metroMAGAZINE's May 2014 Issue

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Celebrating Commitment to the Community

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SpiritofOmaha.com

• may 2014

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features / departMents

metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

features

events

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feature storY

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COLLABORATION diversity matters to inclusive communities

communityconnection

SCENE: recent charity & cultural events

departments metrospirit

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MULBERRY LANE acceptance, purpose and love

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MONUMENTAL “the monuments men” author robert edsel

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MARY E. VANDENACK spring cleanse for the mind

26 “HE SAID/SHE SAID” mike & mary from KMTV’s morning blend

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27 14

30

Q&A

PLANNING MATTERS with PVW Law

how has inclusive communities helped you?

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TODAYS SAVINGS with swartzbaugh farber & associates

Making a difference

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58

SAVE THE DATE

OMAHA GIVES! omaha community foundation

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IMPACT! with stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

ROLE MODELS 2014 humanitarian dinner

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31

TOP MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS!

62 120 YEARS nebraska children’s home society outtakes: 62

great ideas for making mom’s day

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metroMagazine • MaY 2014

SHOOTING THE COVER WITH ©LAURIE AN D CHARLES

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101things to love

love! from the PuBLISHER

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

metro

renewing ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com

MAy 2014 • VOL. 26 NO. 5

P.O. BOx 241611, OMAHA, NE 68124 Editor@SpiritofOmaha.com #

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" !

% " ! !

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#

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Editor/Creative Director

Andrea L. Hoig

Robert P. Killmer

Contributors

Leo Adam Biga Daniel Flanigan Roger Humphries MORNING BLEND’s “Mike & Mary”

alh

Mulberry Lane Ryan Pendell Kara Schweiss Dave Stock Mary Vandenack

Creative Collaboration | Cover Design

PHOtOGRAPHy by ©Laurie and Charles tHANKS to Ruth Meints, Omaha Conservatory of Music and the OCM Violin SPROutS WARDROBE for Annette Smith provided by SHE•LA

P u B L I C A t I O N S

There is a sense of excitement that I always feel as we transition from MAGAzINE Winter toisSpring, metro wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other a “knowingness” that the process of rebirth and rejuvenation is about to begin.

As we move publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising will of and charities into this new renewed state often times it means itrevenues is timeand to the letgood go: let gotheofagencies behaviors and we support; of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality habits that no longer serve us, relationships that areallofholding us back.

Nothing stays the this publication. thank you to all who supportsame, this endeavor. and though change can be scary, with change comes an empty canvas OFFICE/SALES for us to paint the next part of our journey on – an opportunity to explore new ideas.

402.932.3522 Sales@SpiritofOmaha.com

MISSION I believe that letting go is a natural process of life – a process that must takeSTATEMENT place in order for mission of ALH Publications is to recognize the ongoing us to grow and evolve. I encourage others to look efforts atthe where each may be feeling stuck. of Omaha-area businesses, organizations and individuals Sometimes a simple declaration to be “unstuck” gets the process of becoming more freeofincharitable and to better the community through their support civicflood causes.

ALHto Publications motion, and a simple shift in our mindset allows the gates open. also encourages people’s desire to give something back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Visit 101Things2Love.com Distributing May 2014 through April 2015

With the weeks leading up to March 21st, the firstContents day of Spring, it’s my plan to embrace with of this magazine are copyrighted by ALH Publications, Inc. in their entirety. part ofthere this publication love and grace the change and rebirth that is now taking place in myNolife... is a lot ofmayit...be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or the journey continues! by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording 6

metroMAGAzINE • AuG 2014

or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 1990 – 2014 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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from the PublisheR

SEASONS OF change

As we enter the month of May, Spring is in full swing. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing and as I take my daily bike ride through my neighborhood I find my heart bursting with joy.

As with all seasons, at least here in the midwest, there is anticipation as we move from one season to the next…we prepare for a change in temperature, a change in the scenery– and suddenly, what once was has changed into something different…something new.

Change is a part of life. There is no way to escape it and no way to avoid it. There have been times in life when I fought change. I desperately wanted everything to remain the same but that is not what life had in mind. The more I fought against change the harder life fought to initiate the necessary changes that would move me forward on my journey.

andRea l. hoig ahoig@spiritofomaha.com

The problem, at least for me, is that when I don’t allow change in my life, life starts to become very difficult. And now there is a lot of change happening in my life and though some of it is uncomfortable, I see that it is absolutely necessary for me to move forward in my relationships, my business and my life.

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As I begin to embrace the possibility of changes in these areas a spark of excitement sets in.

I have been telling myself for years that “I cannot not change this” or “I cannot change that” but the moment I made a commitment to change such things…everything did begin to change! New and exciting opportunities started to arrive; new and exciting ideas came to mind; new and exciting adventures started to unfold. We found ourselves responding to change by simply asking “What Next?” and then cooperating with the answers.

Life suddenly became new and exciting by the mere idea of allowing change to happen.

So now, as we embrace these changes at ALH Publications, the question we pose to you is, “What Next?” Changes are coming! Stay tuned. Until then…

“Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.” ~Jim Rohn

P u b l i c a t i o n s

LOOK FOR THE !

Notice in our Save the Date section (p. 58) that many of the events have the icon above next to them. Learn much more about these organizations, their events, mission and needs in The Event Book 2014!

Order your copy at SpiritofOmaha.com and we’ll mail it to your door.

WHAT NEXT?

COMING IN 2014 7

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INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

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DIVERSITY

metroMAGAZINE • MAY 2014

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STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE STOCK

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

since its 1938 founding in response to religious and racial bias, inclusive communities has embraced human diversity, tolerance and unity. now the area nonprofit is moving into new facilities, expanding its scope, and broadening its capacity in providing tools and skills for valuing human differences.

matters

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DIVERSITY MATTERS TO INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

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DIVERSITY matters TO INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES...

The good work of individuals and organizations in promoting equality and inclusivity will be celebrated May 22 at Inclusive Communities’ Humanitarian Dinner featuring guest speaker Robert Edsel, author of The Monuments Men. One of Omaha’s longest-running philanthropic events, the dinner is “paramount for our organization because as our only fundraising event it provides more than 50 percent of our annual operating budget,” says EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BETH RILEY. She adds that it brings together board members, donors, volunteers, staff and community partners “who are very committed, active and engaged” in fulfilling the mission of breaking down barriers.

“People who most often need a voice aren’t represented and that’s where Inclusive Communities steps in and says, ‘We think it’s about all people and not just some people.’

That’s really our mantra we live by,” Riley says.

“We work with businesses, schools and in the community to confront prejudice, bigotry and discrimination and we do that through educational programs and advocacy work.

“We provide people the tools to meet others where they are. A lot of times in businesses that means creating positive dialogue skills and diversity and inclusion programs that have a measurable impact, not just to check off a competency. In schools it means creating leadership development programs that take into account all different kinds of students.”

education and advocacy Inclusive Communities has worked with major companies and with every high school in the Omaha Public School system.

The organization is also involved in drafting and advocating legislation that supports inclusion and makes exclusionary practices unlawful.

“The citywide equal employment ordinance is a great example,” Riley says. “We were an active partner with EQUAL OMAHA on that.

We’ve taken an active role with EQUAL NEBRASKA advocating for a statewide ordinance for protection of folks in the LGBTQ community who don’t have the kind of protection they need. We’re working with members of the state Judiciary Committee on that.”

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Our work is very human relations-based and focuses on how people interact with one another. ~ BETH RILEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

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collaboration

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

Riley most readily sees her human relations organization’s impact in young people. At the nonprofit’s residential IncluCity program held at Carol Joy Holling Conference & Retreat Center near Ashland, Neb. delegate students from area schools gather for an immersive experience to learn constructive dialogue and empathy building skills. She says the intense activities stir emotions, change attitudes, promote selfreflection and encourage conversation. It’s so well received that graduates regularly show up at her office volunteering to be camp counselors or applying to be interns. Many graduates go on to lead diversity clubs and social justice awareness activities at their schools.

“Most students who complete the program write on their evaluation they would recommend it to anyone, it’s changed their life and that they want to come back to volunteer.”

Inclusive Communities program associate EMILIO HERRERA participated in IncluCity as a high school student. He later served as an intern and now he’s on staff while finishing his master’s in social work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“Our programming had such a transformative effect on him that this has become his life’s work,” Riley says.

Herrera says the experience of Inclusive Communities has made him want “to become a beacon of hope in the Omaha metro area for those who feel misunderstood or misrepresented.”

a safe place Riley says a Native American student from the Rosebud Reservation in S.D. has been similarly transformed. During a camp exercise called Culture Walk the student chose to identify himself as gay in front of peers, adult supervisors and community observers. He’s since become a diversity advocate in his school, a camp volunteer and the rare Native student pursuing a post-secondary educational path.

“The most gratifying thing to me is to know we’ve created a place where he feels safe and can feel supported in accomplishing all of his dreams,” Riley says. “It’s a meaningful thing to

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DIVERSITY matters know you can impact a youth in that way. In return he’s created this amazing club within his school where other youth have felt safe coming out and being open about their own sexual orientation and gender identity. He’s also created a multicultural club and other safe spaces for youth in his own school. I’m very proud of what our staff and volunteers have done for him and of all the things he’s giving back to inspire youth.

“That’s the real power.”

Inclusive Communities is anything but abstract or theoretical.

“Our work is very human relations-based and focuses on how people interact with one another,” Riley says. “The conversations we promote are really much deeper than what is someone’s race or ethnicity or religion. We talk about systemic things that tie us together as a society and that make us who we are as a culture.”

people who most often need a voice aren’t represented and that’s where inclusive communities steps in. ~ BETH RILEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

Programming is tailored to clients’ needs.

“We get called by a lot of nonprofits and small businesses when they’re looking at starting a diversity and inclusion group,” she says.

“The number one reason we get called to work with businesses is they need language and terminology. Businesses have a lot of issues with that. There may be one employee using language considered inflammatory that’s making an entire office or department feel uncomfortable.

“We promote doing daylong workshops where in a safe environment you give people the opportunity to engage in dialogue and learn to have meaningful conversations at work that can defuse situations. So when things do arise and somebody says something perceived as inflammatory by somebody else there is a foundation there for dealing with it. It’s getting everyone on the same page and helping people learn to be allies for one another and for themselves.”

youth focused With students she says the curriculum focuses on teaching youth “how to stand up for themselves and to learn dialogue tools to articulate their own identity and to meaningfully and peacefully resolve conflicts. It’s getting them to understand the difference between dialogue

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metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

and debate. It’s helping them understand appropriate language skills.” She says antibullying strategies are “a huge piece of what we do – we have an entire section on our website devoted to resources.”

She says her board has laid out a strategic plan to increase youth services and Inclusive Communities is well along in realizing that goal.

The organization has recently extended its reach into schools on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations in S.D. It’s also now working with schools in Lincoln, Bellevue and Ralston, Neb. and Council Bluffs, Iowa as well as with area private schools, including Omaha Creighton Prep and Duchesne Academy.

“We’ve doubled the size of our youth programming. It’s driven by the public’s need, by schools reaching out and asking for assistance.

We’ve been an expert at this programming for a long time and it will always be really important to this organization because every time you impact a youth you get such a return on your investment.”

Last year’s record proceeds from the Humanitarian Dinner made possible increased youth and adult programming, additional staff and relocating to the Community Engagement Center at UNO. Inclusive Communities joins several nonprofits housed at the center, whose mission is to foster collaboration, something Riley’s organization is already well-versed in and is looking to do more of.

cultivating collaborators, growing partnerships “Some of our partners include Nebraskans for Civic Reform, Nebraska Appleseed and Greater Omaha Young Professionals.

The more we collaborate with others the better opportunity we have for people to learn about the work we do. It’s planting a lot of seeds.

That’s what this space is all about,” Riley says of the center. “We had outgrown our previous space and being here is such a great fit for us because of its central location, because many of the students we serve are students at UNO or go on to be students here and because of the opportunity to collaborate with the other nonprofits in the building and with faculty, staff and researchers at the university.

collaboration

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BETH RILEY

“We think there are great partnership opportunities on campus.”

Meanwhile, Inclusive Communities is launching its Building Blocks of Inclusion series at various businesses and doing a diversity series with Greater Omaha Young Professionals.

Riley says the organization has more capacity to grow and remains “very nimble” responding to emerging needs and issues. She adds Inclusive Communities may be old in years but remains ever relevant with its young staff, vibrant board and passionate volunteers.

Follow its work and obtain Humanitarian Dinner details at www.inclusive-communities.org.

