metroMAGAZINE’s APRIL 2020 Issue

0-CVRS-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 1:47 PM Page CVR1

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

cover photo: Light Side photography/Jeremy roSe

connecting our community

•

Spiritofomaha.com

•

apriL 2020

0-CVRS-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 1:47 PM Page CVR2

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 1

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 2

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 3

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 4

in this ISSUE

connecting our community

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

special edition

9

LOOKING UP in southwest iowa

departments/columns

26

GAME CHANGERS • KATHY ENGLISH presented by planitomaha

30

30

connecting to our solutions

34

connecting to our good

SHARE OMAHA lifting up do-gooders

32

OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION omaha giving

33

metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack

34

VW LAW planning matters

35

SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC.

connecting to our people

your money

35

STEPHANIE VONDRAK impact!

events

37

SCENE highlights from recent charity & cultural events

58

SAVE THE DATE upcoming charity & cultural events

connecting to our vision

9 4

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

26

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 5

CRedits aPRiL 2020 • VoL. 32 no. 2 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.o. Box 241611, omaHa, ne 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@spiritofomaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief andrea L. “andee” Hoig

Creative Collaboration elissa Joy debra s. Kaplan

Editor/Creative Director Rob Killmer

omaha Community Foundation Jim scholz

Community Engagement

Kara schweiss

ConneCt@spiritofomaha.com

sHaRe omaha

Special Thanks Printco graphics

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 – 2020 aLH Publications, inc. all rights reserved.

OCTOBER 4 advertise with us...

MAKE THE CONNECTION!

OCTOBER 9

“We have generations of individuals that have passion, and generations that have need.

When those two meet, great relationships occur. metroMAGAZINE and The Giving Guide & Event Book consistently help connect and foster those relationships.” ~ NATE DODGE PResident, nP dodge ComPany

402.932.3522 • CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com 5

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 6

JULY 17

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/17/20 11:05 AM Page 7

words FROM MY HEART

mmagazine • LetteR fRom tHe PubLiSHeR

WE ARE ALL IN THIS together!

Dear Friends, I hope you all are well and safe. What a whirlwind the past six weeks have been!

And to be honest … I am not really quite sure when to begin. So many of us— if not all of us—are being impacted in one way or another by COVID-19. I am not going to write about all the challenges, hardships and heartache COVID-19 is presenting in our community, our nation and around the world. I believe we all understand the challenges and are experiencing them on some level. I do want to offer some inspiration: If there ever was a time to really take a look at Contribution, the time is now.

Contribution can mean so many things. What may first come to mind is a monetary contribution, which is important, but contribution is so much more than that. As I connect with family, friends, colleagues, businesses and nonprofits via social media, I am seeing contribution at its finest.

Neighbors are grocery shopping for the most vulnerable among us and others who can’t get out. Businesses are reinventing themselves to not only stay in business, but to help the community as well. People are stepping up to help those in need and the nonprofits that serve them. We are all reaching out and connecting to others in a way we haven’t done before. The “busy-ness” of our lives has literally come to a stop in one way or another; that is where a whole new level of contribution begins.

andRea L. Hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

What else is possible if we were the gift and the gifted?

As we began working on our April issue, months ago, businesses had not shut down, schools were still open, and people had not yet been instructed to stay home.

As we started to wrap things up the region began shutting down. I hope you enjoy Contribution is a two-way street. We often think of it as giving, but it is also our cover story on an integral part of that region: Southwest Iowa. There are so receiving. We contribute to others when we allow ourselves to receive from them. many great things happening across the river and so many contributions being The world is changing and things will never be the same. Our willingness to made. When businesses open back up and we gladly get back to more normal receive is a huge contribution to our communities and to the planet. activities, consider exploring some of the communities, events and natural features of our neighboring state along with our own. And when you’re ready to engage and reimagine giving back, we’ll be standing by as your source for all the details on upcoming events that support our local nonprofits.

Thank you for all of your contributions to our community!

With Ease & Joy, ~ ANDEE

Create more in 2020! with ANDEE Hoig 7

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

podcast

1-7-LEAD SECTION-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 2:04 PM Page 8

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 9

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

special edition more than ever SOUTHWEST IOWA IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY. THE COMMUNITIES IN THE REGION OFFER AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES AND ATTRACTIONS SUCH AS INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES; A THRIVING PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY; A ROBUST ECONOMY WITH TREMENDOUS SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES; AND AN APPEALING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CITIZENS OF ALL AGES. As Donna Dostal, a resident of the area and President/CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation puts it: “It’s the most amazing time to be living in Southwest Iowa.”

looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

9

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 10

special EDITION

it’s“looking up” Conduit and catalyst The people of Southwest Iowa are generous in their support of the community through numerous foundations and other contributions. Donors often give quietly, not motivated by recognition but by the sincere desire to make the region better for all its citizens.

The Pottawattamie County Community Foundation (PCCF) works with individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits and governmental entities to establish endowment funds and other philanthropic solutions that will benefit the community for future generations.

“

SouthweSt Iowa IS the heart and soul of our amerIcan natIon; the LakIn famILy haS caLLed It home for generations. to emulate the moraLS and vaLueS found here wouLd be an admirable goaL for aLL and the LakIn foundatIon IS fortunate to be In the poSItIon to invest In SouthweSt Iowa.

Bridging the region

“We’re a young community foundation, but we’ve created a landscape or an opportunity to “We’re very fortunate at PCCF to help be the bridge the entire Southwest Iowa region... conduit and catalyst for a great deal of the we’re really good at having the conversation on private philanthropy in the community,” both sides,” she said. “We have two primary PCCF President and CEO Donna Dostal said. objectives: to grow philanthropy throughout “The philanthropic landscape in our the community so we can create the solutions community is very strong.” that are necessary to improve the quality of life A feeling of connectedness spurs much of the across the entire Southwest Iowa region, and the other is to get the right people to the table giving. Although Southwest Iowa isn’t a to create those solutions.” densely populated region, there are many people who live in one place and work in another, so they feel they are part of more than There are numerous examples of exciting and just one community. Also, the region’s compelling projects in the area, like Avoca’s location makes it possible to have ties to both Main Street program combining the best of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and the past and present in its downtown area, Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. including its robust farmers market and autumn Longest Table celebration. Walnut’s “It gives the opportunity to be philanthropic annual Antique Walk over Father’s Day across community lines…I think that is weekend is a big draw, and both Walnut and unique to the Southwest Iowa region,” Dostal Oakland (see Education section) have created said. Where we identify lies between, and we community centers to provide programming also have our own identify as Southwest Iowa: to citizens in town and in surrounding how strong we are, how independent we are communities. Neola’s Lookout Village creates and how tremendously fortunate we are to housing for and supports the aging population. have resources here we can take advantage of Two world-class hospitals, Methodist Jennie that make living and playing and working in Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Southwest Iowa both unique and attractive.”

Council Bluffs, are growing and constantly PCCF brings together multiple entities to help innovating to serve the people of Southwest Iowa. And these are just a few examples. identify not only the region’s needs, but also the most compelling ideas and projects that connect the solutions to the issues, Dostal said. “We’re supportive of all these initiatives,” The foundation also stimulates engagement.

Dostal said.

10

”

~ THE LAKIN FAMILY, CHARLES E. LAKIN FOUNDATION

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 11

STOry by KARA SCHWEISS • PhOTOS PrOviDeD COurTeSy Of POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IOWA WEST FOUNDATION, BUCK CHRISTENSEN, JEREMY ROSE AND LANCE BRISBOIS

• mmagazine

in southwest iowa philanthropy is looking up

education looking up

PETE TULIPANA, PreSiDenT anD CeO Of The iOwa weST fOunDaTiOn AND DONNA DOSTAL, PreSiDenT anD CeO Of POTTawaTTamie COunTy COmmuniTy fOunDaTiOn

IS

it’s looking up

In SouthweSt Iowa

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 12

special EDITION

It’S LookIng up

in southwest iowa

philanthropy •

IOWA WEST FOUNDATION In focuS

“the whole picture” For nearly a quarter oF a century, the Iowa west FoundatIon (IwF) has been synonymous wIth phIlanthropy In southwest Iowa. driven by the vision to create a place where families choose to live and businesses choose to locate because of the quality of life, IwF grants and initiatives can be credited with the spectacular transformation of the southwest Iowa landscape, most notably in its home base of council bluffs. parks. trails. the council bluffs athletic complex. the new ymca. the alwayspacked Iowa west Field house. the soon-to-be-finished Iowa west sports plex. the show-stopping pottawattamie arts, culture & entertainment headquarters (see dr. ted and polly hoff sidebar). the riverfront, which now features a picturesque community building. the mid-america center entertainment district, which now houses a new brewery and soon a new restaurant. west broadway, which now features multiple aesthetic improvements. all of these places and spaces are worth seeing for anyone who hasn’t visited lately, and that’s thanks to more than $500 million in funding from Iowa west Foundation over the years.

primary funding areas: education, healthy families, economic development and placemaking,” said pete tulipana, president and ceo of IwF. recognizing that families desire top-notch educational opportunities, IwF funds the spectrum, from early childhood literacy programs to full scholarship opportunities for six high schools throughout the county with pottawattamie promise to the stars program for adults with children who seek to further their careers through higher education. additionally, IwF’s major commitments to the International baccalaureate programs within two of council bluffs school district’s elementary schools as well as both middle schools has resulted in more demand for enrollment. “our approach looks at the whole picture of the community,” tulipana said. “we lead when we need to lead, but our partners are essential to our efforts. one of those partners includes community members as a whole.” through ongoing listening sessions and an open-door policy, the foundation relies on feedback from residents throughout southwest Iowa to determine what types of investments will result in the kinds of places they want to live.

“I think when you look at how council “our investments are matched at least one- bluffs looks and feels as a community to-one, so in reality, more than one billion today, our residents should be proud of all dollars has been poured into our four that we’ve accomplished together.”

12

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 13

COnTinueD

• mmagazine

philanthropy is looking up

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 14

special EDITION

It’S LookIng up

in southwest iowa

DR. TED AND POLLY HOFF philanthropy • In focuS

pottawattamIe county communIty FoundatIon (pccF) reFers to people lIke dr. ted and polly hoFF as “dIFFerence makers” For theIr commItment to create Impact In the communIty.

“paying it back”

the hoffs were inspired to create endowment funds at pccF in 2013 and 2015 as a way to financially help area nonprofits in a long-term capacity, and to provide scholarship support to area students pursuing a college degree. ted hoff recognized that pccF could help manage and distribute his funds annually to local nonprofit organizations like pottawattamie arts culture & entertainment (pace), an organization which the hoffs feel passionate about considering their longstanding love for plays, symphonies, and the arts culture. the hoffs also express their convictions about the importance of education by granting six college scholarships annually to area students.

“

mr. kIewIt attrIbuted hIS success to

the hoffs said they feel that pccF is vital to council bluffs and southwest Iowa because the foundation can address the needs and challenges that have been identified in our communities. donors can come together and create a culture of philanthropy and service to help organizations and nonprofits thrive.

the Strong work ethIc of hIS

employees that heLped hIm to buILd and grow hIS company. In appreciation, mr. kIewIt wanted to return hIS weaLth to theIr communItIeS through hIS prIvate foundatIon. hIS workforce LargeLy reSIded In the greater omaha

“council bluffs has been so good to us, and supporting the community through pottawattamie county community Foundation is our way of saying thank you,” polly hoff said.

regIon, and IncLuded the communItIeS

”

of southwest iowa.

~ WENDY BOYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PETER KIEWIT FOUNDATION

14

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 15

COnTinueD

• mmagazine

philanthropy is looking up

“

the opening of the Iowa weSt fIeLd houSe haS had a huge Impact on youth SportS In councIL bLuffS and SouthweSt Iowa. the foundatIon’S commitment to SettIng aSIde tIme In the fIeLd

houSe at no cost for youth SportS haS had a tremendous impact on the number of youthS

”

participating In youth SportS programS.

~ ALAN BYERS, GENERAL MANAGER, IOWA WEST FIELD HOUSE

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 16

special EDITION

education is looking up Envisioning Education The young citizens of Southwest Iowa have enjoyed high quality public education in its elementary, middle and high schools for decades, and there are plenty of exciting and innovative opportunities in high school and post-secondary education.

“We have a vision that every student will graduate with a high school diploma and another credential,” said Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

them to that next level,” Murillo said. “They don’t have to wait until they graduate from high school to choose a career field.”

