind the scenes. The Boy Scouts, Telephone Pioneers, Centris Federal Credit Union employees and many more Salvation Army staff and volunteers worked to make TurkeyFest a success!
More than 250 family members joined Santa Claus on December 14 at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. The morning was filled with fun Christmas activities, caroling, a delicious breakfast and photos with Santa Claus. Major Todd Thielke shared the devotional Christmas message and the importance of families being together. This free event was made possible by generous donations from the community.
Santa Claus was the main attraction at the annual breakfast.
Thank you to our very special Tree of Lights partners: American National Bank • Andersen Electric • Brite Ideas Decorating • Duke Aerial Hunt Transportation • Ironworkers Local 21 • Kiewit Building Group Inc. Moen Steel Erection • Omaha Police Department •Patriot Crane & Rigging • UNMC
Angel Tree 2013
A Big Thank You to the Participating Businesses and Organizations listed below: ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) Ackerman Elementary Action 3 News/Fat Brain Toys Advance America Alegent Health American Interstate Bancorp Andrea Driscoll Anthony’s Steakhouse Aureus Medical Group Bergan Mercy MAC Diagnostic Testing Office Cassling Clark Chiropractic Clinic College of St. Mary Community Covenant Church Cornhusker International Trucking Cracker Barrel Creighton School of Law Creighton School of Nursing CVS Pharmacy
Dollar General Dollar Store Egan Supply Execu-Suites First National Bank of Omaha Corporate Audit Services First State Bank Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers G & G Manufacturing Company Girl Scout Troops: #42104 & #42485 Golden Living Harland Technology Services Hewlett Packard Husker Express Inflection Jazzercise JCPenney Kellogg Co. Leadership Link Lockton Companies Lockwood Development
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Lund Company Maplewood Lanes Millard West High School Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company Natural Life Chiropractic of Omaha Northwest Bank Oakview Mall Offutt AFB Weather Agency Omaha North Rotary Omaha School of Massage Omaha Steel Castings Company Omaha Symphony Payroll Maxx Physician’s Mutual Proxibid Roto-Rooter Scooter’s Coffee Select Specialty Hospital Sojern Spiritual Life Group (St. Cecilia’s) St. Joseph Villa
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Staples Print Solutions Streck, Inc. Sweet Adelines The Dugout The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary TJ Maxx Travel & Transport TSYS Merchant Solutions UNO Cadre Project U.S. Bank Valentino’s Vetter Health Services Village Inn Restaurants Walmart Warren Distribution Weber Orthodontics Western Bowl Westroads Mall Winner’s Edge Church Wynne Transportation
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Tom Becka, radio personality and host of the “Tom Becka Show” on the Mighty 1290 KOIL, is a veteran bellringer and, despite the cold weather, pulled a two-hour shift at Shadow Lake Towne Center.
The Salvation Army
Bellevue Mayor Rita Sanders rings the bell at Shadow Lake Towne Center accompanied by singing elves!
The Tree of Lights Tribune
Western Division Headquarters 10755 Burt Street Omaha, Nebraska 68114-2065 www.GiveSalvationArmy.org
Major Paul Fleeman, Divisional Commander Joanne Bemis, Development Director Susan Eustice, Public Relations Director Hayley Henriksen, Public Relations Intern
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID The Salvation Army
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Mark Your Calendar 2014 DJ’s Hero Awards Luncheon
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Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., will be the featured speaker at the DJ’s Hero Awards Luncheon on May 13, 2014. Carson is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for over a quarter of a century. • Among his career highlights is the first and only successful separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in 1987. • In 2001, Carson was named by CNN and TIME magazine as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists. • In June 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the president which is the highest civilian honor in the country. • Carson is the president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. The luncheon will take place at the CenturyLink Center Omaha and begin at 11:45 a.m. Reserve seats now by calling 402-898-5906.