DIVERSITY MATTERS TO INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

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HOW HAS inclusive

community CONNECTIONS

haji weliyo

q&a

sam mareno Omaha Central High School

cornelius rhone Omaha South High Magnet School I live with eight brothers and sisters who are taken care of by our single mother. So, I’ve never really had the chance to talk about the things that bother me in life and all of the stuff I go through because my mother is always busy and tired. I’d never want to bother her.

Then, I went to IncluCity. At IncluCity, I had people asking how my life was going. They sat down with me and let me talk about everything. They listened to what I had to say—which I was so thankful for.

I came back as a volunteer so that I could be there for other students who come to camp and need someone to sit there and listen to what they have to say. Just let them talk.

Just like I needed someone when I first came.

Omaha Benson High School Magnet In multiple ways.

Before attending camp I was somewhat oblivious to bigotry and ignorance surrounding me in my everyday life. After just the first day of programing, my eyes opened to all of the troubles happening around me.

I was able to understand the effects my actions and others' actions were having on the people around me. With the help Inclusive Communities gave me I had the tools I needed to better myself and to help better my community and society.

Inclusive Communities has given me direction in so many different aspects of my life. As a senior in high school, I am expected to know what I want to do with the rest of my life as I become an adult as society defines.

However, Inclusive Communities has helped instill that I am my own person, and I am powerful.

The work I do with IC has given me the opportunity to be able to understand and communicate with others and to thoroughly know myself.

It has helped me recognize that I am an influential, young woman, and I can change the world.

Inclusive Communities has impacted my life in such a profound way and has shaped me into the young adult I am now.

I also learned that the world cannot be changed by one person or in one day, but by working together towards a common goal we can make a small change within our schools, community etc.

It may be a small mission, but that small mission can ultimately lead to a huge impact.

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metroMAGAZINE • MAY 2014

john godoy Todd County High School Inclusive Communities has given me clarity.

I was so blind and judgmental before being a delegate at the Spring 2013 IncluCity.

I pushed people away and kept closed off, even to myself.

Without Inclusive Communities, I wouldn't have had the support I needed to admit to myself that I am gay.

After my delegate camp, I started the Sexuality And Gender Equality group at Todd County.

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communities helped YOU?

madison larimore

joredan delgarito

Bellevue West High School

Todd County High School

metroMAGAZINE • The Spirit of Omaha

Ever since my first camp in April 2013, Inclusive Communities has been a part of my life and it’s the greatest thing ever.

averie perryman Omaha Central High School Inclusive Communities has impacted my life by reminding me of who I am and who I want to be as a person.

There have been points in my life where I haven't been fair to others or even myself sometimes because I lost track of being accepting.

Then I came to this program and learned about the people within my community and gained confidence that there were people that go through their own situations, make their own mistakes, but care enough to put in the work and at least attempt to fix those situations [in favor of] basic human decency.

I can't say thank you enough to finally have a family who would be there for me. They're like glitter, they never go away!

Inclusive Communities has changed my life.

They have helped me put a name to everyday injustices and have validated the negative feelings I have felt [related to] them.

Inclusive Communities has also given me hope.

At camp, everyone makes each other feel like they are the only person in the world. I love everyone for what they do.

I know being sick is a difficultly but everyone accepts me for who I am.

Inclusive Communities is the best possible organization to be a part of.

They have shown me that I am not alone, and that together, through education and empowerment, we can bring the wrongs to the light.

Through Inclusive Communities I have become more determined to give all people–not just the people who I may favor–human decency and respect.

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community leadership

inclusive communities HUMANITARIAN DINNER

inclusive communities helps us to value and celebrate our diversity which makes our community stronger. ~ MARCIA BREDNAR

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metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

THURSDAY, MAY 22ND, 2014 the 59th annual humanitarian dinner will be a memorable event. this year will feature keynote speaker, robert edsel, author and founder of the monuments men foundation. for the first time, inclusive communities will present a lifetime achievement award. the dinner will be hosted at embassy suites-la vista from 5:30-9pm on thursday, may 22nd, 2014. inclusive communities has partnered with the bookworm to host a book signing with mr. edsel following the dinner and program.

MARCIA BREDAR Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award: MARCIA BREDAR is the fourth of eight children of Teresa Peter and Vincent Bredar. After contracting polio six months before the vaccine was available, Marcia was raised to believe that despite her paralysis she could be anything she wanted to be, contributing as well as serving the community in which she lived.

With the love and support of her family, Marcia excelled in school graduating from Cathedral High School and receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Creighton University. After working as a law clerk for the Nebraska Supreme Court, Marcia continued her career as Vice President and attorney with Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company for over 18 years and served as an adjunct professor of legal research and writing at Creighton University School of Law. Being raised in a family where service was not only valued but expected, Marcia’s history of service to the Omaha community has spanned her entire lifetime. Her board work has included Inclusive Communities, Citizen Advocacy of Omaha, Creighton University Alpha Sigma Nu Alumni Board, Creighton University Alumni Advisory Board, New Cassel Retirement Center, New Cassel Retirement Center Foundation, Great Plains Girl Scout Council, Nebraska Polio Survivors Association, Omaha Hospice Organization, Worknet, Cathedral High School Alumni Board, and St. Pius/St. Leo School Endowment Board.

In addition Marcia has also volunteered with the Nebraska Bar Association, the March of Dimes, member of the Mayors’ Committee on the Handicapped, law advisor to Emergency Pregnancy Service, President of the St. Leo Parish Council, Chair of the St. Leo Parish Finance Committee, religious education teacher for St. Leo Parish, St. Leo RCIA facilitator; Chair for the Archdiocesan Committee for Persons with Disabilities and guest judge for various education activities in schools throughout the area.

Relishing time with family, including over 30 nieces and nephews, Marcia’s life is full. Enjoying her extended family, it is not unusual to spot Marcia at ball games (especially Creighton basketball), concerts, recitals, weddings, graduations, or just enjoying the holidays including the family’s annual Vince Bredar Open. Marcia’s also shares her talents of upholstering, knitting, and sewing, including BREDAR making wedding veils MARCIA for the last 4 family weddings.

Marcia’s service has been recognized by the Omaha Jaycees as a Ten Outstanding Young Omahan (TOYO); Creighton University Alumni Merit Award; National Catholic Education Association Distinguished Graduate Award; Cathedral High School Alumni Achievement Award; Woman of Achievement from the Great Plains Girls Scout Council, Outstanding Catholic Woman of the Year; “Open Wide the Doors” Award from the Archdiocese of Omaha; and Handicapped Professional Woman of the Year Award.

He takes pride in the North German Student Exchange program that he coordinates. This exchange allows American and German students the opportunity to experience each others’ cultures in Omaha and Braunschweig, Germany. As part of the exchange he has accompanied North High students as they spend three weeks in Germany.

Kevin will continue his work with young people spreading the word of diversity and acceptance.

KEVIN CUSTARD Volunteer of the Year Award

RAMONA AND DERYL HAMANN Humanitarian Award

KEVIN CUSTARD began volunteering with Inclusive Communities in the spring of 2005. In that time he has attended thirteen residential camps as an advisor and co-director. His involvement in the program has furthered his interest and commitment to issues surrounding diversity and tolerance.

Kevin indicates that his time at IncluCity has made him a better guidance counselor and educator, giving insight to working with a diverse population.

He continues to work with Inclusive Communities because it is fulfilling to see students open their minds and hearts to others and begin to lead a more tolerant and accepting life.

IncluCity helps Kevin continue his goal of being a life-long-learner. He graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1992. Kevin then earned a Bachelor’s of Music degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 2005, he completed a Master’s degree in Secondary School Counseling. Kevin chose to return to the district from which he graduated and taught vocal music at King Science and Technology Magnet from 1998-2004. In the fall of 2004 he made his transition from middle school to high school to be a school counselor. He currently is the Director of Guidance at Omaha North High Magnet School. Kevin loves working with the students at North, and his principal has called him, the “Spirit Leader” of the school.

At North, Kevin promotes and works with student in a variety of ways. In addition to working with students as a school counselor, he sponsors the Senior Class and Multi-Cultural Club and was the former sponsor of the Gay Straight Alliance. He currently is the co-chair of North’s Diversity Committee, comprised of students and staff.

RAMONA HAMANN was Ramona Hamann is a native of Craig, Nebraska. In 1959 she moved to Omaha and was first employed at Mutual of Omaha.

Subsequently she held various positions, including at the Omaha Planning Department at City Hall.

She later became administrative assistant to the head of the Architectural Division at HDR, from which she retired in 1984 for health reasons.

The Hamanns have a merged family of seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

DERYL F. HAMANN with Baird Holm LLC., is a member of the Corporate Section, as well as the Tax Section, of the firm.

He regularly represents clients with respect to estate planning, taxation, banking law and corporate law matters.

Mr. Hamann received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Mr. Hamann is a member and a former President of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and the Nebraska Association of Bank Attorneys. He also is a member of the American Bar Association and is a member and Past President of the Omaha Estate Planning Council.

Hamann also has been an investor and owner in numerous banks in the region. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. He is a former Chairman of The Bethphage Foundation, Inc., and a former Chairman of Bellevue University. Mr. Hamann is currently a director of Bellevue University and the Bellevue University Foundation. In 2011, Mr. Hamann was designated by Best Lawyers in America as the Corporate Lawyer of the Year in Omaha.

CONTINUED

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community leadership

rolemodels

CONTINUED

we seem to have learned so little from the past; and the work of inclusive communities in confronting and combating bias, bigotry, and prejudice in all of its manifestations has never been more important. ~ HOWARD KASLOW

HOWARD KASLOW Lifetime Achievement Award:

Photo courtesy of mervin reese

HOWARD KASLOW

HOWARD KASLOW, born in 1939, and Partner in the Omaha law firm of Abrahams, Kaslow & Cassman LLP, graduated from Yale University with a B.A. magna cum laude 1960; LL.B. cum laude1964, in addition to his achievements as a Rhodes Scholar, at Oxford University 1960-61.

He was married to wife Gloria C. Kaslow in 1961.

Mr. Kaslow is a member of the following professional organizations: American, Nebraska State, and Omaha Bar Associations, Lifetime Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. His current community activities include Member of Board of Directors (Past Presiding Co-Chair) of Inclusive Communities (formerly National Conference of Christians and Jews), Member of Board of Directors (Past President) of Fontenelle Forest, Member of Governance Council of Institute for Holocaust Education, Member of Board of Directors and Secretary of Herbert Goldsten Charitable Trust.

Past Community Activities and awards include Member of Board of Directors and President of Jewish Federation of Omaha, Member of Board of Trustees and Chairman of Finance and Audit Committee of Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home (Boys Town), Member of Board of Directors and Chairman of Grants Committee of Omaha Community Foundation, Member of Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee for Nebraska, Member of Board of Directors of Bellevue University, Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award, Council of Jewish Federations Endowment Achievement Award for leadership in establishment of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Omaha Central High School Hall of Fame, United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Award, Phi Beta Kappa Mr. Karlow has been named in The Best Lawyers in America annually since 1993.

RAMONA AND DERYL HAMANN

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metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

inclusive communities HUMANITARIAN DINNER

PAUL AND ANNETTE SMITH Humanitarian Award: PAUL AND ANNETTE SMITH’S deep investment in their community, possessing a unique blend of energy, creativity, attention to detail, talents and generosity, have earned a glowing reputation that extends well beyond the business community. They are highly sought-after volunteers and visionaries in Omaha’s circles of philanthropy.

PAUL SMITH is Vice Chairman of Tenaska Energy, Inc. and Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Tenaska Capital Management, LLC. As vice chairman, Mr. Smith co-leads Tenaska, an independent energy company concentrating on reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible power plant development, ownership and operations. Mr. Smith has worked in the energy industry for more than 35 years, including 25 years with Tenaska or its affiliates.

Mr. Smith is an alumnus of both Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

He currently serves or has served as a member of the board of directors of several philanthropic organizations which include: Opera Omaha, Omaha Conservatory of Music, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Film Streams, Omaha Community Foundation and Joslyn Art Museum.

ANNETTE SMITH is an alumnus of both Dana College and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Mrs. Smith has given her time assisting with the service and fundraising efforts of several Omaha nonprofit organizations which include: Project Harmony, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Film Streams, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Omaha, Omaha Conservatory of Music, Louder Than a Bomb – Omaha, United Way of the Midlands and Creighton Preparatory School.

Mrs. Smith serves or has served on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands, College of St. Mary, the Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts, Open Sky Policy Institute and the Nebraska Academic Decathlon Foundation.

In 2008, the Smith’s, together with Betiana & Todd Simon, helped found Big Brothers Big Sisters Impact Circle and remain active supporters of this organization.