The Certificate Advancement Program (CAP) “focuses on health science and culinary arts,” Murillo said. More than 80 enrolled juniors and seniors this school year spent half-days at IWCC taking courses from school-district teachers in state-of-the-art facilities, she explained. The “stackable credentials” they earn apply toward college-issued certification or associate degrees.

High school students can also earn 24 college credits, essentially their freshman year of college, through school or IWCC-delivered Concurrent Enrollment courses and/or Advanced Placement courses through the College Credit Acceleration Program.

That vision is becoming a reality which positions the district as an education leader in the region. The district’s Plus One Pathways presents multiple options: Early College Academy, TradeWorks Academy, TradeWorks at Iowa Western Community College (IWCC), Best of all, Murillo said, “All of these Certificate Advancement Program at IWCC, opportunities are no cost to the student.” Plus, and College Credit Acceleration Program. students are inspired to pursue further postsecondary education.

Early College Academy students earn an associate degree in arts and sciences or career “We’re exposing them to what it’s like to be on a and technical education simultaneously. With college campus. Research says that once on-campus advising, they attend classes full students get on campus and believe they can time on the IWCC campus but are allowed to get a degree and see themselves finishing that participate in their high school’s activities. program of study, they will,” she said. “We This year, 24 seniors and 25 juniors from both provide good support to them during their of the district’s high schools are enrolled in the junior and senior year, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes we’re seeing program, now in its second year. Eighty-five here in Council Bluffs.” students applied for 25 spots opening up for the 2021-22 school year.

District administrators hoped to reach 50 percent Plus One Pathways participation This year, more than 360 Abraham Lincoln among graduating seniors in 2021, but in 2020, High School and Thomas Jefferson High “we believe we’re already close to that,” Murillo School students were enrolled in the said.

TradeWorks Academy, which introduced them to high-demand career fields in the trades.

Meaningful programs Freshman and sophomores took classes at the IWCC is also a proven leader in educational Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation innovation, said Vice President of Marketing TradeWorks Academy facilities, which opened & Public Relations Don Kohler. in 2019 on both high school campuses, and will be able to move on as juniors and seniors “The board of trustees and administration have to pursue college-level credentials at IWCC. focused their efforts on offering meaningful programs of study that afford our graduates “This has opened up doors for students who the opportunities to excel in their respective really had an interest in a trade, but it’s taking fields of study,” he said. “The college is proud

16

of its accomplishments in adding to the economic vitality of our region.”

IWCC’s Economic and Workforce Development Division also provides valuable training programs for large and small businesses in the region, Kohler said. “Iowa Western works closely with community partners to develop and implement workforce initiatives that help businesses prepare for the future by aligning the workforce system with education and economic development resources.”

As one of the largest employers in the region, IWCC's impact on Southwest Iowa goes far beyond its exceptional academic programs, Kohler added.

“Our staff and students are active in all of the communities we serve, and that translates into an important quality of life component for cities across the region,” he said. “More than 80 percent of community college students remain in Iowa upon completion of their programs, and that is a significant economic benefit to the state.”

Impact Hill is a perfect example of the combination of Southwest Iowa ingenuity and a genuine desire to help families. Kevin and Tara Schechinger and Dean and Rita Schechinger (two brothers and their wives) converted the former Riverside High School in Oakland into a nonprofit educational and recreational center for Pottawattamie County and the surrounding area.

“Our mission at Impact Hill is to provide a safe, positive and welcoming environment for the recreational, educational, social and cultural advancement to all residents,” Kevin Schechinger said. “From our spacious gymnasium to the beautiful and historic auditorium to former classroom spaces, Impact Hill has multiple possibilities to bring the community together.”

Since opening in December 2017, Impact Hill has served over 7,000 people, most of them children and families, from 15 communities in the region.

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 17

COnTinueD

• mmagazine

“transformative” education • In focuS:

rIchard wennInghoff leaves $5 million to the pottawattamie county community Foundation last december, the pottawattamie county community Foundation (pccF) received a $5 million gift, dedicated for scholarships for students in treynor community schools and underwood community schools, to be awarded through the southwest Iowa educational Foundation starting with the graduating class of 2021. wenninghoff was educated in treynor schools and his daughter attended schools in underwood. the bequest from richard wenninghoff was the largest in the foundation’s history.

im ace l p e r

“this gift will open doors that otherwise may have been closed for young people who wish to advance themselves educationally,” underwood superintendent edward h. hawks said.

age

treynor superintendent dr. mark hopkins called the gift “transformative.” “these scholarships will change the lives of our students by dramatically increasing college education opportunities,” he said.

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 18

special EDITION

in southwest iowa

It’S LookIng up

economy •

U.S. BANK In focuS

“community partners” to paint the home of a low-income elderly and/or disabled homeowner. last august, over 30 employees volunteered more than 360 hours we participate in the bank in a over four days to paint the home of school program with locations 84-year-old bob, who lives near inside bloomer elementary school downtown council bluffs. and hoover elementary school. the employees power-washed, primed, branches are made possible through painted and did many repairs on the a partnership between the schools, home. the university of nebraska center for economic education and u.s. u.s. bank is the third-largest bank. the branches introduce the business provider of mentors for the concept of saving money at an early teammates mentoring program, age and building a personal through our community possible financial plan, and increase parent which was founded 27 years ago by giving and engagement platform focused on the areas of work, home involvement in children’s banking tom and nancy osborne to provide and play, we invested $54 million in activities. the support and encouragement usbcdc tax-advantaged youth need to graduate from high investments and $5 million in u.s. each december for the past 30 years, school and pursue post-secondary bank Foundation and corporate the bank has sponsored, through education. teammates is a schoolgiving. In 2019, u.s. bank donated the council bluffs chamber of based mentoring program. $60 million in grants and commerce, an annual teddy bear employees who volunteer spend contributions to nonprofit party. customers and chamber organizations across the country one hour a week during the school and our employees donated members attend and are asked to year with their mentee talking 334,000 hours to their communities. bring with them a new teddy bear, about school, life, goals and which are then donated to several building a relationship that our employees in council bluffs are nonprofit agencies such as the hopefully lasts through high school. especially active in the community. salvation army, boys & Girls clubs, several have participated in the micah house, children’s square u.s. bank bank participates in two leadership council bluffs program. u.s.a., new visions and catholic events celebrating the council bluffs they also serve on multiple boards and committees including council charities. over 200 bears are usually community. each year, we bluffs airport authority, council collected each year. participate in the council bluffs bluffs chamber of commerce, pride parade. many employees teammates council bluffs public each year through the development volunteer their time to take part in schools chapter, leadership council network, employees volunteer for the community parade. employees bluffs alumni association, the omaha/council bluffs paint-aalso participate in council bluffs pottawattamie county community thon. the paint-a-thon is an clean sweep which is a Foundation and children’s square u.s.a. organization that recruits volunteers beautification event during this

u.s. bank has been a proud member oF the councIl bluFFs communIty For 160 years. we currently have Four locatIons In the area and nearly 50 employees. across the entIre state oF Iowa, we have 1,196 employees In 94 locatIons.

here are some examples of how we demonstrate our commitment to the local council bluffs community:

18

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 19

emergIng marketS

COnTinueD

• mmagazine

economic development is looking up

“

at u.S. bank, we wILL purposefully InveSt, engage and

promote economIc opportunItIeS that IncreaSe fInancIaL well-being for IndIvIduaLS and famILIeS to buILd vibrant and equItabLe pLaceS to live, work and play. our future focuS wILL be on improving outcomeS for women, peopLe

”

of coLor and Low-Income communItIeS. same time period. companies are asked to take part in the event by picking up trash along the major thoroughfares in the city. u.s. bank employees always pick up trash around the council bluffs mall branch.

~ MARCOS HERNANDEZ, VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MANAGER

“

I’ve been fortunate to caLL councIL bLuffS my home for over

40 yearS. I waS born and raISed here and am now raISIng my famILy here. I came to work for u.S. bank after coLLege and after witnessing how integrated the bank waS In the

For the last several years, u.s. bank has participated in the annual polar plunge at lake manawa.

community, I knew I had found the rIght empLoyer. u.S. bank IS involved In So many LocaL actIvItIeS, including

additionally, u.s. bank supports many organizations in the community through Foundation grants and corporate sponsorships. we sponsor children's square u.s.a., Jennie edmundson hospital Foundation, micah house, heartland Family service, muscular dystrophy association, chI health mercy hospital, register’s annual Great bicycle ride across Iowa, council bluffs symphony Guild, council bluffs habitat for humanity, council bluffs schools Foundation, and the 712 Initiative and their rock the block program.

councIL bLuffS, juSt to name a few.

SM

teammateS , bank In a SchooL, paInt-a-thon, and LeaderShIp

our empLoyeeS volunteer on So many LocaL boardS and actIvItIeS, the bond between the bank and the community contInueS to get stronger every year. throughout the changeS In the market and my career at the bank, the one

constant haS been u.S. bank’S continued Support and involvement In councIL bLuffS and the SurroundIng area.

it’s looking up

”

~ KEVIN STULL, COUNCIL BLUFFS MARKET PRESIDENT

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:10 PM Page 20

special EDITION

emergIng marketS

economic development is looking up Setting the course Large and small businesses all over Southwest Iowa are flourishing with the support of various partnerships and initiatives. paula hazlewood, the executive director for advance Southwest Iowa, said her organization is part of a regional economic development initiative known as the greater omaha economic development partnership and serves as the economic development arm for pottawattamie county. “we are a progressive economic development organization with a focus on growing the economy. our existing and future businesses are our number-one focus. we utilize an internal project management model that focuses on the business’s priorities to set the course for the assistance that we provide,” she said. “partnerships are key to our success and we work with the city of council bluffs, pottawattamie county, the Iowa west foundation, local lending institutions and real estate brokers on a daily basis. we also enlist the assistance of the Small business development center at Iowa western community college and the Iowa economic development authority to provide assistance while working with our clients.”

In 2019, advance Southwest Iowa directly assisted over 90 companies with many of the projects extending into 2020; 15 of those companies expanded and/or located in pottawattamie county in 2019. Some of those projects include establishing council bluffs’ first microbrewery, full fledged brewing company; working with omnitel to bring fiber optic internet into carson, Iowa; connecting good flour confections to the kitchen council, the region’s only food start-up incubator; and supporting cyrusone’s efforts to building a new data center facility at South point business park II in council bluffs.

“Southwest Iowa is and has always done well based on the diversity of our business environment. we are fortunate to have a robust existing business base that spans every industry

vertical and business size and we continue to attract new businesses based on our exceptional geographic location,” hazlewood said. “we are optimistic that Southwest Iowa will continue to grow with the majority of the growth coming from our existing businesses and primarily in the technology, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics sectors.”

activities will include a workforce manager dedicated to this effort, regular employerhosted ‘Lunch-n-Learns’ with professional development and shared learning, and community-wide ‘best places to work’ survey, work ready community designation, and workLab Innovations.”

heartland properties Inc.’s co-owners jason james and mark hanwright said the council hazlewood said Southwest Iowa is a compelling bluffs and Southwest Iowa market offers many region for business growth. assets and opportunities for investors, residents and visitors.

“It is my opinion that cooperation and partnerships are what what sets Southwest Iowa apart. by nature we are honest, we want to see “right now, it seems like council bluffs is at a people and businesses prosper, and we’re always tipping point, and there are many good things in motion. our leaders are making major willing to lend a helping hand to make that investments throughout the community, and happen…we will roll up our sleeves, rally the developers are starting to take notice of projects troops and do everything we can to help you like our west broadway redevelopment and the resolve a problem or achieve your dreams,” she said. “through data and demographics, we can plans for the 1st avenue corridor,” they said. easily show the reasons to invest in Southwest “the city and county are stepping up to Iowa but it really comes down to our authentic incentivize developers with tIf (tax increment financing) options, and groups like the council intentions and our actions.” bluffs Industrial foundation are working to joanie poore, a board member for the council ensure that there are plenty of shovel-ready bluffs area chamber of commerce, said the development sites for new businesses that want organization recognizes the importance of a to break into the metro area. big companies strong workforce. that are already here are reinvesting in their operations and expanding, and newer major “employers throughout council bluffs and investors such as google have put council Southwest Iowa have expressed workforce bluffs on the map for other large corporations concerns to include recruitment, retention, to give us serious consideration.” technical skills, soft skills, transportation and childcare. In 2019, the council bluffs area james and hanwright tout shorter commutes, chamber of commerce worked closely with a lower property taxes and a great quality of life variety of employers to develop an ideal as additional advantages of living in workforce ecosystem,” she said, adding that the Southwest Iowa. initiative was supported by the Iowa west foundation. “because of this our existing housing stock is rapidly appreciating, we are seeing older areas “the ecosystem will focus on recruitment, retention, developing a work-ready community, of town become revitalized, and our small businesses are thriving,” they said. “buyers are internships/apprenticeships, trades, employee finding that they can get an amazing older engagement, etc. the ecosystem will also home with tons of character within walking collaborate with existing social service distance of great community events like the providers to identify and deploy interventions farmers markets, bike nights, live music and so addressing social determinants that prevent workforce readiness and retention. Specific much more.”

