metroMAGAZINE's December 2019 Edition by metroMAGAZINE

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A Celebration of

LIFE

legacies REMEMBERING

lives

ConneCting our Community

•

WELL- LIVED

Spiritofomaha.Com

•

DeCemBer 2019

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in this ISSUE

connecting our community

22 features

CELEBRATING LIFE larry kavitch • one of a kind

CELEBRATING LIFE susan eustice • lighting the way

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT methodist hospital foundation

connecting to our health

connecting to our partnerships

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT pottawattamie county community foundation

COMMUNITY SERVICE SPOTLIGHT invisible fence of the heartland

departments/columns

GAME CHANGERS • LORI HOGAN presented by planitomaha

connecting to our philanthropy

HARRISON FINANCIAL SERVICES questions & answers

ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS

connecting to our caregiving

being you during the holidays

OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION omaha giving

metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack

VW LAW planning matters

SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. your money

STEPHANIE VONDRAK impact!

events

SCENE highlights from recent charity & cultural events

SAVE THE DATE upcoming charity & cultural events

connecting to our prosperity

8 connecting to our community service

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Credits deCemBer 2019 • VoL. 31 no. 6 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.o. Box 241611, omaHa, ne 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@spiritofomaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief andrea L. “andee” Hoig

Creative Collaboration gabby Christensen access Consciousness

Editor/Creative Director rob Killmer

elissa Joy debra s. Kaplan

Community Engagement

omaha Community Foundation

ConneCt@spiritofomaha.com

Harrison Financial svcs. Jim scholz

Special Thanks Printco graphics

Kara schweiss swartzbaugh-Farber & associates stephanie Vondrak d.d.s. VW Law m ichael J. Weaver, J.d.

metromagazine is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. thank you to all who support this endeavor. OFFICE/SALES

402.932.3522 | sales@spiritofomaha.com MISSION STATEMENT aLH Publications exists to inform, inspire and connect those who give back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy, recognizing the ongoing efforts of area businesses, organizations and individuals who better our community. Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by aLH Publications, inc. in their entirety. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 1990 – 2019 aLH Publications, inc. all rights reserved.

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words FROM MY HEART

mmagazine • LetteR fRom tHe puBLiSHeR

CELEBRATION OF Welcome to our final issue of the year! As many of you know, both of my parents passed away this year; my dad, Robert G. “Bob” Hoig, in January and my mother, Mary Lou Hoig, in May. Adjusting to life without them physically being here has been challenging. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on their lives and the impact their lives made on others. My dad lived a full and adventurous life. He founded Midlands Business Journal in 1975. He learned to play the saxophone in his 40s, traveled to Europe in his 50s, learned to snow ski in his 60s, and not only learned to fly when he was 70 but bought a plane and flew the friendly skies for over a decade. My mom, on the other hand, packed up all of her belongings when she was 53 and moved to Estes Park, Colorado, with her five kitties. She didn’t have a job, a place to live or any friends. She spent the next 30 years living in the beautiful Rocky Mountains surrounded by nature and wildlife. She retired at 80 years old from the YMCA of the Rockies and had a community that loved her. Their passing in such a short time from each other has caused me to reflect on my life. How much joy, adventure, peace, love and space to just BE am I allowing in my life? Oftentimes we get so busy doing that we don’t have time and space to just BE. Are we truly living life and celebrating each day? Sometimes death is a wake-up call to those of us who are still living. One of the joys of living on this planet, in these bodies, is that we can experience the pleasures of taste and touch. We can experience beautiful artwork, beautiful sunsets, beautiful mountains, beautiful landscapes. We can also experience beautiful music or the simple sounds of rain, thunder and ocean waves. It is all a celebration of life! We are honored to share stories of two amazing people in this issue: Larry Kavich and Susan Eustice. These two individuals lived life to the fullest and, although gone too soon, both Larry and Susan made a huge impact. Thank you to their families and friends who shared their stories and memories. I encourage you all to look at how you celebrate your life and the lives of other during this holiday season! With Ease & Joy, ~ ANDEE

life

anDRea L. Hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

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a celebration of LIFE Larry Kavich led All Makes Office Equipment Co. for more than four decades but he is remembered as much for his generosity, distinctive personality and love for family and friends as he is for his considerable business accomplishments.

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story by KARA SCHWEISS • photos provided courtesy of THE KAVICH FAMILY

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celebrating life AS THE THIRD-GENERATION leader OF THE OFFICE FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT “Larry was a superior salesman. He could sell COMPANY ALL MAKES, WHICH HAS BEEN AN extraordinarily well but on top of it he had the OMAHA MAINSTAY FOR OVER A CENTURY, capacity to manage the finances and the personnel LARRY KAVICH’S NAME WAS CERTAINLY issues and everything else. From a businessperson’s FAMILIAR IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS SECTOR. perspective he had it all,” Landen said. “You just don’t meet many people who have all of those skills: vision, Years after passing the company torch in 2004 to son sales ability and business acumen.” Jeff (president and chief executive officer) and daughter Amee Zetzman (executive vice president and All Makes was Clark Creative Group’s very first account when the firm opened in 1992, President Fred chief financial officer), Kavich was still considered to be among the best business leaders in Omaha history. Clark said, and people still remember Kavich as the spokesperson in a series of All Makes commercials And it became official last April, only four months produced by Clark Creative. before his death at age 74 from pancreatic cancer, when Kavich was inducted into the Omaha Business “He was incredibly welcoming and giving,” Clark said. Hall of Fame along with his son and daughter and “He was a marketing person at heart and had a passion father Lazier (posthumously). for marketing. We had a great time collaborating.” Kavich’s comments at the ceremony were brief and humble: “It’s such a privilege for our family to be recognized by the Omaha business community. One of my proudest moments was handing All Makes off to the kids. It went as well as anyone could have hoped. My dad would be so proud to see what Jeff and Amee have done. We are truly blessed.”

The client-vendor relationship evolved over time, Clark added. “In addition to being a client, Larry was a business mentor to me. He helped shape my company and the way I think about business,” he said. “I would watch him conducting business, and many of my mannerisms and approaches are a direct result of what I learned from Larry.”

“He thought it was pretty special when we were all inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame,” Clark said he remembers Kavich as a multitasker and a direct communicator. Zetzman said. “That, in his mind, was the ultimate stamp of Omaha’s approval and that was a big deal to him. We are just so fortunate that he was here and was “He didn’t hesitate, he made decisions quickly; he was fair but tough,” he said. “He had this great ability to able to do that.” connect with people by getting to know them before doing business or while doing business with them. He Vision, ability and acumen was just one of those people that you enjoyed being Jim Landen, chairman and CEO of Security National around and clients enjoyed being around. All Makes is Bank, another local multigenerational family-owned the quintessential family-owned business, four business, began a business relationship with Kavich generations strong, and they always make you feel like several decades ago that soon developed into a you’re part of the family and part of their success. friendship. Larry was the epitome of that.”

one of a kind

YOUR ENTERPRISE your agenda celebrating your enterprise life • REMEMBERING YOUR MESSAGE LIVES WELL-LIVED

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a celebration of LIFE

REMEMBERING LIVES Harley Schrager, who met Kavich while “I wrote something for our 45th anniversary celebration: ‘We’ve had a both were students at Central High lot of laughs and very few tears,’ Andi School, said his longtime friend had good instincts rather than an academic said. “We got lucky. We really got lucky.” methodology when it came to running At her husband’s memorial service and All Makes. even in the months since, many people have remarked on the couple’s great “He had a common-sense, straightforward approach to business. He was a love, she added. straight-shooter and dealt with vendors “He loved me as much as any husband and customers alike in that way,” could. People tell me all the time, ‘He Schrager said. “He gained a lot of loved you so much,’” she said. “And he experience watching his father in did! I couldn’t have had a better business but it really came to him husband.” naturally. (All Makes) was all he ever wanted to do and I think he left college because he felt he could learn more by doing the work.”

Loads of laughs…very few tears

He was a wonderful father to Amee and Jeff and an amazing grandfather to his four granddaughters as well, Andi said. Jeff Kavich said his father guided him both in life and in business.

Kavich attended the University of Oklahoma. In his sophomore year, he “He was a good father and he was one of was introduced to a pretty freshman my best friends. He was a mentor, he from Des Moines named Andi Bookey. was a teacher. He was always looking Less than a year after meeting, the out for us,” he said, adding that he couple left college to marry and make particularly admired his father’s ability their home in Omaha. (Kavich to relate to him at every age. “People attended additional classes at the say to me that they used to love talking University of Nebraska Omaha but to my dad. I think that he was genuine eventually left school behind for the and sincere and was truly interested in business.) other people.” “My mom and dad both admit they had “He had the reputation among our priorities other than academics when friends as the ‘fun dad’; people liked to they went to college,” Jeff Kavich said. hang out with him at our house,” Zetzman said. “But he also had high “We wanted to find our soulmates,” expectations for both of us.” Andi Kavich said, clearly amused. “I went out with Larry twice and by the “For a grandfather, he was very, very third date it was history.” savvy with social media,” Jeff Kavich said, adding with a laugh: “To a fault. Their marriage lasted for nearly 54 He kept everyone’s Facebook pages in years. line with a quick call to me or Amee.”

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

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well-lived

“Especially once they were all old enough to have phones, he really liked to stay in touch with them. He learned how to use Venmo (a mobile payment service) and would say things like, ‘The first one to respond to this text gets a Venmo!’ He had a ritual where he either texted or talked to all four of the grandkids every Friday. That was their thing,” Zetzman said. “He would call the four grandkids on Friday to wish them a good Shabbat, and I’ve taken that over,” Andi Kavich said.

Small acts of kindness Kavich was generous outside his family as well, she said. He preferred helping people personally and directly. “He gave quietly and he liked to give in his own way. He was just an all-around good guy.” Two of Kavich’s favorite charities were the Nebraska Humane Society and Child Crisis Arizona. In Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his wife spent winters, Kavich worked with a local organization to pay camp tuition for children and make technology available for their homes. “He grew up wanting for nothing, and Jeff and I were fortunate as well. He cared about the less fortunate and how he could help give them a hand up and not be excluded due to their circumstances,” Zetzman said. “He wanted others to be able to have those opportunities. “Larry would help people totally under the radar on a one-on-one basis rather than giving to big charitable causes,” Schrager said. “He liked to deal directly with people in need.”

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larry kavich one of a kind

“

WE WERE lucky TO HAVE HIM AS A DAD AND A BUSINESS mentor AND A GRANDFATHER TO OUR KIDS. HE WAS THE greatest GUY OUT THERE.

”

~ JEFF KAVICH

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

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REMEMBERING LIVES “What was meaningful to him was a thoughtful gift,” Jeff Kavich said. He recalled that his father would invite “Broom Man” Livingston Wells, a blind minister who sold brooms door to door, in for a cup of coffee or a snack when he made his rounds near the All Makes facility. He made occasional donations to Wells’s church or even provided him a ride home.

Landen said Kavich also was enthusiastic about great finds at local restaurants.

well-lived

A year ago, Kavich finally bought a Bentley, a vehicle he’d always fancied. But it never left Arizona, where they’re more common, Andi said. “He would never drive one in Omaha.”

“He loved good food and was always on the search for what he believed was the greatest hamburger joint or Italian food “He was crazy about it that Bentley,” Jeff or Mediterranean bistro in Omaha,” he Kavich said. said. “He’d invite you to lunch and say, ‘I have a really cool place you haven’t Bentley is also the name of Andi’s new been to.’ He was always on the search mini-goldendoodle puppy, a breed Another time, Kavich stopped to assist for something interesting and that favored by her son, who said, “They a motorist whose car had broken down would be fun to talk about or to expose have the friendliness and affection of a other people to.” on the Interstate. Days later, the man retriever and the smarts of a poodle. was newly employed by All Makes. They’re the best.” Kavich, however, Car guy, dog person Other stories include Kavich sending always poked fun at the mixed breed, so ice-cream treats to a nursing home, or “He loved the finer things in life,” Clark the puppy’s name was chosen in good said. “He always drove a great car and buying practical items struggling fun. he always had the best gadgets.” people needed like eyeglasses, snow tires and even a laptop. “I think we were married three months Kavich was “a cool innovator,” Landen when we got our first dog, Maggie,” agreed, and an early adopter of “He was about kind gestures. He didn’t Andi said. Kavich was devoted to each technology. Zetzman called him “a car want recognition; he just wanted to do of the long line of family pets. The last guy.” something nice. It was small acts of two were standard poodles, 14-year-old kindness,” Zetzman said. Belle and 6-year-old Stoli. “Stoli is our “He was low-profile for sure but he had a fifth standard poodle. They’re very real fascination with nice cars and She added, with a chuckle: “And smart. Larry loved his dogs.” would give up his low profile for the Amazon.com made his small acts of right car,” Landen said. kindness a lot easier. People have told “His schedule revolved around whatever me they’d be talking about a book with “He bought a Porsche in 1969, the year I animals were in the house,” Zetzman him and it would arrive the next day.” said. “I remember him picking up was born, that he really loved over the hamburgers for the dogs, teaching the years,” Jeff Kavich said “Because of its “He was a giving and open person as a fast-food people to make them burgers age, to a collector it’s a gem.” friend,” Clark said. “If there was a without seasoning and cheese. Belle product he enjoyed, he would share that and Stoli were so devoted to him. They Andi Kavich has possession of the with you. I remember he loved Ecco slept under his hospital bed at his home.” Porsche now, but laughed as she shoes. He was so enamored with these shoes that I came to work one morning recalled that she never really drove it in A unique personality the 50 years her husband owned it. and there was a pair of them on my Kavich’s family and friends described desk for me.” “Never! I have no interest, no,” she said. him in various ways as one of a kind. “He bought it in 1969 new. It’s all “He bought Allbirds shoes for all the “He was this generous, giving, grandkids and for other people. I think original, and it’s vintage—so no air conditioner. It’s loud. It’s too hard to get interesting, quirky guy we all loved. He he had eight or nine pair; he loved had a way of making you feel in and out of.” them,” Andi Kavich said.

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larry kavich one of a kind comfortable and welcome. He was always complimenting his friends,” Clark said. “He was a unique personality that you don’t find very often in business…and I don’t think I ever saw him in a tie.”