Annette & Paul have three adult children, Louis, Charles and Gregory.

ANNETTE AND PAUL SMITH

KEVIN CUSTARD

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feature STORY

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

MONUMENTAL: robert edsel

“Monuments officers were dealing with things that they found–five million objects–we’re talking about hundreds of billions of dollars of value; it was truly priceless. They were the custodians of it, they were responsible for it,” said Robert Edsel, who wrote the book behind the movie.

But the larger story doesn’t end with the war’s final days in 1945, and Edsel wants to make sure it continues to be told. Edsel, who will be in Omaha on Thursday, May 22 as the guest speaker for Inclusive Communities’ 2014 Humanitarian Dinner, has a story as interesting as any in the books he’s written. And it doesn’t start as anyone would expect.

tennis champion to art champion A Dallas Native, Edsel was born more than a full decade after the end of World War II. He wasn’t an artist or even an art history major; he studied finance. So, for most of his life, the former nationally-ranked tennis player who made his fortune in oil and gas exploration couldn’t have lived further outside the realms of art recovery and World War II history.

“I’ve always had an interest (in art); I just never had the time for it, unfortunately,” Edsel explained. “When I finally started getting a little bit ahead in 1994 and 1995, I was frustrated because it felt I’d done everything I set out to.

I had built something that hadn’t existed before, and I had an acute understanding of how 39 can become 69...I felt like this was a great chance to get off the merry-go-round for a few years, and here’s a chance to learn some new things and spend time with my son.”

Edsel sold Gemini Exploration, and the family spent the rest of the ‘90s traveling around Europe and ultimately living in Florence, Italy, for five years. Edsel indulged his interest in art and architecture with intensive study, which

included hiring expert guides to show him the works firsthand. Their World War II-era theft and recovery stories particularly intrigued him.

“And that’s where I wondered one day how all of these works of art survived and who were the people who saved them,” Edsel said. “I was fascinated with what I was learning...and ultimately it led me to the stage of asking this question, which in hindsight really turned out to be this epiphany.”

Photo by jimmy bruch

With the February release of The Monuments Men directed by and starring George Clooney and featuring other big names like Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray and John Goodman, the American public is finally learning the story of the 400 allied servicemen and women who saved and returned millions of pieces of art and other culturally important artifacts looted by Nazis during World War II.

The epiphany soon turned into a consuming and compelling curiosity.

“World War II is the most photographed, documented event in human history, so I figured, author robert edsel ‘That will be easy to find; there will be books of photographs like Time-Life books and I’ll look into books and have my answer and then I’ll be on to something else.’ But there weren’t aren’t any books on it. It seemed really strange, so in a “You know, as this World War II generation passes way I got lured into it by the lack of an easy over the next five or ten years–when they’re all gone and everything’s in their attic or basement answer being evident.” and hanging on walls and might have a new owner–the great risk is that it’s documents or telling the story By 2001, Edsel’s curiosity had turned into a quest, important manuscripts that are in a foreign language, so they just throw them away.” which ultimately parlayed into authoring the books Rescuing Da Vinci (2006), The hidden treasure Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, Some of the foundation’s “most wanted” pieces and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History (2009), and Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a include works by names even those with only a casual interest in art would recognize, like Nation’s Treasures from the Nazis (2013); El Greco, Sandro Botticelli, Paul Cézanne, establishing the Monuments Men Foundation Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin for the Preservation of Art in 2007; co-producing the documentary film The Rape of and Vincent van Gogh. Many of the missing treasures are likely a lost cause.

Europa (2007); and the culmination, The Monuments Men movie released earlier this “We can apply a certain degree of logic: if it’s year, as the means to extend deeper awareness porcelain, it’s probably broken, if it’s old coins, to a greater number of people. silver coins, it’s probably been melted. Library “Monuments Men’s been translated into 34 languages but that’s not the same as having a feature film reach hundreds of millions of people...As a result of our efforts in film, we’ve found a number of important things and returned them already,” he said..”

The Monuments Men Foundation’s mission to recover additional art and other culturally significant items from that era is running against a clock that’s ticking down rapidly, Edsel said.

20

books in many cases might have survived, a lot of paintings out there, a lot of drawings out there, manuscripts, butterfly collections, musical instruments, anything that people could pick up,” Edsel said.

The greatest loss over time, he said, is not of artifacts but of the Monuments Men themselves, including two with Nebraska connections: Jesse Boell, who was born in Hickman and educated at Nebraska Wesleyan and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (he died in 1991)

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monumental

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

the monuments men foundation’s mission to recover stolen art and other culturally significant items from the world war II era is running against a clock that’s ticking down rapidly.

“I hope we can add to that by reestablishing the standard for the protection of cultural treasures that they created during the war, because we haven’t ever done it since,” he said. “I hope we can be the beacon of inspiration for the return of “We had 18 Monuments officers when I started a number of the missing things out there; that interviewing them and now 12 have been lost.” would be a great achievement. All these works monumental legacy of art around the world that survive can’t take Edsel said he still hopes–and even expects–more care of themselves; their futures depend on treasures to be brought forth in coming years by people doing good things.” the efforts of the foundation, which is also m spearheading a push for formal, national-level governmental recognition while the six remaining Monuments Men are still alive.

He also hopes to inspire others to get involved in the cause by bringing awareness to efforts and accomplishments of the Monuments Men Foundation and the Monuments Men themselves. and Gilbert Doane, who worked for the University of Nebraska from 1925 to 1937 and died in 1980.

monumental

“i wondered one day how all of these works of art survived and who were the people who saved them. ~ ROBERT EDSEL AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF MONUMENTS MEN FOUNDATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF ART

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MONUMENTS MEN AUTHOR ROBERT EDSEL

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community leadership

WHETHER

you describe it as a “giving holiday” or an “online charitable event” or a “virtual fundraising campaign,” Omaha Gives! by any definition is simply a great means of making it easy to support local nonprofits and having a little fun in the process, said Sara Boyd, president and CEO of Omaha Community Foundation (OCF), which coordinates the event.

“I talk about Omaha Gives! really as a 24-hour charitable challenge which is a celebration of the spirit of giving here in our community. It’s a concentrated period of time when we can all unify around something positive and our ability to individually affect the quality of life here,” Boyd said.

The second-ever Omaha Gives! takes place on Wednesday, May 21, from midnight to midnight. Participation is simple: visit the website at omahagives24.org, use the search feature to find your favorite nonprofits, and make a donation of $10 or more using a credit card. More than 570 local groups are registered with the program, and individuals can make multiple donations to as many nonprofits as they wish.

keeping the momentum During the event, participants can visit the website to see real-time reporting and tracking, and to encourage involvement, American National Bank is sponsoring participation prizes to be awarded to the 10 organizations in each of three size categories who attract the greatest number of unique donors. Sweetening the pot further, Omaha Steaks’ Steaks for Good program will randomly award $1,000 match prizes each hour to individual donations throughout the event, keeping the momentum going around the clock.

“This is a unique giving experience, it only lasts 24 hours, and it’s not designed to replace other forms but just to broaden the base of giving in our communities,” John Kotouc, American National Bank executive chairman, said.

Although Omaha Gives! is only in its second year, it actually emulates dozens of similar, successful programs throughout the country. An online campaign means less overhead and greater community accessibility, and with the minimum donation set at $10 and participation incentives, the objective is to involve as many people as possible rather than bring in just a few big-dollar donors.

“I thought it was cool that people would use ‘giving’ and ‘fun’ so often in the same context...Ninety-three percent of the donations made last year were $100 or less and the most common donation dollar amount was ten,” Boyd said. “It’s not just one or two people out there making all of that happen and there’s great pride in what we can accomplish together through this event.”

“The giving day in Omaha is modeled after other giving days, so we were able to take some of the best practices in other communities and roll them together to

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STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS

create our giving day,” said Todd Simon, Omaha Community Foundation board chair and Omaha Steaks senior vice president.“One of the great things about Omaha Gives! is, because of the ‘gamification’ aspect of it, you don’t have to be the organization that raises the most money to get some of these hourly prizes or to get one of the milestone prizes within it. It’s really driven more on engagement.”

“We really tried to construct something we felt was relevant and impactful for our local community. I don’t think you can just cookie-cutter something that happens elsewhere; you have to understand the community in which you are,” Boyd said.

success from the start The OCF team wasn’t expecting wild success in the program’s first year, Boyd said, but were overjoyed with the results: 318 nonprofit participants, nearly 11,000 unique donors and more than $3 million raised for the community including $565,000 in matching and prize funds. Best of all, 30 percent of the donations were first-time gifts to nonprofit organizations.

“We believed in the promise of what could happen and we believed in the spirit of giving and of the generosity of the individuals who are part of this community,” Boyd said. “So that gave us enough hope that we could make something of it. And then the nonprofits really rose to the challenge.”

Social media was the driver, Boyd explained.

“It was the network promotion that helped more people become aware of this last year...Most of the donations didn’t come directly to the Omaha Gives!! website through our promotion, they came through the social media of individuals, nonprofit organizations and companies. That is how this event happens,” Boyd said.

“New people participated largely because of what somebody else shared with social media that compelled them to get involved.”

everyone working together Community business partners and media partnerships were also instrumental in the first-year success, Boyd sad.

“What inspired us is that we believed that this is a great way to encourage smaller donations to local charities which are vital to our community, and also to generally promote information about our not-for-profits,” Kotouc said. “We have some extraordinary not-for-profits that do amazing work with people who have needs to be addressed: housing, medical, educational, or food...basic, social needs.”

“It enables such a large number of arts, education, and health and human services organizations to thrive and do good work in the community,” Simon said.

“The statistic I’ve heard over and over again is for every dollar we invest in the nonprofit sector, we get about eight dollars back in terms of community benefit.

Everybody can be part of that.”

With more than 570 nonprofits registered and increased awareness of Omaha Gives!, confidence is high for 2014 results to exceed last year.

“We have big goals for what this can be,” Boyd said. “We think this will grow huge, and what we see happening in other communities is that usually the second event can grow between 30 and 70 percent. What we could do with that–with that kind of growth–it’s phenomenal.”

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

the statistic i’ve heard over and over again is for every dollar we invest in the nonprofit sector, we get about eight dollars back in terms of community benefit. ~ TODD SIMON

this is a unique giving experience, it only lasts 24 hours, and it’s not designed to replace other forms but just to broaden the base of giving in our communities. ~ JOHN KOTOUC

ninety-three percent of the donations made last year were $100 or less and the most common donation dollar amount was ten. ~ SARA BOYD

BRUCE & STACY SIMON

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metro SHOPPER

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Bliss Boutique Bel air Plaza • 12100 w. Center rd. #607, omaha 402-991-3595 • www.blissboutiqueomaha.com • Facebook: Bliss Boutique omaha 24

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KMTV MORNING BLEND’S

community CONNECTION

mike & mary Describe 5 things on your Bucket List…

~ Mike DiGiacomo His...

Hers... ~ Mary Nelson

COUNT ME IN…THUMBS UP.

NOT BUYING IT…THUMBS DOWN ON THIS ONE.

There are many things I’d like to do and many places I’d like to see before I “kick the bucket”. When you watch Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman living out their final months in the movie, you realize how much of the world many of us are never exposed to.

I’m the type of person that has to “try” different foods, see exotic places, and accomplish certain goals. Why not prioritize them, and create a “bucket list”? We set goals at work, why should life goals be any different?

Bucket lists are great, aren’t they? In movies, absolutely. But, the truth is, I don’t see the application in real life – at least not my life.

And I love a list!

I’ve never created an actual “Bucket List”, but I have a short list in my head. One thing I know I will accomplish someday is completing my family tree. On my Italian side, I can barely keep track of all my cousins.

I’ve got so many, that I’m not even sure how I’m related to some of them. Getting it all on paper would sure help me appreciate my family roots! While I’m at it, learning Italian more fluently would be helpful to communicate with those relatives overseas. Of course, vacationing my winters in Italy is also on the list.

On my iPhone and iPad, my ‘notepad’ hosts a running grocery list, errands and task lists, a list of ideas for The Morning Blend, a list of Christmas card addresses, and a list of songs I hear on the radio which I’d like to download on iTunes. Again – I love a list!

The list of projects I need or want to accomplish at home is lengthy.

That list includes touching up paint on the doors and trim around the house, sewing window treatments, replacing caulk in a half-bath, repairing grout in another bathroom, and cleaning the garage.

I started playing trumpet about the time I was strong enough to hold the instrument up to my lips. I’ve performed on national television, played on stage with world famous trumpeter Doc Severinson, and even in front of an American President. But, I’ve always wanted to play piano. One of these days I’ll find the time to learn!