Regional appeal

20

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:11 PM Page 21

It’S looking up In SouthweSt Iowa

COnTinueD

• mmagazine

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:11 PM Page 22

special EDITION

It’S LookIng up

in southwest iowa

“

the rIverfront IS a unique aSSet wIth huge potential for economIc development In councIL bLuffS. the offIce buILdIng IS a fantastic pIece of archItecture and wIth the addItIon of houSIng, waLkabLe StreetS and aLL the outdoor amenities, rIver’S edge wILL Soon be a pLace where both LocaL famILIeS and out-of-town vISItorS can gather to

”

enjoy aLL thIS LIveLy urban Space haS to offer.

“

~ JAY NODDLE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NODDLE COMPANIES

1St avenue wILL be a unique ‘front door’ experIence that unites the communIty and

enhances quaLIty of LIfe wIth the mISSIon to improve the quaLIty of LIfe In downtown councIL bLuffS. the heaLth and wellness for IndIvIduaLS and famILIeS In councIL bLuffS IS the prImary focuS for the revitalization of 1St avenue.

”

~ ANGIE PHILLIPS, MARKETING DIRECTOR, KNUDSON PROPERTIES

“

currentLy, the cIty IS workIng on conStructIon pLanS to buILd a two-mILe-Long traIL through the corrIdor that wILL heLp to connect downtown omaha wIth downtown

councIL bLuffS....the cIty IS (aLSo) workIng wIth developers now on two SIteS In the corrIdor that wouLd IncLude over 260 dwelling unItS and over $68 million In InveStment wIth the

”

future 1St avenue aS the centerpiece of tranSportatIon and recreatIon.

~ BRANDON GARRETT, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF COUNCIL BLUFFS

22

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:11 PM Page 23

COnTinueD

• mmagazine

quality of life is looking up “all of these things can be developed across county lines and jurisdictional areas and really Southwest Iowa’s natural features make the build out an area that’s waiting to meet the region perfect for a variety of recreational tremendous growth that’s coming from the activities like biking and camping, but the metro area,” franks said. “our biggest natural beauty of the region enhances the appeal of its feature is the Loess hills. It’s this expansive communities as great places to live and raise a landform that stretches along the west coast of family.

Iowa and the only other place you would find michelle wodtke franks, the executive director this in the world is in the yellow river region of china. a lot of people don’t realize how for golden hills resource conservation & beautiful it is. most of the remnant prairies in development (rc&d), said her organization works to protect natural resources and support Iowa are in the Loess hills. we believe if people can interact with the amazing natural asset rural placemaking. they’ll be more likely to value and protect it.” “most everything we do is regional in scope and collaborative in nature. we believe that the best other areas of interest for the organization ideas come from a local place, so we are really besides rural placemaking and conservation are interested in helping local communities in rural flood resiliency and water quality, promoting Southwest Iowa move forward things they tourism and travel including ecotourism and believe are best for their communities,” she said. agri-tourism opportunities, assisting communities through grants and administrative visitors don’t typically discover rural support, and fostering community engagement. communities organically since most are off the main thoroughfares, so it’s important to create the 712 Initiative is aimed at improving the attractions. for instance, a fall art tour started economic vitality in redevelopment areas up in 2015 with 15 artists in four towns now through investments in the built environment, involves more than 90 artists in 12 communities activating public spaces and delivering including council bluffs, red oak, programs that increase social engagement and Shenandoah, macedonia and harlan; its annual healthy lifestyles, chief executive officer Sheryl economic impact is approaching $200,000. garst said. the organization serves as council bluffs’ lead placemaking agency, developing “the trends that I’ve seen, especially for the rural innovative solutions to strengthen the city’s communities that kind of horseshoe around around the (omaha-council bluffs) metro area, downtown and west broadway areas to is a recognition that even though agriculture is improve housing conditions, encourage healthy still driving our economy in this area, towns are lifestyles and make the city a destination for both residents and visitors. also looking at other economic drivers and

Unique and beautiful

other ways they can preserve their history and entice new families to move to their communities,” franks said. “they’re taking a second look at what they have.” another project is building out an outdoor recreation infrastructure driven by trail development, camping, hiking, bicycling and other activities, she said.

“the national trend we’re seeing is geared toward placemaking and intertwining redevelopment in our urban core with events and programs to activate those public spaces. It creates a synergy and strong heartbeat for any community,” garst said. “we follow carefully project for public Spaces’ ‘the power of 10+’ for a vibrant district or block at the 712.”

it’s looking up

IN SOUTHWEST IOWA

a farmers market and a 114-unit mixed use development near historic bayliss park are among the power of 10+ elements that are helping revitalize the area, she said. “those 10 items are layered on to create synergy. our farmers market is unique in that it’s not just a market with vendors, but it has a wellness activity like yoga in the park, music, and children’s activities to create that layered synergy, and it’s absolutely charming with the backdrop of the historic town square.” that area, she said, “is the front entrance to our downtown, so it’s going to give a sense of activity for that missing piece to our downtown corridor.” housing revitalization efforts are helping ensure council bluffs and smaller communities in the areas are lovely places to raise young families, she added. “what’s old is new again and multi-generations are choosing to come back home to neighborhoods in the urban core. they want the experience, not the square footage, and council bluffs and the Southwest Iowa market is the perfect pleasantville of the 1950s and 60s,” garst said. “It has high architectural design from the turn of the century, walkable neighborhoods, and access to trails, events, programs and entertainment.”

She also speaks from personal experience. a mother of three children under age 11, garst said everything she needs is within a few miles of her council bluffs neighborhood. “I find this area very accessible,” she said. “you have the perfect combination of a small community with big amenities and very affordable lifestyle to achieve our american dreams.”

COnTinueD

9-24-SE-PCCF-420.qxp_REDO!! 4/16/20 2:11 PM Page 24

special EDITION

It’S LookIng up

in southwest iowa

COUNCIL BLUFFS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU quality of life • In focuS

“learning more” southwest Iowa Is a unIque portIon oF the state that has a rIch hIstory, breathtakInG natural landscapes, and lIvely entertaInment dIstrIcts that provIde one-oF-a-kInd experIences For vIsItors and resIdents alIke. the railroad has had major impacts on southwest Iowa. In 1864, president lincoln designated council bluffs as “mile Zero” for the eastern terminus of the transcontinental railroad. this decision has created countless stories that are the root of the city’s rich heritage. the union pacific railroad museum is a great display of the area’s unmatched railroad history. the council bluffs museum draws railroad fans and history lovers from across the nation to celebrate and commemorate the role railroads have had on american history. the annual railroad days event held the second full weekend in July celebrates all things railorad and incorporates attractions in both omaha and council bluffs. the loess hills, which were formed after the last ice age, are steep, rolling bluffs that stand in great contrast to the flat farmlands of the midwest. these hills provide unparalleled outdoor recreation with great opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, bicycle riding and much more. hitchcock nature center is one of the best places to appreciate the

uniqueness of the hills, especially during the monarch butterfly migration each year, and visitors to the annual hawkwatch can see raptors from a 45-foot tower that sits atop a 250-feet high hill. the 100 block in council bluffs is a vibrant entertainment district that is home to many unique local restaurants and bars and provides an excellent destination for nightlife activities. special events like bike nights, blocktober Fest, and the shamrock shuffle keep the block lively year-round. to learn more about these events and amenities, visit unleashcb.com. It serves as a hub for what’s happening in council bluffs and pottawattamie county with more than 1,200 events annually.

CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTNER/SOURCE

24

mmagazine • SPeCiaL eDiTiOn 2020

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:14 PM Page 25

give a gift that makes a difference.

SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE 3 POSITIVE IMPACT PUBLICATIONS 6 ISSUES OF metroMAGAZINE’S bi-monthly, PLUS

The Event Book & Giving Guide & 101 Things to Love about the metro™ 12 months of inspiring, engaging and impactful content that connects YOU

with the charitable & cultural organizations and businesses

making a difference in our community!

! y it n u m m o c r u o t c e n we con 1

4

36 8 7 232568 1 215 7 1

21 34

™

BLUFFS | SARPY COUNTY OMAHA | COUNCIL

!

R E H T E G O T 31 s i h t ! n 25

3 48 0 2 9 5 4 5 67 62 4 1776 83 58 92 95

i d e e t r c a e n n We o C u make the connection! o Y ! g n d i e p r i p s Kee n I d SPECIAL OFFER n a * us food great shopping, fabulo An Insider's Guide to a metro area. in the greater Omah and fun things to do

SHOPPING • DINING

• ATTRACTIONS

ings2Love.com

2019/20 Edition • 101Th

only $39.95

save over 60%!

START YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!

GO TO: WWW.SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

Click the subscribe link just under the METRO MAGAZINE tab at SpiritofOmaha.com and select NEW SUBSCRIPTION Or mail your check for $39.95 to: ALH Publications, INC. / PO Box 241611/ Omaha, NE 68124

26-29-GAMECHANGERS-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:20 PM Page 26

game CHANGERS

“

• presenTed by

people

IT’S THE PART OF NURSING THAT ALWAYS TO ME AND I PART THINK THAT’S A OF MY ROLE TODAY.”

appealed

huge

”

~ KATHY ENGLISH

Kathy English enjoyed living in Texas and had modest expectations 29 years ago when she accepted an offer to interview for a medical position in Omaha. Today she’s an executive at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center during an exciting period of growth, and Omaha feels like home.

KATHY ENGLISH 26

mMagazine • apriL 2020

26-29-GAMECHANGERS-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:20 PM Page 27

sTOry by KARA SCHWEISS | pHOTOgrapHy by JIM SCHOLZ

• mMagazine

KATHY ENGLISH was on a safari last year when she found out some interesting facts about zebras. “the guide said zebras thrive because they act like a team, they look out for each other and warn each other when there’s danger, and they gather around their young,” she said. it’s fitting that those particular qualities appealed to english, who serves children’s hospital & medical center as executive vice president, chief operating officer (coo) and chief nursing officer (cno). she also has a couple of pictures of zebras in her office. “i came back to hospital and said, ‘we’re going to be zebras,” she said. “and the best part of it is that a group of zebras is called a ‘dazzle.’ isn’t that cool?” english joined children’s in 1991 as cno, and she came to the position with significant experience in direct patient care. “i have spent my whole career in children’s hospitals,” she said. “when i graduated from nursing school i went right to the children’s hospital in fort worth (texas) and was there for 15 years. i started as a nurse on the 11-to-7 shift on the adolescent unit, and when i left i was the assistant vice president for patient care.” it was hard to leave the facility where she’d launched her career, english said, but after 15 years it was time to stretch her wings and experience another organization, with one stipulation: it had to be a children’s hospital. when the one in omaha called, english hadn’t interviewed in years and looked forward to the experience being “good practice.” she wasn’t counting on anything coming of it, but instead of merely wooing her, omaha’s children’s hospital wowed her.

people-centered PRESENTS

game changers

• KATHY ENGLISH

COnTinued

26-29-GAMECHANGERS-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:20 PM Page 28

game CHANGERS

• presenTed by

people-centered “I just fell in love with it, with the culture and the mission and the fact that Children’s, although a smaller hospital than the one in Texas, was partnering with two medical schools here in town and that made practice really leading-edge,” she said.

English had grown up in several states due to her father’s job as a corporate troubleshooter, but she had fully expected to make Fort Worth her forever home.

“In my experience the sense of community and commitment of the people of Fort Worth is a lot like Omaha,” she said. “People were mortified when I said I was moving to Omaha. People don’t leave Texas.”

Her Texas visitors have had great things to say about Omaha, though, English said. And she’s happy here.