Kavich was inclined to picking up new interests and embracing them wholeheartedly.

“In his 50s, he started riding horses. He really got into that. He found photography and went nuts over it,” Landen said. “He would dive in with “He always looked good but he dressed both feet and really work on becoming casually to a great degree; even in a accomplished at it. Once something professional setting he was not a suitcaught his interest, he stayed with it.” and-tie guy,” Landen said. “Larry was a distinctive-looking person and he stood out in a room and had a wonderful way “He had a photography show at a gallery,” Andi Kavich said. And when Kavich about him. It was not pretentious and discovered creative writing, he went allthere was certainly a degree of out. “I have volumes of pieces he’d confidence in him where he was written.” comfortable in any setting.” “He had some quirkiness,” Zetzman said. “He had some neuroses for sure. We joked when our dad was alive that he was Larry David from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’” Jeff Kavich said. “There’s a Yiddish expression called ‘mishegas’ where you freak out and stress about things that mean absolutely nothing but will throw you into a tailspin. He had a lot of mishegas.” “He was a unique character and I say that in a very endearing sense,” Schrager said, adding that “Larry provided me with a great deal of material” for the lovingly funny parts of the eulogy he delivered at his friend’s memorial service. “He was funny and witty, insightful and a good judge of character by and large, all those traits that stood him in good stead in his career and in his social life. And he was highly opinionated. If you wanted to know where he stood you’d just talk to him for a minute or two and you would know exactly.”

“He always made videos and I’ll bet we have 500 movies,” Zetzman said. “He’d always make a point of reference on what a gallon of gas cost and what a gallon of milk cost.” Kavich battled several debilitating illnesses throughout his life including Crohn’s disease; Wegener’s granulomatosis, which led to kidney disease and a transplant in 2012 (with Zetzman as his donor) that extended his life; and the pancreatic cancer which took his life. “Through all of it, he was a trooper,” Andi Kavich said.

made a mark on every one of them in a very positive way,” Landen said. “If you were Larry’s friend, you knew it. Even in his dying days he never forgot to tell you how important you were in his life and how he appreciated the things you did for him and the experiences that you had together. It was a complete privilege to be considered his friend. I’ll never forget him.” In his eulogy, Schrager said: “While he relished being viewed as ‘different,’ his friendship and affection for those he held close was anything but unorthodox. If Larry liked you, he made no bones about it…Kav, you touched many, many lives in very positive ways. Lots of people you made smile or loved, many that you helped, and even some who pissed you off or vice versa, will long remember you— and smile all over again at your memory.” “He was just a wonderful addition to my life and to my business,” Clark said. “He loved his family, loved his business and was a really interesting man who made the world a better place.”

“He taught us that when there is a problem that has a way around it, you “We miss him dearly. I think about him find your way through it and put it into all the time, and that won’t change and perspective,” Zetzman said. “And that if doesn’t have to change,” Jeff Kavich you don’t have your family, you have said. “We were lucky to have him as a nothing.” dad and a business mentor and a grandfather to our kids. He was the The good memories live on, said those greatest guy out there.” close to Kavich. “Everybody who was part of that inner circle really appreciated Larry and he

Perhaps his wife summed it up best: “They broke the mold with Larry.”

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spotlight on • METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN PARTNERSHIP (VIP)

giving back • METHODIST HEALTH SYSTEM Tina Meyers is working hard—in retirement. Over the last four years she’s been a steady presence at Methodist. From helping guests in the gifts shops to greeting visitors at a receptionist desk, she is a dedicated volunteer. “For me, it’s been a great way to feel like I am fulfilling a purpose and giving back a little bit to the community and to be part of something as important as Methodist,” Meyers said. Meyers is one of more than 600 volunteer-members who power Volunteers In Partnership (VIP), a 70-year-old program that helps elevate and advance Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital. “The volunteers are a vital part of our caring culture,” said Linda Rajcevich, director of patient and guest services at Methodist. “Whatever your skills, preferences or availability, odds are we have a meaningful opportunity for you to serve and make an impact here.” There is even a program for young people wanting to help in the hospitals called “Volunteens.” Touching lives VIP members support a wide range of areas including patient services, information and hospitality, operational support and the gift shops, where Meyers spends most of her volunteer time. Meyers started as a sales clerk and has since expanded her duties to include giftware buying. “We get to choose the products and work hard to find unique and fun items. We set up the shop differently for every season,” she said. She quickly discovered that the products were just part of what the volunteers could offer. “The gift shops are more than just a place to pick up something special or grab a snack,” she said. “Many times it’s where people go to get away for a moment. We often lend a listening ear and even a hug to those who are scared or worried about their loved one.”

methodist volunteers in partnership SUPPORT METHODIST HEALTH SYSTEM

phone: (402) 815-1130 email: vip@nmhs.org web: bestcare.org Methodist Hospital: 8303 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68114 Methodist Women’s Hospital: 707 N 190th Plaza, Elkhorn, NE 68022

Making an impact All told, 140 volunteers contribute to the success of the gift shops at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital. The shops are a key Methodist fundraiser, in addition to two yearly events, a gala and a golf tournament. In the two last years the VIP has raised over $750,000. “Right now, we’re raising money for Methodist’s Emergency Department renovation and expansion,” said Meyers, who also has served on the VIP Board. “We get a lot of input from the foundation on what the needs are, and VIP Board members choose what they feel is the most important project. We’ve raised money for NICU heart monitors, an outdoor dining area, new high-tech operating rooms, and now the ED.” After taking an early retirement and not ready to completely retire, Meyers said volunteering with Methodist VIP has been a great and meaningful fit for her. “I think a lot of the volunteers feel that way. They realize what they’re doing is important. It makes a difference for people who are here in the hospital and their families, but it also makes a personal difference for them because they feel like they are contributing.”

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a celebration of LIFE Susan Eustice was known professionally for her public relations acumen. Her loved ones say she was also a remarkable person, a loyal friend, and an amazing wife and mother.

even as they grieve colleagues from other salvation army of public and media relations for the salvation army’s division headquarters divisions would also seek her out for counsel. in omaha. she’d held the position for more than 20 years and was “she was always open to new people and instrumental in developing several annual programs including a backpack new ideas,” bemis said. “she was a very genuine person.” drive for schoolchildren, a scholarship program and a christmastime son sean eustice described his mother radiothon. she also participated over “she was a lot of fun,” said her husband, the years in several professional as “headstrong and compassionate, she bill eustice. “we did a lot of laughing in organizations including omaha press was a natural leader; indefatigable in life. if i have wrinkles, it’s from her work to create a more equitable and club, public relations society of laughing.” inclusive world.” america-nebraska, and international association of business “she was a fun mom,” daughter Kyle he added that her impact in the communicators. eustice said community carries forward. “she played such an important role in Joanne bemis, a colleague of many years the community and did so much to “she chaired several boards and began a and close friend, said eustice “was a lot promote the good work of the salvation number of community drives that will of fun, she had a great sense of humor.” army,” said bemis, who headed up live on long into the future including the back-to-school backpack drive development for the local salvation “she was so fun and so positive to be and the adopt-a-family radiothon. army division before her 2015 around,” said longtime friend dorothy untold numbers of children will retirement. the pair had worked davis Morrow. continue to be given the necessary together since 1991; bemis’s supplies each year to receive an professional association with eustice “she definitely knew how to have fun!” education and go on to do actually began years earlier at the said another longtime friend, susie extraordinary things themselves in part leukemia society (now the leukemia buffett. thanks to her. hundreds of families & lymphoma society). each year will continue to receive gifts childhood friend Marcia angle called “susan didn’t take on anything she didn’t and food to make their holidays just a her “fun-loving.” “she was the kind of bit brighter in part thanks to her,” he believe in. she was excellent at positive person you would actually said. “the breadth of her charity was promoting and creating public want to be stuck on an elevator with.” awareness,” bemis said. “she was always unbeknownst even to her family and her mother and family friend carol friends because she was such a humble the person who was working with the angle, said even as a young child, individual who believed she was just media and she was so good at it. she “susan was already great fun.” doing her part.” was always prepared, always ready.” their loss, the people who loved susan eustice—who died in May after a brief illness—say MeMories of her lively personality rise up over the sadness, with the word “fun” coMing to Mind over and over.

A career she believed in susan eustice was well-known professionally as the divisional director

“it was sad that she passed away so close eustice was also a willing mentor to to her retirement, and that would have interns and proud to see them start careers, bemis added. communications bothered me greatly had she not loved

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story by KARA SCHWEISS • photos provided courtesy of THE EUSTICE FAMILY

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lighting the way

your enterprise your agenda celebrating your enterprise life • REMEMBERING YOUR MESSAGE LIVES WELL-LIVED

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a celebration of LIFE

reMeMbering lives her job so much. she loved her career and she loved what she did,” Kyle eustice said. “i didn’t realize how many people she impacted during her career—i always knew she was incredible at what she did—but she touched a lot of people, and in the wake of her death i swear i heard from 500 people about how wonderful she was. i was blown away, and so proud of her.” when susan eustice was considering taking a position at the salvation army, it was the humanitarian mission of the organization she found was appealing, husband bill eustice said. “she was very strong in her belief in the organization,” he said, adding that her most unique ideas included fundraisers like a bacon festival and a slide that ended in a vat of jello. “she also kind of unstiffened the organization that was always perceived as starchy and she really brought a jubilance to it.”

A great love story in fact, “she brought an energy to everything,” he said. “she was bubbly even when i didn’t want her to be bubbly: ‘calm down, dear.’”

susan—then susan wilson—initiated the first conversation, he recalled. “it was 1975 and reggae really hadn’t made its way to omaha at this point. i was the deejay at this pool party and she used that as her introductory point: ‘is this your album?’ we were listening to Jimmy cliff.” it’s fitting that the couple’s opening topic was music. they both loved music—the beatles and the beach boys were shared favorites—and saw both paul Mccartney and the beach boys in concert along with a variety of acts like elvis costello, the Moody blues, the police, even devo. “there are thousands of records in this house,” bill eustice said. “they are everywhere.” in the 1980s, he formed a band with fellow attorneys called the firm (not the british rock group that formed in 1984), and his wife was one of their first supporters. the band still exists today, although “i’m the last lawyer standing of the original group.” he’s aware that friends and family say he and susan were a great love story, although “i didn’t look at it like that. it was just ‘us’.”

his amusement is borne of affection. the couple were married 43 years and met when both were still teenagers.

“she and bill were like teenagers in love throughout their long marriage,” Morrow said.

“it was a ‘prearranged chance meeting,’ that’s the best way to put it,” he said, chuckling. “we were at a summer pool party. i don’t want to say it was a blind date because she was on a date with someone else. we met, the light went on, and that was it.”

“when susan met and married bill eustice it was love and music that took over,” carol angle said. “it was their first halloween together when they stopped by the house to play french mimes that i realized what a great pair they made, the ideal dyad.”

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

mmagazine

well-lived

Marcia angle agreed. “i cannot possibly do justice to my dear friend susan and bill’s extraordinarily loving marriage, but i do well remember in 1968, riding up the escalator at the old brandies at crossroads, when down the other escalator came susan’s future husband, bill eustice. and susan whispered conspiratorially to me, ‘that’s bill eustice, the cutest boy at creighton prep!’ as she was 15 at the time, bill really was the love of her life.” “we’d have candlelight dinners most nights, but i did all the cooking. we went on picnics a lot, would watch the sunset somewhere and split a bottle of wine,” bill eustice said. “i have all sorts of picnic baskets going unused now. i can go sit in those places but it’s not the same.” he considered his wife to be more outgoing than him, eustice said, and in a twist to the old will rogers saying, explained that “she never met a person that didn’t like her.” “she just had a magnetic personality,” he said. “she was my icebreaker.”

Devoted mother he speculated that his wife would have liked knowing that she’s remembered for her love of music and sense of humor, but especially for her unconditional love for her family. “she was a devoted mother,” he said. “as a mother, she was selfless, empowering and loving beyond belief. i don’t believe she ever stopped thinking about her children for even a second,”

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susan eustice lighting the way Sean Eustice said. “Despite living thousands of miles away, I fondly remember her calling to inform me of any inclement weather headed my way, ensuring I was properly prepared. She never ceased to put her children first and was willing to sacrifice everything if need be. She believed in her children no matter what and would always go to bat for us.” “She was so sweet. One of my favorite memories was when she came to visit me when I lived in Santa Fe and I had to go to work,” Kyle Eustice said. She arrived home to a spotless house and clean laundry, a traditional New Mexican ristra on the front door, and even Christmas lights strung up. “She knew how to make my environment special, really any environment—even in hotels she’d put up little Christmas lights when she got there.” Kyle Eustice, a music journalist with a niche in hip-hop—a field with few women—described her mother as “very inspiring; I just really looked up to her… She was a hard worker and showed me she could accomplish anything. I got that from her; her work ethic.”

Kyle Eustice’s husband Paul Lukes said his mother-in-law was welcoming and encouraging.

“Where I am in my career today is 100 percent because of things she did to help me and nudge me in the right direction. Her family was the most “Having lost my mother at a young age, important thing to her and it’s obvious Susan took it upon herself to take on the that lesson has been handed down to mom role with me and be a nurturing each of her children. She lived life with and caring figure in my life. If I hurt a regality and class that was second to myself, she was always the first one none. I feel unusually lucky because I “I like to believe that she passed along to there with a bandage ready to help. She get to spend the rest of my life with her me her strength, grace and intelligence. had a huge heart and welcomed me into firstborn, in whom she was able to Her love of art, food and style has her family with open arms. I truly feel instill all of these amazing qualities.” influenced my life deeply as a creative like her fourth child,” he said. “Not only professional,” Sean Eustice said. “I did she care for me like her own child, Ellen Eustice, who’s been told her whole inherited my desire to travel and but she also pushed me and encouraged life how she resembles Susan (“I’m like constantly seek out new experiences, me to be the absolute best version of her as in everyone calls me ‘Mini learning and growing from each and myself possible. She believed in me Mom’) said her mother is “insanely every one.” when I didn’t fully believe in myself. missed” every day.