Yet, I don’t love a bucket list. I just don’t see the point. I’d flip to meet Tina Turner, but I don’t feel a need to do it. Since I was a kid, I’ve wanted a fish tank built into the floor of my home. But, I don’t think the day will come where I’m staring death in the eye, saying, “Argh! I never got around to the fish tank!”

In December, 1997, I was the passenger in a car which was t-boned by another driver. The crash caused injuries to my neck and knees.

Theoretically, I was a split second or a few inches away from being a goner. I’m just happy to be on this earth, and don’t need a list to determine whether I’m living.

As I write this, my list continues to grow and evolve.

But at least I have a good idea where I’m headed.

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metroMagazine • MaY 2014

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awareness amulets S P O N S O R E D B Y E L I S A I LANA

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awareness bracelet

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IS ALS AWARENESS MONTH

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and today there are no treatments to cure or revert this disease.

When you purchase an Elisa Ilana ALS Awareness Bracelet, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the ALS Association.

27

metroMAGAZINE • MAY 2014

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MARY E. VANDENACK

“MULBERRY LANE”

RENEW YOUR VITALITY

ACCEPTANCE,

celebrating spring

purpose and love

AFTER A LONG COLD WINTER, SPRING WILL FINALLY ARRIVE.

IF YOU WATCH SHOWS LIKE “SHARK TANK” IT’S FUN TO BELIEVE THAT YOU, TOO, COULD BECOME A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE. IF YOU COME UP WITH THAT GREAT IDEA, YOU’D BE CASHING WEEKLY CHECKS BIGGER THAN YOUR OLD YEARLY SALARY.

“May youISalways be pleasedAwith both inside and outside of • SPRING HISTORICALLY TIMEfreedom, OF RENEWAL. RENEWAL yourself!”

ENCOMPASSES THE BODY, THE MIND, AND THE SPIRIT. should consider day in lostTerms on which we have not danced at least once.”

• “We Spring Cleanses For every the Body of Food An often used approach for renewal of the body is a spring cleanse related to foods.

My views on food “When you fall in love with yourself, you begin to feel the positive • have changed dramatically over the primary belief is that you self-esteem that comes when weyears. don’tMy deflate ourselves.” should listen to your own body. Develop awareness of how your body Barbara Holstein Gatewaysavoid to Happiness” responds to what ~you put in. Becker Unless you have afrom food“Four intolerance, excluding any food entirely. Also avoid eating anything all the time. Take the time and develop strategies to develop awareness about the best foods for you.

I compiled several recommended spring cleanses and looked for the commonalities among them. All of those that I reviewed included lightening up on what is going into the body and making some different choices about what we consume. Suggested foods for cleanses include alkaline foods, green tea, lemon, apples and lots of waters. Foods to avoid include anything processed, sugar, foods that contain more than five ingredients, and foods containing ingredients that you have to google. Most cleanses suggest avoiding meat and dairy but that should really be a matter of whether that is the right choice for your health. If you struggle with anemia, you should talk to a professional before dropping red meat.

What about the recent stories about teens inventing apps or producing videos that make them millionaires or at least super famous before high school graduation? While this happens to some, we have to remember that fame or power or money will not solve our problems or make us happy. As more young professionals take on leadership positions in corporations and small businesses, they are asking questions like do enormous sums of money, extreme fame and power equate to happiness? Let’s take a look at three different people, in three different industries. Their journeys and experiences, while unique to them, provide us with valuable insight and they are generous enough to share what they’ve learned.

First up - Jillian Michaels, fitness guru, author, TV celebrity of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” She has much to say about finding purpose. But she warns you must first, “…accept where you are right now in this moment. That’s the key. In fact if you want to become better you have to accept and love yourself right now or you won’t feel deserving of being better. Tell yourself, ‘God (the Universe or whatever your belief) has brought me here to this world to do one job.’ That job is to be uniquely yourself. You have value and purpose right from go. And from that point the goal is to become a better and happier and healthier you.”

Spring Cleanses for the Mind While changing dietary habits cleanses the body, at the end of winter, it is also helpful to release mental baggage.

Mindfulness, in the form of yoga, meditation or hikes can help create balance and provide opportunities to clear the mind. Massage, hot baths, exercise, time off, adding a new activity, or eliminating commitments can also help.

It’s not fame and power that brings happiness, but when who we are lines up with what we do.

If you are experiencing serious mental challenges resulting from traumas or significant life stressors, consider professional help and support groups. There are a variety of specific and effective techniques that can help get life back on track when trauma or chronic stress has derailed you.

How about Darryl McDaniels - DMC of hip-hop revolutionaries Run DMC? As part of the first hip-hop act to go platinum, be nominated for a Grammy, make the cover of Rolling Stone, it was at the height of their success that “…for some reason I was waking every morning feeling empty… it was like okay… if I’m here just to be DMC that’s bull… I didn’t realize at the time that success without significance means nothin’… I got suicidal.” It wasn’t until he found out at 35 that he was adopted, did he realize he had a greater purpose than selling 30 million albums – being a mouthpiece for adopted kids.

Finally, John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, has some insight at the corporate level- pleading for more female leadership. At a recent women’s conference, he talked about the need for love in the corporate world.

Spring Cleanses For The Soul When the fresh air of spring arrives, take the time to breathe some of it in. Breathe in the fresh air as often as possible.

There is a better way to live than being breathlessly controlled by electronic devices, anxiety, and a schedule too packed to notice that the robins have reappeared in your back yard.

Our culture is not supportive of slowing down, connecting, and breathing deeply. You have to decide that it matters to you. Choose to reconnect to your inner self, your spirit, your breath BEFORE life gives you a wake-up call.

“We can’t solve the problems at the consciousness we’re currently at. We need our leaders to release love… Men’s metaphors for corporations are primarily war metaphors, sports metaphors, and Darwinian metaphors - survival of the fittest. Those are antithetical to having love in the culture. So, if love is going to come out of the corporate closet, it’s going to have to be women who release it.”

Set your iphone alarm for twice a day for the purpose of stopping you to take a breath and simply notice something in the moment. Make the time to read one of the books sitting unfinished because you don’t have the time to read.

Make the time to engage in an activity that is meaningful to you. Live in a way that at the end of the day, you will have lived, laughed, and loved.

So no matter how much money, fame or power you do or don’t have, happiness and satisfaction converge when there is acceptance of where you are right now, a purpose for what you do and releasing love. As women, let’s lead the charge. Instead of chasing money, fame or power, let’s turn the equation on its head and find acceptance, purpose and love.

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.

Sisters Rachel, Bo, and Allie are singer/songwriters who host a syndicated music, arts, and lifestyle talk radio show.

The Mulberry Lane Show airs in Omaha on Saturdays, The Mighty 1290 KOIL, 10am – noon.

The show is sponsored by Elisa Ilana Jewelry. For more information visit www.mulberrylane.com.

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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.

spring cleanse FOR THE MIND “PEOPLE WHO ARE CRAZY ENOUGH TO THINK THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD ARE THE ONES THAT DO.” ~ Steven Jobs”

After a very long and cold winter, spring does seem to be finally arriving. Spring is known to bring out the desire to clean. For some, cleaning takes the form of “May you always be pleased with freedom, both inside and outside of cleaning out the garage and detailing autos. For others, a spring cleanse takes the yourself!” form of a physical cleaning out of foods by juicing for a few days or eating certain typesshould of lightconsider foods that willday allow to clean itself out and “We every lostthe on digestive which wesystem have not danced at least once.” restore. My preferred cleanse for the spring of 2014 is one for the mind. Every “When you fall in love with yourself, you begin to feel the positive great idea and every movement starts with one person somewhere. A clear and self-esteem that comes when we don’t deflate ourselves.” refreshed mind can be the source of positive change on many levels. ~ Barbara Becker Holstein from “Four Gateways to Happiness” Find Some Space Each and Every Day Regardless of whether we are working, raising children, or retired, we live in a world of constant motion and constant connection. The first step to allow the mind to cleanse is to find some space every day that is free of television, voicemail, email, twitter, and even general conversation. Meditation would be a fabulous support to the mind but if you can’t find your way to meditation, consider short walks without the cell phone or a closed door with lights off while remaining awake. You can recite a simple mantra to occupy the mind just enough to keep it from wondering to what you are going to do next other than just be for a few moments.

Release and Replace Negative Thought Patterns Release negative thought patterns that focus on yourself or on others. Find a healthy and safe way to release.

You can establish an email account that exists for the sole purpose of sending yourself letting go emails. If you have experienced significant life trauma recently, consider finding a support group or seeking out a professional.

Observe Your Thoughts As you make some space in your day, you will have the opportunity to observe your thoughts. Seek to become an objective observer simply noting your thoughts. Avoid judgment. Just observe.

Do keep in mind one very important concept however: Those who are struggling are often those most in need of a kind word or encouragement.

If you can find that for someone, you may change the direction of a life.

• • •

29

Reconsider messages that are negative. If you find yourself berating yourself because of the choices made by your child, a friend, or a significant other, gently remind yourself that you are not in control of the choices made by others.

When you find yourself having negative thoughts about the actions of others, reconsider. Often, when we have negative thoughts about others, we have made judgments about their actions based on our experiences and perceptions rather than theirs. We may assume someone is acting in bad faith when they are dealing with just having found out a loved one has cancer.

Develop a Practice of Finding Positive Things to Say Positive energy creates positive energy. With your mind clearer, notice that which is positive. Share what you see. Reinforce the positive.

metroMagazine • MaY 2014

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planningMATTERS • with pvw law

protecting

your rights

TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

What Is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property is a general term that refers to creations of the mind and human intelligence. The term intellectual property includes inventions, literary and artistic works, designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Intellectual property can be a manufacturing process, a book, a trade secret for a chemical formula, or plans for a product launch.

What is a Trademark and How Can I Protect It? Trademarks. A trademark is a recognizable sign, design or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others. A trademark may be located on a package, label, a voucher, or on a product. Trademarks are used to identify names, brand, symbol, slogan, color, sound, and package design.

Intellectual property is intangible property subject to ownership and other rights pursuant to U.S. and state laws as well as most jurisdictions throughout the world. The types of intellectual property protected in the United States include patents, mask works, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This article briefly covers trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

Trademarks are secured by using the mark in commerce whether or not the mark is registered. Protection for unregistered marks are limited to the geographical area in which a mark is used. Trademarks eligible for protection can be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Such registration provides the owner of a mark significant protection.

mary e. vandenack

Copyrights. Copyright protection is given to the authors or original works of authorship. A copyright protects the form of expression of a creator against copying. Copyright protection is available for both published and unpublished works.

Copyright categories include books and magazines; business plans and charts; software programs; websites; movies; music; drawings; graphic designs; paintings; sculpture; fashion’ architecture; and live performances.

A copyright can be registered with the Copyright Office by filing an application, a copy of the work, and paying the registration fee.

Ownership of a copyright is vested in the creator (or the employer in the case of work for hire) without registration; however registration may be helpful in pursuing claims of copyright infringement. Some authors decide against registering copyrights to avoid public disclosure of the work. For example, an author of source code may prefer not to register and instead seek protection as a trade secret.

Trade Secrets. A trade secret is confidential business information which provides an enterprise a competitive edge. Examples include client lists, marketing plans, pricing structures, software source code, and chemical formulas.

To qualify for trade secret protection, a trade secret must be secret and not generally known and have commercial value because the information is not generally known. In addition, the owner must take reasonable steps to keep the information secret.

Trade secrets are generally protected without registration or procedural formalities. A trade secret owner obtains protections by making efforts to protect the secrecy of the information within the owner’s organization and with respect to third parties. Typical strategies to protect trade secrets include limiting the availability of information, and using written confidentiality agreements regarding the information.

For more information visit www.pvwlaw.com 30

metroMAGAZINE • MAR 2014

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todaysSaVingS • swartzbaugh-farber & associates, inc.

impact! • Your dental health in 2014!

waiting THE POWER OF THE

glass IS

half full.

being a role kevin harrington

JUST as people begin moving forward with a better financial

outlook, another change occurs affecting one of the largest sectors of the U.S. economy– Health Care Reform, aka the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although there are many positive aspects of the law, some changes have been less favorable. The out of pocket costs associated with insurance (deductibles, coinsurance and copayments) for many individuals increased significantly in 2014. ACA imposed a maximum out of pocket requirement on health insurance plans. The majority of health insurance plans today offer coverage coinciding with that maximum out of pocket - $6,350 for an individual and $12,700 for a family. For most of us, that is quite a bit higher than in the past.