“Omaha sure feels like home now,” she said, adding with a chuckle: “I knew I had lived in Omaha long enough when I would call back to the children’s hospital in Fort Worth and I noticed when they answered the phone that they could get three syllables out of ‘Chi-il-dren’s.’”

all about kids Children’s Hospital (“& Medical Center” was added to its name in 2009) was still contained within Methodist Hospital when English joined the team.

years, English has seen the hospital grow “That brings the best of my clinical skills and the best of my business skills together to create a balance considerably. “We’ve had lots of facility expansion since then. We’ve added an ambulatory care center between best business practices and care for the patient,” she said. English now oversees nursing, and now we’re adding the Hubbard Center for patient care services, clinical and diagnostic services, Children,” she said. and facilities and support.

The nine-story, cutting-edge Hubbard Center for Children is expected to expand the regional scope of “We have a great team,” she said. “I’m genuinely passionate about providing the best and highest pediatric healthcare when it opens next year. care for children, and people see that. They know English and her team are already working on the that passion about what’s right for kids is at the 1000-plus item task list to be move-in-ready, center of my decision-making, it’s at the center of checking off items from equipment installation to the way I lead my team, it’s at the center of the establishing policies and procedures. expectations I set for where we’re going. They respond, in turn, to that.”

English said as pleased as she is with Children’s world-class facilities, she holds the hospital’s staff in She added, “When you’re working with a team who higher esteem. shares your values and you’re in a culture where you feel free to take risks, I think that that allows you to “The proud moments are about the team, the contribute fully and to do your best. I’m lucky to environment and the quality of care we give the have found that match. I do have an amazing team kids,” she said. “When the initial Best Places to Work of visionary and energetic and committed leaders started in Omaha, we were one of them. It’s our who are right there making things happen all the quality outcomes that get recognized nationally as time. I just have to get out of the way.” some of the top in the country. ‘Magnet’ is a quality and safety designation that’s given through a English said she values employees’ individual national onsite survey by the American Nurses strengths and unique contributions.

Credentialing Center. It signifies that you’ve developed a culture and a work environment that’s “We need to pay attention to everyone who has desirable, a magnet for nurses who want to practice something to say and help them find their voice,” their profession in an empowered way. We’ve been she explained. “That’s inclusion, and if Children’s can designated ‘Magnet’ three times and we’ll go for our be inclusive in that holistic way, we’ll be better.” fourth this year. Less than nine percent of all hospitals worldwide are Magnet-recognized, and People-centered only 14 percent of those 509 hospitals have English is a Fellow of American College of Health achieved the designation four times.”

Care Executives, in the Sigma Theta Tau

“We were a pediatric hospital caring exclusively for children, but we were doing so in an adult hospital,” she said. “The first (career) highlight for me was the move to our own independent facility, in 2000, that was built just for kids. It really made a statement best practices, best care about their unique healthcare needs, and I believe It’s not a given that medical executives have patient you walk in and you just know that this is a place and this is a group of people that are all about kids.” care experience. English, who has both a nursing degree and an MBA, oversaw a CNO for a time in the COO was added to English’s title in 1993, reflecting early 2000s, but CNO was added back in to her own her increased focus on operations. In the last 20 title as her responsibilities broadened and shifted.

28

International Honor Society of Nursing, and active with the international Children’s Hospital Association made up of self-governing, not-forprofit pediatric hospitals. She also serves as an international consultant for the Joint Commission, the national accrediting body for healthcare organizations, advising healthcare providers in

mMagazine • apriL 2020

26-29-GAMECHANGERS-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:20 PM Page 29

• mMagazine

KATHY ENGLISH

“

I DO HAVE AN amazing TEAM OF VISIONARY AND ENERGETIC AND committed LEADERS WHO ARE RIGHT THERE MAKING THINGS happen ALL THE TIME.”

“

~ KATHY ENGLISH nebraska sTaTe senaTOr

European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries on elevating their standard of care to U.S. levels.

English has outlived her parents and siblings, but considers her “fabulous network of close friends” to be her family of choice. In the early 2000s, she found herself unexpectedly raising a teenager.

“It combines my passion for travel with my passion for healthcare,” she said. “I want to continue to know and understand healthcare all over the world.” “When my sister passed away I became guardian to my 15-year-old niece and 18-year-old nephew who English informally mentors staff as part of her had lived in Jacksonville, Florida. My nephew was everyday duties at Children’s and also makes time to off to college but my niece needed to move to serve the community.

Omaha to live with her aunt in a city she had never been to,” she said. “That was a wonderful learning “What attracted me to Omaha in the first place is experience for me in terms of including a teenager that it is such a tight-knit and supportive into my life and my routine and a learning community. The community sets the framework that we all live and thrive and grow together in. So experience for her as well… And for a while it was harder to do than helping to lead a hospital. I had to we have to give back to the community,” she said. rebalance my life and learn all those things that had “It’s not a surprise that I have an affinity for childnever been part of my world.” serving agencies. Right now I serve on the community advisory committee for Youth Frontiers and am on the board of Completely KIDS. English’s niece and nephew are still close to her.

Historically, I’ve been part of JDRF, March of Dimes, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Center for “They come and spend holidays with me and we’re Human Nutrition, and Grief’s Journey.” our own new nuclear family,” she said. “It turned out pretty well.”

Everything she does is “people-centered,” she said.

“People ask me if I miss direct patient care, and what I really loved about that was interacting with the children and their families. I’ve moved that now to interacting with staff and our leadership,” she explained. “It’s the people part of nursing that always appealed to me and I think that’s a huge part of my role today.”

PRESENTS

And working in Omaha has turned out pretty well, too.

“My career has never really had a prescribed path with milestones to get to next level,” she said. “It has been about continuous learning and growth and working to be better today than I was the day before.”

game changers

• KATHY ENGLISH

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 crazy-talented event team works from new york to la and everywhere in the middle.

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:16 PM Page 30

Marjorie M. Maas, SHARE Omaha executive director

lifting up do-gooders

• share omaha

A COUPLE OF CONNECTORS: abby jares • turner morgan Who is a do-gooder? Either you are one, or you know a few. SHARE Omaha defines do-gooders as those who see a need and do good for others or the community; those who raise their hands to help when a crisis or challenge arises around them; and those who regularly prioritize this good work, even in the light of personal sacrifice.

SHARE Omaha tells stories of volunteers, donors and general do-gooders regularly on our blog at SHAREomaha.org, and with this column we seek to act as a megaphone for those making our community and metro area better. These dogooders could be individuals, businesses, families or nonprofit organizations.

Loving the community and each other Married couple and high-school sweethearts Abby Jares and Turner Morgan of Council Bluffs welcomed me to the interview as if I were their guest, their hospitable nature evident in their questions regarding my background and their interest in SHARE Omaha. I was lucky to pivot the talk to their interests, passions and thoughts on their community.

Jares serves as development officer for CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs and Morgan is the neighborhood coordinator for The 712 Initiative. Both have fashioned careers out of making, maximizing and leveraging connections for the community’s good.

Creatively connecting Jares and Morgan were creative writers at heart through college; pivoting their strengths toward the community seems to have come organically for them.

Morgan said, “It took me a while to understand that being creative wasn’t just writing or making music or sketching things out. It was, ‘How do you bring people together? How do you make something from nothing? How do you build a house together? How do you be creative about solutions in our community?’That’s creativity, too!”

Through her fundraising work, Jares discovered early on that it’s helpful to learn about other nonprofits in her work, as a potential donor may have interests beyond what she represents. Connecting donors to other nonprofits for the greater good is important and spurs thinking about the community holistically. Jares noted she takes pleasure in “knowing and cataloging what nonprofits in this area do and then pointing people toward those to magnify their impact.”

The couple said they realize they are both in really unique positions: Jares sees the impact of some of the donations that come in, and Morgan affects neighborhood dynamics through his work. Jares said of their careers, “For us both to be able to see you are improving your community…the difference a hospital, a donor, organizations and neighbors are making is motivating and keeps us coming back.”

She added, “Especially for Turner; he is an action-oriented person.”

Morgan added that he feels satisfaction, “helping [neighborhoods] through their problems or be creative with what they want to do…I enjoy helping other people’s dreams come true for their neighborhood.”

30

Bringing the connections home In addition to Morgan’s work growing neighborhood spirit through his position at The 712 Initiative, he and Jares and their young son J.J. live in Council Bluffs’ Gibraltar neighborhood. The couple believe in fostering marjorie m. maas a spirit of belonging. Morgan summarized, “in an age of such disconnectedness, I want people to be connected in their place. When you’re at home, you don’t have to represent yourself and can love each other for that, no facade or guard up.”They both noted the desire to be comfortable where you live, trusting that you’re seen and heard because you’re invested in that place.

The reverence they have for each other is palpable. Jares noted of her husband, “He’s a cheerleader, compassionate, and morals first.” Morgan indicated that his credibility often comes easily because of his connection to Jares and that, “Oh, I love Abby!” is usually what people say when they find out he is married to her.

Wishes for the community For Council Bluffs and the metro area, Morgan articulated his wish and hope that decisionmakers can see value in neighborhoods or small groups advocating from the ground up. He would like to see that a swell of individuals, families or neighborhood members are seen as equals in discussions around economic development. Working and living should both hold weight as communities grow.

Jares said she feels lucky to have landed in their neighborhood and chosen Council Bluffs, and both she and her husband feel that sense of place can matter as their family and the next generation decides where to invest their livelihoods. They want to see the people who grew up in Council Bluffs stay, work and make it better.

Beyond the Gibraltar Neighborhood Association, both are involved with Impact CB’s young professionals events committee and Jares is devoted to the Friends of the Library in Council Bluffs. She ended our time saying how Council Bluffs is a place where if you want to get connected and involved, people want to help you accomplish goals. What better encouragement from a pair of connectors to invest in their community?

Who are your do-gooders?

We bet you can think of people like Jares and Morgan: people who are devoted to the community and are magnetic in their ability to bring others along. Tell us!

Shoot an email to info@shareomaha.org or find us on social media. SHARE Omaha exists to be a conduit between nonprofit needs and public doing good.

The best ways, we think, to spur that action is to inspire through telling stories of do-gooder actions and emphasizing that tiny acts of goodness add up to a healthy and engaged community.

THE CORONAVIRUS greatly impacts the nonprofit work that benefits all of us and is vital to the strength of our community. Canceled fundraisers, events, concerts and programs mean charitable causes must now look for new ways to meet their budget needs and carry out their missions.

Without your help, many nonprofits face hard decisions for the future of serving our vulnerable neighbors. You can make a difference at

SHAREomaha.org/COVID19 mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

Photos courtesy of SHARE Omaha and Steve Lustgarten

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:16 PM Page 31

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:16 PM Page 32

Kali Baker, Vice President of Community Investment

omaha giving

• omaha Community Foundation

WE are omaha gives!

We’re all seeking connections: more ways to come together with family, friends, neighbors and strangers. What better way to unite as a community than during the eighth annual Omaha Gives! on May 20?

As we reflect on the past seven years of giving days, we’ve learned a lot. This giving day has grown, not only in terms of the number of nonprofits participating (206 percent growth) or the dollars raised (which will soon surpass $50 million), but also in terms of how we as a community can converge to think about philanthropy.

Omaha Gives! is a day of celebration, but at its core, it’s a day to think about coming together as a community, of joining hands (and hashtags), and declaring that we want to support and lift up the hundreds of nonprofits who are doing incredible, impactful work in Omaha and throughout southwest Iowa.

It’s a day to ensure that everyone can participate, whether they can give one dollar or one thousand, whether they’ve never given to a nonprofit before, or whether their giving has transcended generations.

Omaha Gives! doesn’t happen without the thousands of donors who give, the hundreds of nonprofits who participate, and the tens of thousands of residents who are impacted by the work.

CARE for your community We’re stronger when we come together as a community. And when we give together—no matter the amount—the impact is larger. Because collectively we are saying that we believe in the work of our nonprofit community to deliver necessary programs and services that are helping our most vulnerable populations. And we believe that together we can grow a more equitable and vibrant region. During Omaha Gives! we invite you to think about why

32

you love this community and what part you can play to show how much you care.