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

celebrating life

• REMEMBERING LIVES WELL-LIVED

continued

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a celebration of LIFE

reMeMbering lives “she was my favorite woman and my go- church,” buffett said. “we didn’t go to to confidant,” she said. “she was always the same schools but remained friends, there for me at the drop of a dime. both of us working at the cricket shop (when) i had massive surgery, she flew at 76th and pacific during our high out for and she spent every day in the school years. when we were bored hospital with me the week i was there. working at night, we would stand in the it was only natural for me to fly home window and pretend to be mannequins.” and spend every day with her for the 44 days she was in the hospital.” “i am quite sure only susan could have persuaded my mother to allow me to when a nurse asked if ellen was her have the neighborhood’s half-a-dozen favorite child, susan was able to muster cats—in high chairs, each with their up a laugh, ill as she was. attendant girl, eating cat delicacies around to our formal dining room “she said plainly, ‘i love all my children. table—for a cat birthday party,” Marcia ellen is my rock.’ she would go into angle said. “that never would have crisis 48 hours later and that was part of happened had it not been for susan’s the last time i really talked to her,” she charm and fondness for events.” recalled. “we spent our freshman year at unl in “susan passionately loved her children,” smith hall. i was on the seventh floor bemis said. “she was always so proud of and she was on the ninth. we had their accomplishments.” plenty of adventures there, including driving to denver in the middle of the Fun-loving nature night one night to visit her boyfriend,” buffett said. “it’s rare to know someone childhood friends said eustice had a for 61 years and i feel so fortunate that fun-loving nature even as a youngster. we had that long friendship. i could honestly write pages of funny stories “when susan and Marcia played with their barbie dolls, it wasn’t a question of about things that happened in our lives.” who had the grandest outfit; it was even as a mother and busy professional, which barbie had the most fun,” carol eustice stayed connected to her pals, angle said. “even on barbie-thebemis said. “she was a wonderful and doctor day, no matter how many devoted friend.” patients they saved along the way, or how professional they looked, it was “she somehow figured out a way to who had the best time.” balance everything and i think all of us who knew her would say that we always “susan and i met when we were five felt that she had time for us,” buffett said. years old. we went to dundee church sunday school together. she was fun from day one—including sneaking up Morrow, who met eustice in adulthood to baum’s drug store with me once in a when they worked together at opera while when we were supposed to be at omaha, agreed.

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

mmagazine

well-lived

“her first day there, she hung up a huge framed poster in her office which featured paul Mccartney’s Liverpool Oratorio. i loved the beatles, and inquired about her musical tastes, hoping i’d met another beatles fan, and of course it turns out she loved them, too! then we discovered we’d gone to the same high school, just a few years apart, and so we had much in common. we were instant buddies.” eustice was also a good matchmaker. “i’d moved back to omaha after being gone almost 20 years, and didn’t know many people at the time. i was single, and looking not to be, but not meeting anyone, and susan was doing her best to help me out. one night i went to a party with susan and her husband bill, and after a bit i had identified two single men who they both knew. i asked susan which one i should put my sights on and she said, ‘that one!’ and pointed at my future husband, Jim, who was in a popular local band called the firm, along with susan’s bill. it was pretty much love at first sight!” Morrow said. “so, in addition to working with susan, i also had the pleasure of being a fellow band wife with her, which was a ton of fun.” “she’s also the reason that i met John, my husband,” buffett said. “i honestly have her to thank for that.”

Lovely memories, little signs susan’s mother’s family had longstanding connections to lake okoboji.

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susan eustice lighting the way

“

SHE WAS THE KIND OF positive PERSON YOU WOULD ACTUALLY want TO BE stuck ON AN elevator WITH.

“She loved going to Lake Okoboji where she’d been going since she was a child. She’d invite girlfriends for occasional Okoboji weekend getaways and we’d have such fun—she had a trove of knowledge about the community and loved showing off the town,” Morrow said.

”

~ MARCIA ANGLE, friend

path, perfectly placed, was a wooden cross with a heart on it. What a cool little sign!”

When Bill Eustice was in England in October, “Ironically, there was a bereavement ceremony at the Ripon Cathedral for people who had lost loved ones in the last year.” The awe-inspiring “I have 180,000 miles on my car and it’s historical setting, the choir and pipefrom going back and forth to there,” Bill organ music were beautiful, he said. Eustice said. “You write the name of your loved one on a piece of paper and you put it in a “I think her favorite place in the world little basket and they give you a candle was Okoboji,” Buffett said. “I bought a to put on the altar…It was very moving.” house there about four years ago so we ended up seeing a lot of each other up “People say, ‘It wouldn’t hurt so much if there over the past few years. I’m you didn’t love them so much.’ This is especially grateful for that now that obviously the most painful thing I’ve she’s gone. We lost her way too soon. I ever experienced but it’s also a still expect her to walk in the house in testament to just how much I loved her,” Okoboji with a bottle of wine and Kyle Eustice said. “I think she some chocolate.” accomplished exactly what she wanted. There are little reminders for everyone, She wanted to leave a legacy behind like a group of five owls that showed up where she helped other people and at Kyle Eustice’s Colorado home on her people knew she cared about them. She left behind a husband and three mother’s birthday (July 9) and stuck children who adored her. She had it all, around at unusually close range. in a way. “I felt like it was a gift from my mom “She was able to tackle basically saying “I’m watching over you and everything’s going to be okay,” she said. anything; she’d go through hardship but she’d do it with grace. She always taught Another time, she was walking her me to ‘put on my brave face.’ During dogs, “feeling sad, missing her and thinking of her. I look down and in my her memorial service I incorporated

that into my speech because I really had to put on my brave face just to get through that day.” “I miss her like crazy,” said Morrow, who also remembered her friend’s expression of “putting on a brave face” in difficult times. “I’m doing that a lot while adjusting to life without her.” “She was genuine, honest and passionate about life,” Bemis said. “I could never forget her.” “I’m utterly heartbroken she is not here physically anymore. But her immense impact, both personal and professional, is permanent and will continue to inspire me and many others in years to come,” Lukes said. “I’m grateful for the years I did have with her.” “Losing my mother has undoubtedly been the most difficult experience in my three decades on this earth and yet somehow I feel closer to her than ever. Sharing in stories with her family and friends has helped paint a far more complex picture of my mother than I was ever able to see before and I love her even more deeply as a result,” Sean Eustice said. “She was such a bright light in this world and she will be sorely missed, but the love she gave will undoubtedly live on.”

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

celebrating life

• REMEMBERING LIVES WELL-LIVED

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spotlight on POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

announcing A NEW partnership! It’s easy to see that the PottawattamIe County CommunIty FoundatIon (PCCF) and ts CommunIty FoundatIon are kIndred-sPIrIt organIzatIons. PCCF, founded in 2008, is a 501 (c)(3) public charity that serves to improve the quality of life in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by supporting and stimulating donordriven philanthropy. ts Community Foundation, founded in 1999, is a 501 (c)(3) organization that helps people achieve more with their donations and is committed to developing long-term prosperity in the local communities of Pottawattamie County. so it’s no wonder they’ve joined forces. this fall, at ts Community Foundation’s 20th anniversary ribbon-cutting at ts Bank in treynor, Iowa, PCCF announced that ts Community Foundation is its newly acquired affiliate partner.

• the Pottawattamie County disaster Long-term recovery and unmet needs Fund supports longterm disaster relief needs not addressed by federal, state and local funding programs.

the pottawattamie county community foundation Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is a partnership of rural and urban citizens dedicated to improving the lives of all residents by supporting and stimulating donor-driven philanthropy.

dollars for community projects are in extremely high demand. In its latest— and largest—grant funding cycle, the foundation awarded 43 grants to area nonprofits. the giving totaled $51,800, with grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. the largest grants in this cycle included:

phone: (712) 256-7007 email: info@ourpccf.org web: ourpccf.org address: 536 E Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

“PCCF is delighted to partner with ts Community Foundation as an affiliate of our organization,” said tony tauke, president of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation Board of directors. “the ts Community Foundation has been an active supporter of our community and with the affiliation with PCCF I foresee an even greater impact on area programs and projects. we look forward to working with the foundation in its endeavors.”

• $2,500 to the walnut Community Center Foundation for wellness Center equipment

as an affiliate of PCCF, ts Community Foundation will continue to assist and grow its donors and organizations in the area and will also gain the internal strength and strategic vision, community insights, and leverage of the national accreditation and endow Iowa tax credit capability that Pottawattamie County Community Foundation provides.

“the ts Community Foundation has created a lasting legacy of support for the area and the people they serve. at PCCF, we are truly honored to help carry that legacy forward through this new and exciting partnership,” Pottawattamie Community Foundation President and Ceo donna dostal said. “we look forward to supporting ts Community Foundation’s efforts in continuing to make our communities strong.”

Growing together

through PCCF, individuals, families, businesses and organizations can create permanent charitable funds that help their communities meet the challenges of changing times. the foundation invests and administers these charitable funds. Like all community foundations across the united states, PCCF is overseen by a volunteer board of leading citizens and run by professionals with expertise in identifying the needs of their community.

“our two organizations will continue to identify community needs, facilitate education efforts, and build up leaders, one individual and one family at a time,” ts Community Foundation President mick guttau said. “our number-one desire is to be a catalyst for positive change and growth in our communities for generations to come.”

• $5,000 to Children’s square u.s.a. to support an automobile purchase • $2,500 to the Carson Community rodeo for new VIP Booths

the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation celebrated 10 years of giving in 2018 and since its inception, has awarded 1,701 grants and scholarships totaling more than $3.7 million. PCCF has partnered with the southwest Iowa educational Foundation (swIeF) since 2013 by disbursing its annual scholarship awards and managing over 40 endowed scholarship funds. PCCF recently established the following three new Field of Interest Funds that bring awareness to critical issues in the community it serves: • the women’s Fund of southwest Iowa is the catalyst for lasting, positive change relative to the challenges facing the women of southwest Iowa, including education initiatives for women of all ages; access to affordable, quality childcare; women’s health, safety and well-being; and aging in place. • the southwest Iowa mental health and substance abuse Fund supports community education, training and prevention activities related to mental health and substance use in southwest Iowa.

mmagazine • DeCemBeR 2019

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story and photos provided courtesy of PCCF

• mmagazine

BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF OF PCCF AND TSCF AT TSCF’S 20-YEAR RIBBON-CUTTING EVENT IN SEPTEMBER

KELLY DIX, MARJORIE MAAS, SHERYL GARST, RACHEL MOREHEAD, KELSEY STUPFELL, KYLE OSBORNE, JUDY GUTTAU, TONY FAHRENKROG, DONNA DOSTAL, MICK GUTTAU, TOM LEWIS, ABBY JARES, JUDY DAVIS, TRAVIS CASTLE, MARY JEWELL, AND GEORGE VOLZ

mmagazine • DeCemBeR 2019

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game CHANGERS

• Presented by

When Lori Hogan and her husband Paul founded Home Instead Senior Care in 1994, they assisted a small number of families in the Omaha area. As they celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary this year, more than 1,200 franchises are providing non-medical home care services for seniors in 13 markets around the world.

LORI HOGAN

a calling to care 24

mmAgAzine • deCember 2019

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stOry by KARA SCHWEISS | PHOtOgrAPHy by JIM SCHOLZ

“

• mmAgAzine

committed changing exciting

OUR TEAM IS TO THE FACE OF AGING. THERE IS WORK AHEAD.

”

~ LORI HOGAN CO-fOunder, HOme insteAd seniOr CAre

PRESENTS

game changers

• LORI HOGAN

COntinued

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game CHANGERS

• Presented by

a calling to care BY THE time operated a modeling agency for young women, and the Joust theatre company in brooklyn; martin, Paul Hogan’s grandmotHer eleanor manHart turned 89 years old in 1985, it Had it was hard to leave opportunity behind. but the who joined lincoln-based “outdoor help desk” couple brought his extensive knowledge of become evident tHat sHe needed some daycompany Powderhook as its first intern and is now franchising and in-home services and her sales and the manager of community engagement; and to-day assistance. WitH suPPort from tHe family—WHicH included Paul’s Wife lori— marketing experience with them to start their Jacquelyn, who has started a nursing career in the manHart reacHed tHe century mark still in “dream business.” pediatric intensive care unit at nebraska medicine. Her oWn Home. “We delved right into Home instead,” she said. “i am even as she was growing both a family and a an entrepreneur at heart. People and relationship lori Hogan also knew something about caregiving business, Hogan has been active in community businesses—i thrive on that.” from her own upbringing as she watched her organizations, serving on boards for the greater parents care for her younger brother, who had omaha chamber, nebraska family alliance and developmental challenges and bipolar disorder. “it Letting herself shine broadway dreams foundation and chairing the formed my compassion for others,” she said. thus, Her self-assurance and poise enhance Hogan’s local american Heart association sweetheart she viewed helping to care for her husband’s admirable people skills, but surprisingly, she didn’t leadership program for young women—just some grandmother to be an “honor,” and found it start out that way. of the support she’s provided to various causes. inspiring to see firsthand the difference the family’s she’s also been a member and leader of bible study care and basic assistance made in the quality of life “i was shy as a youngster,” she said. “i knew there fellowship for many years. of manhart’s final years. was more in me but i was reluctant to let myself shine.” Strong, caring and loving the experience also inspired a mission and a vision as co-owners of Home instead senior care, the for a company Paul and lori Hogan founded in Hogan, who grew up in omaha, went through a 1994—Home instead senior care— to help other nancy bounds modeling program, where the young Hogans share leadership responsibilities, and families with senior members who wanted to age in woman learned how to carry herself with more everything they do starts with the company’s core place but need some outside assistance to make confidence as much as the locally based values, which they also see echoed in their franchise that possible. trained caregivers provide nonmodeling/finishing school taught her about hair, owners (of whom more than half are women), medical home care services from companionship makeup and fashion. “it really helped with my self- caregivers and other Home instead team members. and transportation for errands to meal preparation esteem,” she said. it was also a stepping stone for and light housekeeping to medication reminders pageants. Hogan (as lori novicki) was named miss “Honor god in all we do. treat each other with and dementia care. nebraska usa in 1982, while she was a sophomore dignity and respect. encourage growth in ourselves in college. and others. build value in our service to others,” it’s not the career she envisioned when she Hogan recited. “some of our best ideas come from graduated from the university of nebraska omaha another important event happened soon after, listening to our owners and their experiences out in in 1984 with a psychology degree, Hogan said, but when she was set up on a blind date with a the field. We are like a family, with a culture that it became a calling. and as a woman of faith, she university of nebraska-lincoln finance major and makes us strong, caring and loving.” said she always felt god had a plan for her. franchise club member who would become her husband in 1986. the Hogans found a kindred the Hogans received a national award from the it didn’t appear to be an easy plan for Hogan, entrepreneurial soul to build a company with and department of commerce in 2008, presented at a however. the couple had three young children they also built a family together, raising four White House ceremony, for their contributions to when they launched their business, and a fourth children, now all grown: lakelyn, a doctoral american exporting (franchises, in their case). in was born soon after. Her husband gave up a candidate in the field of gerontology at uno, who 2012 they were inducted into the omaha business decade-long career with the cleaning franchise serves Home instead as a gerontologist and Hall of fame. the company was featured on the company merry maids. Hogan was a mary kay (a caregiver advocate; mickele, who is an aspiring skin care and makeup company) consultant and had actor, founding member and associate producer at Forbes 2017 “america’s best employers” list.

mmAgAzine • deCember 2019

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• mmAgAzine

LORI HOGAN

“

WE ARE LIKE A family, WITH A culture THAT MAKES US STRONG, caring AND LOVING.