This change is an unfortunate situation for many individuals. An alarming statistic already exists in the U.S: sixty-seven percent of the families that have filed bankruptcy due to medical expenses actually had health insurance. It is easy to understand why this problem exists. After the family pays for the out of pocket expenses associated with their health care bills, there is little left for the day-to-day expenses – transportation, food and housing. Our choices come down to our most basic instinct, survival, so we pay the daily expenses.

Thousands of well-intentioned employers find themselves in the common paradox of finding affordable health insurance coverage and choosing a health plan that keeps an employee’s out of pocket at a manageable level. In order to provide everything required under ACA and still keep the costs affordable, the out of pocket on the coverage must increase. An unintended consequence of this is that for many of the employees, that out of pocket amount is higher than they can reasonably afford.

Nevertheless, the glass can still be seen as half-full! All these changes are creating an opportunity for a more affordable way to manage these out of pocket costs. In the past, insurance companies that provided catastrophic accident, hospital or cancer coverage were limited to only a few extremely aggressive companies. We often refer to these products as worksite or voluntary insurance / indemnity coverage. As the need for these products becomes more evident, more insurers want to participate and the market becomes more competitive. Some of the most trusted health insurance companies are now in the worksite business. That is a great thing for consumers! As the number of insurers offering the products increases, the products themselves become better and the cost for this coverage becomes more affordable.

Worksite products are no longer just something “nice to have” in case of a medical malady.They have become a viable way for us as consumers to maintain our financial health. These products pay the purchaser flat amounts for hospital stays, tests, emergency room visits or a diagnosis of a critical illness like cancer or a heart attack. These amounts help employees pay for the deductible and other out of pocket costs associated with these serious conditions, even helping with those every day expenses.

It is common knowledge that we are not a country of savers. Luckily, there are insurance products available to help us manage some of the additional costs of being sick.

It is all a function of knowing what you need to do to maintain your financial health and well-being.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’. This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider. Securities Offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

31

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

model.

AS a health-centered dentist and mother of two (with one more on the way), I understand the desire for our children to grow up healthy. I also understand the struggles of persuading a seven year old to brush for more than 10 seconds or the challenge of flossing your squirming toddler.

My advice: value the benefits of progress over perfection.

Establish daily routines founded in positive lifetime habits to give your child the best skills for a healthy life. Check out these tips for improving your family’s dental health.

Tip one: Daytime verses nighttime foods.

Keep it simple…if the food is difficult to remove from in-between the teeth or high in sugar, it is a daytime food. By avoiding fruit snacks, sticky candies and juice before bed, you are upping your chances for health. Set the odds in your favor with water, yogurt or fruit in the evenings. These less processed, more natural foods are easily brushed and flossed away preventing cavities and dental disease.

Tip two: Don’t curse, just floss.

What do I mean? Have you ever witnessed a four letter word slip from the mouth of a child? Be honest, we all have. At the time, we may chuckle but we also know this behavior was learned. The child repeated the expression as it was modeled for them…often with the same tone or expression.

So reverse this logic in the context of flossing. If your child has never seen you floss, how could they model or repeat this behavior? By flossing routinely, your child will believe that flossing is a normal daily task. Pick flossing over cursing for less embarrassing moments and healthier habits in life. You can be a flossing role model for your child.

Tip Three: Create value in health!

Taking care of our bodies should not be seen or taught as punishment. Our bodies are amazing well -functioning machines allowing us to run, jump, swim, give birth, ect…

Now, think about your perspective on health. How do you view exercise, diet and dental homecare (brushing and flossing)?

Does your child hear you make excuses to avoid time at the gym or complain about dieting? My advice: create value in your health and you create value in theirs. Choose to spend time as a family walking, throwing a football, growing fresh veggies or drinking water vs soda pop. Every little decision counts towards a lifetime goal of improving and valuing your family’s health.

For more information on health and wellness as a part of your family’s dental routine visit our website at www.drvondrak.com. This information is made available to the public based on our commitment to help individuals establish excellent dental health for happy, predictable dental futures! If you have questions, call us at 402-289-2313. We find value in helping you find value in your dental and overall health.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, and a Fellow in the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. The AACP is an organization dedicated to helping patients suffering from TMJ pain, headaches, and other craniofacial pain disorders. Additionally, Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is a Premier Provider for Invisalign orthodontics. Dr. Vondrak believes education is paramount to comprehensive patient care and has completed over 400 hours of post-doctorate education including the Pankey Institute and the Schuster Center.

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event galleries • VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now! AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

OMAHA SYMPHONY GUILD TABLE ART 2014

PARTNERSHIP 4 KIDS VINNEBRASKA WINE EVENT 2014

NEBRASKA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION BARRISTERS’ BALL

PROJECT HARMONY SPEAKING OF CHILDREN

MAKE-A-WISH NEBRASKA BLUE JEAN BALL

OMAHA RESTAUARANT ASSOCIATION TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN

CUES THE GATHERING

CHILDEN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER WINE, WOMEN & SHOES

Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, and metroMAGAZINE will donate 10% back to that 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

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eVenT

spotlight

childen’s hospital & medical center

metroMagazine

WINE, WOMEN & SHOES 2014

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

ladies nite!

NEWS & NOTES: Nearly 300 women gathered to sip, savor and shop at the second annual Wine, Women & Shoes to support Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s Carolyn Scott Rainbow House. Donors contributed $155,000 to the one-of-a kind fundraiser at Happy Hollow Club.

Guests tasted luxury wines while they shopped a fabulous Marketplace, full of hot shoes, cool jewelry and stylish accessories. They also enjoyed live and silent auctions, a raffle drawing, hors d’oeuvres and dessert from Gigi’s Cupcakes. The Shoe Guys–handsome and helpful volunteers who presented shoes and jewelry on silver trays–were just another unique element that made this fundraiser a huge hit.

Honorary chairs were Susan Dennis and Ellen Wright.

Regan Fahey Muhs, Haley Walker and Julie Horgan Wurth served as the event’s co-chairs. WOWT’s Malorie Maddox was the evening’s emcee. Sassy and sophisticated décor was provided by Kyle Robino of Old Market Habitat.

WINE, WOMEN & SHOES EVENT CO-CHAIRS JULIE HORGAN WURTH, REGAN FAHEY MUHS AND HALEY WALKER

“We are grateful to our incredible chairs and our hardworking Wine, Women & Shoes committee for making this event so special and successful,” said Roger Lewis, executive director of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation. “I know the children and families we serve at the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House will be thankful, too.”

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Mission: “so that all children may have a better chance to live”.

FATIMA KHAN, RUTH DEWHURST, MIKE SKRADIS, FATIMA BASITH, DEBBIE WOOD, MONICA JOANNSEN AND JASMINE PITTACK 34

metroMAGAZINE • MAY 2014

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROGER, AND CAROL LEWIS

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| wine, women & shoes

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now!

AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

MEGAN SHEPHERD, CHRIS BOTTIERI AND CARLY FRICKE

GAYLEGUY SHOE CALEWELL ANDY ODDO AND ERIC PHILLIPS

A. J. STEVENS, JANICE BATT, VALERIE BATT AND BRYAN CORLEY

SHOES ON A TRAY

KIM WEISS, ANDREA MARSHALL, LIZ LANGAN AND HALEY WALKER

BOLD & KREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

HONORARY CHAIRS SUSAN DENNIS AND ELLEN WRIGHT

BOLD & KREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SHOE GUYS

TOR WIS

MARC AND LORI HOCK

BOLD & KREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

BONNIE BOLTON, EMCEE MALORIE MADDOX AND KELLI MALOUSEK

BRET SAMPSON AND SASHA YORK

BETH OCHSNER, LISA OWEN, ERIN SWANSON-RUSSELL AND TORY REED

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eVenT

spotlight metroMagazine

omaha restaurant assoc.

TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

never too many...

JUST THE FACTS: This Omaha Restaurant Association event was made up of chefs who donated their time and talents to prepare a 5 to 6 course meal with wine pairings for ten guests each.

The event was held on Sunday March 23rd at Hilton Omaha.

Neither the guests nor the chefs knew who would be matched with whom until cocktail hour. The chef then greeted his group, and wined and dined them for the rest of the evening.

Proceeds from this event go to fight hunger and provide for culinary scholarships.

THE CHEFS

CHEF ENZO ZURLO

GLENN WHEELER WITH GUESTS 36

CHEF JOEL MAHR AND STAFF

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| too many cooks

metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS Jared Clarke Railcar Modern American Kitchen

Cory Guyer

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now!

AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

US Foods

CABRIALES ANDFRICKE STAFF MEGAN SHEPHERD,CHEF CHRISVICTOR BOTTIERI AND CARLY

CHEF SMITHAND ERIC PHILLIPS GAYLEDEREK CALEWELL

Victor Cabriales Anthony’s Steakhouse

CHEF TONY SOTO

CHEF ROCCEO CANIGLIA

Glenn Wheeler Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops

Joel Mahr Lot 2

CHEF JARED CLARKE AND STAFF

CHEF JACOB KING

Michael Rhoades Sodexo

Tim Galligher Sodexo

J COCO STAFF

ANTHONY’S STAFF MICHAEL WILKERSON

Isaiah M. Renner Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge

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eVenT

spotlight metroMagazine

omaha restaurant assoc.

TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER HUMPHRIES

never too many...

STAFF WITH CHEF ROCKY ROCHA

CHEF KIMBLER HARROLD WITH GUESTS

CHEF JENNIFER COCO AND CHEF PEDRO GARCIA

CHEF MICHAEL RHOADES WITH GUESTS 38

CHEF GINA STERNS AND CHEF ENZO ZURLO

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metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

| too many cooks

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS John Rea M’s Pub

Andre Pirtle Vivace CHEF KIMBLER MEGAN SHEPHERD, CHRISHARROLD BOTTIERI AND CARLY CHEF FRICKE JARED CLARKE WITH GUESTS

Kimbler Harrold Liberty Tavern, Hilton

STAFF AT RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN

JEFF GILLILAND AND CHEF CORY GUYER

Paul Kulik Le Bouillon

Cedric Fichepain LeVoltaire French Restaurant

Enzo Zurlo Zurlo’s Bistro Italiano

Rocky Rocha Hy-Vee • VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now!

AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

ROCHELLE MCCURE AND BRANDON HAHN

STAFF AT LE VOLTAIRE

Jennifer Coco J. Coco

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Photography by Dan Flanigan

event GALLERIES

FOREVER IN

Blue Jeans

Make-A-Wish Nebraska Blue Jean Ball

“WISH KID” ADDISYN BRYSON WITH LISA AND CHRIS BRYSON, CHUCK ADAMSON, ALEX BRYSON, CHERYL ADAMSON AND HALEY BRYSON

SHERI ABRAMSON, JENNI HERCHENBACH, KATHY AND GARY GATES, MICHELE MARTIN, BRIGETTE YOUNG AND KELLY TITUS

The Make-A-Wish Nebraska’s Blue Jean Ball drew more than 450 people and raised over $260,000 to support granting wishes for Nebraska children with lifethreatening medical conditions at its 16th annual event, on March 29, at the Mutual of Omaha Dome.

Sheri Abramson, Jenni Herchenbach, and Kelly Titus served as event co-chairs, Gary and Kathy Gates served as honorary chairs, and KMTV’s Jennifer Griswold served as the event’s emcee.

GAIL AND ABE MEDARIS WITH SAM AND RACHEL MEDARIS

STEVE AND MICHELE OTT WITH ERIC AND CARRIE WEBER

The event featured silent and live auctions and a raffle for 2 tickets to every College World Series game.

Highlights of the evening included granting the wish of 4-year-old Addisyn, who has Wilms’ Tumor, to go to Disney World. Addisyn was surprised by an appearance from her favorite princess during the granting of her wish. Guests were also treated to an incredible performance by 14-year-old wish kid pianist, Peter, who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, topping off an inspiration-filled evening.

“It was great to see everything and everyone come together,” said Michele Martin, Friends Council President.

CANDI KIRKWOOD, SHEILA TRUEBLOOD AND ANN CROUSE

LEWIS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS

“The Blue Jean Ball is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Brigette Young, President of Make-A-Wish Nebraska. “And with more than 130 children currently in various stages of the wish granting process, we are extremely grateful for the generous support of everyone involved.”

The Dinner Sponsor for the event was ConAgra Foods, the Silent Auction Sponsor was Younkers, Social Hour Sponsors were First National Bank and Valmont Industries, the Entertainment Sponsor was C&A Industries and the Raffle Sponsor was Mutual of Omaha.