CONNECT with new nonprofits Omaha Gives! is an opportunity to give to your favorite nonprofits, but just as importantly, to find new ones to love and support. Our work at the Omaha Community Foundation is kali baker focused on serving as a connector of community philanthropic resources. On May 20, we invite you to explore and learn more about the hundreds of nonprofits who are working throughout our three-county region. Think about what moves you: having a vibrant neighborhood, ensuring all kids are safe, enjoying local arts and music, or providing health services to those most in need. There are nonprofits fulfilling all of these needs and much more.

CELEBRATE local nonprofits This day is about recognizing the amazing work of our nonprofits and championing their year-round efforts to provide programs and services across the region. Nonprofit work is hard, and the nearly 1,000 nonprofits that participate in Omaha Gives! depend on donors of all sizes in this region to make sure the work they’re doing is meaningful, valuable, and can be sustained. When we set out to create Omaha Gives! we wanted to celebrate these efforts, rally the community together around giving, and have a lot of fun. We’re excited to amp up the fun-factor this year and invite you to do the same. Attend an event, throw a party, get your kids involved—celebrate this amazing community while having fun.

So on May 20, we invite you to meet us online at OmahaGives.org or by following #OmahaGives. Join us because you care, you want to connect, and you’re ready to celebrate. But most importantly, join us because, together, We are OG!

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:16 PM Page 33

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.

WHAT HAS covid-19 TAUGHT US ABOUT resilience?

In late February, I was enjoying an unusual latte at Goddess and theARE Baker A in LOT Loving THERE OF kindness QUALITIES THAT MAKE GOOD LEADERS. Love and kindnessCAN really matters.

Everyone is afraid of getting sick, dying, Chicago. I was in Chicago to speak at Women of Legal Tech and met my law clerk PRACTICING MINDFULNESS CULTIVATE THESE QUALITIES. knowing someone who dies, losing a job, losing a house, losing the life they know. afterward for the latte. Ten days later, I was home in Omaha cancelling a trip to all. I typed up the New York City to watch Creighton play in the Big East tournament. Days later, I had Loving kindness is adopting benevolent affection towards~ William Shakespeare taken my law office mostly remote and was working endless hours to help people loving kindness meditation and printed out multiple copies of it and put it all around me so that I could simply see it. For COVID-19, I wrote the following short navigate the COVID-19 crisis. During the first week, I was nearly in tears after and easy version: “May all be healthy. May all find calm. May all be safe.” almost every call. The first week was layoffs and the whole world wanting healthcare powers of attorney and wills in place yesterday. The second week was Meditation business after business closing or in disarray and healthcare workers and COVIDShortly before COVID-19, I had made a spare bedroom into a meditation room.

19 patients asking for their estate plans to be in order immediately.

That room turned into a mask-making room and COVID-19 supplies room. All that took a lot away from the meditation feature. I did reorganize the room so I can use Despite many years of meditation, mindfulness, coaching, and commitment to it to meditate but more importantly, I printed out “JUST BREATHE” signs and healthy living, I found my own tolerance for stress and resilience tested to its placed them in circles (six feet apart) on my path from my home office to the capacity. In the first few weeks, it wasn’t lack of willingness to engage in my kitchen and the restroom to encourage me to practice mindfulness when I take a longstanding practices; it was lack of time. My phone started to ring in the wee brief break. hours and continued all day, every day. There was just no way I was going to turn away any caller. I asked all that I could of myself and those who worked with me Stay connected to try and support people trying to find their way through this nightmare. Given I spend a good part of each day right now on emergency Zoom conferences and my life partner is an infectious disease physician and I represent numerous Microsoft Teams conferences with my remote crew. The first time friends wanted healthcare clients, I heard the issues on the front line on a daily basis. me to do a “fun” Zoom call, I declined because I just couldn’t imagine doing more By the end of week four, I was tired, cranky and irritable. My shoulders hurt. My neck hurt. And I was becoming short with those who were trying to support me.

On Easter weekend, I simply stopped, took a break and made a list of all the practices that I have used over the years and how I could build them in to the days ahead in a way that could keep me steady through the storm.

Someone I once helped gave me a book that I keep where I can always see it. The title of the book is Learn to Dance in the Rain.

I intend to keep doing all that I can to help the world during the COVID-19 crisis but I am building some of my favorite practices in to the next many days.

Zoom. I finally did a “Zoom friends event” and it did remind me that I had friends and family out there. It is extremely important to find ways to remain connected. I have also added “six foot or more” walks with my brother (who is working remotely in Omaha rather than Chicago) and some of my workout friends, since we can’t go the gym.

Resilience practices I was thinking I was going to get a whole lot of stuff done at home while working remotely but for me, it’s been super busy. If you do have some spare time, you can use the time at home to deepen your meditation practices, catch up on home projects, and do some planning for the future. If you are fortunate enough to be busy with work at home, you can engage in resilience practices by finding ways to build them in. Commit to them.

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

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:16 PM Page 34

planning matters

• with Vw law

BUSINESS continuity; RECOVERING FROM covid-19 Working with clients through the COVID-19 crisis has been one of life’s most stressful career periods. Initial calls dealt with layoffs. The second round of calls involved business closings. The third round of calls involved helping clients who were trying to figure out the federal relief packages and how to get help.

COVID-19 has brought business continuity issues to the forefront for many businesses. In any business, it is important to address what the business can do to survive not only in the event of a pandemic, but in a variety of situations that may have a significant impact on the business’s ability to operate. Massive flooding, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters may not only interfere with operations but may halt them indefinitely. Businesses should be prepared to address a myriad of technology issues that could arise: cyberattacks, ransomware, and power grid interruptions or failures, to name a few.

Have a plan If your business doesn’t already have a disaster plan to deal with potential interruption scenarios, it is time to put one in place. You should consider: How will your employees will be able to work? What redundancies do you have in place off-site to allow work to continue? Who are essential employees? What are the main objectives of your business during the crisis and how do you prioritize them? What are the most significant risks to your business? Where are you most vulnerable? Brainstorm about how to address your most significant risks and vulnerabilities; who is in charge and what happens if the individual in charge is unable to perform because they get ill, are quarantined or otherwise unable to perform work. How will you communicate the plan and keep your workforce on track?

Be creative with your workforce Your workforce may be unable to physically be at a business location for a variety of reasons. Be flexible and creative in dealing with workforce issues. Evaluate which employees are able to perform their duties from a remote location and which are essential to be physically at the business. Instead of eliminating a position, explore the possibility of reduced hours or part-time status until the crisis subsides. Also be prepared for what to do when the crisis ends.

Innovate It might seem like the time to focus on pure survival but consider using a crisis as the time for new ideas. Consider how you deliver your products and services: Can you do it differently? Are there are products or services you can provide? Are there alternative methods for you to obtain raw materials or supplies that can be used to offset any struggles caused by the crisis? A crisis will reveal the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your operations. If you are able to innovate and develop alternatives, those weaknesses and vulnerabilities can be minimized now and for the next crisis. This may be the time to hire an innovation officer!

Evaluate When things are going well, it is easy to let marginal product lines or services stay in place. Crisis can drive us to re-evaluate. Focus on your core competencies and do what you can to protect those.

Renegotiate A crisis will test the agreements you have in place with your vendors and suppliers. Now is the time to evaluate how your suppliers and vendors have 34

performed. Like your business, they are facing many challenges. Have they been able to meet and fulfill your needs and demands? What back-up mary e. vandenack and michael j. weaver plans and redundancies have they had in place in order to keep your supply chain intact? All your arrangements with vendors and suppliers should be reviewed with an eye toward who your business can rely on as it moves forward. Agreements with those chosen should be negotiated to better contemplate the business risks that can emerge when things get rocky and that can provide some assurances on what might happen in times of crisis.

Restructure In a time of crisis, as in most other times, cash is king. It may be time to look at the capital structure of your business and make some decisions about how you can restructure in order to obtain cash that may be needed if the crisis continues.

If they have the ability, you may consider a cash injection from the current owners of the business. Those injections could take the form of permanent capital contributions, or they could take the form of debt that can be repaid once the crisis subsides. You may also consider seeking cash from new, outside investors.

These cash sources can also take the form of contributions through equity raises or debt with third-party investors. When analyzing these transactions, it is important to keep in mind the impact new, third-party investors can have on your business and to structure them in ways that satisfy the objectives of all parties but also protect the business. You may also consider traditional debt, be it through your existing lender relationships, new lending sources or the various government programs that may emerge to assist businesses as they navigate the crisis. While debt may not be a first choice, it can provide the cash you may need to weather the storm.

Communicate Communication is key in uncertain times. Communicate with your staff and employees and be as transparent as you can about plans moving forward.

Communicate with your customers and be realistic about what your business is experiencing and what are realistic deliverables. Let them know what steps you are taking to mitigate the risk to them and how you are trying to maintain operations as normal as possible. When they do not have any knowledge about what you are doing, they do not value all that you are doing.

Business succession planning COVID-19 brought many businesses face to face with the reality of the possibility that key owners and managers could be very ill and/or die at the same time. For many business owners, the business ownership interest is a good portion of the assets that will be available to their families in the event of death or permanent disability of the owner. Business succession plans are important when things are going well but critical in the face of a crisis such as a pandemic. A good business succession plan considers all possibilities related to succession. Is the business structured legally in a manner that simplifies succession? Have tax costs been considered? Is the business positioned for both the possibility of internal succession and a sale to third party? Does the business have a financial structure (life insurance, investment assets) in place to support the business succession plan? mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:16 PM Page 35

• swartzbaugh-Farber & assoCiates, inC.

your money

impact!

WHAT’S up WITH

• your dental health

stopping

drug discount CARDS? claire adams

YOU’VE SEEN the commercial: As a distraught mom walks away from a pharmacy counter unable to afford a medication for her child, the pharmacist calls out to the her, asking if she’s heard about a drug discount company. The pharmacist applies a discount, the medication now costs 80 percent less, and the mom is relieved! Sounds too good to be true? Maybe…maybe not.

Read the FAQs below to learn more.

Q: What is a drug discount card? A: A card offering reduced prices on many prescription medications.

Q: Where can I get one of these cards? A: An online web search will bring up multiple discount cards. Some examples include GoodRx, ScriptSave, Blink Health, US Pharmacy Card, SingleCare, and NeedyMeds.

Q: How do I know if a discount card company is legitimate? A: Check the Better Business Bureau rating. Don’t enter personal data unless necessary, and confirm the company isn’t selling your data. Be wary of fees (most don’t have fees). Read the fine print.

Q: How do I know if my prescription is cheaper using the card? A: Enter your prescription data on the company’s website. Participating pharmacies and prices will populate. (Select generics when possible. Compare 30-day versus 90-day supply.) Drug prices fluctuate frequently, so you may pay more or less at time of sale.

Q: How do I use a discount card? A: Print, text or email the discount card, or download the app. At the pharmacy, simply present the printout, text, email or app screen on your phone.

Q: Where can I use a discount card? A: It’s accepted at most chain pharmacies and some private pharmacies.

Q: If I have insurance, why would I use a discount card? A: If you have a high deductible health insurance plan; if you have a Part D drug plan with a coverage gap (also called “donut hole”); if your medication is excluded from your health plan; or if the drug discount card price is less than your copay.

Q: If my insurance covers my prescriptions, may I use the card, too? A: The discount card is completely separate from your insurance. You may use your insurance or the discount card, but not both. If you use the discount card, the amount you pay doesn’t count towards your deductible or out-of-pocket.

Q: Will the discount card offer a discount every time? A: Probably not. Ask the pharmacy to check your insurance first. If the insurance price is less, simply decline using the discount card.

Q: If the card is free, how do drug discount card companies and pharmacies make money? A: The card company charges a small fee to the pharmacy. Pharmacies hope you’ll buy their goods, so pharmacies are willing to discount your prescriptions in return for you potentially spending more money at their stores, or perhaps becoming a new customer.

The CDC reports that in 2016, 73.9 percent of doctor visits involved drug therapy, with 2.9 billion prescriptions ordered or written. If just a fraction of those 2.9 billion prescriptions were discounted, think of the savings! Cash in on this money-saving tool today; you’ll be glad you did. Oh, and for pet lovers, did I mention that some companies also offer discounts for pet medications? Check it out.

TMJ pain IN 2020: THE TENDENCYto overachieve, i.e., to stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

“multitask,” seems to be the American way. And my life is no different: work commitments, kids’ activities, housework… the list of tension-triggering obligations goes on and on. So the frequency of patients I see reporting headaches, stiff shoulders, ear pain, and/or sore facial muscles is to be expected, right?