”

~LORI HOGAN CO-fOunder, HOme insteAd seniOr CAre

in 2012, Hogan published a book of caregiver stories called Strength for the Moment: Inspiration for Caregivers (available on amazon.com and at strengthforthemoment.com) “to honor caregivers and to affirm and encourage them in their labor of love.” the Hogans collaborated on a book in 2009, Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions. this guide (available on amazon.com and at stagesofseniorcare.com) includes checklists and tools to help families make care decisions for their loved one, and was a USA Today bestseller. Profits from the sales of these books are donated to the Home instead senior care foundation, which the Hogans founded in 2003 to support nonprofit programs and services that target the critical needs of seniors and their caregivers. the foundation focuses on dementia, senior health and well-being, geriatrics education and research, and community service.

matching and financial awards to incentivize giving. other endeavors to support seniors include the be a santa to a senior program and a disaster relief program. in 2008, Home instead became the anchor donor and a partner for the Home instead center for successful aging at the university of nebraska medical center. Home instead’s most recent initiative, just over a year old, is ready to care (imreadytocare.com). it includes weekly, voluntary “care missions,” which are acts of kindness, education and understanding to assist seniors; and information on other ways people can support the senior population.

Exciting work ahead

today, Home instead is the largest company of its kind globally, with more than 1,200 independently owned-and-operated franchise offices that provide “did you know that less than one percent of all 90 million hours of non-medical home care services charitable grant monies in the u.s. go to seniorannually for seniors in 13 markets around the world. related causes?” Hogan said. “that’s a shocking the company has come a long way in 25 years, but imbalance, particularly now when there are more people over the age of 60 than under the age of five. Hogan said she insists on sharing the credit with her this is the first time in the history of the world that team and acknowledging divine support. this has happened and we are determined to tip the scales for seniors.” “i say it comes from the top; i point to the lord,” Hogan said. “this calling is a mission of caring for His the foundation also raises money through its aging people…our team is committed to changing signature event, give65 (give65.org), a 65-hour online giving event held each July that also provides the face of aging. there is exciting work ahead.”

PRESENTS

game changers

• LORI HOGAN

This special feature is sponsored by planitomaha. planitomaha is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom but the community.

“Welcome to

”

one of the largest and most prestigious meeting planning firms in the midwest omaha magazine B2B winners since 2008 national, regional and local meetings and events nationally recognized as a leader in the meetings & event industry supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitomaha has been providing event and meeting management solutions for twenty years. we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism. while proudly located in the midwest, our crazytalented event team works from new york to la and everywhere in the middle.

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• mmagazinespotlight on • INVISIBLE FENCE OF THE HEARTLAND

story by GABBY CHRISTENSEN

protecting pets AND PEACE OF MIND At Invisible Fence of the Heartland, protecting pets is a number one priority. Through offering exclusive Invisible Fence Brand technology and services, the company works to keep pets safe, while also giving them added freedom. The nationwide company, which dates back to 1973, entered the Omaha market in 1987. Omaha branch co-owner Brett Fickler, who purchased the business with Allen Meyers in 2002, said the local dealership has remained committed to improving the lives of both pets and pet owners. “The company is constantly developing new technology to best serve our customers,” Fickler said. “From our training process to our products, our model is very unique. We recruit animal behaviorists and veterinarians to create our training program and our pet trainers are certified regularly. As far as our products go, we provide various systems that cater to the specific needs of each individual family.” Fickler said the overall process begins with an initial in-home consultation that includes customizing and designing the fence. Once the fence is installed, the training process commences. “The training takes about 14 days, but it’s worth it for 15 or more years of freedom on the dog’s part,” Fickler said. Fickler said the technology works by having the pet wear the computer collar receiver, which acts as a radio, picking up digital signal transmitted by the control panel. When a pet’s computer collar receiver crosses into the signal field, it provides an audible warning tone, then gives a gentle static correction that reminds the dog when it reaches the boundary. “The level of correction is customized to each pet,” Fickler said. ”It’s completely safe and effective in reinforcing a pet’s training.”

invisible fence of the heartland

The business offers both indoor and outdoor solutions, as well as an electronic pet door that unlocks as the pet approaches and then locks once the pet is safely inside. “This particular system is extremely beneficial for families who cannot let their pets out during the day,” Fickler said. “It can also save on doggie daycare or petsitting costs.” While some might be concerned about their dog’s breed, size or even personality, Fickler said there’s no need to worry as the technology works with any dog and has a 99.5 percent success rate. “People are also sometimes worried their animal will just run right through the fence, but that won’t be the case with our system,” Fickler said. ”Our various settings in combination with our specialized training will ensure the safety of the pet.” Another perk of installing an Invisible Fence is that the equipment has a lifetime warranty and can easily be transferred to a new home during a move and then reinstalled, eliminating the need to purchase a new system. Fickler said the company is not only dedicated to keeping pets safe, but also keeping pets alive, which is why Invisible Fence created Project Breathe, a pet oxygen mask donation program designed to provide oxygen mask kits to fire departments and other first responders. To date, the program has saved at least 200 pets from fire and smoke inhalation and over 25,170 masks have been distributed. Additionally, the business teams up with several animal rescue groups and veterinarians in the area. “People often think they need a physical fence to keep their pets safe, but that’s not necessarily true,” Fickler said. “Invisible Fence works better, as pets aren’t able to dig under or jump over the fence. Plus, gates can be left open with a physical fence. We offer complete containment around the entire house. When it comes to keeping your pets protected, Invisible Fence is always a safe bet.”

THE ORIGINAL

phone: (402) 330-4000 web: www.invisiblefence.com address: 1223 S 119th St., Omaha, NE 68144

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• mmagazine

spotlight on • HARRISON FINANCIAL SERVICES

questions AND answers: FROM HARRISON FINANCIAL SERVICES

Why do women have a unique perspective when it comes to financial planning? Since women typically live longer than men, they think about their unique needs during the planning process. Generally, women also have different priorities when it comes to what is most important to them. Women tend to be more concerned with others and supporting their family, being a good parent, and having life balance. This does not mean women think investing is unimportant, it just means that they will think about it differently when it comes to how they approach investing. According to the book Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl: And Why You Should Too, women spend more time researching their investment choices, preventing them from chasing “hot” tips and making decisions on a whim, which is behavior that typically weakens portfolio returns. Women also tend to seek information from people they trust. What are the risks women must think about when planning for retirement and beyond? Nearly all women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives. It is a fact that women make less than men and leave the workforce more often to care for others and return being paid less than when they left. The average woman will spend 12 years out of the workforce to care for others. Growing education, longevity and divorce all lead to the inevitable fact that women need to start being involved in the financial conversation sooner rather than later. What can women do starting today to help with their future? If a woman does not have an established relationship with a financial advisor, it is time to find one that can help her meet their goals. Oftentimes, a spouse may be attending meetings with the couple’s financial advisor alone. We recommend both spouses start attending meetings as soon as they can, so the relationship can be established in advance and both people are happy with the plan in place from the start. harrisonfinancialservices.com | 402.891.2302 Tim Harrison uses Harrison Financial Services as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Harrison Financial Services is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Tim Harrison is a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), a subsidiary of NM and limited purpose federal savings bank. Representative is an Insurance Agent of NM and Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. 30

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sarah grandinetti

Sarah Grandinetti, Certified Facilitator

tipping the scales in your favor • ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS

being you during the holidays how many of us have a love/hate relationship You can buy them gifts, but you don’t have to buy their with the holidays? i would go out on a limb points of view. Whether you have ever acknowledged it or and say that most of the population would fall not, you are aware! You are aware of the thoughts, feelings there Are A LOt Of quALitieS thAt MAke gOOd LeAderS. under this umbrella. unless, of course, you are and emotions of the people all around you. this may seem prACtiCing MindfuLneSS CAn CuLtivAte theSe the Martha Stewart type who plans for like an easy concept to grasp when you thinkquALitieS. of it in terms of Christmas before halloween and gets started your immediate household, but what if i told you that you ~ William Shakespeare on your calligraphy of the seating chart uber-early. if this is can also pick up on the people at the mall, or on the freeway, you, my hat is off to you! or at work? When you start to perceive a thought or a feeling that seems to get stuck and you can’t move it along, you can even the well-organized planner types can have moments of ask “Who does this belong to?” if it eases up at all, it’s not losing themselves during the holidays, maybe even more than yours. You can return it, just like that sweater your motherChristmas eve shoppers. Whatever category you may fall in, in-law gave you. or if you’re somewhere in between, being you during the holidays may seem like a foreign concept. Be willing to acknowledge that you may be the “Rudolph” of your family. Sitting at the table with a bunch of people that holidays, no matter which ones you celebrate, are about you care about can be as equally stressful as it is enjoyable. tradition. traditions can be such a beautiful gift we hand What type of questions will be asked? What is it about me down to our children and that can bring a lot of joy. unless that they are going to pick apart this time? if you were willing they don’t—because they turn into obligation. this article is acknowledge the difference you truly be, even among those not about bashing family traditions or Santa Claus, but who share your dnA, this could become much easier. A tool instead to offer you a possibility of looking at where YOu fit you can use whenever anyone is casting their opinions at you, in with all of the hoopla. instead of resisting and reacting and starting a big fight over the turkey, is to repeat this in your head: “interesting point of here are few tools that can keep you on your A game, and by view; they have this point of view” over and over until there “A game” i mean keep you in touch with you and what creates is no charge. this may sound way too easy; that’s because it ease and joy for you during the holiday season. is! When you are willing to see an opinion as just an interesting point of view, you are free to choose your space of When you smell something burning in the kitchen, check the being without the upset. oven. Be willing to give yourself a time out! taking time to destress and get in touch with yourself and your space of being Long before you hang the stockings, light the candles or trim can make all the difference. Often we can “smell something the tree, what if you could choose to acknowledge the burning” and instead of taking some time to decompress, we beautiful gift YOu be to all of those around you? What would just hold our breath until it’s over. What if planning ahead for be possible for the new Year if you were included in the list some Me time could alleviate the stress altogether? of things to be celebrated? For more tools that can contribute to having ease in your life, you can visit www.accessconsciousness.com. To find out more about the author, Sarah Grandinetti, you can visit www.sarahgrandinetti.com.

Achieve more in 2020!

podcast

with ANDEE Hoig

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Kali Baker, Vice President of Community Investment

omaha giving • OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

finding ChAritABLe connections hAS never Been easier As you read this column, the world will have just participated in Giving Tuesday, an online global giving celebration held each Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday. Started in 2012, it’s grown into the biggest giving movement in the world. Giving Tuesday harnesses the philanthropic spirit that many around the world—and here in our own community—seek to share throughout the holiday season. In a time when consumption seems to be everywhere, thinking about those in need and the programs and organizations that aim to help them can be a meaningful way to celebrate the season. It is also a point of connection between you and your family as you consider your own holiday customs. You can infuse philanthropy and charitable giving throughout your traditions and giving season. Through TheLandscapeOmaha.org, the Omaha Community Foundation has explored cvic engagement in our community. One of the data points we shared was around philanthropic giving: Locally, 55% have given at least $25 to a local nonprofit organization in the last 12 months. That’s just over half. Think about whether you were a part of those that gave back—what compelled you to give or what held you back? The Foundation is always looking to making philanthropic giving more convenient—and more meaningful. Especially around the holiday season.

Online giving is just one of many things that can simplify your ability to give back this season. Giving Tuesday and our own charitable giving site, OmahaGives.org, have harnessed the ease and power of online giving to help people streamline their kali baker philanthropic giving. Or, you can visit GivingTuesday402.org to learn more about how our community is celebrating this global movement locally. Nationally, there is a rise in online giving. It’s simple, it’s quick, and often it allows you to seamlessly learn more about the organization you’re giving to, and then connect to them through a donation. Last year Giving Tuesday nationally raised more than $380 million, which represented a 27 percent growth from the previous year. And since 2016, overall online fundraising has grown 17 percent among nonprofits throughout the United States, according to the Blackbaud Institute. Not only is online giving continuing to grow, using our mobile phones to give is (not surprisingly) rising as well. The percentage of online donations made on a mobile device was 24 percent, up from 9 percent in 2018. So think about when, how, why and most importantly where you want to give this holiday season. To learn more about how the Foundation can help your family make giving more simple—and meaningful—contact us at giving@omahafoundation,org or call (402) 342-3458.

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metro spirit • MARY E. VANDENACK Mary Vandenack, while a lawyer by profession, has studied extensively in mind/body areas of fitness and wellness. She is Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Power Pilates certified and ACE certified.

the power Of Our words: kind And enCOurAging WOrdS CAn ChAnge LiveS there Are ~AUnknown LOt Of quALitieS thAt MAke gOOd LeAderS. “One kind word can change someone’s entire path.” prACtiCing MindfuLneSS CAn CuLtivAte “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” ~ John Keating theSe quALitieS. Words can change lives

Have you ever had someone in your life who just had a way with words that helped you feel okay about you? I recall someone once suggesting this: If you think back through all the material gifts you were given for Christmas in 1998, how many do you remember? If you instead focus on encouraging words that someone said to you, you are likely to remember that type of gift more than most material gifts—although it is always also nice to remember when someone gave you a special, thoughtful or meaningful material gift. I know that the most meaningful people in my life are those who encouraged me, believed in me, and let me believe in my dreams.