Other top sponsors included Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Great Western Bank, Scott & Jenni Herchenbach, HM Insurance Group-Omaha Office, Lamp, Rynearson & Assoc., Nebraska Furniture Mart, Omaha World-Herald, Tenaska and Wells Fargo Bank.

WYATT AND RANIE CARSON

KATE AND T.J. TWIT WITH NANCY PFLUG

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 40

For more information, visit www.nebraska.wish.org.

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Photography courtesy of CUes

ALL WERE

Gathered

CUES

The Gathering

Six hundred fifty guests attended The Gathering, a fundraising dinner supporting Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name Schools, on Saturday, March 29 at the new TD Ameritrade headquarters building. The theme for the evening was “Spreading our Wings” and the students shined bright as they showcased their many talents.

JOHN AND MARY SCHUELE, FR. TOM FANGMAN, KATHY AND GREG BOULAY, WITH ANNE AND STEVE KUTILEK

Event co-chairs Kathy and Greg Boulay, Anne and Steve Kutilek, and Mary and John Schuele, organized a successful evening for the students of the three schools.

The money raised at the dinner will go to support the academic programs at Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Name Schools.

A choral group consisting of Sacred Heart and All Saints Catholic School students started the evening by entertaining the crowd with two songs. Nikki Boulay served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and the Most Rev. George Lucas, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha, provided the Invocation. Father Tom Fangman, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church and CEO of CUES, thanked the guests for their support of inner-city education and the students who attend the CUES supported schools. He also presented two awards to individuals who have donated their time and energy to the students of the CUES supported schools. Mrs. Beth Moberg received the Heart Award in appreciation of her dedication to the CUES Board of Directors and the students at Sacred Heart School. Mr. Matthew Dwyer, Managing Partner of Greenslate Development, received the John C. Kenefick Award for his leadership as the 2013 CUES Corporate Drive chairman. The Richard Hautzinger family was recognized as the honorary chairs of the event and Richard told all of the guests “You are the miracle of CUES, each and every one of you!”.

MEMBERS OF THE SACRED HEART AND ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHORAL GROUP

BETH MOBERG

STUDENT SPEAKER KIARRA KEITH (CENTER) WITH HER PARENTS

An auction featuring fine art pieces by local Omaha artists Anne Kutilek, Matthew Placzek, Tom Prinz, Paula Wallace, and Lisa Worrall ended the evening. Ten pieces that were designed based on artwork created by Sacred Heart School students were auctioned.

For more information visit www.CUESschools.org.

LISA WORRALL

THANK YOU to Honorary Chairs

2014

THE RICHARD HAUTZINGER FAMILY

Event Co-chairs Kathy and Greg Boulay Anne and Steve Kutilek Mary and John Schuele

for a successful evening.

41

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Photography by roger Humphries

event GALLERIES

PROBono

Nebraska State Bar Association Barristers’ Ball

Special Guests: Senator Steven M. Lathrop, Congressman Lee Terry, Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican, Honorable Michael W. Pirtle and Honorable Francie C. Riedmann from Nebraska Court of Appeals, former Supreme Court Justice D. Nick Caporale

ROBYN TERRY AND CONGRESSMAN LEE TERRY WITH TERRY AND SHARON MARTIN

TIM AND MELANY O’BRIEN

Award Winners: 2014 Visionary Award winners: Fitzgerald Vetter & Temple, Norfolk; Michelle M. Mitchell, Mitchell Law Office, Lincoln; Mark Jacobs, Katskee Henatsch & Suing, Omaha. Robert M. Spire Pro Bono Award: James H. Truell, Truell Murray & Associates, Grand Island When It Happened: Saturday, April 5, 2014 Where It Happened: Embassy Suites Omaha – La Vista Hotel & Conference Center

STEVEN SCHMIDT WITH RACHEL BAKER

SHARON KERMOADE WITH JON CANNON

SAM CLINCH, CHIEF JUSTICE MICHAEL HEAVICAN AND TIM ENGLER

JESSICA AND GEOFF THOMAS WITH FRANK AND TERAH YOUNES

Why It Happened: This year’s Barristers’ Ball was dedicated to recognizing the efforts of volunteer lawyers and supporters of the NSBA’s Volunteer Lawyers Project.

Proceeds from the Barristers’ Ball support the VLP’s case placement and support of the volunteer lawyers and the court house self-help desks in Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Madison and Omaha, as well as the expansion of the self-help desk to Scotts Bluff County.

Mission: The mission of the Nebraska Lawyers Foundation is to serve the public and the legal profession by securing contributions to support programs dedicated to the improvement of the legal profession and the administration of justice. Programs like the Nebraska Lawyers Assistance Program, the Minority Justice Committee, and the Volunteer Lawyers Project. The proceeds from the 2014 have been earmarked for the Volunteer Lawyers Project.

Co-Chairs: Timothy & Melany O’Brien Attendance: 400 Funds Raised: approximately $75,000 For more information on the Volunteer Lawyers Project, contact Jean McNeil at (402) 475-7091.

For more information on the Nebraska Lawyers Foundation, contact Sam Clinch at (402) 475-7091.

BROOKE BENJAMIN, WENDY MOORE AND BRADIE BENJAMIN

CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS 42

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event GALLERIES

Photography by Dan Flanigan

EN VINOVeritas

Partnership 4 Kids

vinNebraska Wine Event 2014

JOE AND KIM HEFFLINGER WITH KRIS AND JESSICA COVI

MIRO TCHOLAKOV OF HONORARY WINERY TRENTADUE

DENNIS HEIN, HOWARD ENGBERG AND ED THOMPSON

LINDSEY AND PHIL MURANTE WITH MELISSA AND SENATOR JOHN MURANTE

PRESIDENT DEB DENBECK WITH HONORARY CHAIRS JULIE AND DAVE HEFFLINGER

KELLY AND GIGI O'HARA WITH DENNIS HEIN AND DEB DENBECK

vinNebraska Wine Event 2014 was a 2 night event with over 1,100 in attendance. Friday night, hosted at Happy Hollow Country Club, included winemaker’s reception, seven course gourmet dinner, and silent and live auctions; Saturday night, hosted at Omaha’s Downtown DoubleTree Hotel, included wine tasting and silent and live auctions.

Twenty-five vintners and wineries, from throughout the United States, took part in the 2 night event. Calculations are still being finalized but P4K President, Deb Denbeck, stated, “This year’s event was a home run bringing in over $200,000 in support of Partnership 4 Kids”.

• Honorary Chairpersons: David and Julie Hefflinger • Event Chairpersons: Joseph and Kim Hefflinger • Friday Presenting Sponsor: Mutual of Omaha Bank • Gold level Sponsors: David and Julie Hefflinger, MW Construction, and The Nebraska Medical Center The vinNebraska committee formed in 1989 with a common goal of making our community a better place and sharing their love for fine wines. vinNebraska’s annual wine event, to date, has raised more than $3 million for local charities. This year’s non-profit beneficiary, Partnership 4 Kids, is also celebrating 25 years of service.

What began with one classroom in 1989 has grown into a goal setting and group mentoring program serving 22 Omaha Public Schools and supporting more than 4,500 students annually. P4K’s mission to partner with our community to guide our youth toward academic success, from kindergarten to careers, through goal setting, mentoring, and college access programs is achieved through a network of partnerships with Omaha schools, local businesses, individuals, volunteer mentors, and peer and partner programs. Together, we are building HOPE for underserved youth and transforming the future of Omaha through educational advancement and student success.

For more information on Partnership 4 Kids visit P4K.org.

MIKE VON DOLLEN, BRENNA FAUST, MEGAN AND JOE TEMME WITH TIM AND ERIN O'BRIEN

WOWT EMCEES MIKE LAPOINT AND ROSS JERNSTROM

WHAT NEXT?

COMING IN 2014 44

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CHANGING THE Music

Photography by andrew J. Baran

Project Harmony Speaking of Children

Project Harmony’s seventh annual Speaking of Children was held March 5th at CenturyLink Center Omaha. “Speaking of Children” is presented annually to inspire and inform the community in the fight against child abuse.

JIMMY WAYNE AND JOHN KNICELY

JIMMY WAYNE IN PERFORMANCE

Featured luncheon speaker was Jimmy Wayne, Singer, Songwriter, Author, Child Advocate and Activist, and Child Abuse Survivor. Jimmy captivated the audience with his story of abuse and neglect he suffered at the hands of his mother but also with his music. Mike and Lin Simmonds were the Honorary Chairmen; a team of 80 volunteers organized the day under the leadership of Co-chairs Kelli Draper and Jennie Warren.

The Patron Party was held at Project Harmony on Tuesday, March 4th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, with 180 people in attendance. The event was Co-chaired by Deb & Pat Bogard, Karen & Cal German, Patty & Jim Jansen, and Yvonne & Jim Pflug. Attitude on Food were the caterers for the evening.

Over $221,000 was raised for Project Harmony. Funds generated by this yearly event support services provided

by Project Harmony to children throughout eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

For more information visit www.projectharmony.com.

JENNIE WARREN, MIKE SIMMONDS, JIMMY WAYNE, LIN SIMMONDS AND KELLI DRAPER

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Photography by Dan Flanigan

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THE ARTISTRY OF Aram

Omaha Symphony Guild Table Art 2014

JAMES JOHNSON AND JENNIFER KATZ

GUILD PRESIDENT SALLY STALNAKER AND MICHAEL ARAM, WITH CO-CHAIRS CHRIS FLAXBEARD AND NANCY HANSON

Champion’s Run Country Club was the scene of the Omaha Symphony Guild’s Table Art 2014. The highlight of the two day event was the appearance of designer Michael Aram. The March 5 and 6 event hosted over 350 guests and volunteers.

March 5th started off with a Preview Party in the Champions Run Ballroom. The evening featured twelve Omaha area designers and florists’ tables including a table designed by Borsheims, main sponsor of Table Art 2014. Their table featured dinnerware designed by Aram. Also displayed were eight Omaha Family Historical tables of china, crystal and silver.

BECKY JACKSON AND PAM STANEK

NIKKI SKOMAL

A silent auction featuring Michael Aram pieces, symphony tickets, and dinner with resident conductor Ernest Richardson and Golf with music director Thomas Wilkins were some of the popular items, a raffle and the famous Borsheims boxes, one with a diamond necklace added to the evening. Appetizers, cocktails and music provided by pianist David Gerard completed the evening. A special appearance with Michael Aram was the highlight of the evening. Aram met and visited with guests.

The following morning, opened with Designer and Historical Table viewing, silent auction and raffle. At noon guests entered the Pavilion viewing high-top tables on the way in with Michael Aram pieces on display.

JACKIE QUIGLEY AND MARY LOU BRASEE

KAREN GORACKE, MICHAEL ARAM AND SUSIE GOLL

Following the luncheon, Omaha Symphony Guild President Sally Stalnaker welcomed guests, acknowledged Table Art 2014 co-chairs Nancy Hanson and Chris Flaxbeard and their committee, Karen Goracke, CEO Borsheimss, James Johnson, CEO and President Omaha Symphony and the Honorary Chairs, the Omaha Symphony Guild Past Presidents.

Stalnaker said, “The over $40,000 raised from Table Art 2014 will be used to promote and support the music education programs of the Omaha Symphony that is offered to over 30,000 youth in the Omaha and SW Iowa areas.”

DEB BASS AND KATHY DESSONVILLE

CARRIE SITTON AND COURTNEY HELLMAN

For more information regarding the Omaha Symphony Guild contact Vice-president of Development Amy Jenson.

Health-Centered Dentistry As a Health-Centered dental office, we understand the relationship between excellent dental health and overall wellness.

This means we spend time getting to know you and your individual dental needs.

We work with you to create a personalized health plan for a predictable dental future.

We offer mercury-free fillings and metal free crowns.

Additional services offered include: Treatment for TMJ pain and Sleep Apnea

www.drvondrak.com | 402.289.2313 | Facebook.com

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event GALLERIES

Photography courtesy of alegent Creighton Health Mercy Hospital

ALL FOR

Mercy

Alegent Creighton Health Mercy Hospital Heritage Awards Dinner

JAMES WHALEN, M.D.AND JANE WHALEN

HONOREES MARSHA GRANDICK, CHARLES E. LAKIN, III, JANE BELL, MARTHA PETERSON, DAN PETERSON

The 31st annual Heritage Awards Dinner, presented by Alegent Creighton Health Mercy Hospital, recognized individuals from southwest Iowa for their professional and personal contributions to the community.

The Heritage Awards were created to celebrate and pay homage to those who have enriched the community and established a legacy on which future Heritage Award honorees can build. Each year, a committee of community leaders and staff from Mercy Hospital coordinate the event. This year’s event was attended by more than 500 people and generated more than $60,000 to support professional development opportunities for Mercy Hospital employees.