No, actually. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition resulting in pain and disability. Common TMJD symptoms include headaches, shoulder aches, sore facial muscles, popping/clicking in the jaw joints, ear pain, ringing in the ears, restricted jaw opening, and interrupted sleep patterns.

Even more concerning is that it often takes multiple visits for an individual to get a diagnosis confirming that these symptoms are actually linked to a treatable condition.

Credentialed by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, I believe in diagnosis before treatment individualized to specific patient needs. Sounds simple? Not so much. Due to the complexity of TMJ dysfunction, a clear diagnosis requires three things: education, attention and time. That is, time for the doctor and treatment team to listen to the patient and pay attention to the details. But in this day and age, time is a scarce commodity.

Given our time—or lack of it—it is not uncommon that a new patient referred to my office has already seen five or more doctors, without answers as to why they are in pain or how to get better. Through years of experience and education, I have designed my practice around the concept of specific diagnosis and individualized treatment planning. This focus has been instrumental in helping those searching for answers find relief. For example, every new patient receives at least one consultation and a written review of findings outlining their diagnosis and treatment options, as well as personalized guidance on insurance, treatment fees and payment plans.

TMJD’s cause is multifactorial and specialists don’t always agree. My dental training cites previous trauma such as whiplash from a car accident, a sports injury or a childhood fall as the most common initial instigator of a TMJ problem. This initial insult to the TMJ system creates an instability that, when aggravated later in life, becomes painful. For example, a second traumatic event, a teenage growth spurt, clenching and/or grinding teeth (bruxism) in sleep, or stress-induced bruxism all are potential triggers for TMJ and/or related muscle pain. Likewise, sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea are also linked to TMJ problems and pain.

My mission: provide treatment solutions for long-lasting relief!

Treatment options include splint therapy, physical therapy modalities like ultrasound and E-stim, Botox, heat therapy, home exercises and nutritional counseling. Splint therapy utilizes a custom appliance (splint) I make in-house that allows muscles to relax and results in stabilization of the TMJ. With stability in the joints and relaxation occurring, pain subsides. Additionally, our one-on-one care and health-centered approach facilitates healing, decreases anxieties, and reduces stress throughout the body.

Life is too short to experience chronic discomfort and pain. So take a deep breath or a long walk and find hope in knowing that solutions exist for a better, more comfortable future. To-do lists aside, controlling TMJ pain can happen with diagnosis, treatment planning and thoughtful, individualized care.

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.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’.

35

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

30-35-COLUMNS-SPIRIT-420.qxp_WORKING 4/16/20 2:17 PM Page 36

37-CVR-SCENE-420-ROB.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:26 PM Page 37

event galleries

WHEN YOU SEE THE “BIG RED” LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2020!

OMAHA FASHION WEEK

AMERICAN RED CROSS

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION

STEPHEN CENTER, INC.

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION & AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

JDRF

we are all in this together!

Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, connecting you and metroMAGAZINE will donate 10% back toin that 2020! organization.

Join us in giving back! Enter the code “GIVE10” on the checkout page of your shopping cart.

• please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make our promotion of these important events possible 37

mMAGAZINE • APRIL 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:31 PM Page 38

feATuRed eVenT

spotlight

metroMAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY bY debRA s. kAPlAn And mOnicA semPek

2020

honoring givers THE BIG EVENT HONORS NONPROFITS AND THE GIVING COMMUNITY BY RECOGNIZING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS DOING AMAZING THINGS

In 2005, metroMAGAZINE publisher Andee Hoig created the first editon of The Giving Guide and “That first event really set the stage. We continued to follow the same concept and the Event Book to serve as a much-needed same structure of honoring charity events,” Hoig comprehensive guide to local nonprofit said. The awards portion of the event has organizations and events. But she felt there still expanded over time to include nonprofit was more that could be done to bring attention executives, guilds, businesses and community to the giving community. So the next year, she partners. In 2015, Hoig added THE $10,000 BIG organized the first production of The BIG Event. CONNECTION, a package of marketing and promotional support.

“I had the idea of launching, in conjunction with “Ultimately, it’s a celebration of the giving spirit The Giving Guide, this Academy Award-type of of the community,” Hoig said. red carpet event where we would honor—in a fun way—nonprofits for putting on And it continues to evolve. outstanding events,” Hoig said. “We wanted to put on an event for them, so they could just “For a long time, the awards were focused just on charity events. But in the past few years come and have fun. It’s a big party to say ‘thank we’ve expanded them out to recognize some you.’” great businesses, individuals and networking groups that are giving back. We’re still The name ‘The BIG Event’ is about as simple as it recognizing the people in the community who gets, but it’s self-evident, she added. “It are doing great things,” Hoig said. “In recent encompasses all the events in the community years, we’ve held the event at the Omaha with one big event to celebrate them.”

Design Center. Rachel Richards with STEP Group has helped us for the last few years and in 2018 we added the whole EXTRAVAGANZA piece to it Showcasing the industry with details like a photo booth, sketch artists, Various locations including Joslyn Art Museum, fire performers and other event-related the Henry Doorly Zoo’s Lozier IMAX Theater, the vendors.”

Holland Center and the Durham Museum have hosted The BIG Event, which showcases the Hoig said it all comes down to sharing the venue along with multiple catering companies, stories of people making a difference. event and meeting planners and other industry “As more people are doing amazing things in vendors. the community, The Giving Guide and Event Book and The BIG Event go hand in hand as an Diverse award categories allow nonprofits of all opportunity to recognize them,” she said. sizes and in various service areas to receive “This is an incredible community and I look recognition, and a voting process encourages forward to watching everything continue to community engagement. unfold in the philanthropic arena.”

38

“

metroMAGAZINE • APRil 2020

ULTIMATELY, IT’S A celebration OF THE giving spirit OF THE COMMUNITY.

”

~ ANDEE HOIG

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:31 PM Page 39

mmAGAZine

| The BIG Event 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:32 PM Page 40

metroMAGAZINE

40

metroMAGAZINE • APRil 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:33 PM Page 41

mmAGAZine

| The BIG Event 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:34 PM Page 42

metroMAGAZINE

42

metroMAGAZINE • APRil 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:34 PM Page 43

mmAGAZine

| The BIG Event 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:35 PM Page 44

mmAGAZine

| The BIG Event 2020

44

metroMAGAZINE • APRil 2020

38-45-TBE20-420.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:35 PM Page 45

2020

TO THIS YEAR’S EVENT PARTNERS: Catering Creations • Dog & Pony Productions FUN Services • Omaha Design Center Paramount Parking • Regal Awards STEP//Group • VIP Sedan & Limousine OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS: Centris Federal Credit Union • COX Communications Omaha Event Group • NPDodge Real Estate Vandenack Weaver LLC

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:45 PM Page 46

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Omaha Fashion Week

survivors’

Strut

Omaha Fashion Week Methodist Cancer Survivor Show When: February 27, 2020 Where: Omaha Design Center CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS Why: Omaha Fashion Week celebrated the triumph over cancer as 100+ survivors took over the runway wearing looks from generous local boutiques! The Survivor Show highlights the importance of the Inner Beauty Salon at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, and has raised nearly $40,000 since its inception. The Inner Beauty Salon works with cancer survivors to deal with changes to their image while undergoing treatment, and provides prosthetics and consultation on changes to hair, skin and nails.

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS

Sponsors: Methodist Health System, Absolut Juice, Allure Health & Med Spa, Aquage Haircare, Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics, Develop Model Management, KETV NewsWatch 7, Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery | Dreams MedSpa Caterer: Save the Date Catering Valet Parking: Paramount Multimedia: Alpha Rentals, Dog & Pony Productions Attendance: 820

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS Mission: On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, it is the Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence!

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS

About: Omaha Fashion Week has proudly grown into the nation’s fourth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region! Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous red carpet event for a good cause, showcasing the work of more than 65 designers each year on the runway. They nurture the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, education opportunities, and a professional platform to showcase their work.

For more information: (402 937-1061, www.omahafashionweek.com

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 46

CAPTIONS

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:45 PM Page 47

Photos courtesy of Heartland Family Service

heartland

Heyday

Heartland Family Service 2020 “Carnival of Love” Gala

When: February 29, 2020 CAPTIONS SILENT AUCTION CHAIR KRISTIE STIENIKE WITH GUESTS DURING DINNER

Where: Embassy Suites - La Vista Why: The “Carnival of Love” Gala is held each year to support Heartland Family Service’s mission to strengthen individuals and families in our community through our many life-changing programs.

Sponsors: Platinum Sponsors American National Bank, Kiewit Corporation, and Lockton Companies; Gold Sponsors OPPD and Pinnacle Bank

HONORARY CHAIR POLLY STRUYK AND GUESTS DURING DINNER

HFS FRIENDS GUILD PRESIDENT CHERI DURYEA AND CHRIS THOMPSON GOSCH

Attendance: 570 Amount Raised: Nearly $300,000 Mission: The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services.

AUCTIONEER S. SCOTT MOORE WITH EMCEE DAVE WINGERT

“CARNIVAL OF LOVE” GALA CHAIR SUSAN PEDERSEN

About: Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has responded to the needs of our area’s most vulnerable children and families. Each year, the agency’s nearly 50 programs reach over 54,000 individuals of all ages through direct services, education and outreach. We provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community through the following program areas: Child & Family Well-Being; Counseling & Prevention; and Housing, Safety & Financial Stability For more information: (402) 552-7400, HeartlandFamilyService.org

CAPTIONS

GUESTS OF KIEWIT CORPORATION

PHOTO BLOCKS BENEATH THIS TY AD BOX CAPTIONS

GUESTS OF AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK 47

EMCEE AND MASTER OF CEREMONIES DAVE WINGERT

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:46 PM Page 48

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Visiting nurse association

soup, art and

Change

Visiting Nurse Association Art & Soup

JASON HANSEN, KAYLA HANSEN, WENDE KOUTOC AND CAMILLE KOUTOC

JAIME SUMMERFELDT, JOHN AND WENDE KOTOUC

When: February 23, 2020 Where: Embassy Suites Conference Center, La Vista Why: Art & Soup is VNA’s award-winning fundraiser, gathering local restaurants and artists with community influencers to provide healthcare and education to every local homeless and domestic violence shelter.

CAROLE PATRICK AND DAVE WINGERT

ANDEE HOIG, MAGGIE SUMMERFELT AND MARY DAUB

Special Guests: Honorary Chairs Wende and John Kotouc Sponsors: The Lozier Foundation (Platinum Sponsor), The Hawks Foundation (Platinum Sponsor), Nebraska Medicine (Gold Sponsor), American National Bank (Silver Sponsor), Methodist Health System (Silver Sponsor), Omaha Track (Silver Sponsor) Caterer: Local restaurants

IMMANUEL COMMUNITIES

STIRNELLA’S BAR & KITCHEN Event Planner: planitomaha Attendance: 1,000+ Amount Raised: $170,099 Mission: Delivering community-based care that provides peace of mind, quality of life and independence.

AMERISTAR CASINOS

BIG MAMA’S KITCHEN About: For 124 years, VNA has served the Omaha community, providing expertise, perspective, innovative leadership and solutions around the health issues of the day.

VNA is the industry leader of excellent services and resources in the areas of community care, home health, hospice care and palliative care.

For more information: (402) 342-5566, vnatoday.org

ARTIST PEG PELTER

ATTENDING AND DONATING 48

CAPTIONS

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:46 PM Page 49

Photos courtesy of C41 Photography

record-breaker of a Ball American Heart Association & American Stroke Association Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS

When: February 29, 2020 Where: CHI Health Center Why: The funds raised through the Heart Ball will be used to support local efforts to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, is the No. 1 killer of all Americans.

CAPTIONS

2019-2020 SWEETHEARTS

Special Guests/Dignitaries: Chairs, Mike & Elizabeth Cassling and Honorary Chairs, Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Sponsors: CQuence Health Group | The Cassling Family Foundation | Union Pacific Caterer: CHI Health Center Attendance: 950

2020 HEART PRINCE WYATT VOLLERTSON CROWNED BY 2019 PRINCESS HARPER SCHMOLDT

CAPTIONS Amount Raised: $1 million Mission: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

HEART BALL CHAIR MIKE CASSLING

GUESTS BROUGHT A BALL TO THE BALL

About: In the past five years, the AHA has funded 23 studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and Creighton University. 2 at UNO, 18 at UNMC and 3 at UNL, part of their goal to reduce deaths from heart disease and stroke while improving the lives of all Americans.