~ William Shakespeare I’ll never forget reading one of the many notes I have been blessed to receive and sitting back and saying “But what happened to all the people I said negative things to on my own bad days?”

Avoid energy vampires

Have you ever been around someone who makes you feel bad about yourself? Or someone who takes a lot of energy because they are negative about everything? I refer to these types as “energy vampires.” Avoid energy vampires to the greatest extent possible. If you have situations such as at work, where you can’t totally avoid them, practice deflection skills. Build a support group of positive people

I have occasionally written about my propensity to save thank-you notes that I receive. They always mean a lot to me, especially the old-fashioned, handwritten thank-you note. But I also save notes from people I have encouraged along the way. Early in my career, I did a lot of teaching. At one point, I received a note from a former student who had chosen a path that led to a positive and satisfying career. That student shared with me some specific comment I had made that had led him to believe he could pursue that career. Another such note came from a young woman I mentored as a teenager. The young woman had parents who were not encouraging her to go to college. I encouraged her to go anyway and chase her dreams. The note I received from her was 15 years later. She had risen to an executive position at a company and wanted me to know that it was my encouragement of her when she was a teenager that helped her get herself to and through college and on a good career path.

I never understand why anyone spends five minutes around someone who starts criticizing them. It’s just not necessary. It is totally possible to find supportive and caring ways to let someone know about challenges they have or changes they might make to improve a situation. Personally, if asked, I might say, “Your challenge might be… ” Life is too short. Dreams get fulfilled because you believe in them. You are more likely to believe in your own dreams if you surround yourself with others who will believe in you—and your dreams as well. Practice kind and encouraging words with others

My mother always said, “If you have nothing kind to say, stick with silence.” I believe that is generally a great practice. Wherever and whenever you can do so sincerely, express gratitude, kindness, encouragement and general positivity. You will find yourself surrounded by amazingly positive energy.

ENVISION YOUR FUTURE: PREVENT DISEASE DISCOVER HEALTH! YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE!

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak • Dr. Ashley Rainbolt Vondrak Dental (402) 289-2313 info@drvondrak.com

THE CHOICE IS YOURS! 33

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planning matters • WITH VW LAW

planning tO SeLL A

CLOSeLY heLd business

The term “closely held business” is one that refers to a business in which at least some of the owners are actively involved. “Closely held” is not synonymous with “small” business. Many closely held businesses have thousands of employees and engage in international operations. Planning for ultimate sale or other succession of a closely held business is something that should occur well in advance of the time that one or more of the active owners desires to exit. All too often, we get a call after a letter of intent has been signed. This article covers some of the considerations when a sale to an outside party is being considered. Owner/Operator Exit Timing: Owner/operators should routinely consider the timing of a likely sale. Some owners may prefer to continue operating the business through retirement. Others may prefer to sell when the time is right from an economic perspective even if that might be before a planned retirement date. Sales prices can be maximized during a favorable business cycle.

Determining the Business Sales Price: Before making a decision to sell a business, the owner should have an idea of what the business will sell for. Often, a skilled accountant can assist with preliminary valuation to get the discussion started. The accountant mary e. vandenack who works regularly with the business will readily know what adjustments should be made for purposes of arriving at adjusted EBITDA or other appropriate calculation. An investment banker involved in selling the business can be brought in to assist with fine-tuning calculations and evaluating the current market. Tax Cost of Selling Business: Some businesses are sold as a stock sale. In such a case, the buyer purchases the stock of the seller. The seller has capital gain but the buyer pays for the stock with after tax income. In other cases, a buyer pays for various assets of the business rather than for the stock. In such a case, there is varying tax treatment based on the structure and allocation of the purchase price. There can be significant differences to the total cost of the transaction based on how a sale is structured. Whether a sale is likely to be a stock sale or an asset sale should be considered prior to discussing purchase price with a potential buyer. Possible Buyers for the Business: It is always worthwhile to consider current employees or interested family members when selling a business. Another type of buyer might be someone who wants to purchase an existing business rather than starting a business. A strategic buyer is typically a buyer already operating in the same business as the seller who identifies the seller as having synergies that will allow the buyer to readily integrate the seller’s business into the buyer’s business. Private equity firms or other financial buyers may acquire a business with a focus on the return that can be achieved. Certain businesses may be candidates for an initial public offering or sale of a minority interest. Prepare Your Business for Sale: Your books should be in order. Legal affairs should be in order. If there are key employees that add to the value, consider their interests and retention. Prepare Yourself for After the Sale: Selling a business results in a significant life change. Planning for what you will do next before the sale will help you achieve the transition.

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your money • SWARTZBAUGH-FARBER & ASSOCIATES, INC.

impact! • YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

gOAL-Setting

the enviSiOn golden YOur

ideas

fOr 2020

mary drueke-collins

AS 2019 winds down, you can take some steps to use 2020 for progressing toward achievement of your long-term financial goals. Every payday can bring you closer to the future financial security you envision for yourself and your family. To begin, identify the targets for your focus next year, clarify the status of each area, and establish benchmarks to measure your progress on a monthly schedule. These categories might include some or all of these: payroll tax withholding, health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, emergency savings, 401(k) or retirement plans, long-term care insurance, debt reduction, and discretionary savings. If this seems overwhelming, it may be effective to work on one area per month, or two to three areas per quarter, but the best way to get started is to set aside time over the holidays to list your priorities. Often, you will make your health insurance elections before a new year. It may help to evaluate your choices in more detail this year, especially if there have been changes in your family situation, employer, or plan options available. If both partners are employed and have employer-sponsored health insurance, be sure that you understand the employer contribution provisions. It can be better for each partner to elect his or her employer’s insurance, and then determine which plan works best for eligible dependent family members. Deductibles, co-payments, medication coverage, and provider networks will be factors in your analysis. Some employers offer flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, which may also be advantageous. Employers also might offer benefits for short- or long-term disability income, life insurance, long-term care, and/or retirement savings. Review the benefits offered, and be sure you understand both the scope and limits of coverage. Oftentimes, people will need to obtain additional insurance coverage or retirement vehicles besides those available in the workplace. For all of these benefits, it is critical that your beneficiary arrangements are kept up to date, so review the designations annually. A common priority is systematic savings plans. By budgeting carefully and making spending choices that are consistent with your savings goals, strong progress can be achieved. Savings categories might include emergency savings to cover unforeseen expenses that pop up, as well as discretionary savings. Lifestyle aims may drive these savings goals, depending on what you identify as your priorities. You may need a new car or have plans for a bigger home in the coming year. Maybe a vacation or trip is on your list, or home projects such as refreshing landscaping, upgrading appliances, replacing windows or siding, finishing the basement, or purchasing a new air conditioner. Which of these is most important in the coming months? Do you have a good idea of the costs that will be involved? Are there spending habits you can change, to achieve better results toward your goals? How often do you review and evaluate the status of your assets and liabilities? Do you have a trusted financial advisor? Should you consider meeting with an attorney about wills, trusts, or estate planning? Do you need or have an accountant for tax planning? The best way to attain better financial security is to establish specific goals, and review your progress often. A new year is a great opportunity to improve your situation!

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber, Client Centered – Client Advocates™. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/ SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated. 35

rule scaredy

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

cat! And for a better future, With LOnging a woman with a beautiful, kind face stares me straight in the eyes. Only six of her teeth remain on the top and a sparse four on the bottom. She wonders out loud, “Am I hopeless case? Could I ever have a nice smile?” How sad that someone would ever question themselves to be a “hopeless case.” Of course, I am grateful that this lovely woman chose my practice and that I have been given the opportunity to help her. Her smile will indeed be beautiful. But I wonder how this woman—a mother, grandmother, and caregiver herself—could have come to such a conclusion? As healthcare provider, I feel a responsibility to provide hope versus hopelessness to individuals needing my services. Doesn’t every healthcare provider? This question led me to an interesting study: “Can 40 Seconds of Compassion Make a Difference in Health Care?” Dr. Stephen Trzeciak of Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey, found a positive correlation between patient outcomes and physicians who gave an extra 40 seconds of undivided attention to their patients. Additionally, he provided data supporting a decreased burnout rate among primary care physicians when they spent more time with their patients, developed relationships, and showed compassion. Likewise, those physicians who cared deeply about their patients and whose patients were aware of it saw increased patient compliance in taking medicine along with patient improvement! What a concept: Compassion, something we teach our small children, is important for healthcare. Looking into Kathleen’s eyes, I smile and say, “What I would like to do is to get to know you better. I have several options for improving your smile and reaching your treatment goals. As I get to know you and what is most important to you, we can determine which option works best for you. I want you to love your smile. How does that sound?” Not too difficult or time-consuming. Her energy changes instantly as she smiles back at me and nods. So maybe the solution for ending this “compassion crisis” is to intervene when training our healthcare providers. Just a thought, but what if the following question was added to every to medical or dental board exam? Board question #1: What is the golden rule? It could help.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea with sleep apnea appliances.

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event galleries

WHEN YOU SEE THE “BIG RED” LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2019!

AUTISM ACTION PARTNERSHIP

REJUVENATING WOMEN

ANGELS AMONG US

SUSAN G. KOMEN GREAT PLAINS

OHB

THE KIM FOUNDATION

OMAHA ZOO FOUNDATION

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

inspiring 2019 charitable events! • please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make our promotion of these important events possible

2019 mmagazine • DeCemBeR OCTOBeR 2019

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event galleries

Photos courtesy of Omaha Zoo Foundation

WAVES OF

Wonder Omaha Zoo Foundation Zoofari 2019 - Making Waves When: September 13, 2019 CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS

Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Why: The Omaha Zoo Foundation’s biennial fundraising event, Zoofari, supports Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Zoofari 2019: Making Waves raised money to help bring the zoo’s new Coastal Shores exhibit to life in 2020. Zoofari featured a unique silent auction of one-of-akind zoo experiences, a thrilling live auction, and other ways to help support Omaha’s beloved zoo.

CAPTIONS

Special Guests: Walter Scott Jr., Warren Buffett, Melissa Peterman, Tom Osborne, David and Lori Scott Caterer: Abraham Catering Multimedia: GranStan Services, AAA Rental Attendance: 1,000 Amount Raised: $3.1 million

TOM AND NANCY OSBORNE

WALTER SCOTT JR. AND WARREN BUFFETT

Mission: It is the proud mission of the Omaha Zoo Foundation to help grow an environment where wonder can live and education can thrive. For more information: (402) 738-2073 | omahazoofoundation.org

CAPTIONS

DR. LEE SIMMONS AND MIKE YANNEY

TINA CHERICA AND DENNIS PATE

DR. LEE AND MARIE SIMMONS 38

DAVID AND LORI SCOTT WITH DENNIS AND JESS PATE

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Photos courtesy of Angels Among Us

ANGELIC Affair Angels Among Us Gala When: September 20, 2019 Where: None JEFF KAVICH, DONNA KUSH, JULIECAPTIONS HANSON, ANDI KAVICH, JEFF HANSON, AMEE ZETZMAN AND TED ZETZMAN

Why: Angels Among Us’ annual gala directly benefits its mission of financially and emotionally support families whose children have cancer. Special Guests: Honorary Chairs Jeff Kavich & Donna Kush

CAPTIONS

Sponsors: Aflac, The David Spence Cancer Foundation, Bland Cares Foundation, Silverstone Group, All Makes, Pinnacle Bank, The Brian Duensing Foundation, Burlington Capital, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Medicine, Truck Center Companies, Union Pacific,C &A Industries, City Glass Company, CRE Summit, E & A Consulting, Firespring, First National Bank, Midwest Laboratories, Mutual of Omaha, Werner Enterprises Attendance: 430 Amount Raised: 250,000 Mission: Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to families whose children have pediatric cancer.

CAPTIONS

About: Angels Among Us has supported over 430 families giving nealry $1.9 million in support. Bills such as mortgages, rent, utilites, car, and medical bills are examples of types of expenses Angels Among Us covers for families. There is hope, help & monetary relief. For more information: (402) 934-0999 | www.myangelsamongus.org

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 39

CAPTIONS

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event galleries

Photos courtesy of Rejuvenating Women and Debra S. Kaplan

RESTORATION

Nation

Rejuvenating Women Restored Wings, A New Beginning When: September 19, 2019 MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT, HONORARY CHAIR ANDEE HOIG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JULIE SHRADER

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SHAMERE MCKENZIE

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Why: To raise funds for our Restored Wings Home and an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking. Special Guests: Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and First Lady Susanne Shore, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Sheriff Tim Dunning, other law enforcement and Nebraska state senators

GOVERNOR PETE RICKETTS AND FIRST LADY SUSANNE SHORE

MIKE SHRADER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JULIE SHRADER

Sponsors: Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and First Lady Susanne Shore, Verizon Media, Metro Magazine, Christ Community Church, Dave and Susan Williams, American National Bank, Pizza Ranch, Pinnacle Bank, Titanium HVAC, Kelley Engineered Equipment, Thrasher, Lifegate Church, Peg and William Stevens, Meridian Clinical Research, Kiewit Building Group Caterer: Embassy Suites La Vista Event Planner: planitomaha Attendance: 595

ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG PETERSON

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT ALLIE KNOUSE Amount Raised: $140,000 Mission: To provide hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking.

CAPTIONS

About: Rejuvenating Women is a nonprofit organization providing hope and restoration to those enslaved in human trafficking. We are committed to developing long-lasting relationships with the girls and women who are deeply traumatized by loving her right where she is at. We raise awareness of human trafficking in the community as well as invest in the lives of girls and women who are living in our residential home as well as those participating in our day program. Our two-year, residential therapeutic program is free of charge to survivors and includes but is not limited to: individual and group therapy, case management, mentorship, legal services, tattoo branding removal, equine therapy, occupational therapy services, life-skills classes, and comprehensive medical care through our community partners. For more information: (800) 402-0601 | www.rejuvenatingwomen.com

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 40

CAPTIONS

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EJUVENATING WOMEN

Providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking.