This year, the honorees were: Marsha Grandick (education); Charles E. Lakin (health and human services); Jane Bell (business); and Martha and Dan Peterson (arts and humanities). The event was held at the Mid-America Center, with a dinner, recognition program and post-event celebration.

MICHAEL AND MARIE KNEDLER

CHRIS AND JANNA EVANS WITH DAVID AND DENISE MCNITT

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For more information visit AlegentCreighton.com/mercy-hospital.

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event GALLERIES

Photography courtesy of Girl Scouts

ADVENTURE INArt

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska artVenture

Special Guests: Amanda Reinert, Mrs. Nebraska 2013, Nebraska State Senator Sara Howard, 2013 Honorary Chair Dianne Lozier MICHAELA NANFITO

When It Happened: Thursday, March 27 – Girls’ Open House and Reception (Auction Preview) and Friday, March 28 (Auction and Reception)

PAM AND SCOTT BRADLEY WITH HEATHER GEARY

Where It Happened: UNO’s Mammel Hall Why/How It Happened: artVenture is a unique leadership program based on arts education. It brings together Girl Scouts with professional artists in a collaborative setting, during which original works are created in a variety of mediums. Their works, along with pieces donated by some of the region’s most celebrated artists, are sold at silent auction. All proceeds benefit Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. Nearly 800 Girl Scout artists participated with over 80 artists lending their time and talent.

2014 CHAIRS DENNIS FOGLAND, PATTY FOGLAND, LINDA WILLIS, LYN WALLIN ZIEGENBEIN AND FRAN MARSHALL

Catered by: Catering Creations Mission: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Honorary Chair: Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein Sponsors/Hosts: artVenture 2014 Chairs: Patty and Dennis Fogland. Statewide sponsors for artVenture are Union Pacific, Lozier, and Pinnacle Bank.

PATTI MEGLICH, DEREK GESCHWENDER AND CAROL ROSE

DOUG SCHRODER, BART VARGAS AND SENATOR SARA HOWARD

Attendance: Over 900 at the Girl Event, over 300 at the silent auction Funds Raised: over $140,000.

For more information: Wendy Hamilton, whamilton@girlscoutnebraska.org.

SHARON AND RANDY BLACKBURN

DIANE MATTERN AND PAULA WALLACE

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Girls ONLY

Photography by Roger Humphries

girlFRIENDS Guild Girls Nite Out

On Thursday, January 30, the 20th annual Girls Nite Out benefit, sponsored by the girlFRIENDS guild, was held at the Ramada Convention Center. Over 460 women attended the event, which raised $50,000.

Proceeds from this event will support the programs that help girls grow in health, independence, art, literacy, nutrition, fitness and college and career prep. These funds will also support the daily services provided at Girls Inc. including counseling services, safe and reliable transportation, and access to a computer lab.

The Girls Nite Out committee of 28 women was lead by event co-chairs Heather Russell and Kelley Stuckey. Lisa Gotsdiner served as honorary chairwoman. According to Gotsdiner, “I consider it a great honor to have served as Honorary Chairman for this event. Girls Inc. is my favorite non-profit and I love the mentoring program”.

Gotsdiner continued, “I’ve been a mentor for over 12 years and admire the extraordinary work Roberta Wilhelm and her staff do with the girls.

They have strong mission and impact”.

HEATHER RUSSELL, KELLY STUCKEY, LISA GOTSDINER, KELLY MACFARLAND AND ROBERTA WILHELM

CAROLYN T. GREEN AND JEANNIE PUDZINSKI

MAIA MARTINEZ, SAKIRA MOSS, MARISSA MARTINEZ, ROBERTA WILHELM, AARJONA HAGLER AND SABRINA BORUSSARD

ROBERTA WILHELM AND LIZA GOTSDINER

Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” comedienne, Kelly MacFarland, treated everyone to a delightful, funny and very entertaining stand-up comedy routine.

To volunteer, contribute or gather more information on Girls Inc., visit www.girlsincomaha.org.

MIMI POST, ANNE MARCOTTE, MARY JOHNSON AND KELLY STUCKEY

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Photography by Dan Flanigan

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THE REALDeal

American Red Cross Heroes in the Heartland

TINA LABELLARTE, MEGAN BERRY BARLOW, MARK GROHE, TRICIA QUINN AND JOAN CANNON

The Nebraska/SW Iowa Region of the American Red Cross celebrated Red Cross Month with the 14th Annual Heroes in the Heartland awards luncheon at the Embassy Suites-La Vista. This year’s event featured heartwarming stories of heroism and dedication the Omaha metro and Southwest Iowa.

“Recognizing these incredible people and sharing their stories was such an honor,” says Mark Grohe, Board Chair, of the Nebraska/SW Iowa Region of the American Red Cross. “We would like to thank everyone who assisted in putting the event together, all of our corporate and individual sponsors who supported and attended the event, and especially our 2014 Heroes in the Heartland for their outstanding work in the community.”

BETTY BAKER, SCOTT BAKER AND CLYDE BAKER

DANA SCHIERBROCK, BILL SCHIERBROCK AND DEB SCHIERBROCK

RUSS ZEEB, SANDY SCHUETTE AND JEFF DAVIS

APOSTLE VANESSA AND KEITH WARD

Thanks to generous sponsors and the hard work of Honorary Chairs: Diny & Jim Landen, and Event Chair Megan Berry Barlow, this year’s Heroes in the Heartland luncheon raised nearly $218,000. The support received during the Heroes in the Heartland Luncheon helps to ensure that the Nebraska/SW Iowa Region of the American Red Cross can continue to provide these services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to acknowledging 10 local heroes, eight Heroes Essay Contest winners were honored at the luncheon. Fifth through eighth grade students in the Omaha metro area were given the opportunity to submit an essay about their own everyday heroes. About 750 essays were submitted.

Dignitaries who attended Heroes in the Heartland include: Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten, La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig, Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh and District 3 State Senator Tommy Garrett.

For more information visit redcross.org.

EMILY, AMY AND JULIA STEPHENSON

KING CAMPBELL, MANEK CAMPBELL, EBONY KELLEY AND JAMILAH COBB

Go CAPTIONS to: www.spiritofomaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Subscribe/ CAPTIONS 52

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TIME WITH

Photography by roger Humphries

Chef!

Food Bank for the Heartland Celebrity Chef

A sell-out crowd of 960 guests was treated to an evening of food and fun at Food Bank for the Heartland’s 13th annual Celebrity Chef fundraiser on March 6, 2014.

The event raised $295,000 to help feed children, families and seniors in need across the Food Bank’s 93-county service area.

Restaurateur, television star and author Michael Symon charmed the audience and showcased his talents during a culinary presentation at the event. He demonstrated recipes for pot roast with bacon, carrots, shallots, mint and lemon and shaved Brussels sprouts salad then presented the dishes to guests seated at the special tasting table on stage. Symon is a James Beard Award-winning chef who is a host on ABC’s The Chew and is featured on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

CHRIS KIRCHER, SCOTT FELDMAN, MICHAEL SYMON AND PATTY KIRCHER

TARNA KIDDER, MICHAEL SYMON AND CLARA KIDDER

NATHAN WACKER, LORA MCCARVILLE AND HOWARD W. BUFFETT

JAYNE TIMMERMAN AND MICHAEL SYMON

Presented by ConAgra Foods with KETV serving as the media sponsor, Celebrity Chef was held at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Vista. Paul Maass, president of Private Brands and Commercial Foods at ConAgra Foods, and his wife, Julie, served as the honorary chairmen. Food Bank board member Sally Christensen was the event chair. KETV Newswatch 7 anchor Brandi Petersen was the Celebrity Chef emcee.

Patron guests were invited to an exclusive cocktail party with Chef Symon in the Bistro at the Courtyard by Marriott prior to the start of Celebrity Chef. Patrons also received an autographed copy of Symon’s latest cookbook, “5 in 5”. Patron party chairs were Mary Kerr, Melissa Marvin and Jayne Timmerman.

!

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Funds raised at Celebrity Chef help Food Bank for the Heartland continue its mission of providing emergency and supplemental food to the people in need in Nebraska and western Iowa. During 2013, the Food Bank distributed 14.6 million pounds of food. Last year’s Celebrity Chef raised more than $220,000.

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For more information, visit www.FoodBankHeartland.org.

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UNIQUE IDEAS DESIGN PRODUCTION STRATEGY CREATIVITY EXPERIENCE

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May 1 Breaking the CyCle auCtion and dinner | Open Door Mission

EmbassySuitesConferenceCenter- LaVista | 5:00-6:30pm – Silent Auction 6:30-8pm – Dinner Open Door Mission’s 2014 Breaking the Cycle Auction and Dinner promises to be an enjoyable evening for all who attend. Guests will bid on a large variety of items provided by area retailers such as gift certificates, event tickets, gift baskets, sporting goods, home and garden items, and much more!

Following the Silent Auction, guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner and program highlighting stories of hope presented by participants of Open Door Mission’s New Life Recovery program. Free.

Reservation is required. (402) 422-1111 | www.opendoormission.org

May 1 high heel dash | Junior League of Omaha AkSarBen Village | 2285 South 67th Street | Omaha | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Runners (and FUNdraisers) will gather at AkSarBen Village once again to raise money for the Junior League of Omaha’s community projects including A Book of My Own, Project Hope Pack, and the Career Development Series. Sport your favorite pair of high heels and race 50 yards down Mercy Road in the women’s, men’s, or 4-person relay Dash.Join the post-race Happy Hour at LIV Lounge for awards ceremony, prizes and raffles. Bring your friends and enjoy the drinks, food, and fun! Questions and donations: highheeldash@jlomaha.org $40.00 (individual) 150.00 (4-person team) www.jlomaha.org/?nd=high_heel_dash

May 1 WoMen’s PoWer lunCheon | Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Omaha Hilton | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM The Eigth Annual Women’s Power Luncheon is the perfect kick-of to Habitat Omaha’s 2014 Women Build. It provides a venue for powerful Habitat Omaha advocates to rally around the mission of the Women Build: to recruit, educate and inspire women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in our community. More than 400 women volunteers, many whom attend the luncheon, generously give their time to make the Women Build house a reality. $50 General Ticket, $75 Patron Ticket 402-884-5957 | www.habitatomaha.org

May 1 doMestiC ViolenCe CounCil’s annual aWards Breakfast featuring Lundy Bancroft | Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center | 115 S 49th Av | Omaha Breakfast 7:30 am – 9:00 am | Conference 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Lundy Bancroft has over twenty years of experience specializing in interventions for abusive men and their families. He has authored four books in the field, including the country’s best-selling book on domestic violence, “Why Does He Do That?” and the national prizewinner “The Batterer as Parent”.

Lundy is a former Co-Director of Emerge, the nation’s first counseling program for men who batter, and was involved in over 2000 cases as counselor and clinical supervisor. He is currently working on a play about battered women’s experiences with the child custody system, called “Forbidden to Protect”.

402-210-2195 | www.dvcomaha.org

May 1 CountdoWn to CinCo de Mayo | OneWorld Community Health Centers Livestock Exchange Campus, 4920 S. 30th St. | 5:30-7:30 pm Countdown to Cinco de Mayo will be held at OneWorld Community Health Center in the Livestock Exchange Campus in South Omaha. The event is sponsored by Friends of OneWorld. This year’s participating restaurants include Cilantro’s, Stokes and Voodoo Taco. New this year is a tequila tasting sponsored by the Mexican Consulate of Omaha and “drinks for diapers.” Those who bring a package of diapers to the event will get a free drink ticket. Tickets are $25.

402-619-5302 | oneworldomaha.org

May 2 night of CeleBration | Immanuel Medical Center Auxiliary Mutual of Omaha Dome | 33rd and Dodge | Omaha | 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM The Immanuel Medical Center Auxiliary Night of Celebration is an evening of food, fun and fundraising.

Held annually in the spring, the event begins with heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a silent auction.

Following a brief program, guests enjoy dessert during the live auction. All proceeds benefit projects on the Immanuel Medical Center campus. Dress is business casual. $150.00 402-572-3141

May 2 – 3 BoWl for kids’ sake | Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Maplewood Lanes Our signature event fundraiser. Each spring, corporate and community fundraising bowling teams have fun and raise money by asking their family and friends for donations. After months of raising awareness and funds, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts 90–minute celebratory bowling parties, with free pizza and free beverages, as a way to thank our bowling teams for their support and enthusiasm.

90 minute bowling sessions are available at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm based on availability All participants are asked to fundraise a minimum of $100 to bowl (402) 905-3346 | bbbsomaha.org 58

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metroMagazine • The Spirit of Omaha

look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2014!