For more information: www.heart.org/OmahaHeartBall

EMCEE: KMTV 3 NEWS NOW’S JENNIFER GRISWOLD

HONORARY CHAIRS JACK & STEPHANIE KORALESKI 49

CAPTIONS

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:46 PM Page 50

event galleries

Photos courtesy of american Red Cross

honorinG our

Heroes

American Red Cross Heroes in the Heartland

When: March 3, 2020 CAPTIONS Where: Hilton Omaha Why: Recognizing ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things.

Special Guests: Honorary Chair: Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts KIM WOLFE WAS RECOGNIZED AS THE COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY HERO AWARD RECIPIENT

LONGTIME BLOOD DONOR CRAIG WILES EARNED THE GIFT OF LIFE HERO AWARD

Sponsors: American Red Cross Caterer: Hilton Omaha Attendance: 400 Mission: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

COMMUNITY LEADERS, CORPORATE SPONSORS AND PARTNERS IN ATTENDANCE

PRESTON CANIGLIA AND ROXANA FRANCKE WERE HONORED WITH THE CALL-TO-ACTION HERO AWARD About: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a notfor-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information: redcross.org/neia

THE PONCA HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED THE PUBLIC SERVANT HERO AWARD

CAPTIONS

GOVERNOR PETE RICKETTS, FIRST LADY SUSANNE SHORE AND RED CROSS REGION EXECUTIVE JILL ORTON

THE 2020 HEROES IN THE HEARTLAND AWARDEES WERE THE PONCA HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT, CAPTIONS CRAIG WILES, KIM WOLFE, PRESTON CANIGLIA AND ROXANA FRANCKE 50

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:47 PM Page 51

Photos courtesy of Debra S. Kaplan

childrens’

Ninjas!

Lutheran Family Services Rally for Kids 2020 When: March 5, 2020 Where: Creighton University’s D.J. Sokol Arena CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS

TOMMIE FRAZIER, ERIC CROUCH, JOHNNY RODGERS, STACY MARTIN (CEO AND PRESIDENT) CAPTIONS WITH BRENDA AND NIC SMITH, MIKE ROZIER, MAGGI THORNE

CAPTIONS

PANEL DISCUSSION WITH ALL 5 NE ATHLETES, WITH KRIS COVI EMCEE

Why We Rally: The research is clear! We know to learn, grow and be successful in life, and children need love, nurturing and positive social interactions. They need to be safe from abuse, neglect and stress. But not every child has a happy childhood. In fact, many children in our communities face unimaginable trauma, stress and uncertain futures whether it be from food insecurity, poverty, abuse, neglect or parents struggling with addictions. Lutheran Family Services is here to build up our communities and restore healthy families! You and Rally for Kids support every critical service we provide, from childhood mental and behavioral health therapies, parenting programs, foster care and adoption services to therapy for children and families impacted by sexual abuse. Rally for Kids supporters transform lives, helping children, parents and entire families reach their full potential.

Special Guests: On behalf of the entire LFS team, we thank our Event Chairs Brenda and Nic Smith and Honorary Chair Johnny Rodgers. A special thank you to all of our legendary and esteemed Nebraska athletes who celebrated Rally for Kids with us: Eric Crouch, Johnny Rodgers, Tommie Frazier, Mike Rozier and Maggi Thorne.

Attendance: 340 Amount Raised: Over $100,000 For more information: (402) 661-7100, www.lfsneb.org Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Rally 4 Kids benefit on March 5!

BRENDA SMITH, CALLI HITE, TINA AND NIC SMITH

CHIP JAMES WITH SOME SIGNED JERSEYS

It was an amazing evening of games, cocktails, camaraderie and good old-fashioned “fun”- raising, all to support essential children’s programs serving Council Bluffs and the Omaha metro area. Because of you, we have some extraordinary numbers to share: • Over $100,000 raised through Corporate Impact Partners, sponsors and auction • $20,800 raised in Live Auction9 • 90 spectacular silent suction packages raised over $12,000 • 15,000 diapers donated by numerous churches from the Lincoln community • 80 pairs of shoes donated by St. John Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs • 340 patrons enjoyed a fun-filled, sports spectacular evening • 5 extraordinary Nebraska athletes got “real and personal” with our amazing crowd • 1 more reason to feel absolutely great about the impact your support has made for thousands of families

SUSAN LEWIS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LFS)

ERIC CROUCH WITH GUESTS 51

CAPTIONS And we look forward to doing it all with you next year!

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:47 PM Page 52

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Marian High School

biGGest fest

Ever

Marian High School MarianFEST 2020 MARIANFEST EXECUTIVE CHAIRS AND THEIR DAUGHTERS. BACK ROW: BOB ZADALIS, RICK MONATAGUE, STEVE GULSETH, JEFF PUTNAM, DAVE KIRCHHOEFER, SAM GREGG, MARK MOWAT. MIDDLE ROW: MICHELE ZADALIS, TRICIA MONTAGUE, LISA GULSETH, SUE PUTNAM, KARI KIRCHHOEFER, JEN GREGG, JULIE MOWAT. FRONT ROW: LAUREN ZADALIS, LAUREN AND SARAH MONTAGUE, CHRISSY GULSETH, CYDNEY CAPTIONS PUTNAM, PAYTON KIRCHHOEFER, CARLEY GREGG, MARGARET MOWAT

When: February 7, 2020 Where: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District Why: Now in its 38th year, MarianFEST is Marian’s largest fundraising event with proceeds benefiting tuition assistance and scholarships for students.

Sponsors: Platinum Sponsors: MCL Construction and Home Instead Senior Care. Diamond Sponsors: Bridges Trust, Ringtrue and Arby’s Event Planner: Shari Gilg, Marian’s special events director

ERIC THOMPSON, FABIOLA ZAPATERO AND HAI’DEN DAVIS

SARAH DOLL, LAUREN ZADALIS, SYDNEE BAYSA AND HANNAH KRUSE WITH MEMBERS OF CREIGHTON’S HUI O HAWAII CLUB

Multimedia: Alpha Rentals - Videos Inc. and MacRae Productions Attendance: 670 Amount Raised: More than $535,000 raised A record-breaking crowd of 670 gathered to celebrate the 38th annual MarianFEST (Funding Education in the Servite Tradition) Friday, February 7, at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District. MarianFEST is Marian’s largest fundraising event of the year, with proceeds benefiting tuition assistance and scholarships for students.

This year’s event raised $535,000.

DANA AND STEVE PATTERSON

TOM JANSSEN, MICHELE DESMET AND CHRISTI JANSSEN

The theme, Mahalo Marian, was chosen to thank Marian’s community for its ongoing support. Mahalo is a Hawaiian expression of gratitude. Since 1982, FEST (Funding Education in the Servite Tradition) has raised support for tuition assistance, which now benefits 50 percent of the student body. Students also supported the event by serving as essential volunteers. A Marian choral ensemble sang the blessing and provided entertainment. Two students, who are sisters, shared how tuition assistance made it possible for them to attend Marian and the opportunities they have had because of it.

CINDY REGAN, TAMMY BLOSSOM, CINDY JESSE AND JAN BRAUN

SUSIE AND ANDY D’AGOSTO WITH COURTNEY AND JASON BIRNSTIHL

Mission: Marian is a Catholic, all-girls, college preparatory school founded by the Servants of Mary. Since 1955, Marian has inspired young women to be leaders and lifelong learners whose talents and faith will give hope to the world.

About: Founded by the Servants of Mary in 1955, Marian is a Catholic, all-girl college preparatory school twice recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. As Nebraska’s only Class A girls’ high school, Marian provides the opportunities of a large high school in a smaller setting. Marian welcomes students of all cultural, economic and spiritual backgrounds.

For more information: (402) 571-2618, www.marianhighschool.net

CAPTIONS

MEMBERS OF MARIAN’S SELECT WOMEN’S CHOIR 52

CAPTIONS

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:47 PM Page 53

Relax. Refresh.

Rejuvenate.

Visit the Spa at One Drake Place

Microdermabrasion | Resurfacing Chemicals Peels Facials | Dermaplaning | Lash Lifts | MakeUP | Body Treatments Waxing | Massage | Manicure | Pedicure

Check out our Facebook & Instagram for our monthly specials!

Make self-care a priority with your favorite services every month. Call or visit us online today.

12100 West Center Rd. | Omaha, NE 68144 (402) 933-7253 | www.onedrakeplacesalon.com

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:47 PM Page 54

event galleries

Photos courtesy of JDRF nebraska-Southwest iowa Chapter

clearly

Visionary JDRF Nebraska Southwest Iowa Chapter 2020 JDRF Promise Gala Vision for a Cure THE MOULTON FAMILY (FUND A CURE FAMILY) MILO, MAYZIE, JENNA, SUNNYLOU AND KURT MOULTON

EVENT EMCEES NIKKI BOULAY AND JENNIFER GRISWOLD

When: February 22, 2020 Where: CHI Health Center Omaha Why: At JDRF, we’re leading the fight against type 1 diabetes (T1D) by funding research, advocating for policies that accelerate access to new therapies, and providing a support network for millions of people around the world impacted by T1D.

HONORARY CHAIRS, MARK & LYNN GRIFFIS; BOARD PRESIDENT, LEIGH CHELOHA; EVENT CHAIRS, WENDI & CORKY STOTT

EVENT TOTAL $1.7 MILLION FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES RESEARCH

Special Guests: Honorary Chairs: Lynn & Mark Griffis; Event Chairs: Wendi and Corky Stott. Fund A Cure Family: Jenna and Kurt Moulton and Family. Live entertainment provided by southern rock band 38 Special.

Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Aviture; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska; Wells Fargo & Michael Robino, CFP; Ries Orthodontics; Carson Group; Orion Advisor Solutions, LLC; Stephanie and Robb Pantano; 3 News Now and Z-92 The Rock Station Caterer: Levy Multimedia: Sonburst Communication and Magnolia Events & Creations Attendance: 1,175

YOUTH AMBASSADOR, AUDREY ARTHUR, HOLDING $10,000 FUND A CURE SIGN

YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Amount Raised: More than $1.7 million About: JDRF works every day to change the reality of this disease for millions of people—and to prevent anyone else from ever knowing it—by funding research, advocating for government support of research and new therapies, ensuring new therapies come to market and connecting and engaging the T1D community. We’ve funded more than $2 billion in research to date and made significant progress in understanding and fighting the disease. Our efforts will not stop until we turn Type One into Type None.

MEMBERS OF JDRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GUESTS HOLDING UP PLEDGE CARDS DURING FUND A CURE

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 54

For more information: (402) 397-2873, jdrf.org/nebraska

CAPTIONS

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:47 PM Page 55

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:47 PM Page 56

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Stephen Center, inc.

hā‘awi i ka

Holo

Stephen Center, Inc. Cruise Away To The Hawaiian Islands

“THE COCONUTS”

CAPTIONS

BOB MONACO

STEPHEN CENTER STAFF

56

When: March 7, 2020 Where: Champions Run Why: Annual fundraiser to benefit Stephen Center's Pettigrew Emergency Shelter. Our largest fundraiser of the year put on by our Women's Guild.

Special Guests: Event Chairs Jane Kavan, Andreea Shnayder, Marjean Stamm; Honorary Chair John L. Hoich Multimedia: Champions Run Attendance: Over 300 Amount Raised: $100,000 plus Mission: We partner with the community, families and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty.

About: Located in the heart of South Omaha, Stephen Center is a sober campus of resources for those battling mental health and addiction issues. The clients we serve are the homeless, addicted and those in poverty.

For more information: (402) 715-5442, www.stephencenter.org

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

46-57-420-SCENE-WKG.qxp_EVENTS 4/16/20 2:48 PM Page 57

Photos courtesy of Jennie edmundson Foundation

dance Fever Jennie Edmundson Fdtn.

Dance to the Beat When: February 29, 2020 Where: Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs

MAYOR MATT AND BARB WALSH WITH TAGGART CROUSE

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS DR. TOM AND BECKY BRANDT WITH JOHN AND BARB BURNS

Why: Dance to the Beat is a fundraising event to benefit the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cardiovascular Program. The funds provide assistance to a variety of services such as medications, transportation, equipment and everyday living expenses for our uninsured or under-insured cardiovascular patients.