OUNDED IN 2013, Rejuvenating Women began as a social media support page for women who had experienced shame. Rejuvenating Women’s outreach soon grew to include weekly in-person support groups, and as attendance grew, Rejuvenating Women’s Executive Director, Julie Shrader, realized there was a great need in Omaha for human trafficking survivors to find healing. To meet these needs, Rejuvenating Women began to offer Omaha’s only programming specifically designed for victims and survivors of trafficking. In summer of 2016, Rejuvenating Women purchased a 5,500-square-foot restoration home to house and rehabilitate up to 10 trafficking survivors for up to two years. In September of 2017, the Restored Wings Residential Program officially began. The program offers trauma-informed individual and group counseling; case management; mentorship; staff coordination and attendance at medical, dental psychological, and vision appointments; equine therapy; tattoo branding removal; life-skills education; and other services all free of charge.

•GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: • Monthly, recurring donors (set up your donation at www.rejuvenatingwomen.com/donate) • Purchase tickets and sponsorships at Rejuvenating Women’s Restored Wings Gala (September 19, 2019) • Support Rejuvenating Women during Omaha Gives! (May 2019)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Rejuvenating Women has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from being a one-onone mentor with a survivor in our program to helping with administrative tasks or fundraising. Visit www.rejuvenatingwomen.com/volunteer for a list of volunteer opportunities and to apply to volunteer.

What does Rejuvenating Women do in aiding victims of Human Trafficking and helping to combat trafficking? Rejuvenating Women works to increase community awareness; coordinate the identification of human trafficking; and assist in community education, advocacy, provision of culturally and linguistically sensitive victim services, and efforts to ensure the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. Rejuvenating Women provides a Bible-based context in which women trapped in modern-day slavery and/or survivors of trafficking are given HOPE, shelter at our Restored Wings Home, anonymity, security and freedom. Rejuvenating Women partners with several agencies and organizations to better support and help victims and survivors of human trafficking.

REJUVENATING WOMEN P.O. Box 207 • Boys Town, NE 68010 Phone: (800) 402-0601 24/7 Housing Helpline: (833) 2FreeMe (237-3363) www.rejuvenatingwomen.com President/Executive Director: Julie Shrader To volunteer or to donate contact: Allie Knouse (402) 915-1393 • allie@rejuvenatingwomen.org 2019

•WISH LIST: • Programming books for our therapeutic group therapy sessions (contact for more details)

• Digital alarm clocks and wristwatches • New bras, underwear and socks in various sizes • Presents and “party packs” for residents’ birthdays and/or holidays • Over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, eye drops, cough drops) • Nonperishable/non-expiring foods

THE GIVING GUIDE

From the Publisher

2019

oF m e t ro m A G A Z i N e

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Photos courtesy of Autism Action Partnership

LIGHTS, CAMERA

Autism!

Autism Action Partnership Vintage Affaire XI When: October 5, 2019 SCOTT AND GAIL (WERNER) ROBERTSON

JUSTIN DOUGHERTY, WITH HONORARY CHAIRS CINDY AND MOGENS BAY

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista

Why: Annual fundraiser to support AAP’s programs and services

Special Guests: Honorary Chairs Cindy and Mogens Bay

HOPE AWARD WINNERS LISA AND MIKE MERIDITH

CAPTIONS

Sponsors: Grand Patrons: Keeler and Associates, Gail and Scott Robertson and Rachel and CL Werner

Caterer: Embassy Suites

Event Planner: LimeLight Expressions

Multimedia: Inspirmedia Productions MIKE VANCE WITH KATE AND ROGER WEITZ

CAPTIONS Attendance: 250

Amount Raised: over $700,000

Mission: 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. MARY AND RODRIGO LOPEZ WITH GAIL WERNER-ROBERTSON

CLARK LAURIZTEN TABLE About: The event theme “Lights...Camera...Autism” was chosen to focus attention on the diverse abilities of individuals with autism, because too often the focus remains on the disabilities.

For more information: (402) 763-8830 | www.autismaction.org

CAPTIONS THE STRAUB FAMILY (MIKE, ADAM, JOLENE AND ERIC) WITH JUSTIN DOUGHERTY AND EMCEE JULIE CORNELL 42

CAPTIONS

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Photos courtesy of Debra S. Kaplan

MORE THAN

Supportive Susan G. Komen Great Plains Nebraska MORE THAN PINK Walk When: October 6, 2019 CAPTIONS

DEB GRAEVE AND FAMILY

Where: Baxter Arena Why: Funds raised support local breast health services and research to find the cures. Attendance: 5,000

CAPTIONS

JOAN FREDRICKSON AND FAMILY

STEVE HOUSTON, MARLA HOUSTON AND EARLENE UHRIG

CAPTIONS

Mission: Save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. About: After 25 years of hosting the Race for the Cure, Komen Great Plains announced an evolution to its key fundraiser this year, now known as the MORE THAN PINK Walk! The Walk is an experience that involves, inspires and drives a more personal connection to the breast cancer movement. The evolution reinforces this movement is more than a color; it is a proactive call to do more in the fight against breast cancer. The Walk highlighted Komen’s 360degree approach to eradicating breast cancer through research, care, community and action. For more information: (402) 502-2979 | www.komengreatplains.org

CAPTIONS

EMCEE SERESE COLE

CAPTIONS

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CAPTIONS

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Photos courtesy of OHB

BEE’S Knees OHB Roaring 20s Gala

When: November 8, 2019 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista MELANIE AND FRED CLARK Why: The Roaring 20s Gala served as the kickoff to OHB’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration with proceeds benefiting the youth, young adults and families served by OHB. OHB also unveiled its new brand at the gala. Sponsors: Warren Distribution, KMTV 3 News Now, Star 104.5 FM, Channel 94.1 FM, A Friend of OHB Multimedia: Clark Creative Group LOU AND HON. PATRICIA LAMBERTY

MARK STITZ KMTV 3 NEWS NOW METEOROLOGIST AND EVENT EMCEE

Attendance: 380 Amount Raised: $140,000 Mission: OHB’s mission is to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent, productive lives.

SERENNA RUSSELL WITH BECKY AND GARY UNGER

THE DIAMOND EMPIRE BAND

About: OHB empowers individuals and families with the skills and confidence needed to be self-sufficient and thrive in the community. OHB has been transforming lives and strengthening communities for 100 years. OHB’s programs focus on housing assistance, education, career planning, employment, financial stability, transportation, basic life skills, and mental and behavioral health. For more information: OHB.org

RACHEL AND ROGER WULFF WITH MARK AND TONYA WULFF

MEGAN AND JOEL JACOBS

CAPTIONS

KIM ARMSTRONG, KIRSTEN CASE AND CAROLYN ROOKER 44

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EVENT GUESTS

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Photos courtesy of Debra S. Kaplan

BIG HATS

Big Dreams The Kim Foundation A Time for Hope and Healing When: November 1, 2019 CAPTIONS

LARRY AND KATHY COURTNAGE

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center Why: The Kim Foundation’s annual fundraiser to further our mission of being a supportive resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness and suicide. Special Guests: military veterans and first responders

DOMINICK FARINACCI

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS APPLAUDED

Sponsors: C&A Industries, Northwestern Mutual Harrison Financial Services, The Heider Family Foundation, Lockton, Nebraska Medicine, Bryan Health, CHI Health, PayPal, Valmont, Schwarz & Associates LLC, Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, American National Bank, BairdHolm Attorneys at Law, Bellevue University, Boys Town, Carlson Burnett Attorneys at Law, Davis Erection, First National Bank, Janssen, Koley Jessen Attorneys, Morrissey Engineering Inc, Physicians Mutual, Seim Johnson, Shamrock Development, Inc, Scottish Rite, Union Pacific, UNMC, Woodmen Life, Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Dobleman Family, Steve and Dana Patterson Caterer: Guckenheimer

JAYMES POLING

DOMINICK FARINACCI

Attendance: 600 Amount Raised: $90,000 Mission: Our mission is to be a supportive resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness and suicide.

FRONT: DOMINICK FARINACCI, CRAIG WOLF, LARRY COURTNAGE, KATHY COURTNAGE AND JAYMES POLING BACK: VICKI WITKOVSKI, TIFFANI WOLF, MARK WOLF AND LARRY WITKOVSKI

About: Connecting people to resources is central to The Kim Foundation’s mission of improving lives through mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Through its work, The Kim Foundation serves to bridge the gaps in mental health services and further encourages innovation that will enhance programs, expand services, strengthen organizational systems, and most importantly, transform lives. Focused on increasing awareness and promoting continued education related to mental illness and suicide, The Kim Foundation strives to break down the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care. The Kim Foundation works to assure individuals and families touched by mental illness and/or suicide that they are not alone on their journey to recovery. For more information: (402) 891-6911 | www.thekimfoundation.org

KATHY COURTNAGE, VICKI WITKOVSKI, CRAIG WOLF,CAPTIONS LARRY COURTNAGE, JAYMES POLING, MARK WOLF AND DOMINICK FARINACCI 45

CAPTIONS

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Photos courtesy of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

WIND UNDER

Wings

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center “Helping Children Soar” Gala

CAPTIONS

ANDY GRAMMER

The 2019 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s “Helping Children Soar” Gala on November 9 was a night to remember, raising nearly $1 million to further innovation and expansion at Children’s. Funds raised will support the Hubbard Center for Children, an expansion project that will make high-quality care available to thousands more children in Omaha and across the five-state region.

JUSTIN AND CLARISSA HEINSEN WITH SONS KNOX AND BROOKS

RODRIGO AND MARY LÓPEZ

ANDY GRAMMER

SUSIE AND JOHN H. NELSON, JESSIE AND MATT FORREST, AND KELLY AND JEFF NOGG

A highlight of the gala was the live auction finale: an American flag flown in Afghanistan in honor of the brave children and their families Children’s serves. The flag was donated by Major Amber R. Phipps, executive officer of the 932nd Forward Surgical Team and vice president of Quality and Safety at Children’s. Major Phipps, who is currently serving overseas, sent a special video message to Gala guests before the flag drew a record winning bid of $50,000. The sellout crowd of more than 1,500 people rose to their feet in appreciation for the donor and as a sign of respect to Major Phipps. The Children’s Gala was held at CHI Health Center Omaha where guests also enjoyed a silent auction, raffle, dinner and entertainment by multi-platinum pop artist Andy Grammer. Honorary chairs were Susie and John H. Nelson. Jessie Forrest and Kelly Nogg served as the Gala’s co-chairs. Karen Thompson is the current president of the Friends Board, which plans the Gala along with Children’s Foundation staff. “With gratitude to our sellout crowd, the leadership and generosity of our chairs and the Friends Board, and the support of so many community sponsors and volunteers, we are celebrating an incredibly successful gala!” said Beth Greiner, Executive Director of the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation. “We are so appreciative of all our supporters who share our vision and value investing in the health of our region’s children.”

DIANE DUREN AND DREW COLLIER

KYLE AND MICHAEL ROBINO

The 2020 Children’s Gala is scheduled for November 7 at CHI Health Center Omaha.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS PRESENTING

PLATINUM

SIGNATURE

PREMIER

Diane Duren and Drew Collier

Michael Robino, CFP

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 46

Robino Private Wealth Management CAPTIONS Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

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Photos courtesy of Debra S. Kaplan

PHILANTHROPIC

Masterpiece Aksarben Foundation Aksarben Ball 2019 When: October 19, 2019 CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS

Where: CHI Health Center Arena Why: The Aksarben Ball is the headlining event of the 124year-old Aksarben Foundation, celebrating and honoring volunteerism and philanthropy throughout the heartland. Event Planner: Aksarben’s Women’s Ball Committee Attendance: 1,600

CAPTIONS

Mission: The Aksarben Mission is 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. About: Amy Haddad and Steven Martin received recognition as the Most Honored Citizens of Aksarben 2019.

CAPTIONS

Since the start, Aksarben has focused its leadership network on helping address whatever challenges Nebraska and western Iowa may be facing. Today’s challenge is workforce development, and ensuring that the heartland retain and attract top talent for jobs of today and tomorrow. Aksarben has been laser focused on this issue for over a year, and has developed workforce development committees by both industry and region. Solving this problem will take cooperation from everyone, and Aksarben is dedicated to working with business, education, and civic leaders across the state to have the greatest possible impact. For more information: www.aksarben.org

CAPTIONS

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CAPTIONS

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Photos courtesy of American Cancer Society

DIGGING

Deeper American Cancer Society Big Dig Omaha When: September 15, 2019 Why: The Big Dig will support Hope Lodge Nebraska here in Omaha. Hope Lodge is designed to meet the needs of cancer patients traveling for treatment, at no cost to them. It is a home away from home that promotes healing, minimizes stress, and offers lodging near cancer treatment centers. This lifts the financial burden from the shoulders of cancer patients and their families so they can focus on getting well. Sponsors: Lueder Construction Attendance: 500 Amount Raised: $41,000 Mission: The American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. For more information: Deb Seaton: (402) 398-0762 | www.bigdigomaha.org

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Photos courtesy of Open Door Mission

GOOD

Samaritans Open Door Mission

Love Your Neighbor Gala When: September 26,2019 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista

MORE THAN 800 GUESTS ENJOYED DINNER, PROGRAM AND AUCTION

DRESSING UP AND HAVING FUN IN THE PHOTO BOOTH

Why: We celebrated 65 years of helping the hungry and homeless. 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, empowering others to remain in their own homes and so much more. Daniel Lang shared a powerful testimony. When he came to the Open Door Mission, he had lost everything: his family, his business and his freedom. Daniel shared how going through the program at Open Door Mission changed his life and how God performed a miracle during some of his hardest days. Attendance: 800-plus Amount Raised: Over $200,000 Mission: Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change.