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now!

AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

May 3 Keep Kids Alive drive 25 5K run-WAlK | Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Skutt High School | 3131 S 156th St | Omaha | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run for kids. Runners of all ages and abilities welcomed. Create a corporate, school, family, civic group, or neighborhood team to participate or sign up as an individual.

Early-Bird Registration through March 15, 2014 - Only $30.00 Registration through April 18, 2014 $35.00 After April 18, Registration is $40.00 Children’s Fun Run - $ 15.00, $20.00 day of event 402-334-1391 | www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org

May 3 For the Kids BeneFit: up, up And AWAy! | Omaha Children’s Museum Omaha Children’s Museum | 500 South 20th Street | Omaha, NE 68102 Mark your calendar for the 35th annual For the Kids Benefit. Support the museum while enjoying a lovely night full of shopping, food and fun. The For the Kids Benefit is the museum's largest fundraiser annually and is hosted by the Rainbow Connectors Guild. OCM.org

May 5 yes GolF outinG | Youth Emergency Services Shadow Ridge Country Club | Omaha | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM The 20th Annual YES Golf Outing will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014, at Shadow Ridge Country Club.

The day begins with a shot-gun start at noon, followed by dinner and a raffle. Our 2013 outing brought in $65,000 for homeless and at-risk youth. We look forward to a successful event in 2014 and we thank our sponsors and golfers for their continued support of YES. $350/individual or $1,400/foursome

May 6 Kids CAn lunCheon | Kids Can Community Center CenturyLinkCenterOmaha | 11:30am – 1:00pm The10th Annual KidsCan Fundraiser Luncheon will take place on May 6, at the CenturyLink Center.

Keynote speaker is Shane Lopez of Gallup. Dr. Lopez is the world’sl eading researcher on hope and authored Making Hope Happen. We will present the Can Do Citizen and Can Do Junior Awards. The luncheon’s proceeds benefit children, low-income families, older adults and the community. $50/seat; Tables and Sponsorships are also available (402) 731-6988 | www.KidsCanOmaha.org

May 6 BreAKFAst oF ChAMpions | Special Olympics Nebraska Embassy Suites Omaha-LaVista | 7:30am Special Olympics Nebraska is proud to welcome University of Nebraska-Lincoln Head Womens Volleyball Coach John Cook as the keynote speaker at this year’s Breakfast of Champions. Interact with Special Olympics Nebraska athletes as we share breakfast and talk shop with Coach Cook.

402.331.5545x15 | www.sone.org

May 9 BroWnell-tAlBot GAlA | Brownell-Talbot School Brownell-Talbot School | 400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. | Omaha | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Brownell-Talbot School Gala is the school’s single largest event fund raiser each year. Held on the campus at 400 N. Happy Hollow Boulevard, the gala includes a silent auction, a lovely dinner and a live auction, and performances by Brownell-Talbot Upper School students. The event is planned, coordinated and executed by volunteers, working with the school. 402.556.3772 | www.brownell.edu

May 10 CABAret 2014: sWeet hoMe ChiCAGo | Child Saving Institute EmbassySuitesConferenceCenter | LaVista | 6 – 9:30pm You won’t wanttomiss this casual andentertaining event,whichincludes a cocktail reception, steak dinner, and the famedWindyCity comedy troupe The Second City’s Improv All Stars!Allproceeds go toward CSI’s services for theprevention, intervention andtreatmentofchildabuse andneglect. $160 (402) 504-3664 | www.childsaving.org

May 10 2014 neBrAsKA lyMphoMAthon | Lymphoma Research Foundation Mahoney State Park | Ashland The Lymphomathon is a non-competitive 5-K walk in which lymphoma survivors, caregivers, friends and family gather to celebrate, honor and support one another while raising funds for lymphoma research and programing. It is sponsored by the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

612-968-3757 | www.lymphomathon.org

May 13 d.J.’s hero AWArds lunCheon | The Salvation Army CenturyLink Center Omaha | 11:45am | A fundraising luncheon that benefits programs for children and families. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding young Nebraskans and a national speaker is featured. The 2014 speaker is Dr. Benjamin Carson, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. $100 per seat or $1,000 for table of 10 (402) 898-7700 | www.GiveSalvationArmy.org 59

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May 13 helPing With horsePoWer Bike unVeiling Omaha Home for Boys | 4343 N 52nd Street | Omaha | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• VIEW & PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THESE EVENTS now!

AT SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

May 31 heliCoPter day & indoor air shoW | Strategic Air & Space Museum Strategic Air & Space Museum | Ashland | (402) 944-3100, ext. 220 | www.sasmuseum.com

Youth who have been working on this year's motorcycle -- dismantling, redesigning, naming, building and customizing it -- will unveil their finished Harley-Davidson FXR motorcycle Tuesday, May 13, on the Omaha Home for Boys 52nd and Ames campus. There will be food, fun, music and an opportunity to stake your claim to the first raffle tickets to win the motorcycle, named Ole Black Rose by our youth.

This is open and free to the public. 402-457-7034 | http://www.omahahomeforboys.org

May 14-17 exClusiVe PriVate shoPPing eVent Fashion Institute Midwest | 1002 Dodge Street | Omaha | 10am – 6pm Trunk show featuring Fall/Winter 2014 collections from a curated set of international designers.

Collections include casual and formal women’s wear. Make an appointment at info@fashioninstitutemidwest.org or 402-937-1061. Free! Part of proceeds from garment sales benefit the Fashion Institute Midwest. (402) 937-1061 | www.fashioninstitutemidwest.org

May 14 youth frontiers annual eVent Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha | 5:30 – 7:45 p.m.

You’re invited! Friends and donors of Youth Frontiers will gather to raise support for this school year’s programs, which will reach more than 12,000 young people in the Omaha metro area. We hope you’ll join us on this movement towards greater character! RSVP today! Register online or contact Melissa at mregan@youthfrontiers.org or 402.431.2751. $600 per table | $75 per individual ticket.

402.431.2751 | www.youthfrontiers.org/about/nebraska

May 31 tour de Cure - aMeriCan diaBetes assoCiation American Diabetes Association | Sarpy County Fairgrounds | Springfield | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event. It's a life-changing event. A day full of fun and excitement where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes® and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association. Whether you are an occasional rider or an experienced cyclist, there is a route just for you! $25.00 Rider Registration Fee, $200.00 Rider Fundraising Donation 1-888-DIABETES x6882 | http://diabetes.org/tournebraska

June 5 11th annual golf tournaMent | Outlook Nebraska, Inc. Indian Creek Golf Course | 3825 N. 202nd Street | Omaha | 10:30 registration, 12:00 shotgun start The golf tournament will help support the ongoing funding needs of Camp Abilities Nebraska, a week-long sports camp developed to help blind children grow their self-confidence and independence.

Registration begins at 10:30 with a noon shotgun start. Event includes food, raffle prizes and fun! To help blind youth gain independence through their personal experiences, come golf with ONI or become a sponsor! $125 per player, $500 per team (402) 614-3331 ext. 221 | www.outlooknebraska.org

June 5 – 6 gala & golf eVent | Alegent Creighton Health Foundation

Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 S. 168th Street | Omaha | (402) 552-7424 | www.HeartlandFamilyService.org

June 5- Embassy Suites LaVista Conference Center | June 6- Iron Horse Golf Course in Ashland Join Larry the Cable Guy at the inaugural Gala & Golf Benefit Event. Voice actor Dan Whitney, Larry the Cable Guy, will serve as our keynote speaker and entertainer for the evening. The golf event takes place the following day at Iron Horse golf course. Proceeds benefit projects such as the new Mental Health Center for Children & Families, the addition of a Ronald McDonald Family room at Bergan Mercy and an upgrade to 3D Mammography at Midlands Hospital. $175 for the Gala | Sponsorships available (402) 343-4438 | www.alegentcreighton.com/foundation

May 17 Wear yelloW ride & Walk | Wear Yellow Nebraska

June 6 – 7 nChs’s sand in the City® | Nebraska Children’s Home Society

Strategic Air & Space Museum Durham Restoration Center | 28210 West Park Highway | Ashland | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM The bike tour aims to raise funds and awareness for Wear Yellow Nebraska which is a local grassroots organization fighting against cancer through advocacy, awareness and fundraising. Over 500 participants from as far as Kansas, Iowa, North Platte, Syracuse, Fremont, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, and the Omaha, Nebraska metro area will choose to ride one of our 5 courses ranging from 10 miles to 63 miles. $30.00 402-968-2006 | www.wearyellownebraska.org

DowntownOmaha,10th and Mike Fahey Streets | June 6 -Sand Sculpting Competition June 7-8 – Family Fun Days | June 6: 10am to 4pm, Sand Sculpting | June 7: 10am to 8pm, Family Fun Day | June 8: 11am to 5pm, Family Fun Day Kick off your summer at the 11th annual NCHS’s Sand in the City®! See downtown Omaha transformed into a beach by more than 375 tons of sand. Watch corporate teams compete to build their best 15-ton sand sculpture. Bring the family to view the amazing sculptures, vote for your favorite, eat great food, and enjoy local entertainment. Play in the interactive Kid Zone, featuring two gigantic sand boxes, bounce houses, face painting and more. Free admission on family fun days; donations are appreciated (402) 451-0787 | www.SandintheCityOmaha.com

May 15 angels aMong us golf eVent | Angels Among Us | Bland & Associates Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 S 168th Street | Omaha | 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM $100.00/per golfer, $500 or $1000 Corporate Sponsor 402-885-4840 | www.myangelsamongus.org

May 16 safe haVen golf eVent | Heartland Family Service

May 18 tour for hoPe | American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - NE chapter Millers Landing Park | 151 Freedom Park Road | Omaha | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM 2nd annual cycling event - Tour for Hope Omaha - benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and NE Chapter of AFSP. $40.00 registration fee 402-250-3961 | http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2625

May 19 oMaha hoMe for Boys annual golf ClassiC The Omaha Home For Boys Shadow Ridge Country Club | (402) 457-7034 | www.omahahomeforboys.org

May 19 2014 golf tournaMent | Midlands Community Foundation Platteview Country Club | 4215 Platteview Road | Bellevue | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Midlands Community Foundation sponsors a scramble format golf tournament at Platteview Country Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with shotgun start at noon. Cost is $125 per golfer and includes 18 holes with cart, sack lunch and steak dinner. Sponsorships are available. $125 per person; sponsorships available. 402-991-8027 | www.midlandscommunity.org

June 7 Polo for Patients Polo for Patients is a benefit polo match that was introduced in 2008 to Omaha, to raise awareness and support for patients and families in need of lodging, meals, transportation and other basic assistance while undergoing treatment at The Nebraska Medical Center. This Polo Event is held every other year.

Gail and Mike Yanney will serve as the Honorary Chairs. Your generosity will provide families the necessities they need while their loved one is a patient at the hospital.

402-552-2248 | 10th to 15th on Farnam Street | Omaha

June 9 12th annual golf ClassiC | Hope Center For Kids

| Champions Run Join us June 9 at Champions Run for a fun day on the golf course followed by dinner and a short program. Sponsorships go towards funding Hope Center for Kids’ year-round programs.

Driving range opens at 10:30am with a shotgun start at noon | $700/Foursome | $175/Individual | Sponsorships also available (402) 341-4673 ext. 1003 | www.hopecenterforkids.com

May 31 on the road | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

June 8 Munroe-Meyer guild garden Walk

Happy Hollow Club, 1701 South 105th Street The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is hosting their annual On the Road fundraising event. The Patron Party begins at 5:30pm and general festivities begin at 6:00pm. It will be a night of having fun while helping kids as we enjoy a sit-down dinner and dance the night away!

On the Road supports a cause that is firmly grounded in giving the youth of our community the skills they need to succeed in life. 402.342.1600 | ontheroad.bgcomaha.org

Six Midtown Gardens | Omaha | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM The Munroe-Meyer Guild will hold it "46th" Garden Walk (rain or shine) on Sunday, June 8th, 2014.

This year we are showcasing six beautiful gardens that individuals can stroll through at their leisure to view unique displays in landscaping, plants, flowers and water features. Master gardeners and vendors will also participate in the event. All proceeds benefit the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute for children and adults with developmental disabilities. $15 in advance / $20 day of walk 402-614-1721

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ETTING EXCITED ABOUT GIVING BACK! CONTEST:

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READ OUR TOP 10 FINALISTS’ STORIES Project Pinked comPassion in action ted e. Bear Hollow oneworld salvation army suicide Prevention Heartland family service cHildren's HosPital omaHa HealtHy kids mosaic omaHa

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