Sponsors: Abbott CRM; Cardiologists: Drs. Armbruster, Ayoub, Brandt & Deshmukh; Abbott; Corporate Caddie Janitorial; Heartland Properties; Medtronic; Zoll Event Planner: Honorary Co-Chairs John and Barb Burns, Council Bluffs Physicians Clinic Heart Care Center, Jennie Edmundson Foundation Attendance: Over 400 Amount Raised: $38,000 and counting

CAPTIONS

COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEERS

57

For more information: (712) 396-6040, www.jehfoundation.org

metroMagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 58

community CALENDAR

featured

VENTS

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

WAS APRIL 25 DUE TO THE COVID19 PANDEMIC THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN

NOW AUgUST 1 BLACk TIE AND TAILS Nebraska Humane Society Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District 222 N 10th St., Omaha Black Tie and Tails is a bi-annual gala hosted by the NHS support guild, Friends Forever. Themed “Sheltering Hope,” this signature event is a not-to-miss party for pet lovers that combines inspirational stories with pettable VIPs (Very Important Pets). Every penny raised stays right at NHS to care for homeless animals. *This is a human-only event, so pets can catnap at home."

WAS APRIL 18

$175 and $225 • Sponsorships available

NOW JUNE 6

Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

BLACkSTONE BLOCk PARTy AND BAgS TOURNAMENT Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council

WAS APRIL 25

Alleyway behind Scriptown Brewing 3922 Farnam St., Omaha Join us in the Blackstone District for our 2nd Annual Blackstone Block Party and Bags Tournament from noon to 5:00 p.m. This will be the last event of the Omaha Beer Week. There will be a 40-team cornhole tournament, beer tastings, DJ and announcements. Food trucks will be available at an additional charge. All proceeds will benefit the Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America.

• $50 – VIP Experience • $35 – Unlimited Tasting Experience • $100 – Cornhole Team Entry • $10 – Designated Driver (All registration fees have a $5 discount if you are registered 30 days prior and all registration fees have a $5 extra charge for registrations purchased at the event entrance)

www.mac-bsa.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

www.nehumanesociety.org

NOW AUgUST 8 BLUE JEAN BALL–MISSION: POSSIBLE Make-A-Wish® Nebraska Hilton Downtown 1001 Cass St., Omaha Join Make-A-Wish Nebraska as we celebrate Mission: Possible at our annual Blue Jean Ball. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to spend the evening making wishes come true! Take part in our raffle, silent and live auction and hear how wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that give children with critical illnesses hope and a reason to comply with their medical treatments.

$150 per person • $1,500 corporate table

www.nebraska.wish.org

Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

WAS APRIL 3

NOW JULy 17

WAS APRIL 17

NOW SEPTEMBER 18

WINE WOMEN & SHOES Children's Hospital & Medical Center

gUNS & HOSES BOxINg CHALLENgE First Responders Foundation

Omaha Design Center 1502 Cuming St., Omaha Step out in style to sip sensational wines, savor delicious bites, shop designer fashions, bid on one-of-a-kind auction items and kick up your heels for a fashion show – all to support children and families! Complimentary Wine & Hors d'oeuvres Sassy Cocktail Attire Complimentary Valet Parking Wine Women & Shoes benefits Children's Hospital & Medical Center's Carolyn Scott Rainbow House, a home away from home for thousands of parents and family members of children receiving services at Children's who live 60 miles or more from Omaha. There is no formal charge to stay at the Rainbow House and, true to Children's mission, no one is turned away if they are not able to pay.

Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St., Omaha Guns & Hoses is BACK! Watch local police officers and firefighters duke it out in the boxing ring for a good cause. This entertaining, family-friendly and award-winning event returns to Baxter Arena — and there will be fun, sweat and cheers! All proceeds from this friendly competition go back to the First Responders Foundation to make our community safer and stronger. It's why thousands flock to the arena every year, and it's why the fighters fight! Get tickets and learn more at gunsnhosesomaha.com. Sponsored by WoodmenLife.

$120 (402) 955-6852 www.winewomenandshoes.com/omaha

$22 GA (402) 917-6452 https://gunsnhosesomaha.com/

Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020 58

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 59

WORTH noting!

• mmagazine

WAS APRIL 23

NOW JULy 9 & 10 TABLE ART 2020 Omaha Symphony Guild www.omahasymphony.org/guilds/ Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

NOW SEPTEMBER 30 2020 COMPLETELy kIDS AUTHOR LUNCHEON Completely KIDS

WAS MAy 13

Hilton Omaha Completely KIDS is excited to present Dan Harris, award-winning ABC News Anchor and #1 New York Times best-selling author, as the keynote speaker for the 2020 Author Luncheon. Harris is the author of 10% Happier, which shares his story of discovering meditation, a practice shown by modern research to boost resilience, focus, creativity, emotional intelligence and overall mental and physical health.

Harris has been at ABC News for 16 years, receiving Murrow and Emmy awards for his reporting.

www.completelykids.org/news-events/author-luncheon/overview.html

NOW JULy 17 PINOT, PIgS & POETS Completely KIDS www.completelykids.org/news-events/pinot-pigs-poets/ Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

WAS APRIL 13 WAS APRIL 4

NOW OCTOBER 12

NOW OCTOBER 3

CITIzEN Of THE yEAR Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council

SWINg, SWINg, SWINg! American Midwest Ballet

www.mac-bsa.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center 1001 S. 6th St., Council Bluffs

WAS APRIL 11

NOW OCTOBER 9

WAS MAy 1

Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St., Omaha Join American Midwest Ballet for the most swinging show in town! It was a time like no other – when young G.I. Joes and Rosie the Riveters gave their all to save the world. You’ll be swept away as a guy, a girl, and their friends kick up their heels, fall in love, and most of all… Swing, Swing,Swing!

Created by celebrated Chicago choreographer and showman Harrison McEldowney and featuring a live swing band, this exuberantly unforgettable work was American Midwest Ballet’s very first production.

Now, it’s back to help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary Season!

NOW NOVEMBER 5

Ticket costs vary (712) 890-5590 https://amballet.org/performances/swing/ Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

2020 WOMEN'S POWER LUNCHEON Habitat for Humanity of Omaha https://habitatomaha.org/womenspowerlunch/

SUPPORTING THE ARTS!

bravo!

WAS APRIL 11

NOW OCTOBER 9 Swing, Swing, Swing!

American Midwest Ballet Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St., Omaha

NOW OCTOBER 14

Join American Midwest Ballet for the most swinging show in town! It was a time like no other – when young G.I. Joes and Rosie the Riveters gave their all to save the world. You’ll be swept away as a guy, a girl, and their friends kick up their heels, fall in love, and most of all… Swing, Swing,Swing!

Created by celebrated Chicago choreographer and showman Harrison McEldowney and featuring a live swing band, this exuberantly unforgettable work was American Midwest Ballet’s very first production.

Now, it’s back to help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary Season!

BOB WEIR AND WOLf BROS COMINg TO THE ORPHEUM THEATER Omaha Performing Arts www.ticketomaha.com

NOW NOVEMBER 8 JEANNE ROBERTSON Omaha Performing Arts

Ticket costs vary (402) 345-0606 https://ticketomaha.com/Productions/swing-swing-swing!

Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

www.ticketomaha.com 59

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 60

community CALENDAR

ONLINE ONLy: APRIL 10-13 BROWNELL TALBOT gALA (ONLINE ONLy!) Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School brownell.edu/gala This year's annual gala has been adapted to meet the needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. From April 10 at 10 am to April 13 at 10 pm, Brownell Talbot will host a virtual gala, which will include online Live and Silent Auctions and raise the paddle for emergency tuition relief for current BT families. As an extension of the event, Brownell Talbot will donate up to 20% of the net proceeds from the event's Silent Auction to the following organizations who are serving impacted populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: - Completely KIDS - Dundee Memorial Park Neighborhood Association's Merchants Relief Fund - Food Bank for the Heartland - Youth Emergency Services

Free to attend (301) 412-9699 http://brownell.edu/gala

ONLINE ONLy: MAy 2 fOR THE kIDS BENEfIT Omaha Children’s Museum www.ocm.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

ONLINE ONLy: STILL TBA BATS OVER OMAHA BAT RELEASE Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. www.nebraskawildliferehab.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

60

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 61

• mmagazine

DUE TO THE COVID19 PANDEMIC THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN

WAS APRIL 9, 10 SPEAkINg Of CHILDREN LUNCHEON & CONfERENCE Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center (531) 301-5002 www.ProjectHarmony.com

WAS APRIL 28 2020 BOOSTER BANqUET Boys Town www.boystown.org

WAS APRIL 29 fUSION 2020 Nebraska Medicine Guild www.nebraskamed.com/about-us/guild

WAS APRIL 30 EVENINg WITH fRIENDS CHI Health Foundation www.CHIhealthfoundation.com

WAS MAy 5 D.J.’S HERO AWARDS LUNCHEON The Salvation Army (402) 898-7538 salarmyomaha.org

SUPPORTING THE ARTS!

bravo!

WAS APRIL 9 ARTEMIS Omaha Performing Arts www.ticketomaha.com

WAS APRIL 10 INTERNATIONAL OMAHA - HORSE SHOW Omaha Equestrian Foundation www.internationalomaha.com/

WAS APRIL 14 Designed by Nature Omaha Performing Arts www.ticketomaha.com

WAS APRIL 17 SAVION gLOVER Omaha Performing Arts www.ticketomaha.com 61

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 62

community CALENDAR

community CALENDAR

• mmagazine

DUE TO THE COVID19 PANDEMIC THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN

Cinderella's Rentals Has Dresses at a fraction of the Price!

Open for appointments: Wed: 2-6, Thurs: 2-6 Fri: 2-6 Sat: 10-2

WAS MARCH 20 - APRIL 5

NOW TBD 2020 ONE fESTIVAL Opera Omaha (402) 346-7372 www.operaomaha.org | www.ONEfestival.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

To book your appointment go to: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/1V3ZZYE67VEWY

WAS APRIL 7

Dress Rentals for Prom, Homecoming,Weddings, Balls, Gala & More. Plus Sizes 16-28

NOW TBD ALICE COOPER WITH LITA fORD Omaha Performing Arts

7631Main St. Ralston, NE 68127

https://ticketomaha.com/Productions/alice-cooper Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

E

WAS APRIL 17

NOW TBD NIgHT Of CELEBRATION CHI Health Foundation www.CHIhealthfoundation.com Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

WAS APRIL 18

Taking Clean To The Next Level

NOW TBD

• Water Damage:

JOSLyN yOUNg ART PATRONS ART CRAWL Joslyn Art Museum

• Mold Remediation Services:

www.joslyn.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

Everything from a major flood to backed up pipes.

Your indoor air quality and your respiratory health are at stake.

WAS APRIL 22

We’ll get you on your way back to normal and you’ll be extremely satisfied. Serving the Omaha area since 2004.

NOW TBD CAN DO LUNCHEON Kids Can Community Center www.kidscan.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

WAS MAy 9

NOW TBD CABARET Child Saving Institute

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

www.childsaving.org Find us in The Giving Guide & Event Book 2020

Extremely Clean | www.ExtremelyClean.Com | 402.932.3257 62

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 63

63

mmagazine • aPRiL 2020

58-64-CV19-420.qxp_- 4/16/20 2:53 PM Page 64

CONNECTING AREA BUSINESSES FOR OVER 40 YEARS

• • • •

ROXANNE WILLIAMS DRAPER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CITY SPROUTS

SPIELBOUND CO-FOUNDER KALEB MICHAUD

SANTHI’S THREADING & AYURVEDIC SPA OWNERS SANTHI AND KRANTI YADLAPALLI

GREEN BEANS COFFEE OWNERS JOHN AND ANGELA SIEVERS

A YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS:

More than 200 feature stories spotlighting unique local businesses 52 weeks of focus sections with insights from area experts

National columns on trending business and financial topics

te r t e l s w e y!

Jn a B M f M o e h d t for e en h p t u h n g g u i S th1royear ONLY $75 E E R F for J B M d a SUBSCRIBE TODAY! and re Profiles of MBJ's 40 Under 40 Award winners

402-330-1760

•

1324 S. 119th St.

•

www.MBJ.com

Omaha, NE 68144

0-CVRS-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 1:47 PM Page CVR3

0-CVRS-420.qxp_QUARTERLY 4/16/20 1:47 PM Page CVR4

alh p u b L i c a t i o n S

inform • educate • inspire

P.O. Box 241611 • Omaha, NE 68124

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 2013