DANIEL LANG SHARES HOW OPEN DOOR MISSION CHANGED HIS LIFE

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS

For more information: www.opendoormission.org

Savor the experience Voted Best of Omaha eight Years in a Row

402.558.3202 cateringcreations.com 49

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Photos courtesy of Nebraska Humane Society

ANIMAL

Advocates Nebraska Humane Society Margre Durham Walk for the Animals

CAPTIONS

When: September 29, 2019 Where: Nebraska Humane Society Campus and Keystone Trail Why: Walk for the Animals is a fundraiser for the Nebraska Humane Society that engages the entire community to participate and make a difference. Sponsors: Sunny Durham Family Foundation, John & Lynne Durham Boyer Family Foundation, Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals, Baxter Subaru, HomeAgain Microchips, Veridian Credit Union, Tito’s Vodka, Urgent Pet Care, American Animal Hospital, WheatFields, Purina, Metropolitan Utilities District, Waggin’ Tailz Ranch, Bank of the West, PetSmart, Coldwell Banker, VCA Animal Medical Center, VCA 80 Dodge, TD Ameritrade. Attendance: 1000 Amount Raised: We’re still counting! Mission: The Nebraska Humane Society protects, saves and enriches the lives of animals in the communities we serve. For more information: pwiese@nehumanesociety.org

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Photos courtesy of Child Saving Institute

POWER OF THE

Purse

Child Saving Institute PurseOnalities

CASSANDRA HAYS AND ASIA SLADEK

EVENT CHAIRS: GINA MCDEVITT, CARISSA SCHRAGER, HONORARY CHAIR BETH SCHRAGER, SARA DEMERS AND SEIRRA BURT

SEIRRA BURT AND STACEY PATTERSON

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DR. PATRICK FRIMAN

When: October 2, 2019 Where: Hilton Omaha Why: Child Saving Institute Guild Board’s 11th Annual PurseOnalities luncheon in support of Child Saving Institute’s kids. Special Guests: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Patrick Friman Attendance: 320 Amount Raised: over $100,000 About: Child Saving Institute has been serving children and families in the Omaha community for over 127 years. A HUGE thank-you to Honorary Chair Beth Schrager; Speaker Dr. Patrick Friman; Event Chairs Seirra Burt, Sara DeMers, Gina McDevitt and Carissa Schrager; Guild Board President Gina Patrick; and each and every Guild member who helped Child Saving Institute raise more than $100,000 at the PurseOnalities luncheon. The theme of the luncheon was Hometown Heroes. Thank you to all of our hometown heroes who care about the children who live in our community! For more information: (402) 553-6000 | www.childsaving.org

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Photos courtesy of Completely KIDS

LIGHTBearers Completely KIDS Night in the Neighborhood: Light the Night When: September 27, 2019 Where: Completely KIDS, 2566 St. Mary’s Ave.

BRYAN HOHENSTEIN AND MATT SCHIEBER

RYAN HENRICKSON, ERIN HENRICKSON, JEAN DANIELSON, AND JOHN DANIELSON

Why: Proceeds from the event will support the agency’s mission of educating and empowering kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community. Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Smile Station Pediatric Dentistry; Honorary Chairs: Bill and Jodie Mackintosh Family Caterer: John Benker Catering Attendance: 400 Amount Raised: $230,000 Mission: Completely KIDS educates and empowers kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community.

DAN GOMEZ, MARIA REYES AND DEVON LUSTGRAAF

DESRI GOCKEN, PENNY PARKER, KARLY JURGENSEN DANIEL AND SABRINA LAKIN KELLY

For more information: (402) 397-5809 | completelykids.org

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Photos courtesy of First Responders Foundation

ALWAYS

Remember First Responders Foundation 9/11 Luncheon of Honor

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL

AL BATSCHELET, SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL, OFD CHIEF OLSEN, MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT AND OPD CHIEF SCHMADERER

CO-FOUNDERS JERRY HOBERMAN AND RAY SOMBERG

CHUCK SEDERSTROM, MIKE FAHEY, AL BATSCHELET, JIM HANSON, RAY SOMBERG AND JERRY HOBERMAN

When: September 11, 2019 Where: Hilton Omaha Why: To remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, and to remember and honor all first responders and individuals who have supported first responders and the First Responders Foundation. It was also a fundraiser to help support the programing of the First Responders Foundation. Sponsors: First National Bank, Holland Foundation, Nebraska Medicine, OPPD, Valmont, WoodmenLife Caterer: Hilton Omaha Event Planner: planitomaha Attendance: 375 Amount Raised: $25,000 Mission: The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. For more information: (402) 218-1234 | firstrespondersomaha.org

Taking Clean To The Next Level • Water Damage:

Everything from a major flood to backed up pipes.

• Mold Remediation Services:

Your indoor air quality and your respiratory health are at stake. We’ll get you on your way back to normal and you’ll be extremely satisfied. Serving the Omaha area since 2004.

The sooner we get there, the better. Call Extremely Clean 24/7.

Extremely Clean | www.ExtremelyClean.Com | 402.932.3257 53

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Photos courtesy of Dreamweaver Foundation

LIVING THE

Dream

Dreamweaver Foundation Boots & Buckets 2019 When: September 19, 2019 Where: A View on State

CAPTIONS

Why: Dreamweaver Foundation hosted a celebrations of our dreamers, partners, and six years of fulfilling dreams for seniors with terminal illnesses. Special Guests: Event Chairs Jack and Eldora Vetter Sponsors: Pinnacle Bank, Presenting Sponsor; Carson Group, Vetter Senior Living, AseraCare Hospice, Gunderson’s Jewelers, Home Instead Senior Care, Immanuel Communities, Scheels, Serene Hospice, TD Ameritrade Caterer: A Catered Affair Attendance: 510 Amount Raised: $525,000 For more information: (402) 697-5471 | www.dreamweaver.org

CAPTIONS

Make your event a delicious success. Leave all the event planning details to us so you can enjoy spending time with your guests. · Premiere space for up to 500 · Central location with free parking · Exceptional catering that will impress · Professional, experienced sta · In-house audio/visual services audi

Your details are our specialty.

6450 Pine Street 402.778.6313 scottcenter.com

New Look, New Facilities, Same Great Service

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Photos courtesy of Immigrant Legal Center and Debra S. Kaplan

RECORD

Breaker! Immigrant Legal Center Food Truck World Tour When: October 2, 2019 Where: Metropolitan Community College, Fort Omaha Campus, CAET Building, 5370 North 30th Street ROXANNE WILES AND KRISTIN WILLIAMS

JENEEN SAGON, ESTHER MEJIA, RYAN ELLIS AND JONATHAN TAYLOR

Why: To provide free legal services to low-income immigrants. Caterers: Food Trucks: Maria Bonita (Mexican), Chaima (African), Sweet Lime (Thai), El Arepon (Venezuelan), and Omaha Steaks (American). Dessert included ice cream by Coneflower Creamery and pastries by Rico Pan Bakery. Event Planner: Vic Gutman & Associates Multimedia/Rentals: Midwest Sound and Lighting/United Rent-all Attendance: 500-plus Amount raised: $234,000 (preliminary figure) For more information: (402) 898-1349 | immigrantlc.org

EMILIANO LERDA AND JIM CLEMENTS

ANNETTE AND PAUL SIMON WITH SHANNON AND EMILIANO LERDA

Photos courtesy of Women’s Center for Advancement

TURNING 10! Women’s Center for Advancement tgif! When: Friday, October 4, 2019 Where: Omaha Design Center

AMY RICHARDSON AND JAMALIA PARKER

2019 TRIBUTE TO WOMEN HONOREES: DR. ATHENA RAMOS, GAIL GRAEVE, JESS PATE, SUSAN COURTNEY, DENISE POWELL, ANDREA KATHOL, JAMALIA PARKER, DEB GILG, ANNE HINDERY, AND CINDY GONZALEZ

Why: Supporting the mission of WCA to helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children stay safe and grow strong. Special Guests: Honorary Chairs Shannon and Josh Hite Sponsors: Dianne and Allan Lozier, Adrian and Jon Minks, Susan and Mike Lebens Caterer: Save the Date Multimedia: Dog and Pony Attendance: 350 Amount Raised: $185,000 Mission: WCA assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking and their children achieve immediate safety and lead selfdetermined lives. For more information: (402) 345-6555 | www.wcaomaha.org

SPEAKER LAUREN TAYLOR

DULCE SHERMAN, ESTHER MEJIA, ROBERTA WILHELM, JENEEN SAGON AND MARJORIE MAAS 55

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Photos courtesy of Omaha Performing Arts

SHOWING Off Omaha Performing Arts Stage Party When: September 27, 2019 Where: Holland Performing Arts Center Attendance: 150 Amount Raised: $47,000

BRET AND CASSANDRA HAYS WITH SARA AND SHANE STEPHENSEN

KIRK AND TERESA KELLNER WITH COURTNEY DUNBAR, JEN RUTAR, BRAD DUNBAR AND CHAD RUTAR

Mission: Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) is dedicated to providing the best Broadway, jazz, blues, dance, comedy, family and popular entertainment to the citizens of Omaha at the Orpheum Theater, Holland Performing Arts Center and beyond. As Nebraska’s largest arts organization, we also provide education opportunities and free community events to expand arts appreciation. About: Stage Party celebrated OPA’s upcoming Broadway show Escape to Margaritaville-The Musical. The evening was a tremendous success, raising funds for our education and community engagement programs. Central to O-pa’s mission, these programs encourage all members of the community to fully appreciate and participate in the performing arts.

BEVERLY AND EDWARD BURCHFIELD

event galleries

BRYAN HILL WITH TOM AND KELLEY MAXWELL AND PAMELA BEALL-HILL Photos courtesy of Lolo’s Angels, Inc.

For more information: (402) 345-0202 | www.o-pa.org

HELPING KIDS WITH Cancer Lolo’s Angels, Inc. Lolo’s Angels Oktoberfest 2019 When: October 12, 2019 Where: Hackberry Rd, Fairacres, Omaha

BEN SMITH AND HALLI TRIPE SMITH

THE LEECE FAMILY

Why: To raise money for the new Children’s Survivorship Clinic serving kids with cancer after their cancer treatment. Special Guests: Northwestern Mutual’s Pediatric Cancer Board of Directors’ Kelly Krings and Taylor Brockhaus Sponsors: Northwestern Mutual, David Spence Cancer Fund, The Rensch Group, Nebraska Brewing, Don Carmelos, Kodi Rafting Caterer: Beacon Hills Event Planner: Executive board of Lolo’s Angels Multimedia: Lolo’s Angels promotional video by Goswen Marketing

3 PEDIATRIC AML SURVIVORS: LAUREN (LOLO) HACKER, KREW ANDERSON, GRACE FRY

CAPTIONS 56

Attendance: 100 Amount Raised: $30,000 For more information: (402) 203-739 | lolosangels.org

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Photos courtesy of Outlook Nebraska

DARK

Desserts Outlook Nebraska Vision Beyond Sight Banquet and Dessert in the Dark When: October 18, 2019

MEGAN MACKIE AND CHIP TOWNSEND

ASSOCIATES OF THE YEAR: FAR LEFT, ERIC STUECKRATH; FAR RIGHT, MIKE ANDERSON, BILL MCCALLISTER, PETER J. SALMONS, AARON PETERSON AND MARK PLUTSCHAK

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel Conference Center Why: The event helps fund services and programs available to the more than 15,000 people affected by vision loss in the Omaha area. The proceeds directly benefit Outlook’s Enrichment programs, which deliver a variety of tools, events and clubs that allow participants to try something new or continue doing the things they love, in spite of vision loss. Special Guests: Chip Townsend Event Planner: planitomaha Attendance: 350 Amount Raised: More than $100,000 for Outlook Nebraska’s Enrichment Programs

JAMES HARVEY

ERIC STUECKRATH

Photos courtesy of Partnership 4 Kids

For more information: (402) 614-3331 | outlookne.org

AUTUMN

Ambiance Partnership 4 Kids Hops & Grapes Fall Festival

JOHNNY RODGERS, MEG HAWKS, PAT WEDDLE AND TONY VELAND

DAMIEN CORAN, DR. WARD CHAMBERS, MAKAYLA HOWARD, TERENZA PERKINS, DEANNE HARRIS, AND DEREK LEATHERS

DEANNE HARRIS, TERRI WASMOEN AND MOLLY VERBLE

TIM BURKE AND PAT BURKE 57

When: October 25, 2019 Where: Hilton Downtown Omaha Why: To raise funds for Partnership 4 Kids Special Guests: Husker Football legends Johnny Rodgers and Tony Veland Sponsors: Borsheims; OPPD; Werner Enterprises; Wells Fargo; Dr. Ward and Suzanne Chambers; Burlington Capital; NEST; Enable; Markel; Pinnacle Bank; Davis Erection; Gavilon; McGrath North; Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop, P.C.; Kathleen J. Herrera CPA, LLC; InkIt Marketing; Omni Inventive Care; OBI; SilverStone Group; Dvorak Law Group, LLC, and The Shenanigans Caterer: Hilton Downtown Omaha Attendance: 350 Amount Raised: More than $60,000 Mission: To mentor kids for college today and careers tomorrow. For more information: (402) 930-3000 | www.p4k.org

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event galleries

Photos courtesy of Assistance League® of Omaha

CARING Gifts Assistance League® of Omaha Christmas Caravan Preview Gala When: November 6, 2019 Where: Champions Run and Golf Course

CAPTIONS

Why: Christmas Caravan and the Preview Gala are held each year in support of the Assistance League’s seven philanthropies. The biggest program is Operation School Bell which served the 70,000th child since 1976 during this year’s program. Awards were given to two people for special ongoing contributions to Assistance League: John Heil received the Crystal Bell Award, which is given to an individual who has shown continued support of Assistance League through time, money or in-kind service; Mr. Heil has given legal assistance as a member of the Community Advisors Committee. Mary Espinosa was awarded the Caring Hands Award for her assistance in fostering and organizing high school students to help in serving as translators during Operation School Bell; Ms. Espinosa is a Spanish teacher at South High School. Christian Acosta from Great Western Bank was the guest speaker.

CAPTIONS

event galleries

CAPTIONS

Photos courtesy of Lauritzen Gardens

For more information: nkg1946@cox.net | atgangestad@cox.net

BETTER IN

Time

Lauritzen Gardens Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show When: September 19-22, 2019 Where: Lauritzen Gardens

PIRZADA SATTAR AND FATIMA BASITH

RICHARD NIELSEN, PRIYANKA BORAH, BRUCE FRASIER, AND DEBBIE WOOD

Why: This four-day celebration featured a lineup of renowned designers and tastemakers as keynote lecturers set in the backdrop of the Midwest’s premier botanical garden. Visitors could explore and shop from a wide range of art, furniture, fashion accessories and home décor of the finest quality in the curated booths of nearly 30 antiques exhibitors. Complimentary Antiques & Design Academy sessions celebrated antiques and gave guests the chance to learn from the experts. Caterer: Abraham Catering, The Confectionist, Matt Edwards Fine Foods, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sugar Chic Design Multimedia: Granstand/AAA Rents Attendance: 4,022 Amount Raised: Just over $1,000,000 (record gross revenue) For more information: (402) 346-4002 | omahaantiqueshow.org

FRANK KUBAT, SAM SIFTON, AND ERIC BURDEN

DEBBIE WOOD, CHRISTIAN TORTU, FATIMA BASITH 58

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the information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. aLh Publications, inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

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COMMUNITY calendar

FROM OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PARTNERS!

Complete information for the following events is available at metroMAGAZINE’s SpiritofOmaha.com CALENDAR PAGE or each organization’s website.

FROM THE GIVING GUIDE & EVENT BOOK 2019!

featured

VENTS

Complete information for the following events is available at metroMAGAZINE’s SpiritofOmaha.com CALENDAR PAGE or each organization’s website.

December 3 GiVinG tuESDay, POwErED By SharE OMaha SHARE Omaha Omaha Metro Free | http://GivingTuesday402.org

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

December 4

December 7

PrOJECt ELF Nebraska Children’s Home Society

ChriStMaS EnChantMEnt Children’s Square U.S.A.

December 5, 6

Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home, 1221 N 16th St., Council Bluffs Free | www.childrenssquare.org

aDOPt-a-FaMiLy raDiOthOn The Salvation Army

February 22

December 7

2020 JDrF PrOMiSE GaLa-ViSiOn FOr a CurE JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Chapter

wintEr winE FEStiVaL Nebraska Humane Society

CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St., Omaha $225; $2,500-$15,000 per table (402) 397-2873 | https://jdrf-nebraska.ejoinme.org/gala2020

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 140 Regency Pkwy., Omaha $50 | (402) 905-3483 | www.nehumanesociety.org

March 28

December 7

2020 VinnEBraSKa Omaha Public Schools Foundation

SuGarPLuM BaLL Ava’s Army

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, 3321 S 72nd St., Omaha $175 (531) 299-9452 | https://one.bidpal.net/vinnebraskasaturday/welcome

The Steppe Center, 11730 Peel Cir., La Vista $50 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under, $400 for table of 8 (563) 570-4798 | www.flipcause.com

august 7

December 9 - 11

DanCE FOr a ChanCE: thE rOarinG 20S Youth Emergency Services

SuBStitutE Santa Child Saving Institute

Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St., Omaha $125 per ticket; $1250 per table (402) 345-5187 | www.yesomaha.org

4545 Dodge St., Omaha childsaving.org

December 12 hOLiDay artS hEaLinG COnCErt Opera Omaha UNMC Buffett Cancer Center, Emile St., Omaha (402) 346-7372 | www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-arts-holiday-concert-tickets-69088542691

December 16 LunCh FOr thE GirLS Girls Incorporated of Omaha CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St., Omaha $100 (regular seating); $200 (patron seating) (402) 457-4676 | https://girlsincomaha.org/events/lunch-for-the-girls

January 18 MiDLanDS COMMunity FOunDatiOn 2020 rEFLECtiOn BaLL Midlands Community Foundation Embassy Suites, 12520 Westport Pkwy., La Vista $125 per ticket | (402) 991-8027 | www.midlandscommunity.org 60

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Connect@SpiritofOmaha.com

recruit us TO MAKE YOUR walk/run ONE OF OUR

M.A.D. 25 EVENTS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2019!

DON’T miss!

February 13 aLzhEiMEr’S DiSEaSE: KnOw thE tEn SiGnS Alzheimer’s Association

December 5 EDuCatiOnaL SEMinar: unDErStanDinG aLzhEiMEr’S anD DEMEntia Alzheimer’s Association

Securities America, 12325 Port Grace Blvd., La Vista Free (800) 272-3900 | www.alz.org/crf

First Presbyterian Church, 216 S 34th St., Omaha Free (800) 272-3900 | http://alz.org

april 1 - 2 aiM inFOtEC AIM Institute

December 5 CuratOriaL COnVErSatiOn Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

april 2 aSSurE wOMEn’S CEntEr iMaGinE BanquEt Assure Women’s Center

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St., Omaha Free

CHI Health Convention Center & Arena, Exhibit Hall C, 455 N 10th St., Omaha $45 (402) 390-9700 | www.firststeptolife.com

December 6 EquaL OPPOrtunity Day awarDS LunChEOn Urban League of Nebraska

May 25

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, 222 N 10th St., Omaha $75 (402) 453-9730 | http://urbanleagueneb.org

2020 MEMOriaL Day run-BOyS tOwn natiOnaL rESEarCh hOSPitaL Boys Town National Research Hospital

December 11

Skip Palrang Memorial Fieldhouse, 122 Heroes Blvd., Boys Town $20-$35 (531) 355-6729 | www.memorialdayrun.com

hEaLthy LiVinG FOr yOur BODy anD MinD Alzheimer’s Association

September 26

Southwest YMCA, 13010 Atwood Ave., Omaha Free (800) 272-3900 | www.alz.org/crf

thE aKSarBEn StOCK ShOw Aksarben Foundation

December 11 EDuCatiOnaL SEMinar: unDErStanDinG aLzhEiMEr’S anD DEMEntia Alzheimer’s Association Adams Park Community Center, 3230 John A Creighton Blvd., Omaha Free (800) 272-3900 | http://alz.org

bravo!

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

December 3

January 17

BiG BaD VOODOO DaDDy Omaha Performing Arts

hEaLthy LiVinG FOr yOur BODy anD MinD Alzheimer’s Association

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies (402) 345-0606

Engage Wellness, 730 S 38th Ave., Omaha Free (800) 272-3900 | www.alz.org/crf

December 4

February 1

GOC PrESEntS SyrCL’S wiLD & SCEniC FiLM FEStiVaL Green Omaha Coalition

13th annuaL Max i. waLKEr uLtra ChiC BOutiquE DrESS SaLE Alzheimer’s Association

Aksarben Cinema, 2110 S 67th St., Omaha $15 in advance; $20 at the door; Free for GOC Members (402) 980-2818 | www.greenomaha.org

A View on State, 13467 State St., Omaha Free (402) 558-3677 | www.maxiwalker.com/ultra-chic-boutique/

December 5

February 13 aLzhEiMEr’S DiSEaSE: KnOw thE tEn SiGnS Alzheimer’s Association

OnE FEStiVaL PrEViEw COnCErt Opera Omaha

Securities America, 12325 Port Grace Blvd., La Vista Free (800) 272-3900 | www.alz.org/crf

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 N 18th St., Omaha Free (402) 346-7372 | www.eventbrite.com/e/one-festival-preview-concert-tickets-69075248929 61

mmagazine • DeCemBeR 2019

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COMMUNITY calendar

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

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

bravo!

December 16

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

a DraG quEEn ChriStMaS Omaha Performing Arts Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies (402) 345-0606

December 6 aMEriCan MiDwESt BaLLEt’S nutCraCKEr GaLa American Midwest Ballet

December 20

Orpheum Theater, 409 South 16th St., Omaha (402) 740-3062 | http://amballet.org

MariaChi hErEnCia DE MéxiCO Omaha Performing Arts

December 7 - 8

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

JOyFuL nOiSE: a GOSPEL ChriStMaS Omaha Performing Arts

January 11

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

thE MEt LiVE in hD: wOzzECK Opera Omaha

December 7

Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St., Omaha $10-$24 (402) 346-7372 | https://filmstreams.org/films/wozzeck-berg

Santa GOES tO SPaCE Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

January 14 - 19

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy., Ashland adults $12, children $6 (402) 944-3100 | http://sacmuseum.org

LES MiSéraBLES Omaha Performing Arts Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

December 10 - 15 JESuS ChriSt SuPErStar Omaha Performing Arts

January 15 nFiD OutLanD trOPhy awarD DinnEr PrESEntED By wErnEr EntErPriSES Greater Omaha Sports Committee

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

December 13 hOLLanD PErFOrMinG artS 1200 CLuB-MariLyn MayE PrESEntS thE MErriESt Holland Performing Arts 1200 Club

Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St., Omaha See web site (402) 346-8003 | www.showofficeonline.com

January 17 - February 9

Holland Performing Arts Center-Scott Recital Hall, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies | www.ticketomaha.com

a raiSin in thE Sun Omaha Community Playhouse

December 14

Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha Tickets on sale Nov. 26 (402) 553-0800 | www.omahaplayhouse.com/tickets/

airCraFt ExPLOratiOn Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

January 21

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy., Ashland adults $12, children $6 (402) 944-3100 | http://sacmuseum.org

CirquE MEChaniCS Omaha Performing Arts Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

December 14 airCraFt aDVEnturES: FB-111 Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum

January 30 SquirrEL nut ziPPErS anD thE Dirty DOzEn BraSS BanD Omaha Performing Arts

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy., Ashland adults $12, children $6 (402) 944-3100 | https://sacmuseum.org

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies 62

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• mmagazine

February 1

February 25

February 28 - 29

thE MEt LiVE in hD: thE GErShwinS’ POrGy anD BESS Opera Omaha

ShEn yun 2020 wOrLD tOur-OMaha Omaha Performing Arts

StOMP Omaha Performing Arts

Orpheum Theater, 409 South 16th St., Omaha $80-$165 | (402) 345-0606 | http://ShenYun.com/Omaha

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

February 27

February 29 thE MEt LiVE in hD: aGriPPina Opera Omaha

February 6

BrEtt yOunG with SPECiaL GuESt Matt FErranti Omaha Performing Arts

hOLLanD PErFOrMinG artS 1200 CLuB PrESEntS CurLy Martin & FriEnDS Holland Performing Arts 1200 Club

February 28

Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St., Omaha $10-$24 (402) 346-7372 | https://filmstreams.org/films/the-gershwins-porgy-and-bess

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

Holland Performing Arts Center-Scott Recital Hall, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies | www.ticketomaha.com

hOLLanD PErFOrMinG artS 1200 CLuB PrESEntS StEFOn harriS & BLaCKOut Holland Performing Arts 1200 Club

February 8

Holland Performing Arts Center-Scott Recital Hall, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies | www.ticketomaha.com

rOCKin’ rOSiE The Rose Theater Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, Omaha $150

February 11 EDDiE PaLMiEri aFrO-CariBBEan Jazz SExtEt Omaha Performing Arts Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

February 11 - 16 a BrOnx taLE Omaha Performing Arts Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

February 14 - March 15 natiVE GarDEnS Omaha Community Playhouse Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha Tickets on sale Dec. 10 (402) 553-0800 | www.omahaplayhouse.com/tickets/

February 19 OPEra BOOK CLuB: a thOuSanD SPLEnDiD SunS Opera Omaha The Bookworm, 2501 South 90th St. #111, Omaha Free (402) 346-7372 | www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-book-club-athousand-splendid-suns-tickets-75226076219

February 21 CaMiLLE a. BrOwn & DanCErS Omaha Performing Arts Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

February 28 - March 22 OnCE Omaha Community Playhouse Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha Tickets on sale Jan. 7 (402) 553-0800 | www.omahaplayhouse.com/tickets/

Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St., Omaha $10-$24 (402) 346-7372 | https://filmstreams.org/films/agrippinahandel

March 3 untaMED Omaha Performing Arts Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

March 5 - 8 POttED POttEr-thE unauthOrizED harry ExPEriEnCE-a ParODy By Dan anD JEFF Holland Performing Arts Center-Scott Recital Hall 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

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save the date

COMMUNITY calendar

COnnECt with over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help! Order your copy of the Giving Guide & Event Book 2019 today at metroMAGAZINE’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

March 27 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

bravo!

hOLLanD PErFOrMinG artS 1200 CLuB PrESEntS Gina ChaVEz Holland Performing Arts 1200 Club Holland Performing Arts Center-Scott Recital Hall, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies | www.ticketomaha.com

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

april 3

March 11

a CaPPELLa LiVE! Omaha Performing Arts

thE iLLuSiOniStS Omaha Performing Arts

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha $29-$63 (402) 345-0606 | https://ticketomaha.com/Productions/the-illusionists

april 4 hOLLanD PErFOrMinG artS 1200 CLuB PrESEntS yayEnninGS quartEt Holland Performing Arts 1200 Club

March 12

Holland Performing Arts Center-Scott Recital Hall, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies | www.ticketomaha.com

ChE MaLaMBO Omaha Performing Arts

april 7

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

aLiCE COOPEr with Lita FOrD Omaha Performing Arts

March 13 yELLOwJaCKEtS FEaturinG LuCiana SOuza Omaha Performing Arts

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies (402) 345-0606 | https://ticketomaha.com/Productions/alice-cooper

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

april 9

March 13

artEMiS Omaha Performing Arts

OnE niGht OF quEEn Omaha Performing Arts

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha $24.50-$75

april 11

March 14

thE MEt LiVE in hD: tOSCa Opera Omaha

thE MEt LiVE in hD: DEr FLiEGEnDE hOLLänDEr Opera Omaha

Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St., Omaha $10-$24 (402) 346-7372 | https://filmstreams.org/films/tosca-puccini-1

Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St., Omaha $10-$24 (402) 346-7372 | https://filmstreams.org/films/der-fliegende-hollaender-wagner

april 14 DESiGnED By naturE Omaha Performing Arts

March 14 PEnGuinS Omaha Performing Arts

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

april 15 OPEra BOOK CLuB: thE aDVEnturES OF KaVaLiEr anD CLay Opera Omaha

March 17 - 22

The Bookworm, 2501 South 90th St. #111, Omaha Free (402) 346-7372 | www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-book-club-the-adventures-of-kavalier-andclay-tickets-75226555653

DEar EVan hanSEn Omaha Performing Arts Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St., Omaha Cost varies

april 17 - May 10

March 22

BriGht Star Omaha Community Playhouse

JEannE rOBErtSOn Omaha Performing Arts

Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha Tickets on sale Feb. 18 (402) 553-0800 | www.omahaplayhouse.com/tickets/

Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost varies 64

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